CONROE, Texas – A Montgomery County man found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child was sentenced to life in prison.
In addition to the life sentence on four of six counts, Ronald Hicks, 63, is not eligible for parole on one of the charges on which he was convicted. District Court Judge Lisa Michalk granted the prosecutor's request to stack the sentences.
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Hicks was charged with two counts each of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, indecency by contact with a child and indecency by exposure with a child.
Police said Hicks was a close family friend of the victims. According to a press release, the jury heard evidence that Hicks digitally penetrated the sexual organs of two small children, among other sexual contacts with the children.
The jury also heard testimony that Hicks had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in 2003. The victim, now 27, testified about the details of how Hicks abused her as a child.
Hicks was given a more severe sentence because of a previous conviction in 2007 of possession of a controlled substance. Along with the sexual assault charges, Hicks was charged with possession of a controlled substance and marijuana. Police said the drugs were found while they searched his home during the sexual assault investigation.
"Once again, the citizens of Montgomery County stand up and protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children," Special Victims Division Chief Nancy Hebert said.
"I cannot express enough gratitude to the jurors who tackle these difficult cases. I applaud their courage to give a sentence that sends a strong message to those who prey on children – not in our county," District Attorney Brett Ligon said.