A Texas appellate court has upheld the conviction of Wesley David Battles, who was sentenced to 75 years in prison for three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor. The ruling, issued by the Texas Court of Appeals, Third District, on October 16, 2026, confirms the trial court's decision despite Battles' appeal claiming procedural errors during the trial.
The case centers around the allegations made by a minor identified as T.W., who was only five or six years old when the abuse began. The court's ruling is significant as it reinforces the legal system's stance on child sexual abuse cases and highlights the importance of procedural adherence during trials.
Background
Wesley David Battles became involved with T.W.'s mother when T.W. was a young child. As their relationship progressed, T.W. and her mother moved in with Battles. The abuse allegations surfaced when T.W. was placed in a foster home. While living there, T.W. disclosed to her foster mother that Battles had sexually abused her.
The foster mother reported the allegations to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which subsequently notified the police. Investigators conducted a thorough inquiry, leading to Battles' arrest and charges of aggravated sexual assault for penetrating T.W.'s mouth, vagina, and anus.
During the trial, the prosecution presented several witnesses, including T.W., her foster mother, and professionals who assessed T.W. after the allegations. Battles chose not to testify or call any witnesses on his behalf. After the jury began deliberations, they requested to hear a specific part of T.W.'s testimony again, which became a focal point of Battles' appeal.
The Ruling
The Texas Court of Appeals ruled against Battles, affirming the trial court's decision. The court found that Battles did not preserve his complaint regarding the reading of T.W.'s testimony, as he failed to object during the trial when the testimony was read back to the jury. The court stated, "An appellant fails to preserve error by failing to object when he had the opportunity."
Additionally, the court noted that the trial court's reading of T.W.'s testimony did not constitute jury-charge error, as it was a direct response to the jury's request. The ruling emphasized that the trial court's actions were in line with statutory procedures, stating, "The trial court did not respond substantively to the jury’s note or set forth any applicable law; instead, it simply read the testimony the jury requested and had already heard."
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for future cases involving child sexual abuse and the procedural rights of defendants. It underscores the necessity for defendants to object to trial procedures at the moment they occur if they wish to preserve those complaints for appeal. The court's decision also reinforces the importance of jury instructions and the proper handling of testimony during deliberations.
By affirming the conviction, the court sends a clear message about the seriousness of aggravated sexual assault against minors and the legal system's commitment to addressing these crimes. The ruling may serve as a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the importance of procedural compliance and the need for defendants to actively engage in their defense during trial.
What's Next
While Battles has the option to appeal to a higher court, such as the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the likelihood of success appears limited given the appellate court's thorough ruling. Details regarding any potential related cases were not available in the court filing.