An East Texas man was sentenced to 11 life sentences last Thursday and if it were up the judge, he would have gotten even more time.

Dallas Morning News reports that a Cherokee County jury found Kevin Ray Morris Sr., 56, guilty of 34 counts of child abuse. Morris sexually assaulted and threatened multiple children between the ages of 4 and 16, over the course of 20 years. Judge Chris Day gave the “monster” and additional 450 years on top of the 11 life sentences.

“You are a monster. If I could give you more time to serve, I would.”

During Morris’ trial, the state presented an overwhelming amount of evidence that showed a long trail of child molestation and sexual assault incidents that Morris committed against numerous children, dating back to the early 1990s.  Jacksonville police Lt. James Oden refused to give up throughout the years. He continued to gather evidence against Morris, even after the convicted pedophile fled to Ohio, where he was eventually arrested. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Morris back to Texas to stand trial for his heinous acts.

District Attorney Elmer C. Beckworth Jr. commented on the bravery of the victims; many of them took the stand, opening up past wounds to ensure that Morris stayed locked up forever.

“This case is a story about the bravery of children who were willing to stand up and fight, and a detective who wouldn’t give up,” said Beckworth Jr.

In addition to his sentences, Day tacked on a $340,000 fine against Morris.

[Feature Photo: Police Handout]