Miami Standard (Smith County, TX) – A Smith County couple was arrested after a 9-year-old girl accused her stepfather of sexual assault, according to an affidavit.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office learned about the case on March 12 when a CPS worker reported that a 9-year-old girl was being sexually touched by her stepfather, Damian Francisco. According to reports, the occurrences took place in the family’s Tyler home.

According to records, the CPS worker was notified of the case after the victim informed teachers at her school that her stepfather had sexually touched her.

Following the report, the victim was transported to the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), where a forensic interview was held. According to the affidavit, the victim cried during the first portion of the interview and claimed that her mother told her that it was her fault that they had to conduct the interview. The victim claimed her mother threatened her and her siblings that they would not see her again.

According to the affidavit, during the interview, the girl stated that Francisco sexually molested her while she was at home over summer break. The victim reportedly said that her mother pushed Francisco away from her and told him that if he wanted to stay in the house, he had to pledge not to touch her children again.

Investigators spoke with the victim’s mother in the CAC parking lot, where she stated that she believed they were there when a teacher complained that they did not have food at home. Officials then revealed why they were there, and she admitted to witnessing Francisco sexually attack her daughter in January 2025, according to the document.

The victim’s mother apparently admitted that Francisco was inebriated during the event and provided additional information about what Francisco was doing to the victim. She added that after the incident, she confronted Francisco, insisting that he never do it again and that he never longer be alone with her children.

Reference: Smith County couple arrested after stepfather accused of sexually assaulting stepdaughter