Breckenridge Texan

Breckenridge man convicted of sexual abuse of a child

Breckenridge man convicted of sexual abuse of a child
October 12
20:01 2019

The atmosphere inside the 90th Judicial District courtroom in the Stephens County Courthouse was tense with emotion Friday morning, Oct. 11, as witnesses testified in the sentencing phase of Robert Richardson, 60, of Breckenridge, who was found guilty on Thursday of two charges involving the sexual abuse of a child.

Robert Richardson

Judge Stephen Bristow listened to testimony from both the prosecution and defense before sentencing Richardson to 40 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under the Age of 14 and 20 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. The sentences are to be served concurrently. His attorney for this case, Gary Peak, said that he will file an appeal.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, a local jury deliberated for about two hours before announcing the guilty verdict. Richardson chose to have Bristow, rather than the jury, decide his punishment. On Friday, several members of the jury were in the courtroom to witness the sentencing process.

Richardson was accused of sexually abusing two young female family members, and during the sentencing portion of the trial, an older family member testified that he had likewise abused her more than 20 years ago.

Richardson’s daughter and former mother-in-law testified on his behalf Friday, asking for leniency so that he could continue to raise his young son.

Following the sentencing, one of the recent victims and the previous victim read victim impact statements.

“You were supposed to keep me safe. Instead, you stole something from me that I will never get back. I’ll never trust anyone again. Was it worth it, to lose everything, to hurt my family, to hurt me, to kill the person I was?” the young woman said, fixing Richardson with a solemn stare.

After the trial, District Attorney Dee Peavy said that she is appreciative that the jury rendered the guilty verdict for both charges.

“I am hopeful that his family has closure and can begin to repair the damage that he has caused,” Peavy said. “I am so grateful for the investigative work and countless hours put in by Chief Deputy Kevin Roach. He did an outstanding job during the entire investigation.

“I want to thank Dr. Goodall’s House for helping to make the trial process easier for the victim and the family,” she said.

Richardson was immediately taken to the Stephens County Jail, where he will remain until he is transferred to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility.

Stephens County Deputy Wayne McMullen, left, stands guard as Chief Deputy Kevin Roach puts Robert Richardson into a Sheriff’s Office vehicle following Richardson’s conviction and sentencing for sexual abuse of a child. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

Cutline, top photo: Stephens County Chief Deputy Kevin Roach escorts Robert Richardson down the courthouse stairs on Friday after Richardson was sentenced to 40 years in prison by District Judge Stephen Bristow. On Thursday, a local jury convicted Richardson on charges of sexual abuse of a child. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

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