A Gilmer man will spend the next 25 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to aggravated sexual assault of a child.

James Gene Wilson, 21, pleaded guilty in 115th District Court in Gilmer to the offense, which occurred on Jan. 23 in Gilmer.

Based on the state’s recommendation, District Judge Lauren Parish sentenced Wilson to 25 years in prison.

The defendant waived having the county Grand Jury review the evidence for indictment, and pled to an information filed by the State, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd said.

“Based upon the sentencing law governing this crime, the defendant must serve all 25 years in prison day-for-day, without the possibility of parole,” said Byrd, who prosecuted the case.

If he does ever get out, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, Byrd said.

Byrd said the crime of sexual abuse was first reported to the Gilmer Police Department after the child made an “outcry” to a teacher at Gilmer Elementary School.

The school official contacted Child Protective Services, who then contacted Gilmer Police.

A local investigator with CPS and Gilmer Police Investigator Roxanne Warren began a joint investigation into the allegations.

“Investigators learned the suspect was a live-in boyfriend of the child’s mother,” Byrd said. “It was confirmed by the mother that the suspect would babysit her children while she was at work.”

Wilson was employed with a hardware store in Gilmer.

The child was taken to the local Children’s Advocacy Center in Gilmer, where she again made an outcry of sexual abuse, Byrd said.

“The suspect was located at work and voluntarily gave a statement to Investigator Warren,” Byrd said.

In his statement, he stated that while he was using the bathroom, the child walked in and began touching his private area, but denied any form of abuse that he initiated, Byrd said.

“He maintained his innocence until his admission of guilt in court Tuesday,” Byrd said.

Longview attorney Scott Novy represented Wilson since his incarceration.

“Investigator Warren was able to gather all relevant information about this offense, and was able to show all explanations that the defendant provided her in his statement were lies,” Byrd said.

Wilson waived all rights to appeal his sentence and must serve all 25 years in prison as his punishment, Byrd said.