Jury Delivers Life Sentence to Repeat Child Predator in Montgomery County Sexual Assault Case

In a powerful stand for justice, a Montgomery County jury has sentenced Darrell Ray Vaughn to life in prison for the sexual assault of a young woman. Vaughn, a convicted child predator with a history of prior convictions in Harris County for Sexual Assault of a Child and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements, was brought to justice through the courageous testimony of a survivor and the dedicated work of law enforcement and prosecutors.

The trial, heard in County Court at Law #1 with Judge John Hafley presiding, began last week with jury selection led by prosecutors Clay Casey and Lindsey Miller. Over the course of the trial, jurors heard testimony from eight witnesses, including law enforcement officers, medical experts, a forensic interviewer, and multiple victims.

The victim, now an adult, bravely took the stand and recounted years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Vaughn, which began when she was 12 years old. Eyewitness testimony confirmed the abuse started while she was living with Vaughn in Harris County, with a witness reporting walking in on an act of abuse. The abuse continued for years, culminating in a final assault when she was 17 in Montgomery County.

The investigation was initiated after Child Protective Services received a report, prompting a detailed inquiry by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Collaborating, investigators uncovered the pattern of abuse that ultimately led to Vaughn’s arrest and prosecution.

While the second-degree felony of Sexual Assault typically carries a punishment range of 2 to 20 years, Vaughn’s prior convictions triggered enhanced sentencing provisions under Texas law, making him eligible for an automatic life sentence. During the punishment phase, Prosecutor Clay Casey made a direct appeal to the jury, urging them “not for a number, but for a word. And that word is life. So this monster goes away for the rest of his life.”

The jury agreed, delivering the requested verdict of life in prison. Vaughn will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and holding repeat offenders accountable under the law.