Paul Merritt Sentenced to Life for Home Invasion

Paul Merritt, a 74-year-old registered sex offender, has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for a violent home invasion in Denton, Texas, where he physically assaulted and restrained a woman. The incident occurred on November 18, 2022, when the victim reported that Merritt broke into her home, attacked her, and stole her credit card after restraining her for approximately two hours. Denton police quickly identified Merritt through surveillance footage and arrested him the same day, during which he confessed to the crimes and admitted to violating his sex offender registration requirements. He was sentenced to life for burglary of habitation with intent to commit another felony and an additional 20 years for failing to comply with sex offender registration laws. The police department commended the collaborative efforts of their team in promptly resolving the case. Merritt's history of sexual offenses and his stalking behavior were highlighted during the investigations.