Yesterday, Billy Ray Price pleaded guilty to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. The plea agreement was entered just before jury selection was set to begin.
The case stems from the sexual abuse of two family members that occurred over a decade ago. One of the victims came forward during an unrelated police report and disclosed that Price had sexually assaulted her 17 years ago when she was a child. She also stated that she had told other family members at the time, but no formal report was made. During the investigation, she informed police that it was commonly known within the family that Price had also abused a second relative.
Kenedy Police subsequently interviewed the second victim, who confirmed that Price had sexually abused her as a child approximately 14 years ago. Law enforcement was able to verify that these allegations were known to family members, although there were no direct witnesses to the crimes. During an interview with investigators, Price claimed he could not remember whether he had assaulted the victims.
Following discussions with both victims, and in agreement with the terms of the plea deal, Judge Russell Wilson sentenced Price to 33 years in prison—one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child for each victim. As part of the agreement, Price waived his right to appeal, and both victims were spared from having to testify in court. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life, and the DA’s Office secured lifetime protective orders on behalf of each victim.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first-degree felony in Texas. Defendants convicted of this offense must serve at least half of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Price, now 56 years old, will be nearly 70 before he can seek parole. It is the hope of the District Attorney’s Office that he serves the full 33-year sentence.
These cases are among the most challenging we handle—especially when the abuse goes unreported for many years. We commend the courage of the victims for speaking out when others failed to act. Their strength made this outcome possible.
The District Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to Detective Jesse Pham and Sergeant Freddy Barrientez of the Kenedy Police Department for their dedicated work in bringing this case to a successful resolution. Assistant DA Ryan Wright prosecuted the case.
