On Monday, Feb. 27, 2025, prosecutors with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office began presenting testimony in the trial of State of Texas vs. Albert Edward Carlson, who was charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child.
The State called 10 witnesses, including three victims, who described how Carlson systematically groomed young boys for sexual abuse. Assistant District Attorney Jaime Wallace led witnesses through testimony explaining how Carlson targeted children from vulnerable families who lacked supervision. Witnesses also recounted how Carlson manipulated religious beliefs to convince the boys that the abuse was a special form of bonding.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detective Joshua Wroten testified about his extensive investigation, which included locating victims, interviewing individuals across multiple jurisdictions who had known Carlson, and gathering public and private records to corroborate the abuse.
Retired Provo Police Department Detective Brian Nichols also testified, detailing a 1985 sodomy and child sexual abuse case involving Carlson. According to Nichols, Carlson fled the country after the offense. When he later returned to the United States, Utah authorities reduced the case to a misdemeanor.
After the jury found Carlson guilty, the State introduced additional victims who described the lasting impact of the abuse. One victim testified that, even after years had passed, the memories remained vivid and painful.
The defense presented evidence of Carlson’s military service in Vietnam, but ADA Wallace countered that while military service is honorable, using it to excuse the sexual abuse of children was disgraceful.