Austin Man Sentenced to 130 Years for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
An Austin man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a Williamson County jury convicted him of the aggravated sexual assault of a 13-year-old relative. Lester Ray Hood III, 43, received a total sentence of 130 years in prison following a trial that detailed a pattern of abuse and manipulation.
- Defendant: Lester Ray Hood III, 43, of Austin.
- Sentence: 130 years in prison (split into 60-year and 70-year terms) and a $20,000 fine.
- Victim: A 13-year-old extended family member.
- Conviction: Aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Details of the Conviction and Sentencing
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, a Williamson County jury found Hood guilty of aggravated sexual assault. The court handed down two separate prison terms: 60 years for the first offense and 70 years for the second, totaling 130 years. Hood was ordered to pay $20,000 in fines.
According to the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, the abuse occurred between December 2023 and the spring of 2024. Investigators discovered that Hood used WhatsApp to send “inappropriate text messages” to the victim, which eventually led to the discovery of the physical assaults.
Pattern of Abuse and Manipulation
Trial evidence revealed that Hood exploited his position as an extended family member by marriage to gain access to the child and avoid detection. The District Attorney’s Office stated that Hood utilized alcohol or drugs during each of the assaults to facilitate the crimes.
Timeline of Events
The assaults took place across multiple locations in Texas:
- Austin: The first assault occurred on New Year’s Eve while the victim was staying with a relative. Further assaults took place while the girl visited family in Austin during her spring break.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: One assault occurred at a hotel in the DFW area after Hood picked the girl up from school.
Legal Implications
Aggravated sexual assault of a child is one of the most serious offenses under Texas law, carrying heavy penalties to reflect the vulnerability of the victim and the breach of trust involved. In this case, the jury’s decision to impose a 130-year sentence ensures that the defendant will effectively never be released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the specific relationship between the defendant and the victim?
Lester Ray Hood III was an extended family member of the victim through marriage.
How was the crime discovered?
A 2024 investigation revealed inappropriate WhatsApp messages sent by Hood to the 13-year-old. When evidence was presented to the child, she disclosed that multiple sexual assaults had occurred.
What are the total penalties imposed?
Hood received 130 years in prison and was fined a total of $20,000.
The Williamson County District Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize the prosecution of crimes against children, emphasizing the employ of forensic evidence and victim testimony to secure maximum sentencing for offenders.