HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas - A Henderson County jury sentenced 40 year old Derrick Montroll Henley to three consecutive life terms last week for the sexual abuse of two young siblings. Henley, a resident of Mabank, was convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a young child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and indecency with a child. Under Texas law, the life sentence for continuous sexual abuse is a no parole offense, ensuring the defendant will remain in prison for the duration of his life.
The investigation began in April 2023 when a mother brought her 13 year old daughter to a hospital for medical issues. During the visit, the child disclosed she had been sexually abused by Henley, who was a member of her family. Forensic testing later provided conclusive DNA evidence linking Henley to the assault. As the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office expanded their investigation, a second sibling came forward, reporting that Henley had begun abusing her when she was 9 years old.
District Judge Mark Calhoon presided over the trial, which featured testimony from both victims, law enforcement investigators, and child abuse experts. Prosecutors Jessica Bargmann and Jeff Herrington also presented evidence from Maggie’s House, a child advocacy center that conducted the forensic interviews.
“I'm so proud of the way that Sheriff Hillhouse's task force and the District Attorney's Office worked together to receive the maximum sentence for these children,” said District Attorney Jenny Palmer. “Maggie's House and the HELP Center, along with the entire task force, appeared in court to hear the verdict and support these children.”
Henley is the fourth defendant prosecuted by the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office to receive a life sentence this year. Following the verdict, he was transported to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to begin serving his sentences.
