OFFICIAL: East Texas woman wanted for child sexual abuse arrested in Mexico

VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas – An Woman from East Texas was arrested in Mexico for sex crimes against children.

According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, officers were alerted to a possible sexual assault of a child in rural Van Zandt County on Sunday, April 14.

“Deputies, working with Child Protective Services, took immediate action to ensure the safety of the children at the home,” the VCSO said.

The next day, investigators arranged a forensic interview with the Van Zandt Children’s Advocacy Center for the victim, which revealed two suspects.

“Before the investigator could contact the suspects to arrange interviews, the suspects fled Van Zandt County,” the VCSO said.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Randy Wood Sr. and Joyce Wood for persistent sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age.

On Thursday, April 18, federal agents told investigators that Randy Wood Sr. took his own life in the Mexican city of Chihuahua. Joyce Wood was arrested by Mexican authorities and deported back to Texas via El Paso.

On April 29, Joyce Wood was returned to Van Zandt County and booked into the Van Zandt County Jail on $250,000 bail.

The investigation is ongoing.