(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’ office secured a 60-year, no-parole sentence for Shawn Darfour, 36, of Dallas, Texas, for repeated sexual abuse of a child after a jury found him guilty.
Darfour had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Darfour began sexually abusing the then-9 year old child. Darfour would regularly pay the child $20 not to tell anyone. After about a year, Darfour’s relationship with the child’s family ended and he no longer had access to the child. But it was not until the child was 13, in April of 2023, that the child mustered the courage to report the abuse to the mother.
McKinney Police Department Detective Alyssa Rolen investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.
The jury found Darfour guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony carrying a punishment range of 25 years to life in prison. During the punishment phase of trial, the jury heard about the Defendant’s previous convictions for Burglary of a Habitation, dealing drugs, and unlawful carrying of weapons.
After finding Darfour guilty, the jury assessed punishment at 60 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.
Willis expressed after the sentencing: “We are deeply thankful for the adults who stood by this child and helped them find their voice in the justice system. But our greatest gratitude goes to the jury, who ensured this predator will never, ever harm another child.”
Visiting Judge Faith Johnson presided over the case. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Wendy Correa and Charles Brazell prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Jennifer Gomez, Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.
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