NEW BOSTON, Texas: A jury of nine men and three women was selected Tuesday to decide the fate of a man accused of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend at knifepoint last year.
Brandon Lee Harrison, 31, was allegedly hiding in the woman’s house in New Boston when she returned home the afternoon of Sept. 15, 2017. According to a probable cause affidavit, Harrison sexually assaulted the woman while holding a knife to her throat.
The woman was able to text a friend that she had been assaulted and that Harrison would not allow her to leave the house. The friend called 911 and officers arrived at the scene at approximately 4:30 p.m. Harrison was arrested when officers entered the home and the woman rushed out the front door.
Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp and Bowie County Public Defender Deborah Moore argued several pretrial motions at a hearing before Lockhart Monday afternoon. Moore complained that the state recently amended its witness list and asked for a continuance so as to have time to investigate.
Crisp responded by saying that she only learned of the witness recently and that the witness will testify as to Harrison’s alleged misconduct toward female staff in the jail. Lockhart denied Moore’s request for a continuance.
Harrison has pleaded not guilty. He has been in jail since his arrest. Bail is set at $250,000. If found guilty, Harrison faces five to 99 years or life in prison.
