Hopkins County Jury Delivers Life Sentence to Man Convicted of Possession of Child Pornography

December 11, 2025 – SULPHUR SPRINGS – A Hopkins County jury convicted Jason Crossland, a Sulphur Springs resident, of two counts of possession of child pornography—one count for a video depicting the sexual assault of a child and one count for possessing fewer than 100 visual items of a child engaged in sexual conduct. While performing their duty, the jury was required to review explicit evidence as the prosecution proved its case in chief. After a relatively brief deliberation, the jury found the defendant guilty as charged. Crossland had elected that the jury assess punishment in the event he was convicted. After both the State and defense presented brief testimony, Zach Blackmon delivered a strong argument that Crossland receive the maximum sentence of life in prison. The Hopkins County jury responded quickly with the following verdicts: 10 years confinement on the 3rd degree indictment (plus a $10,000 fine) and life in prison on the 1st degree indictment (plus a $10,000 fine). Mr. Blackmon then urged Judge Eddie Northcutt to order that the sentences be served consecutively, which the Judge granted. This action guarantees that Crossland will spend a minimum of 35 calendar-years in prison prior to being eligible for parole.

The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s office extends its sincere thanks and gratitude to this jury for their service in this difficult case. We want to thank the Texas Department of Public Safety for their outstanding work, with special recognition to lead investigator Special Agent Phil Alston and Special Agent Charles Cannon. Both men executed impeccable work and exemplified the knowledge and demeanor we expect from our officers while testifying. We also thank Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Travis Monk for traveling to Hopkins County in order to testify.

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Sulphur Springs Police Department, and members from the community filled the courtroom during closing arguments to show Hopkins County’s commitment to protecting children.

“This jury made clear that we will not tolerate individuals who consume this material in Hopkins County,” stated Ramsay. “Once again, Zach Blackmon has poured light into a very dark corner of the world. He did it with righteous passion and justice was served.”