Dallas Teen Rape Case Ends with Accused Named a Sex Offender; Receives Probation
A controversial Dallas County rape case garnered national attention when the first judge spared the accused teenage rapist from penalties usually given to sex offenders. This case finally ended in May 2014 when a new judge reassessed the case and ruled that the perpetrator will now be assessed such penalties.
The Dallas Morning News followed the case involving Sir Young, an 18-year-old male student at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Young was accused of raping a 14-year-old female fellow student in 2011. Young confessed to the crime, and the victim claimed that she repeatedly asked Young to stop. State District Judge Jeanine Howard, however, sentenced Young to “deferred adjudication probation and tossed most of the common restrictions given to sex offenders, including sex offender treatment.” At the time, Judge Howard said that she gave Young this sentence because the girl “was not the victim she claimed to be,” and was known to be promiscuous and even had a baby. The victim’s mother flatly denied these allegations against her daughter, and demanded a new trial. After further local and national outcry in response to Judge Howard’s decision, a new trial was granted, from which Judge Howard recused herself.
The new judge, State District Judge Carter Thompson, reevaluated the case, and sentenced Young to probation and added restrictions and penalties normally assessed to convicted sex offenders. Judge Thompson could not sentence Young to jail time since he had been previously given probation by Judge Howard, although the district attorney requested that Young be sentenced to prison for his crime. Restrictions and penalties given to Young include a requirement to register with the state of Texas as a sex offender, to avoid any further charges and arrests during his probation, and to stay away from minor children and pornography.
Judge Thompson told the defendant, “Your previous court gave you a second chance. Do not expect a third chance from this court.”
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a sexual assault, Greening Law, P.C. stands ready to help you with your legal needs. Contact our offices today at 972-934-8900 or online.