75 Years for Man Who Abused Eight-Year-Old

CONROE, TX -- On Monday, August 25, 2023, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Chief Lisa Stewart and Assistant District Attorney Carmen Morales began presenting testimony in the State of Texas vs. Connor Charles Allen for the first-degree felony charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 14 years of age. The prosecutors presented evidence that in the summer of 2016, Allen sexually abused an eight-year-old child and had done so over multiple years.

Prosecutors proved the credibility of the child’s outcry. They further presented evidence of the victim’s behavioral trauma symptoms during and after the abuse. The jurors also heard about the physical violence and threats that Allen made towards that victim to keep her quiet and how he used strangulation and force during and after some of the attacks.

In the punishment phase, jurors learned that while he was on bond for the Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child case, Allen had a secret phone where he accessed the internet and searched for pornography and escorts, violating his bond conditions. When confronted about the searches, Allen strangled his then-partner over the car seat of a 2-month-old infant. Jurors also heard evidence that while Defendant was alone with the infant the next day, screams from the baby were heard, and the baby went unresponsive. The jurors heard from the doctor who treated the infant, detailing the multiple brain bleeds and trauma to veins in the brain, indicating a severe assault.

The prosecutors also presented evidence of unreported domestic violence with Allen’s former partner, threats Allen made toward the family in the sexual abuse case, and threatening and harassing messages to the caretaker for the 2-month-old victim. The jury heard from an Officer with the Conroe Police Department, a former Detective with Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, a doctor from Texas Children’s Hospital, a private mental health counselor, a Forensic Interviewer from Children’s Safe Harbor, and a nurse formerly with the Forensic Center of Excellence (TXFNE) as well as civilian witnesses during both phases of the trial.

The jury returned a swift sentence of 75 years for Allen, who must serve half before he is eligible for parole. Additionally, Allen must register as a sex offender for life.

Chief Prosecutor Lisa Stewart: "While no sentence can fully repair the damage this defendant caused, this jury's verdict demonstrates that our community will listen and hold defendants accountable when survivors have the courage to speak up
about abuse."

District Attorney Brett Ligon: "This verdict demonstrates our steadfast dedication to protecting Montgomery County's most vulnerable residents. It serves as a powerful reminder that harm to our children will not be tolerated, and those who abuse them will be held accountable."