A jury has sentenced William Hasley, 42, of Saline, Louisiana, to 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the continuous sexual abuse of a child.
The abuse occurred when the victim was seven years old and living in Frisco, Texas. Hasley, who knew the child and had regular access, abused them over a period of months.
The victim, now 15 years old, bravely confided in a friend who reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, leading to an investigation.
Detective Nessa McFarland of the Frisco Police Department played a key role in the investigation. The victim's detailed account during a forensic interview corroborated the evidence against Hasley.
The jury found Hasley guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first-degree felony. The punishment phase of the trial revealed a prior felony conviction for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, influencing the jury's decision to sentence Hasley to 40 years in prison.
"This child suffered terrible abuse from someone they should have been able to trust," stated District Attorney Greg Willis. "Because of their bravery, the friend who spoke up, and the hard work of law enforcement and our prosecutors, justice has been served."
The Collin County District Attorney's office encourages anyone aware of child abuse to report it. Resources and support are available for victims and families through The Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center and The Turning Point.
To make a report on behalf of someone who has been the victim of child abuse, please contact Child Protective Services’ Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or txabusehotline.org.
