COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - David R. Sanchez, 66, a registered sex offender who had previously served time for a similar crime, was sentenced to life in prison by a Collin County jury after being convicted of two counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced the maximum sentence, which followed a trial presided over by Judge Rayburn Nall. The verdict ensures that Sanchez, who moved to Princeton after his release from prison, will never be free to harm another child.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The case began in September 2024 when a neighbor became concerned after frequently observing Sanchez near an 11-year-old child at a bus stop near their homes. Sanchez, exploiting the young girl, gave her candy, money, and toys, explicitly instructing her to keep their interactions secret.
Despite the instructions to remain silent, the child courageously told her mother that Sanchez had been sexually abusing her.
The Princeton Police Department, led by Detective Maria Scott, launched an investigation. The child provided a detailed account of the abuse during a forensic interview conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. Sanchez was arrested shortly after the initial report.
Jury Hears Evidence of Predatory History
During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury heard extensive evidence of Sanchez’s violent and predatory history:
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Prior Sex Offense: Sanchez was a registered sex offender following a 2008 conviction in McLennan County for Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, for which he was sentenced to eight years in prison. He moved to Princeton after his 2013 release.
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Violent History: Jurors also heard evidence of a conviction for Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter dating back to 1986.
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Pending Charges: The jury was informed of two pending Stalking charges in Milam County, both involving children, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of fixation on minors.
District Attorney Willis emphasized the necessity of the sentence: “It’s unacceptable that someone who has already served time for sexually abusing a child chose to do it again. Because of this brave young victim and the tireless work of Princeton Police and our prosecution team, this predator will never again be free to harm another child, and our community is safer for it.”
The successful prosecution was handled by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Wendy Correa and Alex Haynes. The DA’s office extended its thanks to the witnesses who came forward and the victim for her bravery.
