Breckenridge Texan

On Thursday, Feb. 20, in the 90th Judicial District Court, David Hoffine, 34, of Stephens County, pleaded guilty to and was convicted of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child – Lesser Included Offense, a first-degree felony.

District Judge Stephen Bristow handed down two 35-year sentences, which he will serve concurrently. Additionally, he will have to pay fines of over $5,000 for each count.

The trial was held in the Stephens County Courthouse in Breckenridge, and the case was prosecuted by District Attorney Dee Peavy and Assistant District Attorney Phillip Gregory.

Stephens County Chief Deputy Kevin Roach led the investigation into Hoffine, which began when the victims reported the assaults to a law enforcement agency in another city. The evidence was forwarded to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office when it was discovered that the ongoing crimes likely occurred both inside and outside of the city limits of Breckenridge. The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted the local sheriff’s office by offering their polygraph services.

Sheriff Will Holt said he would like to praise the investigation by Roach. “Investigations that involve multiple agencies and delayed outcries are always more complex in nature,” he said. “Chief Deputy Roach showed much skill and resolve in gaining a confession, which was a huge component of the guilty plea and 35-year sentences.”

According to the court documents, Hoffine, who appeared in court with his attorney, waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded guilty to the charges. He had been in the Stephens County Jail for almost a year and will be transferred to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility soon, Holt said.