NC Man Sentenced To 90 Years For Sexually Assaulting Children In Prince William County

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A North Carolina man will spend decades in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting multiple children in Prince William County. The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney announced the sentencing on Monday.

The offender, 40-year-old Billy Riggs, pleaded guilty to one count of rape and four counts of aggravated sexual battery last year. On Friday, a judge sentenced him to 90 years in prison.

In 2019, the Prince William County Police Department began an investigation after a child told school officials that an acquaintance sexually assaulted them multiple times. The assaults occurred between July 2011 and December 2013, when the victim was between 4 and 6 years old.

During their investigation, authorities identified another victim who was 9 years old. Later, two more victims came forward and said Riggs sexually assaulted them.

Riggs was arrested in North Carolina in November 2019 and later extradited to Prince William County, authorities said.

Amy Ashworth is the Commonwealth's Attorney for Prince William County.

"We are pleased with the sentence in this case. This individual committed offenses on multiple children and as a result, these children will forever be impacted by his actions," Ashworth said. "While we cannot undo the harm that has been done, we can certainly ensure that Billy Riggs does not harm any other children for the rest of his life."

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.