Child sexual abuser sentenced to life in prison by Rockwall County jury

(ROCKWALL COUNTY,TX- June 30, 2015) Less than two hours after retiring to deliberate, a Rockwall County jury returned a verdict of guilty against Wylie resident William Leigh Muzolf, 42, on the charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.  On June 26, 2015, the same jury unanimously sentenced Muzolf, who had no prior felony history, to life in the Texas State penitentiary.  He will be ineligible for parole.

Jurors heard testimony that Muzolf sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s nine year old daughter multiple times over a period of 12 months in 2011-2012.  The child outcried to her aunt when she returned to Oklahoma to stay with her biological father.  Prosecutors called a number of witnesses, including a forensic interviewer from Oklahoma, to corroborate the victim’s allegations.  An expert witness from the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center also helped educate the jury on the effects of trauma following sexual abuse and the reasons for a delayed outcry.

“Thankfully, the victim’s father had the presence of mind to report the abuse to child protective services and law enforcement when he heard about it,” said Felicia Oliphant, the lead prosecutor on the case.  “Too many times, families hesitate to act and the abuser is allowed to have continued access to the child.  I am also proud of the victim who finally had the courage to stand up to her abuser.”

“Once again, a Rockwall County jury sent a strong message to the community that this type of heinous behavior will be punished to the full extent of the law,” said Kenda Culpepper, Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney.  “I really appreciate their service in helping to protect victims who are often too vulnerable to defend themselves.”

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  muzolf, Rockwall County, sexual abuse, texas state penitentiary