News
Predator used trust as a weapon – Montgomery County Jury sends away for Life
A Montgomery County jury has convicted 69-year-old James Marshall Spillman of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14, a first-degree felony. The trial began on July 18, 2025, and concluded on July 23, when the jury returned a guilty verdict and subsequently a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case was heard in the 435th District Court before the Honorable Judge Mary Ann Turner.
The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Criss Cole and Tamara Tyler, following an extensive investigation that revealed a pattern of calculated and prolonged abuse.
Evidence presented at trial showed that in 2022, Spillman moved his RV onto the victim’s family property during what he referred to as a “transitional period.” Over time, he groomed the child and the child’s parents by offering gifts—including an airsoft gun, snacks, and rides on his four-wheeler. After establishing trust, Spillman began inviting the child, who was 11 years old at the time, to stay overnight in his RV, where the abuse occurred.
The jury was presented with testimony detailing multiple acts of abuse, including Spillman massaging the child’s legs with baby oil before initiating unlawful sexual contact, touching the child while under a blanket in the early morning hours, and exposing himself to the victim.
During the punishment phase, an extraneous victim testified about similar abuse by Spillman between the ages of 6 and 9. That victim described repeated acts of sexual contact, being coerced to expose himself during a video call, and witnessing Spillman inappropriately touch another child. His biological mother also testified, corroborating key aspects of the account.
During closing arguments, ADA Criss Cole urged the jury to consider the long-term impact of their sentence: “Be concerned about the message this sentence sends,” Cole said. “If one child is spared in the future because of this life sentence, it’s worth it.”
Spillman’s life sentence ensures he will never have another opportunity to harm a child. At 69 years old, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars — finally held accountable for the damage he inflicted and the trust he violated.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, particularly Detective Max Fruchtnicht, for their outstanding investigative work, which was instrumental in bringing this case to trial and securing justice.
Assistant District Attorney Criss Cole said, “This defendant portrayed himself as a kind, trustworthy grandfather type—someone families might feel safe around. But the jury saw through the act and recognized him for what he was: a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Their verdict ensures he’ll never harm another child and reinforces that in Montgomery County, we protect our children and hold predators accountable.”
District Attorney Brett Ligon stated, “This case is a heartbreaking reminder that predators often hide in plain sight, using trust as their weapon. Thanks to the courage of the victims, the tireless work of our prosecutors, and the dedication of law enforcement, James Spillman will never have the chance to harm another child. This life sentence is equivalent to the death penalty for Mr. Spillman. Thanks to this jury, he will never breathe a breath of free air again.”
Source: Laura Smith, Chief of Communications, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
