Point of Clarification: No portion of the original press release was intended to characterize the exact circumstances surrounding how the victim left the downtown area to later find herself in McFarland’s home. At this early stage of the investigation, we do not know exactly what those circumstances were. We simply know that the victim somehow departed the downtown area of San Marcos and later arrived at McFarland’s residence where we believe the assault occurred. This investigation is ongoing.
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On Thursday, Feb. 28, at 12:20 p.m. John Tate McFarland (9/13/1983) was detained in the 100 block of N. LBJ and arrested on a charge of sexual assault, a second-degree felony. McFarland’s bond was set at $50,000 by a judge. He was released on bond on March 1.
McFarland’s arrest was the result of an incident reported on February 21. At approximately 6:05 a.m. on the morning of the 21st, San Marcos Police received information from a woman that her daughter contacted her from a number she didn’t recognize asking for help. Police were unable to locate the woman’s daughter for the next hour until she sent a message from her Facebook account to a friend asking for help. She was eventually located at her residence.
The victim told police she went downtown, left with McFarland and could only remember having sex with him. She told police officers McFarland would not let her leave when she first asked, but eventually he drove her to her home.
The victim was transported to Central Texas Medical Center for a sexual assault forensic exam. Detectives began an investigation and obtained a warrant authorizing the arrest of McFarland.
Police believe there could be other victims of McFarland from both the San Marcos and Austin areas. The San Marcos Police Department is committed to seeking justice for all survivors of sexual assault, and encourage any individuals who believe they have been assaulted to report the crimes committed against them.
In San Marcos and Hays County, there are several resources available to assist survivors of sexual assault including the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center and the Student Health Center at Texas State University-San Marcos.
Anyone with information about this case or wanting to report a crime should contact Detective Sandra Spriegel, 512.753.2369 or sspriegel@sanmarcostx.gov.
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Media note: Police Chief Chase Stapp will only be conducting interviews until 12:45 p.m. To set up an interview please contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.