Brazos County Man Receives 45-Year Sentence for Indecency with a Child
In a shocking turn of events, a man from Brazos County has been handed a hefty 45-year prison sentence for committing indecent acts against a child. The decision was made on Friday, December 6, according to officials at the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office. This case sheds light on the importance of taking child abuse allegations seriously and the role that the justice system plays in ensuring accountability.
Details of the Case
The man in question, Dana Pettigrew, aged 53, was found guilty of not just one but two serious offenses: Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact and Indecency With a Child by Exposure. The jury reportedly took just 30 minutes to deliberate before delivering their verdict, which speaks volumes about the overwhelming evidence they must have encountered.
Pettigrew received a sentence of 45 years for the sexual contact charge and an additional 20 years for the exposure charge. However, these sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will spend a total of 45 years behind bars. This outcome is a significant development for the victims involved, who have shown commendable bravery in coming forward.
The Timeline of Events
The road to justice wasn’t short. Pettigrew was charged back in March 2023 after a child, who was under his care, bravely disclosed instances of inappropriate touching and alleged that he had exposed himself. At that time, Pettigrew was no longer living in the home where these incidents occurred and had a protective order against his wife.
Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office shared that Pettigrew had previously violated this protective order back in August 2022. This ongoing history of troubling behavior raises concern, especially in light of the damning evidence presented during the trial.
Evidence and Testimonies
During the trial, the jury was also presented with evidence revealing instances of domestic violence against the victim’s mother. Perhaps even more disturbing was testimony from another woman who claimed to have been molested by Pettigrew during her childhood in Ohio. This added a chilling dimension to the case, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Acknowledgments from the DA’s Office
Officials from the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office expressed their appreciation for the collaborative efforts involved in piecing together this case. They particularly thanked the College Station Police Department, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Cuyahoga County District Attorney’s Office. These agencies played a vital role in providing additional evidence that proved crucial for the case.
Assistant District Attorneys Kara Comte and Tonika Davis made a poignant statement after the verdict: “Believing a child who discloses abuse is the first step to achieving justice. This jury was able to provide much-needed closure and justice to two brave girls.” Their words resonate with the greater message that child safety and support are paramount.
Community Impact
This case has struck a chord in the Brazos County community, sending a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated. As discussions unfold regarding prevention and awareness, many are emphasizing the importance of looking out for our youngest citizens, ensuring they feel safe to speak up.
While the legal proceedings are now behind them, the journey towards healing for the victims is just beginning. The courage shown in bringing such grave issues to light is something to be honored and respected, making the phrase “justice for the innocent” resonate more profoundly than ever.
