The offender agrees to civil liability as a sexually violent offender after previously being convicted of collecting sex trophies

GALVESTON, Texas (KIAH) — A Galveston Island man has agreed to face civil punishment as a sexually violent offender. The agreement came in the midst of a trial in which the state asked a jury to classify Allen Garrett Castleschouldt as a sexually violent offender under Texas law.

Prosecutors brought charges against Castleschouldt under Texas’ Sexually Violent Sex Offender Act, which the Texas Legislature passed in 1999 to address the problem of repeat violent sex offenders who continue to pose a danger to society even after serving their prison sentences.

So what is a civil commitment? A civil commitment occurs after offenders have served a sentence in a criminal case. It is not based on new violations of the law, but rather on an assessment of mental illness and a determination of the “level of danger” the offender poses upon returning to society. A civil commitment for sex offenders can include court-ordered treatment and incarceration.

Castleschouldt was convicted by a jury in 2008 of criminal solicitation of a minor with the intent to commit aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecent exposure to a child by physical contact, and possession of child pornography. On the same day, April 29, 2008, Castleschouldt pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child and sexual assault of a child. Castleschouldt’s prison sentences ranged from 10 to 20 years and were served concurrently. Castleschouldt is scheduled for release from the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on January 5, 2027.

The trial began last Monday. Dr. Michael Arambula, a psychiatrist, testified that Castleschouldt suffered from both sexual deviance and antisocial personality traits. Dr. Arambula testified that he has evaluated hundreds of sex offenders and that although Castleschouldt recently completed a sex offender treatment program, he still showed a risk of reoffending by committing acts of sexual violence. Arambula was particularly concerned about Castleschouldt’s continued refusal to accept responsibility for his actions, the extent of his sexual offenses, and that Castleschouldt kept sexual trophies such as underwear and other items, as well as a detailed log of his sexual activities.

Castleschouldt testified in his own defense. Although a jury found him guilty of two violent sexual offenses against a minor in 2008 and he pleaded guilty to two others, Castleschouldt maintained his innocence. After completing his testimony and after consulting with his attorneys, Castleschouldt decided to enter a plea bargain and 56^th District Judge Lonnie Cox found him a sexually violent predator.

Following the verdict, the court ordered that Castleshouldt be transferred to the custody of the Texas Civil Commitment Office for processing after completing his current prison sentence.

Under the Texas Sexually Violent Sex Offender Act, a repeat offender may be subject to a civil investigation if a jury finds that the person (1) has been previously convicted of more than one sexually violent offense, (2) has been sentenced for at least one offense, and (3) has a behavioral disorder that makes it likely that he or she will engage in a sexually violent offense.

The case was prosecuted by Marc Gault of the Texas Special Prosecutor’s Office and Assistant District Attorney Brent Haynes. After the verdict, Gault stated, “Mr. Castleschouldt suffers from chronic and severe sexual deviance and would be a continuing threat if released into the community. This way, he has the opportunity to get the treatment he needs.”

Castleschouldt will be reviewed for possible release every two years and has the right to apply to the court for his release at any time.