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Serial Abuser receives Life Sentence in Montgomery County
On Monday, February 27, 2025, Prosecutors with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office began presenting testimony in the State of Texas vs. Albert Edward Carlson for the charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child. The State presented 10 witnesses at trial, including three victims. Assistant District Attorney Jaime Wallace helped witnesses explain to the jury how Carlson systematically groomed young boys to perform sexual acts with him. Specifically, Carlson targeted largely unsupervised children and families in need. Witnesses described how Carlson twisted the tenets of his religion to persuade the boys that the sexual acts were a special kind of bonding.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detective Joshua Wroten testified to his extensive involvement in the case, including locating victims, interviewing numerous individuals in multiple jurisdictions who knew or had known Carlson, and obtaining various public and private records that could corroborate the abuse. Retired Provo Police Department Detective Brian Nichols traveled to Montgomery County to testify to a Sodomy and Sexual Abuse of a Child investigation involving the Defendant from 1985. Detective Nichols informed the jury that Carlson fled the country after the offense in 1985. When Carlson returned to the United States, Detective Nichols testified that authorities in Utah pleaded the case to a misdemeanor offense.
After the Defendant was found Guilty, the State presented the jury with more victims. One victim testified that the memories are still at the forefront of his mind, even after years have passed. The Defense presented evidence that the Defendant served in the military in Vietnam. ADA Wallace responded by stating that while military service is an honorable act, relying on that service to excuse sexually abusing children was disgraceful. After brief deliberations, the jury recommended a life sentence for 81- year-old Carlson.
Assistant District Attorney Jaime Wallace stated, “There is no place for a pedophile in Montgomery County. Regardless of their age or background, nothing can atone for the horrific acts they commit against children. When this occurs, we will drag these acts into the light and ensure justice is done.”
District Attorney Brett Ligon said, “Albert Carlson spent decades preying on vulnerable children, using manipulation and deceit to hide his crimes. Thanks to the courage of his victims and the dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors, justice has prevailed. This life sentence ensures he will never harm another child again and sends a clear message—if you touch our children, there will be consequences.”
Source: Michael R. Holley, First Assistant District Attorney, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
