BURNET — A Burnet County jury handed down the maximum sentence possible late Saturday for a former martial arts instructor accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old student and breaking into her room.
Steven Michael Backstrom, 48, was found guilty on one count of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony, indecency with a child, and one count aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to court officials.
He received a 99-year sentence on the first count and was assessed a life sentence for the second, officials said.
The trial entered its fifth day when a jury of 10 women and four men reported at 9 a.m. to 33rd state District Judge Gil Jones’ courtroom.
The girl, now 15, is Backstrom’s former student, investigators said. The incidents occurred in Marble Falls in 2007 and 2008, according to police.
Defense attorney Eddie Shell has argued Backstrom was only trying to help the girl leave an unwholesome home environment and became a father figure to her.
Shell also told the jury the girl has made false accusations in the past of sexual abuse.
Prosecutor Cheryl Nelson has told the court Backstrom is a manipulative predator who forced himself on the girl.
The girl’s outcry came after she was in foster care.
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MARBLE FALLS – A briefing on the Afghanistan war that included remarks from a general later relieved of command by President Barack Obama has convinced a Horseshoe Bay pastor that victory depends on “restraint.”
IN PHOTO: The Rev. John P. White from the Church at Horseshoe Bay discussed his recent participation in a national security seminar last month at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. Staff photo by Raymond V. Whelan
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
BERTRAM — Another public official is headed out the door during a year which has already seen several city officials make their way toward the exit sign.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
MARBLE FALLS – A briefing on the Afghanistan war that included remarks from a general later relieved of command by President Barack Obama has convinced a Horseshoe Bay pastor that victory depends on “restraint.”
IN PHOTO: The Rev. John P. White from the Church at Horseshoe Bay discussed his recent participation in a national security seminar last month at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. Staff photo by Raymond V. Whelan
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
SPICEWOOD — A three-month investigation into an suspected "ecstasy" drug-delivery pipeline from Houston has led to charges against a 21-year-old man, deputies said.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
MARBLE FALLS — City Council effectively hung a "come back later" sign on the door Monday after postponing approval of a zoning ordinance that could pave the way for a third hotel in an upscale subdivision.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
HORSESHOE BAY — Two Honduran nationals who say they’re in the country illegally have been charged with raping a 14-year-old girl during a post-July Fourth party, police said.
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MARBLE FALLS — A Marble Falls man indicted on three counts of indecency with a child could appear in court later this week.
Roy Arnold Blalock III, 31, is set for an arraignment Friday in 33rd state District Court on the charges, which could bring up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if he’s convicted.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
MARBLE FALLS — Motorists driving on Avenue N in front of the J. M. Huber Corp. plant may not have to grit their teeth too much longer as their vehicles rattle over the exposed railroad tracks.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
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