HUGHES SPRINGS, TX — A Cass County man has been sentenced to six decades in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse, according to court officials.
The sentence marks one of the longest in recent years for crimes of this nature in the East Texas region.
According to local prosecutors, the defendant — a 46-year-old Hughes Springs resident — was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, as well as aggravated sexual assault of a child. The offenses involved repeated abuse over several months and were brought to light following a report by the victim’s family.
Abuse Spanned Several Months
Investigators stated that the abuse occurred over an extended period in 2022 and early 2023. The victim, who was under the age of 14 at the time, disclosed the assaults during a forensic interview conducted by a child advocacy center.
Evidence presented during the trial included medical records, forensic interviews, and testimony from multiple witnesses. The jury returned a guilty verdict after less than a day of deliberation.
“This was a deliberate and ongoing act of abuse against a vulnerable child,” said Assistant District Attorney Steven Ellis. “We are grateful for the bravery of the victim in coming forward and for the jury in delivering justice.”
Sentencing Details
The defendant received a 60-year prison sentence with no eligibility for parole, due to the nature of the charges. Under Texas law, continuous sexual abuse of a young child carries a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum of life without parole.
The court emphasized that the sentence reflects the severity and frequency of the offenses, as well as the emotional trauma suffered by the child.
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- 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- No possibility of parole
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender required
Community Response and Support for the Victim
The case has sparked strong reactions from the Hughes Springs community, with many expressing support for the victim and appreciation for law enforcement’s swift handling of the case.
Child advocacy organizations in East Texas have reiterated the importance of early reporting and education about warning signs of abuse. Resources are being offered to the family to support the child’s ongoing recovery.
Law enforcement encourages anyone who suspects abuse to report it immediately by contacting the Cass County Sheriff’s Office or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
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