Montgomery Man Gets Life for Child Sex Abuse
Justin Chase King received a life sentence in Conroe, TX on April 10 for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
CONROE, Texas — A Montgomery County jury handed down a life sentence on Wednesday, April 10, to 34-year-old Justin Chase King following his conviction for the aggravated sexual assault of a child.
The sentence concluded a swift two-day trial in the 221st District Court, presided over by Judge Lisa Michalk. Jurors deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before returning the guilty verdict and opting for the maximum possible penalty.
King, the victim’s stepfather at the time of the offenses, was accused of repeatedly assaulting the minor between December 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. The case moved through the justice system rapidly following an initial report, leading to King’s arrest on June 1, 2022.
During the trial, prosecutors Sarah Wilhite and Darla Faulkner presented a case centered on the testimony of medical experts, law enforcement investigators, and a specialized forensic interviewer. The evidence detailed the traumatic experiences of the child, painting a clear picture of the abuse for the jury.
While King had no prior criminal history—a factor that can occasionally influence sentencing in other felony cases—prosecutors argued that the heinous nature of the abuse against a minor in a position of trust necessitated the harshest punishment allowed by law. Under the terms of the sentence, King must serve at least 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before he is eligible for parole.
Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon addressed the sentencing shortly after the jury’s decision, praising the efficiency of the trial and the resolve of the victim.
“Justice was served in this courtroom today,” Ligon said. “Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. When someone chooses to violate that trust in such a horrific way, they lose their right to be part of our society.”
The case was investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, whose specialized units were instrumental in preparing the evidence for trial.
The 221st District Court, located in the Montgomery County Courthouse in Conroe, has seen a recent uptick in high-profile cases involving child protection, a priority area for Ligon’s administration. For additional information regarding the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office or to view recent court dockets, visit mctxdao.org.