A man who was accused of placing an abortion-inducing drug in his wife’s water has accepted a plea deal. Under the terms of the agreement, he will serve 180 days in jail

A Houston attorney accused of administering an abortion-inducing drug to his pregnant wife in 2022 has entered into a plea agreement. Mason Herring has agreed to spend 180 days in jail and undergo 10 years of probation.

During the court proceedings, Catherine Herring, Mason’s estranged wife, addressed the judge for the first time. She expressed her sentiments directly to her husband regarding the traumatic experience.

“I do not believe that 180 days is justice for attempting to kill your child seven separate times. For two years, my husband has overly denied this assault, and I’m grateful today that he has finally admitted to his guilt,” she stated.

Catherine detailed the emotional toll, mentioning that the punishment seemed inadequate compared to the challenges their daughter, Josephine, faced during her health struggles. She also highlighted financial hardships and the strain on their family after Mason cut off support.

The couple separated early in 2022, and Catherine discovered she was pregnant in February of that year. After experiencing health complications, she was taken to urgent care. Despite the premature birth of their daughter, Josephine, who weighed just over three pounds, she survived and is now a year and a half old.

The charges against Mason initially included felony assault to induce abortion, a first in Texas. However, as part of the plea deal, the charges were reduced to injury to a child and assault of a pregnant person.

Allegations against Mason include administering abortion medication to his wife’s water. Catherine provided video evidence and text messages illustrating multiple attempts to poison her.

After the involvement of the Houston Police Department and testing conducted by a private lab, evidence of abortion medication was confirmed in the water samples, albeit after several months.

Catherine expressed relief in being able to share her story after remaining silent for two years while the legal process unfolded.

Mason is scheduled to begin his 180-day sentence at the Harris County Jail on March 1.