Palmer man sentenced to 4 consecutive life sentences

WAXAHACHIE – Joseph Lavon Green, 51, of Palmer, was convicted, after a jury trial, of continuous sexual abuse of a young child and three counts of sexual assault of a child, according to a statement from Ellis County and District Attorney Ann Montgomery

From 2008 through 2015, Green repeatedly sexually abused a child known to him in his Ennis and Palmer homes. 

At trial, a second victim testified she was also sexually abused by Green when she was a child. 

In 1995, Green was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Connecticut.

Green gave a statement to the police after his arrest. 

He admitted to abusing the child on multiple occasions, but said the prepubescent child brought on the abuse herself by “activating” his sexual desires. 

Green added throughout his life, females “from family members, neighbors, strangers and correction officers” were attracted to him and sexually assaulted him.

The sentencing range for continuous sexual abuse of a young child is 25 to 99 years or life, without parole. 

The sentences on the sexual assault of a child counts are automatically enhanced to life in prison, if the jury finds a defendant has a prior conviction for sexual assault of a child.

On Jan. 23, the jury promptly returned a verdict of guilty on all counts and then swiftly returned a punishment verdict of four life sentences. 

Visiting judge for the 443rd District Court, Justice David Evans, ordered the sentences run consecutively, meaning each sentence would begin after the previous sentence is satisfied.

“Having to live with this secret can be devastating.

“I want to commend these survivors for having the courage to come forward,” stated Montgomery. 

“This jury courageously sentenced Green to what he deserved. The multiple life sentences ensure that this predator cannot hurt any more children.” 

Assistant County and District Attorneys James Zaleta and Ashley Indelicato prosecuted the case, assisted by County and District Attorney Investigators Todd Woodruff and Luis Hinojosa.

The case was investigated by Sgt. Richard Hundley and Investigator Philip Shelton of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.