February 26, 2015
(McKinney, Texas) – Joshua Karr, 32, of Allen, was sentenced to two life sentences for sexual assault of a child and online solicitation of a minor, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. At trial, evidence showed that Karr and the 16 year-old victim communicated online constantly over the course of a year. Although the victim told Karr that she was 16, their online conversations became sexually explicit in nature. The jury reviewed skype chat logs showing Karr grooming the victim by calling her “wifey” and telling her how much he loved her, while becoming increasingly controlling and manipulative throughout their conversations.
On December 20, 2013, after the victim had a fight with her parents about her online conversations, Karr picked her up outside her school in Pasadena, Texas. He took her to his mother’s home in Allen where he hid her for two weeks. During that time, he had sex with her on multiple occasions. He also had her alter her appearance by removing her braces and dyeing her hair. As a result of investigations by the Pasadena Police, the Allen Police, and non-profit organizations, Karr was identified and, on January 3, 2014, the victim was found in his bedroom. After the jury found Karr guilty, he agreed to life sentences for sexual assault of a child and online solicitation. The charges were enhanced because Karr, a registered sex offender, had previously been convicted for possession of child pornography and attempted aggravated kidnapping. Karr also pled guilty to additional charges of possession of child pornography and attempted escape from the Collin County jail.
Assistant District Attorneys Lauren Hopkins and Crystal Levonius prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland. The case was investigated by Allen Detective Investigator Joe Anders. Judge Ben Smith presided over the case.
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