PAUL DAMON GREEN OF COPPERAS COVE PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGE OF INDECENCY WITH A CHILD BY CONTACT
	Burnet, Texas—Paul Damon Green entered a plea of guilty to a charge of Indecency with a Child by Contact in lieu of being tried before a jury on Monday morning, October 9th.  Green admitted his guilt to the second degree offense in a courtroom full of family and friends who, along with the young victim, looked on as Green admitted the crime against her.  The presence of the jury panel waiting to sit in judgment served as a strong inducement for the plea.  Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Nelson noted that concerns for the child because of her age, as well as the anxiety experienced by the victim’s entire family made the case especially difficult since Green had been in the position of step-father to the child when the crime occurred.  The potential trauma to the little girl having to testify, however, weighed most heavily in the decision to negotiate a guilty plea.  The natural father of the child noted that not only she, but also her siblings, had exhibited severe emotional distress as a result of the crime.   Counseling for the young girl began as soon as she came forward with the details of the crime.  The father stressed that when Green, who originally denied committing the crime, finally admitted in open court when entering his guilty plea, the victim, as well as her two older siblings, were finally able to experience closure.  It was also an immense relief to all family members involved. Nelson explained that plea bargaining in this case was considered due to concerns from the child’s family and her counselor regarding how she would be affected by the stress of having to face the defendant and testify.  This difficulty would also be experienced in relating to the jurors what she had been through.  This is not always the case but when such circumstances arise, the child’s welfare must be given priority.  Green will be required to register as a Sexual Offender for the remainder of his life which was very important to the victim and her family in order that Green will never be in a position where he is alone with any children under 17 years of age.   The father specially stressed that, “I don’t want any other child or their families to ever have to go through what we’ve been through”.  He also noted that parents should be very observant regarding their children’s activities and be careful not to ignore important signs of abusive behavior such as children sexually acting out with their peers or exhibiting knowledge of sexual activities beyond their years.  Experts also explain that it is extremely important to keep lines of communication open between children and parents in order that children will feel comfortable in alerting their parents if sexual abuse is occurring. Judge Guilford Jones spoke with the jury panel after the guilty plea had been entered explaining that the panel had not wasted their time because their presence and willingness to serve as jurors in the case helped in the defendant’s decision to plead guilty.  Nelson further noted that the victim and her family showed extreme courage and strength in coming forward and being willing to testify during the trial but that, “Justice was served by the outcome in this case, especially since the defendant admitted the children were telling the truth”.