TWENTY-SEVEN YEAR OLD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TWO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES

  

A twenty-seven year old San Antonio man has pled guilty to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child in a Washington County District Court on Thursday morning before jury selection on Monday.

Timothy Willrich, Jr was arrested on January 6, 2014 after an investigation by the Brenham Police Department. The investigation revealed Wilrich met with the twelve year old victim online and began a relationship with her.

Willrich was sentenced by agreement to 18 years. Judge Reva Towslee Corbett presided over the hearing, and the First Assistant District Attorney Joan Scroggins and Assistant District Attorneys Lauren Haevischer and Erica Morgan represented the State. The defendant was represented by Michael Casaretto of Brenham.

Sexual assault is normally a second degree felony, but because of the age of the victim, the offense was raised to Aggravated Sexual assault, a first degree felony, with punishments ranging from 5 to 99 years, or life in prison. Because the charges are aggravated, Willrich will have to serve half his sentence before being eligible for parole.

District Attorney Julie Renken suggested that parents should see this case as a reminder that, “Online predators are looking for young girls and can come from anywhere. As a parent, these cases remind me to be diligent and proactive in protecting my children online.”

After the plea, Scroggins commented on the agreement, saying, “We were prepared to try this case. However, we will always take an opportunity to resolve an intense case like this through a plea agreement that protects and satisfies the victim and her family. Eighteen years on an aggravated felony did just that.”

Haevischer followed up by saying, “The victim in this case is a brave girl who was preparing to sit in a courtroom of strangers and describe the details of the most intimate, impactful event in her life so far. This agreement sends Willrich to prison, and allows the victim to continue the healing process without re-living the assault in open court.”