Longview Man Draws Prison Term

GILMER – A Longview man is going to prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Danny Ray Copeland, 42, pled guilty is state district court in Upshur County. He received a 40 year prison sentenced for aggravated sexual assault of a child, 10 years in prison for indecency with a child and 10 years in prison on a second charge of indecency with a child. The three sentences will run concurrently. Copeland is also under indictment in Gregg County, and as part of Friday’s plea agreement, he will plead guilty to Sexual Performance of a Child, a second degree felony, and receive a 20 year prison sentence to run concurrently with his Upshur County sentences.

Copeland will not become eligible for parole until he completes one-half of his prison sentence. Upon release, he will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.