Waxahachie man receives three consecutive life sentences

WAXAHACIE – Rodney Allen Williams, 49, of Waxahachie, was convicted of one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts on indecency with a child after a jury trial.

Ellis County and District Attorney Ann Montgomery announced Williams was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences.

During 2012, Williams repeatedly sexually abused a child in his Waxahachie home.

At trial, the now 21-year-old victim testified how Williams would sneak into her bedroom at night and sexually abuse her. 

The victim initially told family members about the abuse, but they did not go to the authorities. 

Years later, she had the courage to tell a school counselor who did report to law enforcement.

The sentencing ranges for aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child were enhanced to a minimum of 25 years to a maximum of 99 years, or life, due to Williams’ prior felony history. 

Williams had five prior felony convictions ranging from forgery, burglary of a habitation, to injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.

On April 24, an Ellis County jury promptly returned a verdict of guilty on all counts, and then a day later returned a punishment verdict of three life sentences. 

Judge for the 443rd District Court, the Honorable Cindy Ermatinger, ordered the sentences to run consecutively, meaning that each sentence will begin after the previous sentence is satisfied.

“The victim in this case had to wait years to see that justice was finally done. 

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

“This jury made a statement that the citizens of Ellis County do not and will not tolerate those who harm

our most precious assets. 

“The multiple life sentences ensure that this predator cannot hurt any more children.”

Assistant County and District Attorneys James Zaleta and Hope Sumrow prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Felony Chief Grace Pandithurai and County and District Attorney Investigator Joe Aguilar. The case was investigated by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. 

Montgomery also thanked the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center for their expert testimony in this case.

Ellis County and District Attorney Ann Montgomery announced Williams was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences.

During 2012, Williams repeatedly sexually abused a child in his Waxahachie home.

At trial, the now 21-year-old victim testified how Williams would sneak into her bedroom at night and sexually abuse her. 

The victim initially told family members about the abuse, but they did not go to the authorities. 

Years later, she had the courage to tell a school counselor who did report to law enforcement.

The sentencing ranges for aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child were enhanced to a minimum of 25 years to a maximum of 99 years, or life, due to Williams’ prior felony history. 

Williams had five prior felony convictions ranging from forgery, burglary of a habitation, to injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.

On April 24, an Ellis County jury promptly returned a verdict of guilty on all counts, and then a day later returned a punishment verdict of three life sentences. 

Judge for the 443rd District Court, the Honorable Cindy Ermatinger, ordered the sentences to run consecutively, meaning that each sentence will begin after the previous sentence is satisfied.

“The victim in this case had to wait years to see that justice was finally done. 

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

“This jury made a statement that the citizens of Ellis County do not and will not tolerate those who harm

our most precious assets. 

“The multiple life sentences ensure that this predator cannot hurt any more children.”

Assistant County and District Attorneys James Zaleta and Hope Sumrow prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Felony Chief Grace Pandithurai and County and District Attorney Investigator Joe Aguilar. The case was investigated by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. 

Montgomery also thanked the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center for their expert testimony in this case.