A man convicted on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child learned during a courtroom appearance last week he could spend the next three decades behind bars.
Sean Patrick Long was sentenced Thursday by visiting state District Judge Sid Harle to 30 years in a correctional facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
According to a press release from the Kendall County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation began April 17, 2024, when Boerne Police Department Detective James Estrada received a report Long had sexually assaulted a young teenage girl.
Authorities said the victim reported Long committed numerous sexual acts against her from October 2023 until April 2024.
Long was 25 years old at the time of the offenses, while the victim was 13 when the first assault occurred, according to investigators.
During a five-day trial in July, jurors heard testimony from the victim, members of her family, Long’s probation officer and other witnesses.
Testimony presented during the July proceedings indicated sexual contact between Long and the victim occurred more than 30 times.
The jury found Long guilty on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and the defendant was scheduled to learn his fate Aug. 27.
Before sentencing, the victim addressed Long during a victim-impact statement.
“Sean, you will never understand what you put me through,” she said through tears. “The lies, dishonesty and betrayal. You took my innocence, and that I will never forgive. I will make sure others like me will have a voice.”
Prosecutors requested a 50-year prison sentence.
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Fields prosecuted the case, while public defender Xoe Howard represented Long.
“The courage the victim displayed throughout this process and the bravery she showed while facing her abuser in the courtroom is commendable,” Fields said in a prepared statement. “I am thankful to the jury and the court that this will be a significant step toward her healing.”
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