Jury sentences former substitute to maximum 20 years for online solicitation of a 12-year-old

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NEW BOSTON, Texas: A Bowie County jury sentenced a former New Boston Middle School substitute teacher to a maximum 20-year sentence Friday for online solicitation of a minor.

Dylan Reed Simpson, 22, must register as a sex offender for 10 years following release or completion of parole. A number of girls who were in the seventh and eighth grades in the fall of 2017 testified that Simpson sent them sexually graphic messages and photos of his genitalia using the social media application SnapChat.

The jury acquitted Simpson on Thursday of one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact involving the same girl he was convicted of sending the inappropriate online messages to in 2017. Charges remain pending against Simpson involving other girls. First Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp and Assistant District Attorney Lauren Richards said they are grateful for the maximum sentence handed down Friday.

Simpson was represented by Texarkana attorneys Shorty Barrett and Joe Tyler. The case was overseen by 202nd District Judge John Tidwell.

With his position at the New Boston Middle School, Dylan Simpson put himself in a position to have virtually unlimited access to children. He told the girls they were beautiful and that he wanted to have sexual relationships with them,” Crisp said. “In most of the cases, Simpson was also touching the girls inappropriately at school. After hearing testimony from seven victims, the jury swiftly assessed the maximum prison term allowed by law.”

Other charges against Simpson in connection with his alleged abuse of other girls remain pending.

Crisp said that Simpson must register as a sex offender for 10 years following completion of his sentence.

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