A 55-year-old Rockdale man will serve 30 years in prison, with no eligibility for parole, after he was found guilty of “aggravated sexual assault of a child younger than six” last week by a Milam County jury.
Prosecutor Bill Torrey said a jury deliberated “for a little over one hour” Thursday before returning a guilty verdict against Ronald Dale Shafer, ending a four-day jury trial.
Torrey said originally Shafer’s sentencing was scheduled for Monday in Judge John Youngblood courtroom. “However, the state and the defense reached an agreement,” Torrey said.
The agreement stipulated the defendant waived all right to appeal. “Due to the enhancement of this crime, since the victim was younger than six, the defendant will not be eligible for parole at any time during his 30-year sentence,” Torrey said.
Brian Price, assistant DA, who prosecuted, said the incident occurred in Rock-dale and involved a four-year-old girl.
“She was actually able to recall what had happened and the jurors said what she had to say was a factor in their verdict,” Price said.
Price said Shafer also pleaded guilty to two counts of indecency with a child, an additional victim, and was assessed two more 20-year prison terms.
Price said those charges involved an 11-year-old girl with incidents occurring in Rockdale while the defendant was out on bail from the charges involving the four-year old.
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