Collinsville man gets 60 years for agg sexual assault of a child

Herald Democrat - 6/24/2020

Ronald Billey, 62, of Collinsville, Texas, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child on May 6. The conviction was obtained through a plea agreement with the Grayson County Criminal District Attorney's Office in which the State agreed not to seek more than 60 years.

Wednesday, Judge Jim Fallon of the 15 th District Court sentenced Billey to 60 years in prison. Billey will be eligible for his first parole hearing in 30 years and is required to register as a sex offender for life.

In January of 2020, Collinsville Police were notified by the Children's Advocacy Center that a nine-year-old child had made an outcry of sexual abuse. During the course of the investigation, a forensic interview with the victim was conducted. The child described multiple instances over the course of the previous summer where the victim's relative had taken advantage of her and touched her inappropriately.

Collinsville Police identified the suspect and interviewed Billey who admitted to sexual contact with the child with increasing frequency. Billey told officers that he had sexually assaulted the child on several occasions.

"This Defendant violated one of the most sacred bonds a child can have in their youth. Trust that once broken, can never be repaired," said Assistant District Attorney Nathan Young in a written release. District Attorney Brett Smith added, "I am very proud of our staff for the results in this case. Removing a sexual predator from our community, forever, in just under six months is pretty impressive. I am also thankful for a judge who know how and when to send a message."

The victim's father said, "We would like to thank everyone who aided in bringing us closure in this case... Judge Fallon, the Collinsville P.D., the Grayson County Criminal District Attorney's Office, and especially the staff at the Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center." He continued, "The true hero here is the brave little girl who mustered the courage to speak out. Too many children are sexually abused and the offender is usually someone they know and that the family trusts. We trusted only a small number of people with our children. If it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone. Please be vigilant, know the signs and have those uncomfortable conversations with your children. It can truly make a difference."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nathan Young and First Assistant District Attorney Kerye Ashmore.

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