Wellington, TX – A Collingsworth County jury sentenced a Wellington man to two life terms in prison Wednesday, Oct. 28, after finding him guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child.
Larry Deshawn Thomas, 55, was convicted following a two-day trial in the 100th Judicial District Court, according to a news release from District Attorney Luke Inman’s office. The second-degree felony offenses were enhanced to first-degree felonies.
Jurors deliberated for less than 10 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on both counts. They also assessed a $5,000 fine and $340 in court costs on each count.
Collingsworth County Sheriff’s Deputy David Gayhardt arrested Thomas on May 4, 2024. A grand jury indicted him on Aug. 19, 2024.
Prosecutors called nine witnesses during the trial, including the victim, who was 15 at the time of the assault. She testified about the abuse, according to the release.
“This defendant abused a position of family trust to commit horrific acts against a 15-year-old child,” Inman said.
The jury also heard testimony from a forensic interviewer with the Bridge Child Advocacy Center, a Texas Department of Public Safety forensic scientist and a sexual assault nurse examiner.
DPS forensic scientist Brian Hester testified that Thomas’ DNA was found on the victim. Nurse examiner Sasha Key testified about physical evidence of sexual abuse documented during an examination performed the day of the assault.
During the punishment phase, Carson County Sheriff Tam Terry testified about Thomas’ prior misdemeanor and felony convictions.
Inman and Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle prosecuted the case. Judge Dale Rabe Jr. presided.
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