Montgomery County jury convicts man of continuous sexual abuse of a child

A Montgomery County jury has convicted 69-year-old James Marshall Spillman of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, a first-degree felony. Spillman was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The trial, held in the 435th District Court before Judge Mary Ann Turner, began July 18 and concluded July 23. The jury returned a guilty verdict the same day and handed down the life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Criss Cole and Tamara Tyler led the prosecution, following an extensive investigation that revealed a pattern of calculated, long-term abuse.

According to trial evidence, Spillman moved his recreational vehicle onto the victim’s family property in 2022, describing the move as part of a “transitional period.” Over time, he groomed the child and the child’s parents by giving gifts, including an airsoft gun, snacks and rides on his four-wheeler.

Spillman later began inviting the child, who was 11 at the time, to spend the night in his RV, where the abuse occurred. Testimony detailed multiple instances of abuse.

During the punishment phase, an extraneous victim testified about similar abuse by Spillman between the ages of 6 and 9. That victim described repeated acts of sexual contact, being coerced to expose himself during a video call, and witnessing Spillman inappropriately touch another child. His biological mother also testified, corroborating key aspects of the account.

During closing arguments, ADA Criss Cole urged the jury to consider the long-term impact of their sentence: “Be concerned about the message this sentence sends,” Cole said. “If one child is spared in the future because of this life sentence, it’s worth it.”

Spillman’s life sentence ensures he will never have another opportunity to harm a child. At 69 years old, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars — finally held accountable for the damage he inflicted and the trust he violated.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, particularly Detective Max Fruchtnicht, for their outstanding investigative work, which was instrumental in bringing this case to trial and securing
justice.

Cole said the defendant portrayed himself as a kind, trustworthy grandfather type – someone families might feel safe around.

“But the jury saw through the act and recognized him for what he was: a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Their verdict ensures he’ll never harm another child and reinforces that in Montgomery County, we protect our children and hold predators accountable.”

District Attorney Brett Ligon also weighed in on the case, saying, “This case is a heartbreaking reminder that predators often hide in
plain sight, using trust as their weapon. Thanks to the courage of the victims, the tireless work of our prosecutors, and the dedication of
law enforcement, James Spillman will never have the chance to harm another child. This life sentence is equivalent to the death penalty for
Mr. Spillman. Thanks to this jury, he will never breathe a breath of free air again.”