Man sentenced to 119 years for sexually assaulting 4 Erath County minors seeks new trial.

  John David Trice took the stand in his own defense in January. He is pictured being cross examined by District Attorney Alan Nash while Judge Jason Cashon listens.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

A new attorney for a man sentenced in January to 119 years in prison for sexually assaulting four minors has filed an appeal asking for a new trial.

An Erath County jury convicted 78-year-old John David Trice of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, four counts of indecency with a child, sexual assault of a child and sexual performance by a child.

District attorney Alan Nash confirmed on Monday that a motion has been filed with the 11th Court of Appeals in Eastland, but would not comment on the matter.

According to the notice of appeal obtained by Beneath the Surface News, Fort Worth attorney William Biggs is asking for a new trial, stating “the verdicts and sentences are contrary to the law and evidence.”

In February, District Court Judge Jason Cashon denied Biggs’ first request for a new trial.

Trice is being held at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Beto Unit in Anderson County.

THE TRIAL

The trial included two days of emotional testimony from Trice’s four victims, who were all minors when the abuse took place.

The victims, all men now in their 20s and 30s, recalled the sexual abuse they suffered while working for Trice at his ranch. 

Nash told jurors that Trice used his charm and ability to connect with young boys to groom his victims and said Trice’s ranch served as the perfect “setup” to commit his crimes.

Nash called the victims “courageous” for coming forward and telling authorities about the horrific things they endured as children.