Moody man pleads guilty to child sexual abuse, sentenced to 35 years

Anthony Germaine Jennings, 40, had been in McLennan County Jail since September 2023, and his case was set for trial to begin Monday. Before the trial could begin, Jennings agreed to a plea bargain with prosecutors, according to a news release.

Jennings was accused of abusing a family member who shared a home with him between 2018 and 2020, when the child was between 10 and 12 years old, according to the release. The prosecution determined that the assault took place when the child’s grandmother was at work and the child’s mother was incarcerated, the release says.

Jennings was originally charged with ongoing sexual abuse of a minor, a felony that carried a maximum sentence of life in prison. Prosecutors attempted to settle the case so the victim would not need to testify in court, according to the release.

Jennings consented to enter a guilty plea to the less serious charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, the release says. He would be eligible for parole in 17 years, according to the release.

He will also need to register as a sexual offender for the remainder of his life, the release says. The victim was also given a lifetime protective order against Jennings, which forbids any further contact, according to the release. Jennings also waived his right to appeal the plea deal.

The Moody Police Department, Texas City Police Department and McLennan County District Attorney’s Office Investigator David Parkinson all looked into the case, according to the release.

Assistant District Attorneys Tara Avants and Jessica Washington, who prosecuted the case, released a statement Tuesday.

“We are always awed by the courage of child abuse victims who find their voice,” the joint statement read. “We are grateful that this victim has both received justice and shown others who are still suffering in silence that there are people ready to listen, and ready to help.”