Man sentenced for kidnapping, attacking family

HARRIS COUNTY (KTRK) -- A Harris County Judge gave the maximum sentence possible to one of two men involved in the home invasion, kidnapping and sexual assault of a Webster family.

James Barnett pleaded guilty to two counts of kidnapping and one count of burglary for the March 2013 attack.

Barnett and Charles Jacobson entered the victim's home through an unlocked door. The victims -- a mother, daughter and son -- were held hostage for hours. Police say they were bound with duct tape. Jacobson sexually assaulted both the mother and daughter.

Around 8am the next day, authorities say the suspects kidnapped the victims and drove them to a field in Alvin where they were to be killed.

Prosecutors say the 16-year-old girl showed unbelievable poise Friday in testifying about how she kept her composure that day and helped convince the men not to kill them all.

"She had the wherewithal, she kept her wits about her and she persuaded them with reason to spare their lives, because they're witnesses," said prosecutor Joseph Allard.

After Barnett refused to kill the victims, the men drove the family back to their house where they were forced to clean up evidence that would link the suspects to the crime. Investigators say that's when the son was able to free himself and get the family gun. The suspects fled and were both located by police not far from the home.

Prosecutors said this plea deal helped the victims avoid the stresses of reliving the horrors of that day during trial.

Barnett received 45 years in prison for his role in the attack. Jacobson previously pleaded guilty and received 50 years in prison.

Judge Mike McSpadden chastised Barnett saying, "I wish I could give you more." When Barnett claimed he played some part in sparing the lives of the victim, the judge shot back: "You can never be trusted again and I hope you spend the rest of your life in prison."