Jefferson Moore Dies In South Texas Prison

A former East Texas daycare owner who was sentenced to prison for the sexual assault of a child has died.

Jefferson Moore, 60, of Flint, was found dead in his South Texas prison cell by his cellmate and prison officials. This information was just released, but Moore's death occured on May 26th.

During his trial in Smith County, Moore was convicted of molesting one of the girls he took care of at the Dogwood City Daycare, which he formerly owned. He was sentenced to life in prison for that offence, and was later sentenced to an additional 10 years for punching a Smith County assistant DA during his trial.

The cause of death appears to be natural causes, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. An autopsy is pending.

ckhalil@kltv.com / Cathryn Khalil