Historic Ruling Texas Declares First Female Sexually Violent Predator

When it comes to Texas, milestones can be positive or they can be negative.  In this instance, it is negative and positive. Negative because this isn't something we should be proud of, and positive because a violent criminal is off the streets indefinitely.

Comal County Criminal District Attorney recently released information on the first female declared a Sexual Violent Predator.

How Did a Woman from San Diego Become Texas' First Violent Sexual Predator?

A Comal County jury recently determined that a female named Desiree Hamm from San Diego, CA was a sexually violent predator.  In 2011, Hamm started online relationships with two teenage girls in Texas. Using phone calls, online conversations, and webcams, Hamm was able to groom these girls.  The relationships eventually turned sexual.  After months of the manipulation Hamm, with help, was able to kidnap the girls and bring them to California.  After a month, the girls were rescued and Hamm was taken into custody.  Unfortunately in that month's time, the girls were subjected to multiple sexual assaults.

On August 4, 2011, Hamm pled guilty to 13 counts of Sexual Performance by a Child, Aggravated Kidnapping with the Intent to Violate and Abuse Sexually, and Sexual Abuse of a Child.  Hamm was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and 10 years probation after serving her prison sentence for Sexual Performance of a Child.  Hamm is currently in year 15 of her 20-year sentence and became eligible for civil commitment.

What is Civil Commitment?

According to the dictionary, civil commitment is "post-sentence institutional detention of an offender to prevent further offenses."

On January 30, 2025, after hearing testimony from several experts, a Comal County jury found that Hamm was a Sexually Violent Predator.

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How Does Texas Define a Sexual Violent Predator?

According to the Health and Safety Code, A sexually violent predator is an extremely dangerous sexual predator, whose behavior is abnormal and cannot be treated with normal mental illness treatments.  Because of this, it is believed that their sexually predatory and violent behavior will continue. The Sexually Violent Predator distinction will keep these dangerous criminals committed to a facility for long-term supervision, even after serving their sentence.

Hamm is the first female in Texas to receive this classification since the act took effect in 1999. Once her prison sentence is complete she will be transferred to the Texas Civil Commitment Center in Littlefield, Texas.  Hamm will receive an evaluation every two years to see if her sexual risk has changed.  There is no timeline to if and when she might be released, but if she shows no changes she will likely spend the rest of her life committed.