Charges stem from a May 2023 incident where Bonham Police were called to the high school after a student reported that a relative sexually assaulted her.  During their investigation a fourteen (14) year old child stated earlier that morning that the defendant had sexually assaulted her and offered to pay her money to not tell anyone.  The child also reported this was not the first time that this had happened. 

After learning the location of the assault, Bonham Police took over the investigation and had the child victim taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for a forensic interview.  The child related that on more than one occasion Schleichardt had sexually assaulted her and that the previous time was approximately a month earlier.  The child also provided additional details that lead police to search the home and find corroborating physical evidence.  

The victim in this case showed great courage in disclosing the assault and working with law enforcement during their investigation. 

“The fact that this victim came forward and disclosed these horrible acts, when they were done by someone who was supposed to protect her, shows her strength,” said Assistant District Attorney Vanessa Vice. 

“Offenders who prey on children, especially children who trust them and are supposed to be protected by them, should be dealt with harshly,” said District Attorney John Skotnik. "The Bonham Police Department and Fannin County Children’s Advocacy Center did an amazing job with this investigation and securing evidence sufficient to secure a strong sentence in this case."