A Comal County jury sentenced Jarrod Gaines Kirkus to 14 life sentences plus 100 years after convicting him on multiple child trafficking and sexual assault charges.
COMAL COUNTY, Texas — A Guadalupe County man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a Comal County jury convicted him of numerous child sexual exploitation crimes and sentenced him to 14 life terms plus 100 years.
Forty-two-year-old Jarrod Gaines Kirkus of Marion was convicted on 19 counts, including trafficking of a child, sexual assault of a child, possession with intent to promote child pornography and online solicitation of a minor. He also pleaded guilty to additional possession charges.
Judge Bruce Boyer, who presided over the trial, told Kirkus the circumstances behind the charges were “disgusting” before stacking 18 of the 19 convictions, ensuring he will never be released.
Snapchat investigation began in 2023
The most recent investigation began in 2023 when a mother contacted the Comal County Sheriff’s Office after her teenage daughter got into a vehicle with a man she had been communicating with on Snapchat.
Detectives later identified that man as Kirkus.
Investigators said Kirkus falsely portrayed himself as an orthodontist while communicating with the teen. Authorities testified he met with her multiple times and recorded some of the encounters.
During an interview with detectives, Kirkus admitted he was attracted to children and acknowledged sending explicit images to girls on social media. Investigators also testified that he failed to properly register required online identifiers as a sex offender, telling detectives it was “a hassle.”
Prior convictions and additional victims
During the punishment phase, jurors learned Kirkus had previously been convicted in Bexar County in 2005 for sexual assault, solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
San Antonio police officers testified about an undercover operation in which Kirkus attempted to meet individuals he believed were a mother and a 13-year-old girl. A victim from the earlier case also testified about the lasting impact of the abuse.
Prosecutors also presented evidence connected to another victim in Live Oak after detectives extracted videos from Kirkus’ phone during the 2023 investigation.
The Comal County District Attorney’s Office said the trial lasted about a week and involved evidence spanning more than 20 years.
Kirkus will serve his sentences in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.