Courtesy Fox 4 News
Comal County, Texas – Texas Jury Classifies Woman as Sexually Violent Predator for the First Time
In a groundbreaking legal decision, a Texas jury has classified Desiree Hamm, a 37-year-old woman from San Diego, as a sexually violent predator under Texas law, marking the first such classification in the state.
Background on the Case:
Desiree Hamm, 37, has served 15 years of a 20-year sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including 13 counts of sexual performance by a child, aggravated kidnapping, and sexual abuse of a child. Upon her release, Hamm was sentenced to 10 years of probation.
In late 2009, Hamm initiated online relationships with two teenage girls, manipulating them through a role-playing game. Over a period of time, Hamm spent hundreds of hours on the phone and online with the victims, brainwashing them into believing the game was real while monitoring their webcams. She also sent them secret phones, computers, and gifts.
Hamm’s control over the girls extended to an adult woman, whom she similarly manipulated into driving from San Diego to Comal County and transporting the teens back to California. During the journey, the girls were confined in the trunk of the car.
Hamm provided misleading information to law enforcement while evading capture, keeping the girls hidden for a month. During this time, she subjected them to repeated sexual assaults, including branding them with a homemade mark to match her own tattoo.
Parole Eligibility:
The Texas Board of Pardons and Parole granted Hamm early release from prison. She is eligible for parole in August 2025, contingent on her completion of a Sex Offender Treatment Program, according to records.
Sexually Violent Predator Trial:
In a recent trial, a forensic psychologist testified that Hamm exhibits characteristics akin to a “cult leader,” attempting to control every aspect of her victims’ lives, with a high likelihood of reoffending. During her testimony, Hamm admitted to continuing “role play games” with multiple pen pals while incarcerated and acknowledged lying during expert interviews and to the prosecution in August 2024.
On January 20, 2025, the Comal County jury ruled that Hamm should be classified as a sexually violent predator.
Statements on the Case:
Comal County District Attorney Jennifer Tharp expressed her gratitude for the efforts of SVP Chief Erin Faseler and her team, stating, “I am extremely grateful for their hard work and excellence in handling this important case. This is a historic moment for Texas, and I am thankful for the jury’s verdict.”
What is a Sexually Violent Predator?
Under Texas law, inmates with multiple convictions for sexually violent offenses who are nearing release are screened for the state’s Sexually Violent Predator Commitment Program. To be classified as a sexually violent predator, an inmate must demonstrate a “behavioral abnormality” that indicates a high likelihood of committing predatory sexual violence.
Since the law’s enactment in 1999, it has been applied to individuals who pose significant risks to public safety upon their release.
Next Steps for Hamm:
Upon her release, Hamm will be transferred to the Texas Civil Commitment Office, where she will be placed under supervision and receive long-term sex offender treatment at the Texas Civil Commitment Center in Littlefield, Texas. Hamm will undergo evaluations every two years to assess any changes in her risk of reoffending.