Mason sentenced for child abuse

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, after a three-day jury trial, a Milam County Jury found Mark Mason, 51, formerly of Cameron, guilty of First-Degree Felony, Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child in Judge John W. Youngblood’s 20th District Court.  

The jury returned their verdict in less than 30 minutes. On the State’s motion, Mason was taken immediately into custody to await sentencing by the jury.  

The punishment phase of the trial began on Thursday, Jan. 12. After hearing that evidence and deliberating for less than 90 minutes, the jury returned with a verdict of life imprisonment. Mason will never be eligible for parole. 

When the victim in this case first made an outcry of sexual abuse, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) removed the victim and another minor child from the home and placed them in a safe environment. The children are currently in a safe, stable home and receiving the counseling and therapy needed. 

The house where Mason committed his crimes was seized and eventually sold. The sale of the house netted over $68,000 to the city of Cameron. 

First Assistant District Attorney Brian Price prosecuted the State’s case.