07/23/2026
Today, Clifton Garley was sentenced by the Honorable Kemper Stephen Williams to 35 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after accepting a plea agreement for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Under Texas law, he must serve a minimum of 25 years before he is even eligible to be considered for parole.
This sentence brings a measure of justice in an incredibly tragic case, but today’s outcome belongs first and foremost to the victim. Through years of litigation, discovery, and pretrial proceedings, she refused to let this case fade away. Her courage, perseverance, and resilience carried this case through every obstacle. She is an inspiration, and we hope today’s sentence provides some measure of peace as she continues to heal.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated deputies and investigators of the Goliad County Sheriff's Office and to the outstanding professionals and volunteers at the Hope Child Advocacy Center. Their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to this victim were instrumental throughout this case.
This prosecution was led by First Assistant District Attorney Jessica Shawver-Savino, with invaluable assistance from Assistant District Attorney Brian Keeney, Investigator Joel Johnson, Paralegal Tess Perez and District Administrator and Victim Assistance Coordinator JoAnna Hadden. Every member of this team brought their experience, dedication, and professionalism to bear in pursuit of justice.
People often say that teamwork makes the dream work. In our profession, teamwork makes justice possible. It takes law enforcement officers, forensic interviewers, victim advocates, investigators, prosecutors, and support staff all pulling in the same direction. No single person achieves outcomes like this alone.
The Fighting 24th remains committed to standing with victims, holding violent offenders accountable, and working every day to make the communities of DeWitt, Goliad, and Refugio Counties safer for the families we are privileged to serve.
