CONROE, Texas (April 1, 2025) — In Defense of Animals, applauds the conviction and sentencing of William Mitchell Keen, who was charged with indecent exposure and possession of child pornography..

On March 27, William Keen was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of child pornography and nine years in prison for indecency with a child, with five days credit, to be served consecutively. 

On March 13, 2024, Montgomery County deputies responded to a complaint at a grocery store where it was reported a man was following children and masturbating. This led to the arrest of William Keen on charges of indecent exposure; additional charges of indecency with a child by exposure were also added after some of the children were identified.

On March 27, 2024, he was arrested again and charged with child pornography. 

On November 4, 2024, his wife Joely Keen was sentenced to six months incarceration for a charge of bestiality in connection to this case. 

In Defense of Animals sent a letter signed by 13,204 people to District Attorney Brett Ligon urging maximum sentencing for the Keens including a full term of incarceration, mandated mental health support, and a ban from any animal contact. The letter noted the link between animal cruelty and violent abuse of humans.

“Time and again we see the depth of the despicable exploitation abusers pose to innocent animals and children,” said Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals Senior Campaigner.

In Defense of Animals is experiencing an astounding number of cases of child and animal molestation. The horror is these offenders are so perverse that the loss of their freedom and the destruction of the lives of their victims means nothing to them. They must be removed from society and if paroled this must be strictly monitored.

“People would be naïve to think the bent to violate children and animals is fixable. Prosecutors and judges have to recognize animal abuse is a red flag for pedophilia, domestic violence, and elder abuse,” added Stanley.

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Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal rescue and protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, people, and the environment, through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, central California, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals