In a stern rebuke of predatory behavior, Houston's James Aubrey Zachary Wasson, 39, has been hit with a heavy 30-year prison sentence for the sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the culmination of a disturbing case that shook the community to its core.
Wasson, after pleading guilty last September, was ordered to serve his sentences concurrently, the court confirmed. While standing before U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks, the defense's attempt to draw a connection between Wasson's drug addiction and his predatory actions was swiftly dismissed. The clear message sent by Hanks: drug abuse is no excuse for preying upon innocent children, as reported by the Department of Justice.
The proceedings also included a harrowing statement from the victim's mother, who painted a vivid picture of the trauma left in Wasson's wake — nightmares that continue to haunt her child. Judge Hanks, emphasizing the gravity of the sentence, noted that "life altering for a reason," acknowledging the indelible impact on the young victim's life.
Additionally, Wasson faces a restitution payment of $29,000 to his victims, a decade-long supervision upon release, tight restrictions on his access to children and the internet, and he must register as a sex offender. These measures, as noted by Hamdani, are set in place to prevent future harm to children, ensuring Wasson remains under strict scrutiny.
An extensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the with assistance Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office revealed over 500 files of child sexual abuse material uploaded by Wasson between March 2019 and March 2021. Wasson's own cell phone, searched by the authorities, yielded evidence of these exploitations, including a series of 51 photographs taken on one December day in 2020, where he appeared fondling a minor under her clothing.
