A 41-year-old Princeton man was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday after a Collin County jury convicted him of prohibited sexual conduct for assaulting his 17-year-old daughter and impregnating her.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Leslie Price received the maximum penalty following his conviction. Judge Kimberly Laseter handed down the life sentence.
The case surfaced on September 10, 2024, when Amarillo police responded to the teenager’s delayed disclosure of sexual abuse. The girl told authorities that her father had assaulted her while she lived with him in Princeton. At the time of her report, she was already three months pregnant with his child.
After an initial forensic interview, the investigation shifted to the Princeton Police Department. Officers arrested Price soon afterward. Searches of two cellphones seized from him revealed troubling online queries, including questions about whether a 17-year-old could become pregnant, options for abortion, and Texas age-of-consent laws.
The victim gave birth in March 2025. DNA testing on samples collected from Price, the young mother, and the newborn confirmed his paternity — establishing that he was both the father of the victim and the biological father of the child she bore.
Prosecutors relied heavily on the DNA results during trial to prove the offense. In the punishment phase, jurors heard evidence of Price’s previous prison terms for family violence assault and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Willis described the crime as a profound betrayal.
“This verdict protects our community and delivers justice for a young victim who showed tremendous courage,” he stated in a news release.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kathryn Burgess and Mollie Thompson led the prosecution, supported by District Attorney Investigator Michael Bennett. Legal assistance came from John Rolater, with victim advocacy provided by Jill Moore and Valerie Miller.
The case highlights the serious consequences under Texas law for sexual offenses committed by parents against their children. Price will serve his life sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Provided by Dallas Express
