Man Gets 450 Years in Prison for Sex Crimes Against Children

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A Jacksonville man has been found guilty of 34 counts of child abuse. Kevin Ray Morris Sr., of Jacksonville, was handed 11 life sentences. In addition to the life sentences stacked with 450 years in prison, the jury also assessed a $340,000 fine against Morris. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, on March 30, a jury found Morris guilty of child sexual abuse including, aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of a child, and indecency with a child. Judge Chris Day ordered all possible counts stacked, and told Morris after sentencing, “Mr. Morris, there is really no other way to put it, you are a monster.”

During the trial, evidence showed that Morris had been molesting, raping, and threatening numerous children who ranged in age from 4 to 16 for more than twenty years before being brought to justice. When he learned that a Jacksonville detective was tracking him, Morris fled to Ohio. He was arrested arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and returned to Cherokee County for trial.