CONROE, Texas – Robert Jude Vajda, 51, has received three 99-year sentences for the felony offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Vajda's trial began on Aug. 22 and the jury found him guilty on Friday.
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According to court documents, Vajda sexually abused a family member from 2002 through 2007. The assaults began when the victim was 7 years old.
Vajda would sneak into the victim's room every other night, remove her pants and panties and touch her all over her body.
Over the course of four years, the abuse escalated to sexual intercourse.
Once the victim began her menstrual cycle, Vajda ceased the sexual abuse and began physically and verbally abusing her.
A friend of the victim notified Child Protective Services when the victim told her about the assaults. CPS conducted a forensic interview and a medical exam.
The victim told the interviewer of the years of abuse, and also said she saw Vajda in possession of child pornography.
Police went to Vajda's home and seized computers and an external hard drive. After examining the evidence, police said they found over 900 images and over 80 videos of child pornography on Vajda's devices.
The victim was evaluated by a psychologist, who said she most likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from the years of abuse. The victim said Vajda made her feel worthless, ashamed, disgusting and fearful and she also became suicidal.
During the trial, the victim took the stand and testified against Vajda.
Vajda was sentenced to three 99-year sentences on Monday.
“The law enforcement agencies in this case did an exceptional job pulling the evidence together to put this child molester away for the rest of his life. But it starts with the courage of the victim in this case being willing to tell someone about what happened to her. I admire her courage and desire to ensure that this never happens to another child,” Brett Ligon, Montgomery County district attorney, said.