James Robert Hill, 35, of McKinney, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. "A child should never, ever have to experience such horrible abuse. We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies to save this child from her abuser once and for all," stated Willis after sentencing.
Hill was close to the child's family and had ongoing access to the child. Hill began sexually abusing the child at age 15 and continued through the next year. The abuse was discovered when a family member witnessed Hill abusing the child and reported it to law enforcement. Hill was arrested for this abuse but ultimately posted bond. After Hill posted bond, he escalated the abuse.
A few weeks later, when a family member witnessed Hill and the child together, Hill fled with the child. Hill and child were later found at his apartment, where investigators observed that he had attempted to end the child's life. Hill was again arrested and additional charges were added for the abuse that occurred after posting bond.
McKinney Police Department Detective Jennifer Grounds, Celina Police Department Detectives Josh Armstrong and Jonathan Harris, and Collin County District Attorney Investigator Christopher Meehan investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.
Hill pleaded guilty to Sexual Assault of a Child, a first-degree felony, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.
