A 60-year, no-parole sentence has been handed down to Shawn Darfour, a 36-year-old from Dallas, Texas after he was convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The Collin County District Attorney's Office reported the sentence, following a guilty verdict by a jury.
Darfour’s abuse began when the child was nine years old. According to court documents, Darfour had extensive access to the child through relations with the child’s family, and he used this access to carry out his crimes. It wasn't until the child turned 13 that the abuse was reported. At that time, Darfour's connection to the child's family had already ceased.
During the investigation, McKinney Police Department Detective Alyssa Rolen played a key role. The child shared details of the abuse at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County a pivotal step that helped to secure the conviction. Aside from the heinous predatory crimes, the jury also considered Darfour’s past criminal record, including burglary, drug dealing, and unlawful weapon possession, before levying the decades-long prison term.
"We are deeply thankful for the adults who stood by this child and helped them find their voice in the justice system," District Attorney Greg Willis stated after the sentencing. He also extended gratitude towards the jury, for "ensured this predator will never, ever harm another child." The case was overseen by Visiting Judge Faith Johnson and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Wendy Correa and Charles Brazell, as per the Collin County District Attorney's Office.
