DA JOHNSON: MAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT WAS PROSECUTED AS A RESULT OF COLD CASE GRANT
Photo Credit: Faith Johnson & Associates, L.L.P.
Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson announced that today a Dallas County jury sentenced forty-nine-year-old HENRY GIVENS to 40 years in prison for his role in a 2006 AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT.
On Thursday, the same jury found GIVENS guilty of AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT, a FIRST DEGREE FELONY. In 2006, GIVENS sexually assaulted the complainant at knife point. Immediately after the assault, the complainant went to the hospital for a Sexual Assault Exam. However, that exam was not tested. In 2015, the exam was sent for testing as part of a state grant that pays to test Dallas Police Department sexual assault kits. A male’s DNA was identified. In 2016, the DNA was matched to HENRY GIVENS.
*GIVENS was in prison serving a 10 year sentence for his role in a 2011 aggravated sexual assault when he was brought to stand trial this week for the 2006 case.
The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative federal grant makes it possible for The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute cold sexual assault cases such as this one, as well as cold sexual assault related homicides. The grant funds two investigator positions and two victim advocate positions. The grant also funds all costs associated with prosecuting these cases by funding two dedicated prosecutor positions.
“The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is grateful for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative federal grant as it affords us the opportunity to help survivors close such a painful chapter of their lives. It also helps us take dangerous predators off the streets, who because they go unidentified, would otherwise continue to perpetrate these heinous crimes,” said DA Johnson.
Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Leighton D’Antoni served as the lead prosecutor on this case.
“They say it’s a thin line between love and hate,” Mr. D’Antoni said addressing the jury. “Well, it’s a big old line between good and evil. All Henry Givens does is cross that line, time after time.Today, you can put an end to his evil.”
Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Amy Derrick picked the jury. Ms. Derrick also serves as the Chief Prosecutor of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit. Detective Brandi Kramer of the Dallas Police Department led the investigation on this case.
*All factual information provided is taken from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.
