Hamel convicted of crimes against children

31-year-old Brandon Michael Hamel

9-7-23

A Richmond Virginia man had his day in court Friday, following a December 2021 arrest in Kirbyville.

31-year-old Brandon Michael Hamel was found guilty of Sexual Assault of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography. Hamel was convicted after he traveled more than 1,200 miles to meet with a 15-year-old Kirbyville girl for the purpose of sexually assaulting her.

State District Judge Craig Mixson presided over the trial with Assistant District Attorneys Jennie Hyatt and Shane Hilton prosecuting. The trial was held from August 28th to 30th.

According to Jasper County District Attorney Ann Pickle, the initial plan was for Hamel to pick up the girl and take her back with him to Virginia. However, that plan was thwarted. There was a problem with one of the tires on his car, so Hamel, with the girl in tow, went into Texan Tire to get a new one. Texan's Kristy Abshire found a replacement but told Hamel it would not arrive until later that day, so the pair went to the Gateway Hotel in town.

Thankfully observant, Abshire realized that something just didn't seem right with the situation. After the two left the shop, Abshire scanned Facebook where she saw multiple posts regarding the missing child. Abshire then called Kirbyville Police who arrived at the hotel. The car was in fact located in the parking lot. Kirbyville PD made entry and located the girl and her abductor. Jasper County was called in as well because of the location the girl was picked up from.

Since that day, Hamel has been held without bond in Jasper County Jail.

Hamel faces sentencing sometime in October. ETB will update our readers at that time.