A 46-year-old man has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the sexual abuse of a child that spanned 14 years, as determined by a judge in Fort Bend County.
On September 23, Robert Richard Tassin was sentenced by Presiding Judge Steve Rogers of the 68th District Court for the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a young child.
Tassin received a 20-year sentence for each of two more charges related to the sexual assault of a child.
Tassin admitted guilt to all three charges on July 23.
During the sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Tassin began the sexual abuse when the child was approximately eight years old and persisted with the abuse for more than 14 years.
“Tassin abused the victim on an almost daily basis and was able to keep the child quiet by convincing the child that sexual contact between an adult and child was “normal” and through grooming techniques and emotional abuse,” said the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
“The breadth and magnitude of sexual abuse in this case was hard to comprehend. All children deserve to feel safe in their homes, and Tassin betrayed his role as caretaker and protector, manipulating this child for almost fifteen years for his own sexual gain. I’m so proud of the child for their bravery in coming forward, and for helping to put Tassin where he belongs and unable to prey on any child for the rest of his life,” said Assistant District Attorney Alycia Curtis.
Curtis praised the diligent efforts of the Meadows Place Police Department in their investigation of this case and conveyed deep appreciation to Child Advocates of Fort Bend for the therapeutic support they have offered to the victim since the abuse was uncovered.
“Betrayal on this level is accomplished by a lack of humanity,” said District Attorney Brian Middleton. “To so easily cast aside human decency, to abandon your responsibility, and to sacrifice a child’s dignity, is reprehensible. You fail that child, and you fail humanity. And when we call you to answer, we will seek justice in measures. And survivors will recover what was taken from them.”
Reference: Click2Houston