The Smith County trial begins for a man accused of persistent child sexual abuse

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – After nearly two years of delays and delays, opening statements began Wednesday for 48-year-old David Lloyd Stanley in Smith County. Stanley is charged with persistent sexual abuse of a child where the minor was under 14 years old. This is a first degree felony in Texas.

Before opening speeches, a juror who called in sick and was absent earlier in the day caused a recess, prompting Judge Taylor Heaton to admit: “There have already been a lot of delays in this case.”

The original trial date was November 14, 2022. After the court contacted the juror and attempted to send a substitute to her home, she arrived and was sworn in under oath. Judge Heaton inquired about her symptoms before reinstating her to the all-female jury.

Wearing a white button-down shirt, Stanley sat motionless and stared at the table during the morning’s opening statements, including moments when Assistant District Attorney Richard Vance read explicit details of the sexual abuse allegations.

In an unrelated case, Stanley pleaded guilty and was sentenced to TDCJ in 2019 for child pornography charges. “He had thousands of pictures,” Vance said. “Although it was a separate case, it suggests intent,” he added. Under Texas law, charges of continued sexual abuse of a child against adults apply when:

-The victim is under 14 years old

-More than one incident of indecency or aggravated sexual assault occurs within 30 days or more

A conviction on the charge can result in a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison, with no possibility of early release.

Stanley pleaded not guilty in the case on Wednesday.

In his opening statement, defense attorney Joe Murphy stated, “This is not a popularity contest. [As jurors you are to] Look at the evidence that actually Proof.”

Murphy further told the jury he believed much of what the state said in his opening statement was intended to upset them. Murphy added that he believes inconsistencies in the minor’s statements “will raise reasonable doubt.”

The state’s first witnesses included a nurse and a forensic interviewer, both of whom worked child abuse cases. Testimony continues Thursday.

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