A 37-year-old New Boston, Texas, woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in 2014.
Kimberly Elaine Mitchell pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child at a hearing before 102nd District Judge Bobby Lockhart. Texarkana attorney Shorty Barrett said he is continuing to discuss the possibility of a plea deal with Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp but could ask that a jury assess Mitchell’s punishment next week.
At earlier hearings, Mitchell turned down offers for a plea. The case is set to go to a jury for punishment Tuesday at the Bowie County courthouse in New Boston. The sexual assault of a child charge, which involves abuse that occurred when Mitchell’s victim was 14, is punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Each of the aggravated sexual assault charges occurred when the boy was 13 and is punishable by five to 99 years or life.
Lockhart set the case for a final hearing Friday to discuss pretrial motions, including one Barrett filed concerning text messages he claims will unfairly prejudice a jury if they are displayed at Mitchell’s punishment trial.
Mitchell is currently free on a $55,000 bond.
