CENTRAL TEXAS

Central Texas Man Gets Probation for Sex Assault of Girl, 12

A Central Texas man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl must serve 10 years of probation.

George Karns Jr., of Holland, Texas, was also sentenced Monday by a judge to 120 days in jail after earlier pleading guilty in the 2013 assault at his home.

The Temple Daily Telegram reports Karns, who was 17 during the incident, was initially charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Investigators learned of the assault in 2014. Karns, who's now 20, was prosecuted as an adult.

Prosecutors said there was no plea deal. The victim's family agreed to the lesser sexual assault charge to avoid a jury trial -- believing that to be in the victim's best interests, according to the paper.

Karns could have received up to 20 years in prison. The deferred adjudication probation was also an option.

Karns must register as a sex offender.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us