HOUSTON – A Houston-area man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Tuesday for the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl.
The abuse took place on multiple occasions, including New Year’s Eve in 2022, leading to the victim’s pregnancy, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
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“The victim and her family wanted to raise awareness that this abuse can happen to anyone and that parents need to stay ever vigilant on who they bring around their kids,” Ogg said.
Deon Williams, 28, was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14. Williams’ plea agreement includes stipulations that he cannot appeal the conviction or sentence, and he must serve at least half of the sentence before being eligible for parole. The agreement also ensured the victim would not have to testify in open court.
Williams knew the victim’s mother and spent the night at the family’s home on several occasions. The abuse occurred in the middle of the night, and Williams threatened the victim if she told anyone.
Authorities were notified after the girl began showing signs of pregnancy. After an investigation by the Houston Police Department, Williams was arrested. The young girl had the baby, and it was adopted.
Assistant District Attorney Abraham Chopin is assigned to the DA’s Crimes Against Children Division and prosecuted Williams. Following sentencing, Chopin said keeping the victim from having to testify ensured justice was served in this case.
“This was truly a just result, not only for the victim and their family but for Harris County,” Chopin said. “We never want to re-traumatize the victim with the trial process, but it’s important that criminals know that regardless of when the outcry occurs, survivors of sexual abuse have a voice here in Harris County.”