Trial for man accused in 3 sexual assaults begins
Alleged incidents went on for more than 15 years
NEW BOSTON, Texas—A jury of six men and six women is expected to hear opening arguments this morning in the trial of a man accused of sexually assaulting three young girls over a period of more than 15 years.
Demitres Coleman, 40, is charged in three separate indictments, each involving a different alleged victim. Charges of indecency with a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child are listed in a single indictment accusing Coleman of misconduct with a girl younger than 14 from 1999 to 2002. Another indictment alleges sexual misconduct with a girl younger than 17 in 2007, while the third indictment accuses Coleman of misconduct with a girl
younger than 17 in January. All of the indictments were handed down by a Bowie County grand jury in August.
This week’s trial seeks to determine if Coleman is guilty of charges alleged in the indictment involving the oldest case. Regardless of the outcome of Coleman’s trial this week, two of the indictments will remain pending.
Coleman is in Bowie County custody.
A panel of prospective jurors was questioned Tuesday by Assistant District Attorneys Kelley Crisp and Lauren Sutton, as well as Will Williams and Chad Crowl of the Bowie County Public Defender’s Office. Fifth District Judge Bill Miller released the jury late Tuesday afternoon with instructions to return Wednesday morning for opening arguments.
Coleman faces two to 20 years in found guilty of indecency with a child by contact. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison.