July 31st, 2008
Man faces up to life in prison for raping his niece

STAFF REPORT

A Hays County man could face up to life in prison after being convicted on Wednesday of sexually assaulting his niece.

A jury found Keith Edward Holt, 51, guilty of four sexual assault charges and two counts of prohibited sexual contact with a minor. District Judge Bill Henry will enter a sentence in the next month or so, said District Attorney Sherri Tibbe, who prosecuted the case with assistant district attorney Cathy Compton, chief of the office’s newly former family justice division.

“This verdict sends a strong message that persons who commit these terrible crimes will be held accountable. We feel that justice was served and hope this brings a sense of closure to the victim of this reprehensible act,” Tibbe said.

The sexual assault charges are first-degree felonies punishable by from five to 99 years or life in prison. Prohibited sexual contact is punishable by from two to 10 years in prison.

“It is important to remember that victims of sexual assault and incest have to live with the effects of these crimes for the rest of their lives,” Tibbe said.