Jon Woodland, 43, of Plano, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. "This precious, young child showed bravery beyond her years, and now this predator can never strike again," added Willis.
Woodland lived in the family home and had ongoing access to the child. He sexually abused the child over the course of a year until she turned 6 years of age. Woodland told the child not to tell anyone.
After and separate from sexually assaulting this child, Woodland committed the federal crime of enticing a minor, who he planned to have sex with in South Texas. Homeland Security arrested Woodland for that charge, for which he is currently serving a 15-year sentence. After that federal arrest, the child victim in our case told her grandmother about the abuse.
Detective
Justin Lawrence with Plano Police Department along with Homeland Security investigated the case. A forensic interviewer, also with Homeland Security, interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty and assessed a punishment of life in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge
Richard Beacom presided over the trial.
Assistant District Attorneys
Nick Lawrance and
Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator
Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Casey Cave and Legal Secretary
Erin Fontenot.
