Houston CEO faces up to decade behind bars for drugging and raping female employees
HOUSTON, Texas -- A Houston businessman who admitted to drugging and raping female employees now faces 10 years behind bars. Henri Morris, 67, signed a plea deal before his trial could even get underway.
After a six-hour jury selection and opening statements on Tuesday, Morris elected to enter a guilty plea before trial could start on Wednesday morning.
"We came this morning ready to call our first witness," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Zack, who, along with Suzanne Elmilady, prepared for months for a trial that ultimately did not happen.
"What happened was a complete surprise to everyone, including me," said Morris' defense attorney Dan Cogdell. "He wanted to accept responsibility for what he did."
Morris, the CEO of Houston-based Edible Software, pleaded guilty to one of five counts against him. The other four counts were dismissed.
"He drugged my drinks at (a) lounge ... took pictures of me ... and sexually assaulted me," one of the victims told Eyewitness News.
Five women who worked with Morris in some capacity said they took mandatory business trips with him, during which they would have a drink at the hotel lobby. From there, the women can't remember much else.
"The count (to which he pleaded guilty) involving the photographs was the most difficult count- no question, because of the nature of the photographs," said Cogdell. "They're offensive to anybody."
Morris is now a convicted felon and will have to register as a sex offender.
"It sends a message to victims that if you come forward, you will be heard and it will be investigated and people will believe you," said Zack.
One of the victims gave us her reaction to Wednesday's plea agreement, saying she is satisfied, relieved and ready to move on with her life.
"It's a win for the complaining witnesses because they don't have to testify," said Cogdell. "It's a win (for Morris) because his exposure is greatly lessened. So, both sides walk away with something."
There are still pending civil lawsuits against both Morris and his software company.
Morris is in custody, where he will remain until his sentencing in February. He is getting credit for time served. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, followed by at least five years on supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.
