by | Published
KENEDY, TX – Billy Ray Price, 56, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 7, 2025, to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. The plea agreement was reached just before jury selection was scheduled to begin.
The case involves the sexual abuse of two family members that occurred more than a decade ago. One victim came forward during an unrelated police report, disclosing that Price had sexually assaulted her 17 years prior when she was a child. She also stated that she had informed other family members at the time, but no formal report was ever made. During the investigation, she revealed that it was commonly known within the family that Price had also abused a second relative.
Kenedy Police subsequently interviewed the second victim, who confirmed that Price had sexually abused her as a child approximately 14 years ago. Law enforcement verified that these allegations were known to family members, though there were no direct witnesses to the crimes. During an interview with investigators, Price claimed he could not remember if he had assaulted the victims.
Following discussions with both victims, and in agreement with the terms of the plea deal, Judge Russell Wilson sentenced Price to 33 years in prison, with one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child for each victim. As part of the agreement, Price waived his right to appeal, sparing both victims from having to testify in court. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life, and the District Attorney’s Office secured lifetime protective orders on behalf of each victim.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first-degree felony in Texas, requiring defendants to serve at least half of their sentence before parole eligibility. Price, now 56, will be nearly 70 before he can seek parole. The District Attorney’s Office expressed its hope that he serves the full 33-year sentence.
The District Attorney’s Office commended the courage of the victims for speaking out, stating, "These cases are among the most challenging we handle—especially when the abuse goes unreported for many years. We commend the courage of the victims for speaking out when others failed to act. Their strength made this outcome possible."
The District Attorney’s Office thanked Detective Jesse Pham and Sergeant Freddy Barrientez of the Kenedy Police Department for their dedicated work. Assistant DA Ryan Wright prosecuted the case.
