DWI charge added to superglue case

Jennifer Marie Vargas, maiden name Hackney, when she was arrested for assault in Williamson County in 1999. Jennifer Marie Vargas, maiden name Hackney, when she was arrested for assault in Williamson County in 1999. Photo: Courtesy Photo Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close DWI charge added to superglue case 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Prosecutors have added a charge of drunken driving against a military wife accused of tearing her 6-year-old son's genitals, then trying to repair the damage with superglue.

Jennifer Marie Vargas, 33, was indicted last week on charges of assault and drunken driving on federal land. Both charges are alleged to have occurred on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.

The drunken-driving charge, a federal misdemeanor that reportedly occurred June 10, was previously undisclosed but appears to bolster allegations in at least one previous court case that Vargas might have had a problem with alcohol.

“She did get a DWI, but they didn't charge it at the time,” said Lyssa Thames, formerly a friend of Vargas. “I don't really (know the details) because that's when she went off and cut off our friendship.”

Vargas was arrested Oct. 23 after reportedly admitting to injuring the child at home.

The child had surgery to repair a 11/2-inch tear to his scrotum. Vargas later admitted to investigators that she was angry and pulled the boy's genitals hard, causing the tear and bruising, court records said.

Vargas also told agents that rather than seek medical attention, she cleaned the injury with alcohol, put superglue on it until it stopped bleeding, stuffed paper towels in the boy's underwear and sent him to bed, the records said.

Her husband, Army Sgt. Samuel Simpson, took the boy to the hospital after discovering the injury. He had said the boy will recover. He also said he plans to divorce Vargas, to whom he's been married for 11 years.

A judge last week ordered that Vargas be evaluated to determine if she is mentally competent to stand trial.

If convicted of the assault charge, she faces up to 10 years in prison. If convicted of drunken driving, she could face up to 180 days in jail or a $2,000 fine.

Her arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 18.

gcontreras@express-news.net