A Shreveport man who mentored youth at a local school will serve 20 years in prison for molesting a youth.
Mario Tamon Willis, 29, was sentenced by Caddo District Judge John Mosely Jr. to the term, to be served at hard labor without probation, parole or reduction in sentence, at a sentencing hearing Tuesday, August 1, 2017. He also must register as a sex offender.
Willis pleaded guilty as charged April 28 to molestation of a juvenile over the course of more than a year.
Willis ingratiated himself with his male victim when the youth was 13 and began a sexual relationship the following year. The victim now is 18 years old. Willis was an adult volunteer, well-known in the community for his work with youth and church, and was a mentor to the victim and others at Woodlawn Leadership Academy. He testified at his hearing that he felt a 14-year-old was old enough to give informed consent.
Willis was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ron Stamps. He was defended by Paul Carmouche.