A North Richland Hills man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to felony charges related to the abduction and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl who was reported missing in January 2024.
Yusuf True Norton pleaded guilty on April 25, 2025, to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, a First-Degree Felony, and Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact, a Second-Degree Felony. In exchange for his plea, he received two concurrent 12-year sentences in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division.
The investigation began on January 29, 2024, when the Haltom City Police Department took a runaway report for a 12-year-old girl who did not return home from school. Concerns for her welfare grew after information from students and witnesses prompted a rapid investigation. It was determined that Norton had picked up the child from the Haltom City Public Library. An Amber Alert was issued, and the child was located safely in Fort Worth early on January 31, 2024, with the assistance of Fort Worth Police.
Further investigation revealed that Norton had communicated with and met other minors. He was subsequently charged with additional offenses.
As a result of his convictions, Norton will be required to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from custody under Texas law.
The Haltom City Police Department acknowledged the assistance of North Richland Hills Police, Grapevine Police, Fort Worth Police, the Texas Rangers, and the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office in the safe recovery of the child and the successful prosecution of Norton.
