In a groundbreaking legal decision, Desiree Hamm, a 37-year-old woman from San Diego, has become the first woman in Texas history to be classified as a sexually violent predator.

This classification comes after Hamm’s conviction for the physical and psychological abuse of two teenage girls, stemming from crimes she committed more than a decade ago. The decision to label Hamm as a sexually violent predator was made by a Texas jury after the state’s civil commitment program determined that she posed a significant risk to society if released from prison. The Comal County District Attorney’s Office announced the classification on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in Texas legal history.

Background of the Crimes

Hamm’s criminal activity began in 2009, when Woman started cultivating online relationships with two teenage girls. Through role-playing games that quickly took a disturbing turn, Hamm manipulated the minors into believing the games were real. She preyed on the teens through hours of phone calls and online chats, grooming them for abuse.

The situation escalated when Hamm pushed a false sexual assault allegation against one of the victims’ parents to further control the girls. In addition, she secretly sent cell phones, computers, medications, and gifts to gain more power over them.

Eventually, Hamm kidnapped the two girls from Texas and transported them to California with the help of another woman she had brainwashed. Once in California, she held the girls captive for a month, where she subjected them to both physical and sexual abuse. Prosecutors described her actions as “depraved,” noting that she even branded the girls with her own tattoo.

Legal Consequences and Historical Decision

In 2011, after the girls were rescued and Hamm was arrested, Woman was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. But, in Texas, inmates convicted of sexually violent crimes are subject to additional screening once they approach their release date.

Texas law mandates that any inmate with at least two sexually violent offenses be evaluated for the sexually violent predator civil commitment program. This program provides long-term sex offender treatment and supervision to offenders who are deemed a continuing threat to society. Hamm’s case is the first instance where a woman has been classified under this program, which has been in place since 1999.

Jury’s Decision to Commit Hamm

A forensic psychologist, Dr. Jason Dunham, testified during the trial that Hamm’s behavior was comparable to that of a cult leader. Experts argued that Hamm would likely re-offend if released from prison, prompting the jury to decide that she should be committed to the Texas Civil Commitment Office once her prison sentence is complete.

Hamm, during her testimony, admitted to continuing her role-playing games with pen pals while in prison, indicating her unwillingness to take responsibility for her crimes. She also lied during expert interviews, showing a lack of remorse for her actions.

The jury’s decision to commit Hamm has sparked conversations about the importance of long-term supervision for individuals convicted of serious crimes, especially those involving sexual abuse.

What Happens Next for Hamm?

Once Hamm completes her prison sentence, Woman will be transferred to the Texas Civil Commitment Office, where she will face indefinite supervision. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved her early release from prison in preparation for her transfer.

District Attorney Jennifer Tharp expressed gratitude for the jury’s verdict, saying, “It has been a historical week for Texas, and I am grateful for the jury’s verdict.”

Hamm’s classification as a sexually violent predator marks a significant moment in Texas’ legal history and sets a precedent for how the state handles individuals who pose a continued threat to society.