Atlanta man sentenced to 30 years for sexual misconduct with girl, 15
An Atlanta, Texas, man who pleaded guilty this week to sexual misconduct with a teen girl who was living with him and his wife was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Eric Von Hill, 38, was expected to face a Cass County, Texas, jury this week but decided on the eve of trial to accept a plea offer from the state, Cass County First Assistant District Attorney Courtney Shelton said. Eric Hill was sentenced to eight 15-year terms for eight counts of sexual assault of a child which he will serve concurrently but consecutive to a 15-year term for sexual performance of a child. Charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual performance of a child and indecency with a child remain pending against Eric Hill’s wife, Peggy Jo Hill, 36.
The girl began living with the Hills at their home in Atlanta when she was 15, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account. In 2016, authorities began an investigation which led to the discovery of Facebook photos and messages allegedly implicating both Eric and Peggy Hill in criminal sexual conduct with the girl.
Genetic testing confirmed that a child the girl gave birth to while living with the Hills is not the child of Eric Hill, although Eric Hill admitted to investigators there was a possibility he fathered the child. Messages exchanged on Facebook between Eric Hill, Peggy Hill and the girl contained photos that allegedly showed Peggy Hill and the girl engaged in sexual conduct. Those photos were acquired by investigators after securing a search warrant.
Shelton said she believes Eric Hill was the “primary actor” in the sexual abuse. Shelton said the plea bargain struck between the state and defense in Eric Hill’s case spared the girl the trauma of testifying while removing Eric Hill from society.
llarowe@texarkanagazette.com