Courage in the Courtroom, Justice in the Verdict: Life Sentence for 37-Year-Old Predator

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX --A Montgomery County jury in the 221st District Court found 37-year-old Jacob Andrew Willhoite guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14 and delivered the sentence of life in prison. The trial commenced on September 9, 2025, and on September 11, 2025, the jury returned its guilty verdict and assessed the maximum punishment. The Honorable Judge Kaycee Jones presided, sitting for Judge Lisa Michalk.

Assistant District Attorney Ann Kuykendall and Division Chief Shanna Redwine prosecuted the case, presenting testimony from nine witnesses over three days, including law enforcement officers, medical experts, a forensic interviewer, family members, and, most powerfully, the victims themselves. Family members described the difficult circumstances of the victim’s upbringing, showing the opportunities Willhoite exploited to commit repeated abuse beginning when she was just six years old and continuing until age nine. Jurors also heard from another victim, who bravely shared details of being abused by Willhoite as a young teenager.

During the punishment phase, jurors learned of Willhoite’s prior conviction for providing alcohol to his two-year-old daughter, and they heard testimony from his ex-wife and fiancé, both of whom endured abuse at his hands.

In her closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Ann Kuykendall reminded the jury that this defendant had already handed a life sentence to his young victim. With their verdict, the jury made sure he received one of his own. Willhoite will spend the rest of his life in prison — a sentence that reflects not only the severity of his crimes but also the courage of those who came forward and refused to let him silence them.

The case was reported to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office by the victim’s adoptive mother and investigated by Detective Michael Lee, whose careful work and dedication to the victims were instrumental in holding Willhoite accountable.

Prosecutor Ann Kuykendahl: “This defendant preyed on a child’s innocence and trust in the most horrific ways. It took extraordinary courage for her to come into a courtroom, face him, and tell her story. Because of her strength and bravery, he will never harm another child again.”

District Attorney Brett Ligon: “There is no place in our society for those who prey on children. A life sentence is more than punishment — it is protection for this community and a clear reflection of our values. Because of the bravery of these survivors, the dedication of law enforcement and our trial team, and the judgment of this jury, justice was delivered in Montgomery County.”