by | Published
In a verdict announced by Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins, Maximillian Decker-Dilieto, aged 26, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by a Hays County jury on Thursday, February 15.
Decker-Dilieto stood accused of sexually assaulting a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. The jury's decision stemmed from a single instance of assault. Testimonies presented to the jury revealed that the encounter, which began consensually, escalated into violence. Despite the victim's pleas to stop and attempts to resist, she was overpowered by Decker-Dilieto, described as larger and stronger. The assault continued as she was pinned down and subjected to physical violence.
The jury deliberated and handed down a sentence of two years in prison, along with a recommendation for probation for the defendant.
The sentencing hearing for Decker-Dilieto is pending and will be scheduled before Judge Joe Pool of the 428th District Court.
The prosecution was led by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Claudia Garcia and Jon English.
Commenting on the outcome, Garcia stated, “The guilty verdicts are a testament that offenders who commit sexual assault will be held accountable. I am proud of the victim for having the courage to face her attacker. Guilty verdicts like the ones rendered in this case send a message to victims of sexual violence that they will be believed and that their attackers will be brought to justice.”
