GILMER, TX – Gary Christopher Durham, 34, was sentenced to 90 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after pleading guilty on July 9, 2025, to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Durham waived his right to appeal. He must serve a minimum of 30 years day-for-day before becoming eligible for parole, though eligibility does not guarantee release. If ever released, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The case began on September 25, 2024, when the Upshur County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the victim's mother. She reported finding a video on her boyfriend, Gary Christopher Durham's, hidden phone that depicted him sexually assaulting her daughter.
Deputies arrived at the home, and Durham, who had been called home from work by the victim's mother to confront him, arrived shortly thereafter. Upon arrival, he reportedly dropped to his knees and stated, "I'm a monster." The first assault occurred when the child was between eight and nine years old, and Durham was 33. The grand jury indictment cited an offense date of October 1, 2022.
Elected Criminal District Attorney Billy W. Byrd represented the State, and the case was presided over by the 115th District Judge, Dean Fowler. The Martin House Children's Advocacy Center and Linda Roberts of the Upshur County Sheriff's Office were thanked for their assistance in the investigation.
