Updated March 1, 2024, at 4:24 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. — William Samuel Crawford, 43, of Hayden, pleaded guilty to first-degree rape of a child under 12 on Feb. 20, 2024, according to the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors sought the maximum penalty due to the depravity of the crime, resulting in Crawford receiving a 75-year prison sentence.
Crawford was indicted back in August 2022. The crime took place in January 2022.
At sentencing, the victim and family members were allowed to make victim impact statements.
“Our victim wanted a resolution and punishment for the defendant. We were prepared for trial but the defendant changed his plea to guilty. Hopefully this 75-year sentence will guarantee this man will never harm another child,” said Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker. “I also want to thank my assistant district attorneys and staff for their hard work to achieve justice.”
According to court records, when Crawford was asked if he had anything to say prior to his sentencing, he said, “I’m sorry.”
