The Ellis County Press: Jury convicts ex-cop; Hall sentenced to 20 years

Jury convicts ex-cop; Hall sentenced to 20 years
================================================================================
Megan Gray on 12/22/2011 18:37:00


ELLIS COUNTY - An Ellis County jury sentenced a former police officer to  20
years in prison, a maximum sentence, and a $10,000 fine Friday, Dec. 16.
Bobby Joe Hall, 56, of Burleson, was convicted of indecency with a child, a
second degree felony, by the same jury Thursday, Dec. 15.
Hall was a former police officer with various agencies around the state of Texas
and in Oklahoma. During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Hall engaged in
sexual conduct with his victim, provided the child with illegal drugs and
prostituted the child for drugs.
During the punishment phase of the trial Hall’s defense counsel submitted
Hall’s medical records to the jury, and asked for lenience because of his poor
health.
According to a news release issued by the county, Assistant County & District
Attorney Rickey Sipes told the jury, “If Hall dies in prison because of his
actions, so be it,” in response to Hall’s  defense council poor health
excuse.
“Once again a jury has sent a strong message that these kinds of crimes will
not be tolerated in Ellis County,” said County and District Attorney Patrick
Wilson.
“We extend our thanks to the jury for their work, and for protecting our
children.”