On May 14, 2024 Walter Robert Bartam II, was found guilty by a jury of his peers, in the 115th District Court, Upshur County, Texas. He was found guilty of multiple counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and multiple counts of Sexual Assault. The case was reset until today so that a presentence report could be prepared.
The defendant chose to have the court sentence him over the jury. Following arguments of counsel today at the sentencing hearing, the court followed the State's recommendation. District Judge Dean Fowler sentenced Mr. Bartram to Life in prison on seven (7) counts of the Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, involving victim number one. Additionally, Judge Fowler sentenced the defendant to 20 years on five (5) counts of the Sexual Assault, involving victim number two and ordered one 20 year sentenced stacked on top of Life.
The defendant must serve 40 years day for day before becoming eligible for parole. Even then, it does not guarantee parole will be granted.
"We are thankful for the victims who received justice today. They were present in court, along with many friends and family members supporting them.", said Billy W. Byrd, Criminal District Attorney, in a statement.
