MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A 43-year-old man from Montgomery County has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of continuously sexually abusing a child under the age of 14. The conviction marks the end of a long legal battle that revealed years of abuse endured by a young girl between the ages of 10 and 13.

Jason Rivera was convicted following a jury trial in which prosecutors detailed how he repeatedly assaulted the child over a period of several years. According to court records, the abuse began in 2021 and continued until April 2024, when the victim finally disclosed the repeated assaults. Rivera was sentenced to 35 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and will be required to serve the majority of his sentence behind bars, with no possibility of early parole for this type of offense.

During the sentencing hearing, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon emphasized the importance of the verdict, stating that the outcome reflected the community’s commitment to justice and child safety. “This verdict shows exactly what justice looks like in Montgomery County: a predator exposed, a survivor believed, and a community protected,” Ligon said. “He spent years trying to silence the truth, but now he’ll spend every day of his sentence facing it.”

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Rivera used manipulation and threats to control and silence the victim. Prosecutors told the jury that Rivera often intimidated the child by telling her that no one would believe her if she ever tried to speak out about the abuse. The child, however, found the courage to come forward after years of suffering, revealing what had happened to her.

Court documents further showed that the young girl kept a private diary where she recorded her experiences and emotions during the years of abuse. The journal became an important part of the case, although prosecutors said Rivera attempted to destroy it after discovering its existence. “He might have been able to destroy her diaries, but he couldn’t destroy the truth,” prosecutors told jurors during closing arguments.

The trial offered a painful glimpse into the devastating impact of prolonged child abuse, but it also highlighted the strength of survivors and the justice system’s role in holding offenders accountable. Prosecutors praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and commended the work of local law enforcement and child advocacy professionals who helped bring the case to trial.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office described Rivera as a calculated predator who manipulated a vulnerable child and used fear to conceal his actions. Investigators and prosecutors worked closely to gather evidence, corroborate the child’s testimony, and ensure the case was presented with the utmost care.

Rivera’s 35-year sentence ensures he will remain incarcerated well into his later years. Under Texas law, the crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child carries a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum of life in prison, with no option for parole.

Officials said the verdict sends a strong message to the community about the zero-tolerance policy for crimes against children in Montgomery County. The district attorney’s office reiterated its ongoing commitment to protecting young victims and pursuing justice in every case involving sexual abuse.

As the courtroom proceedings concluded, prosecutors acknowledged the emotional weight of the case but also the sense of closure it brought. The victim, once silenced by fear, is now supported by advocates and professionals who continue to help her heal. The case underscores the critical role of awareness, early intervention, and community support in preventing and addressing child abuse.

Rivera will serve his 35-year sentence in a Texas state prison facility. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude to the victim for her bravery and to the jury for their diligence in reaching a just verdict that reflects the seriousness of the crime.

The case stands as a reminder of both the resilience of survivors and the power of the justice system to protect them, ensuring that individuals who commit such crimes face the full consequences of their actions.