(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that 28-year-old Kyvontre Elmore of Dallas has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Jose “Antonio” Acosta Galvan. The jury found Elmore guilty of Capital Murder after reviewing damning evidence, including surveillance footage and videos Elmore posted on Instagram before the crime.

The Crime: On January 10, 2023, Antonio was sitting in his truck outside his apartment, talking to a coworker on the phone, when Elmore approached and attempted to carjack him. Antonio resisted, and Elmore shot him multiple times before driving away in the stolen truck. Neighbors who witnessed the incident called 911 and described the suspect’s clothing. That night, the truck was found abandoned and set on fire in Dallas.

The Investigation: Detectives from the Dallas Police Department, led by Detective Michael Nealey, worked tirelessly to track Elmore after the crime. Using surveillance footage from nearby businesses, they pieced together his movements, tracing him from the burning truck to a parking lot where he purchased a scooter. The footage also captured Elmore riding the scooter to another location before being picked up by a Lyft driver. Detective Nealey’s interview with the Lyft driver revealed that Elmore was dropped off at his girlfriend’s apartment in McKinney.

Dallas Police, with critical assistance from McKinney Police Department officers, began surveillance of the apartment complex. Just eight days after the murder, McKinney officers arrested Elmore outside the apartment while he was riding the same scooter purchased after the crime.

DPD Detective Frank Serra played a key role in analyzing Elmore’s phone records. His investigation revealed that Elmore traveled to the area just before the murder, turned off his phone during the crime, and later returned to the location where the truck was burned. Additionally, Euless Police Officer Jarad Hawthorne recovered a gun during an unrelated arrest two months later. Forensic analysis by April Kendrick, Firearms Supervisor at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, confirmed it was the murder weapon.

The Instagram Evidence: Elmore’s Instagram account provided crucial evidence. Videos posted on the day of the murder showed him wearing clothing that matched witness descriptions. In one video, recorded just over an hour before the murder, Elmore pulled a gun from his jacket and flashed it on camera. Messages from the same day revealed that after fleeing to McKinney, Elmore attempted to trade the gun.

The Verdict: The jury found Elmore guilty of Capital Murder. Texas law mandates a life sentence without the possibility of parole in such cases where the death penalty is not sought. Presiding Judge George Flint imposed the mandatory sentence.

Statement from DA Greg Willis: “We are thankful for the outstanding work of the Dallas Police Department in piecing together this case. From surveillance footage to phone data and even Elmore’s own Instagram posts, the evidence left no doubt about his guilt,” said Willis. “This verdict delivers justice for Antonio and his family and permanently removes a cold-blooded killer from our streets.”

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jamin Daly and Ashlyn Scott prosecuted the case, with support from District Attorney Investigator Michael Bennett and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.

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October 22, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that 39-year-old Cameron Moffett of Melissa, Texas, has been sentenced to a total of 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Indecency with a Child.

Moffett, who was known to the victim and had ongoing access, abused the minor over a period of two years, starting when the victim was 14 years old. The victim’s mother discovered the offenses after finding text messages in which Moffett discussed and admitted to his actions. Another child in the home witnessed some of the abuse.

Investigator Brandon Polk of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. The victim provided details during a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.

Initially set for trial in January 2024, Moffett was released on bond but cut off his ankle monitor and fled the day before the trial. After two months as a fugitive, he was apprehended by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. At the time of his arrest, he was found living with a woman and her 14-year-old daughter. Deputy Gene Blaylock dedicated over 200 hours to locating him.

After pleading guilty to all charges, Moffett chose to have a jury determine his punishment. Each charge—Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child—is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. Considering the severity of his offenses and his attempt to evade justice, the jury imposed the maximum sentence of 20 years for each charge.

Visiting Judge Kim Cooks granted the state’s request to have the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total 60-year sentence.

“This predator thought he could evade justice, but thanks to the courage of a vigilant mother and the relentless efforts of law enforcement, he’s now where he belongs,” said District Attorney Greg Willis. “This 60-year sentence ensures he can never harm another child, and it sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such heinous crimes in our community.”

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alex Haynes and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.

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October 17, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that Sergio Cardenas-Salinas, 30, of Houston, Texas, has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for leading an organized criminal operation responsible for a series of high-profile home burglaries across Collin County. Cardenas-Salinas was convicted by a Collin County jury for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a first-degree felony.

Between July 16, 2023, and September 5, 2023, ten residents of Plano, Prosper, and McKinney fell victim to brazen home invasions targeting gold, jewelry, and cash. After an intense investigation led by the Plano Police Department, detectives identified a vehicle tied to the suspects. On September 5, 2023, the police tracked this vehicle, leading to the arrest of nine individuals responsible for the string of burglaries.

The investigation revealed that the burglary ring consisted of individuals from Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela based in Houston. They specifically targeted residents of Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent, believing that they store large amounts of cash and valuables in their homes.

Plano Police Detectives Jaime Witkin, Chad Williams, and Jonathan Hay meticulously gathered phone records, surveillance footage, and other evidence to link Cardenas-Salinas and his crew to the burglaries. Their investigation confirmed that Cardenas-Salinas was the ringleader, giving instructions on which homes to target and how to distribute the stolen gold.

Cardenas-Salinas, a citizen of Honduras, had been deported twice from the United States for illegal entry. Despite this, he reentered the country and masterminded these burglaries. He pleaded guilty to the charge of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a crime punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison. In addition to the burglary convictions, the prosecution presented evidence of Cardenas-Salinas’ prior criminal history, including a conviction for attempted deadly conduct, for which he previously served six months in state prison.

In choosing to have the jury determine his punishment, Cardenas-Salinas was handed a 37-year sentence.

“Collin County will not tolerate criminal illegal aliens targeting our law-abiding citizens,” said District Attorney Greg Willis. “Cardenas-Salinas had no right to be in this county, let alone this country. This lengthy prison sentence sends a clear message: we will protect our community from those who come here to commit crimes.”

Judge Richard Davis presided over the trial and sentencing. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, with support from Assistant District Attorney Allison Barber and District Attorney Investigator Matthew Mayes.

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October 8, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Robert Crolley, 43, of Plano, Texas, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury. This follows a jury’s guilty verdict.

On March 3, 2023, Plano Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire at the intersection of Parker Road and Ranier Road around 12:50 A.M. Among the calls was a distressing plea from the victim: “I’m dying! I’m dying!” Upon arrival, officers found the victim—an Uber driver—barely conscious in the driver’s seat, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He had just dropped off a passenger moments before the attack. The suspect had fled the scene.

Plano first responders administered life-saving treatment, but the victim lost vital signs en route to Medical City Plano. Trauma surgeons managed to revive him, though he spent over three months in the hospital and continues to require ongoing medical care due to the severity of his injuries.

Through diligent work, including multiple interviews with eyewitnesses and a review of surveillance footage from nearby businesses, Plano Police and its lead Detective Justin Duffy were able to identify Crolley as the shooter.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Crolley told three different stories. Text messages retrieved from Crolley’s cellphone revealed that he told his roommate the next morning that he needed to hide his car in the garage because he was driving drunk and he thought an officer had followed him. When detectives interviewed Crolley soon after, he told the police that he was not out that night and that several other people often drive the car involved. Then, when Crolley was ultimately arrested on the charge, he called his roommate from jail and told him that he did shoot the victim, but it was in self-defense after the victim pulled a gun on him. He told the roommate he “should be fine if [he] can just convince a jury.”

At trial, Crolley maintained his claim of self-defense, but there was no evidence that the victim ever brandished a firearm during the brief encounter, or would have even had the opportunity. The jury rejected Crolley’s self-defense claim and found him guilty.

Under Texas law, aggravated assault becomes a first-degree felony when a firearm is discharged from a vehicle into another occupied vehicle, causing serious bodily injury. The punishment for this crime ranges from 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

During the sentencing phase, the jury also learned of Crolley’s prior felony conviction for Grand Larceny and a misdemeanor conviction for Simple Assault and Battery, both in South Carolina. Based on this, the jury sentenced him to 40 years in prison and imposed a $4,000 fine. Judge George Flint presided over the trial.

“Road rage is a threat to every driver on our roads, and it has no place in Collin County,” said District Attorney Willis after the sentencing. “This victim didn’t know his attacker and did nothing wrong—he was just doing his job, when he nearly lost his life.”

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Madison Young and Mollie Thompson prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Mike Bennett.

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(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis today announced that Kendall Thigpen-Watkins, 34, has been sentenced to life in prison for the attempted capital murder of his 8-year-old son.

On June 23, 2023, McKinney police received a 911 call from Thigpen-Watkins’s wife, who reported that he had contacted her with threats to hang himself and their autistic son. At the time, the couple was undergoing a divorce, and Thigpen-Watkins was alone at home with their child. Responding officers arrived at the residence and attempted to communicate with Thigpen-Watkins, who initially indicated he would come out to speak with them. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to get him to exit the house, officers, concerned for the child’s safety, decided to breach the front door.

As officers entered the home, they witnessed Thigpen-Watkins jumping from the second-floor bannister while holding his son in his arms. Both were hanging from separate ropes tied around their necks. Officer Jason Ogburn immediately ran to the child, lifted him up, and was able to cut him down before he sustained life-threatening injuries. Officers Joe Mendez, Aaron Seymour, and Zachary Hamilton assisted and were also able to cut down Thigpen-Watkins. Thanks to the swift actions of the officers, the child suffered only rope burns to his neck and no internal injuries.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury found Thigpen-Watkins guilty of attempted capital murder.

During the trial, witness testimony revealed that Thigpen-Watkins had admitted to stalking his ex-wife throughout the divorce proceedings, frequently appearing unannounced. These actions escalated, culminating in an incident where he pulled a gun and fired a shot at a third party.

Presiding over the trial, Judge Angela Tucker sentenced Thigpen-Watkins to life in prison, the maximum sentence permitted by law.

“Thanks to the swift and courageous actions of McKinney officers, this child’s life was saved from a tragic fate at the hands of the very person who should have protected him,” stated District Attorney Willis after the sentencing. “We hope that this life sentence brings justice and a sense of safety to the child and his mother as they begin the healing process.”

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashlyn Scott and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, with support from District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs and Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller.

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(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’ office secured a 60-year, no-parole sentence for Shawn Darfour, 36, of Dallas, Texas, for repeated sexual abuse of a child after a jury found him guilty.

Darfour had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Darfour began sexually abusing the then-9 year old child. Darfour would regularly pay the child $20 not to tell anyone. After about a year, Darfour’s relationship with the child’s family ended and he no longer had access to the child. But it was not until the child was 13, in April of 2023, that the child mustered the courage to report the abuse to the mother.

McKinney Police Department Detective Alyssa Rolen investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Darfour guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony carrying a punishment range of 25 years to life in prison. During the punishment phase of trial, the jury heard about the Defendant’s previous convictions for Burglary of a Habitation, dealing drugs, and unlawful carrying of weapons.

After finding Darfour guilty, the jury assessed punishment at 60 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Willis expressed after the sentencing: “We are deeply thankful for the adults who stood by this child and helped them find their voice in the justice system. But our greatest gratitude goes to the jury, who ensured this predator will never, ever harm another child.”

Visiting Judge Faith Johnson presided over the case. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Wendy Correa and Charles Brazell prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Jennifer Gomez, Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.

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September 5, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 50 year no-parole sentence for Quadriel Forest, 32, of Dallas, Texas for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child after a jury found him guilty.

Forest was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of 5 years, beginning when the child was age 4 and continuing until the child was 9 years old. Forest abused the child in multiple cities, including Dallas and McKinney, Texas. The victim disclosed the abuse to the school counselor at age 9 following an assault that occurred the day before. The school reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, which then initiated a law enforcement investigation.

McKinney Police Department Detective Alyssa Rolen investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the victim disclosed details about the abuse. The child then underwent a sexual assault nurse examination (commonly known as a “SANE Exam”), which led to the discovery of Forest’s DNA on the child’s body. A law enforcement search of the child’s room revealed the presence of semen on the walls of the room. Forest attempted to explain to detectives why his semen would be in the child’s room by explaining that he had masturbated in the child’s room, but he could not explain away why his DNA was found on the child’s inner thighs.

The jury found Forest guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first-degree felony carrying a punishment range of 25-99 years or life in prison. After finding Forest guilty, the jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case.

“This child’s courage in speaking up about years of abuse to a trusted adult brought crucial evidence to light in court. I’m deeply thankful for the school staff, CPS, law enforcement, my prosecutors, and our jurors who all worked together to ensure this child’s predator will serve 50 straight years with no chance of parole,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Abbie Adkins and Baileigh Hale prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Voigt-Eanes and Laurie Gibbs, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur.

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August 20, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 30-year prison sentence for Denzel Johnson, 30, of Allen, Texas, after a jury found him guilty of Possession with Intent to Deliver more than 4 grams, but less than 200 grams of fentanyl.

On December 11, 2022, McKinney Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance at a gas station. The officers found Johnson trying to leave the parking lot in his vehicle and observed Johnson under the influence of some substance. While speaking to Johnson, officers observed a firearm in the driver side floorboard. After a search of the remainder of the vehicle, officers found an envelope containing 60 blue pills, that later forensic testing revealed contained fentanyl and were manufactured to look like Percocet pills. In addition to the fentanyl and firearm, Johnson was also found to have over $7,000 cash on his person.

The punishment phase followed the jury’s finding of guilt. The jury heard that the Allen Police Department had arrested Johnson three times in 2022, all involving fentanyl related offenses. Johnson was able to post bond on these offenses shortly after his arrest. One of those offenses was an October 2022 charge where drugs that Johnson sold were linked by investigators to the death of a 27 year-old individual. The jury heard that Johnson continued to possess significant amounts of fentanyl with intent to sell it up until his arrest in December. The jury also saw evidence from Johnson’s phone, dating back over a year, detailing him selling fentanyl to several other people in North Texas.

The jury assessed punishment at 30 years in prison.

“Fentanyl dealers are dealing death. Johnson did that in October 2022, and despite the consequences, he didn’t stop. Thankfully, law enforcement stepped in and likely saved another life by arresting him again in December. My office will keep pushing for tough prison sentences for anyone selling fentanyl,” said Willis after the sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ashlyn Scott and Ellie Gonzalez prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey.

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August 5, 2024

District Attorney Greg Willis announced that the fall session of the highly rated Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CCCPA) will begin September 5^th.

Prosecutors are sworn to seek justice in every case, and the CCCPA offers a behind the scenes look at the process. Participants selected through the competitive application process will learn from, and engage with, the finest prosecutors, investigators, detectives, and judges in the field. The unique opportunity sheds light on the daily operations and builds a partnership with the community.

Our free, 12-week program will be held each Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Click here to
read more or complete the online application by August 12, 2024. Call Shelly Pingsterhaus at
972-548-4478 with questions. Additional requirements:

• Participants must pass a background check
• Attendance requirements must be met for successful completion
• Must be at least 18 years of age

CCCPA participants learn the role of the DA and the criminal justice system through open dialogue with the District Attorney’s leadership, while connecting with their community. Upon completion they’ll be ready to share their insights about how the District Attorney’s office partners with law enforcement agencies to pursue justice and protect our community.

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June 25, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a life without parole sentence for Brandon Dale, 43, of Dallas, for his brutal robbery and murder of a Sachse father, after a jury found him guilty of Capital Murder.

On June 7, 2021, the Sachse Police Department responded to a welfare check for a resident who had not reported to work. Upon arrival, officers discovered the homeowner deceased. It was apparent that the victim had been dead for a few days. Surveillance footage from a neighbor revealed three individuals entering the victim’s home with him just before midnight on June 4th. The same individuals were later seen loading items, including two of the victim’s vehicles, and leaving the premises after 2 AM on June 5th. The victim was not seen again. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and sharp force injuries.

Around the same time as the welfare check, off-duty Dallas Police Officer Jerry Cox observed a truck being abandoned in a private parking lot. An investigation by Sachse PD Detective Chris Burns and Texas Ranger David Armstrong identified the truck as belonging to the deceased. It was also discovered that the individual abandoning the truck was involved in the murder. The victim’s family reported that along with the two missing vehicles, several electronics, including the victim’s phone, and other personal items were stolen during the incident.

Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Joshua Duncan analyzed cell phone location data, confirming the presence of all three suspects at the crime scene. The final activity from the victim’s phone was traced to a storage facility owned by Brandon Dale, just two hours after the murder. Wylie Police Department Detective Chris Meehan uncovered text messages on Dale’s phone, revealing plans to rob and kill the victim within 24 hours leading up to the murder. All three suspects were arrested and charged with capital murder.

After presenting the evidence at trial, the jury found Brandon Dale guilty of capital murder. In cases where the death penalty is not sought, a life sentence without the possibility of parole is mandatory for capital murder convictions. Visiting Judge James Pruitt presided over the trial.

“Dale’s conviction was only possible due to the relentless and meticulous efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. The victim was a generous and respected member of our community, and the brutal nature of his death highlights Brandon Dale’s greed and violence. With Dale now behind bars for life, our community is safer,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Christina Skipper and Calli Bailey prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.

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June 18, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that as a result of a joint state and federal investigation, Esmeralda Upton, 59, of Plano, pled guilty to four state Hate Crime charges related to an incident outside of the Sixty Vines Restaurant in Plano in August of 2022.

Upton was convicted on Friday of three misdemeanor Assault charges and one misdemeanor charge of Terroristic Threat involving four separate victims. Each charge included the Texas Hate Crime enhancement alleging that Upton intentionally selected the victim because of Upton’s bias and prejudice against the victim’s race and national origin.

According to investigative documents and video from the scene, on August 24, 2022, outside of the Sixty Vines Restaurant in Plano, Upton physically assaulted three women and threatened a fourth while making racially charged statements towards them. Several of the victims then began recording the crime on their cell phones. All four victims are of South Asian descent. Even after Plano Police arrived on the scene, Upton continued her racially charged comments and was eventually arrested on state charges.

“As Americans, we should all be able to enjoy our Constitutional liberties, free and secure from this type of racially motivated assault. Indeed, America is the only nation on earth defined more by its ideals than by race or ethnicity. I’d like to thank United States Attorney Damien Diggs and his prosecutors, the Plano Police Department, and the FBI Dallas Field Office for their work and partnership on this important case,” said Willis.

Upton was sentenced to two years of community supervision probation and 40 days confinement in the Collin County Jail for each of the cases. The incarceration will be served concurrently, and Upton was assessed a fine of $500 in each case.

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June 7, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced the indictments and arrests of three individuals related to the 2018 death of Julia Wells, 18, on the North Dallas Tollway.

The Collin County Grand Jury returned three indictments against Mark Alan Dailey, 51, of Plano for Trafficking Resulting in Death, Trafficking, and Compelling Prostitution. The Grand Jury also indicted Nikki Jordan, 48, of Ft. Worth for Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution, and Anna Hudson, 42, of Mabank for Trafficking. These indictments were handed down by a Collin County Grand Jury on May 2^nd, 2024, and these individuals were arrested by law enforcement on June 4^th, 2024.

“These indictments and arrests mark the end of a years-long multi-agency investigation into the death of Julia Wells, and hopefully this will serve as the first step in seeking justice for Julia in a court of law,” said Willis. “Sex trafficking will not be tolerated in Texas and I’d like to thank all our law enforcement partners for their hard work in helping to secure these indictments, especially Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his prosecutors and investigators working in the Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Section.”

According to the indictments, in April of 2018 Dailey, Jordan, and Hudson were all involved in the trafficking of young women, including Wells and at least one other woman, and Dailey and Jordan were involved in compelling women into committing prostitution.

“Trafficking” is defined by Texas law as transporting, enticing, recruiting, harboring, providing, or otherwise obtaining another person by any means. “Compelling Prostitution” is defined as causing another person by force, threats, coercion, or fraud to commit prostitution.

These cases will be prosecuted by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office with the assistance of the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Ranger Division/Special Operations Group and the Dallas Police Department Homicide Unit both helped in the investigation and the arrests in this case.

Under state Texas law, Trafficking Resulting in Death is a first-degree felony which carries a potential maximum sentence of Life in prison upon a conviction, and Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution are second-degree felonies that carry a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison upon conviction.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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June 5, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announces the indictments of Sheldon Vonshey Evans, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, related to the trafficking, kidnapping, and unlawful sexual contact with a 16 year old child in Richardson, Texas, in December of 2022.

The Collin County Grand Jury returned three indictments on June 4^th against Sheldon Vonshey Evans, for the criminal offenses of Trafficking of a Child, Aggravated Kidnapping and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact.

According to the indictments and the Richardson Police arrest affidavits in this case, in December of 2022 Evans met a 16 year old child in the Atlanta, Georgia area and Evans arranged for the child to travel to Texas. Evans picked up the child at DFW Airport and transported her to his apartment where the sexual assault took place. Evans also purchased lingerie for the child to “look and dress older so she could make money.” Evans told the child to refer to him as “SP” for “Skinny Pimp” or “Daddy.” The child began to fear for her safety and contacted her mother in Georgia. The mother then contacted the Richardson Police Department, who located the child and arrested Evans.

“Sex trafficking will not be tolerated in our community, and I’d like to thank the Richardson Police Department for their rapid response and rescue of this child,” said Willis.

These cases will be prosecuted by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office Child Exploitation Unit (CEU).

Under Texas state law, Trafficking of a Child and Aggravated Kidnapping are both first-degree felony offenses which carry a potential maximum sentence of Life in prison upon a conviction, and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact is a second-degree felony that carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison upon conviction.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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June 4, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 60-year sentence for Tranisa Watts, 26, of Dallas, for shooting her child’s grandmother at a Richardson Starbucks.

Richardson Police Department was dispatched to the Starbucks on Renner Road on April 18, 2022 around 7pm for a shooting in progress. When officers arrived, witnesses pointed out the shooter as the woman, later identified as Tranisa Watts, running past several businesses with a small child in her arms. Watts was detained while additional officers located the victim, Kentoria Edwards, with a gunshot wound to her chest. While Watts initially denied shooting Edwards, an eyewitness who knew both the victim and Watts told police that Watts shot Edwards at the end of an unscheduled visitation that Watts demanded with her child. Edwards, the child’s paternal grandmother, had custody of the child since she was just 3 months old following a CPS investigation into Watts’ ability to care for the child.

For the next three years, Watts declined to follow any normal visitation schedule and would often show up unannounced and cause problems, including physical altercations with the family. When Watts showed up at Edwards’ home on this date, Edwards agreed to meet her in a public place with another family member. When the visit was coming to an end, Watts asked Edwards to stand the child up on the table so that she could say goodbye. But instead of embracing the child, Watts retrieved a gun from her purse, shot Edwards in the chest, and then attempted to flee with the child.

Richardson PD Detective Jules Farmer interviewed Watts following her arrest. While Watts initially claimed self-defense, she admitted to shooting Edwards. She said the entire family was always out to get her and would never let her hold her child. She stated that she had enough and wanted her child back.

Watts pleaded guilty to the offense of murder and accepted the prosecutors’ offer of 60 years in prison, which Judge Jennifer Edgeworth imposed.

“Ms. Edwards was a loving grandmother, mother, wife, and sister. She devoted her life to her family, especially her beloved granddaughter. Watts’ unthinkable act of shooting and murdering her – in front of Watts’ innocent three year old child – has shattered this family. We hope this sentence provides a measure of justice and allows the family the time and space they need to begin the healing process,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey, Lisa Braxton, and Ashley Briggs prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.

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May 29, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured Life in prison for Ocastor Shavon Ferguson, 35, a Jamaican National, for the murder of his girlfriend, Kayla Kelley.

On January 12, 2023, a burned up car located by the Frisco Police Department in a nearby unincorporated area of Collin County.  Sergeant Jay Reim of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Ranger Thomas FitzPatrick responded to the scene. A check of the car’s VIN number linked it to a McKinney woman who had recently gone missing, Kayla Kelley. Kelley’s family and friends identified “Kevin Brown,” later revealed as Ferguson, as her boyfriend. Ferguson used the Kevin Brown alias for women with whom he desired extramarital relationships. Reim and FitzPatrick obtained cell phone records for both Kelley and Ferguson.

When contacted, Ferguson claimed he hadn’t seen Kelley and she wasn’t responding to his messages. Allen Police Department Detective Keith Compton performed a forensic examination on Fergusons’ phone, which revealed multiple relationships, including with his wife and Kelley. On the night Kelley went missing, she sent messages from Ferguson’s phone to his other girlfriends stating he had both a girlfriend and a wife. That was the Kelley’s last communication.

Sheriff’s Office investigators Joshua Duncan and Travis Monk traced Ferguson’s cell phone data to a wooded area near his home, where Kelley’s body was found in a shallow grave, face down and unclothed. Surveillance footage showed Ferguson stealing a gas can from Walmart, filling it, and buying a lighter. Lyft records placed him near the burned car. Ranger FitzPatrick testified Ferguson texted Kelley’s phone after her death to create an alibi. Dr. Stacey Murthy of the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Kelley died from asphyxiation.

The jury found Ferguson guilty of murder. During sentencing, prosecutors presented evidence of a pending Tarrant County case, Evading in a Motor Vehicle. Ferguson took the stand and testified that he was kidnapped by three men the day Kelley went missing, and did not know what happened to her, a story he never mentioned while investigators were still searching for her body.

The jury sentenced Ferguson to life in prison. “Ferguson lied constantly, from the investigation to his sentencing testimony. But this jury saw through it all and gave him the life sentence he deserved. We’re thankful for the jury’s clear vision and for the dedication of Ranger FitzPatrick and Sgt. Reim and others in finding Kayla and bringing Ferguson to justice,” observed Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kailey Gillman and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland and Assistant Criminal District Attorney John Rolater.

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May 16, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s Office secured a Life sentence for McKinney man, Joel Jesus Torres, 24, who fatally shot his fiancée.

On November 14, 2021, McKinney officers were dispatched to a “shots fired” call on Kingsway Lane in McKinney.  The caller was Joel Torres, who advised to dispatch that he accidentally shot his fiancée, Shailene Velez, while trying to clear his semi-automatic handgun.  Upon arrival, Torres told authorities that he was trying to clear the weapon of a jammed bullet while the magazine was out of the gun, and must have accidentally pulled the trigger.  Torres advised he was walking toward the victim and shot her approximately 4 to 5 feet away.  Torres agreed to speak to McKinney Police Department Sergeant Brett Ward and Detective Jose Quiles and maintained his story of an accidental shooting.

At trial, Torres was confronted with many inconsistencies in comparison to the crime scene, which included surveillance video of a dispute between he and the victim shortly before the shooting, a live round chambered into the weapon, and an apparent staged crime scene.  Additional, Victim Velez’s injuries were inconsistent with Torres’s story, and Collin County Medical Examiner Stephanie Burton testified that the victim was shot from approximately 9 inches away due to the gunpowder soot and stippling surrounding the wound.

A jury found Torres guilty of murder.

During the punishment phase, prosecutors presented evidence of Torres’s criminal history, including two Collin County charges of felony delivery of a controlled substance, as well as text messages, photos, and videos Detective Nolan Palmer recovered on Torres’s cell phone showing both the sale and possession of multiple felony controlled substances and possession of firearms.

Torres’s phone also revealed messages detailing the troubled and violent nature of his relationship with the deceased victim. Additionally, DA Investigator Sarah Putman testified to her personal knowledge of Torres as a former Student Resource Officer at Frisco High School. Investigator Putman testified regarding Torres documented history of anger and violence towards classmates, teachers, and the SROs, which resulted in alternative discipline programs and in school suspensions. Lastly, the jury heard about numerous disciplinary infractions Torres has had during his time in custody at the Collin County jail while awaiting trial.

The jury assessed punishment at life in prison.

Visiting judge Ray Wheless presided over the trial.

“No matter how many lies or twists Torres told, the evidence told the true story and the jury saw him for who he really was. He murdered someone he was supposed to love and one day marry. May he spend every day of the rest of his life in prison thinking about that,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cresta Garland and Alex Oestriech prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon and Victim Assistance Coordinators Melissa White and Jill Moore.

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April 25, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 31 year no-parole sentence for an abuser’s sexual assault of a child.

Paul Wilbanks, 50, of Justin, Texas, was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of 3 years, beginning when the child was approximately 6 years old and continuing until the child was 9 years old. The abuse occurred in multiple cities, including Aubrey, Frisco, Richardson, and Plano. The victim disclosed the abuse to the victim’s mother at age 9. The victim’s mother then reported the abuse to the victim’s therapist. The victim’s therapist then reported the abuse to Child Protective Services, which then initiated a law enforcement investigation.

Frisco Police Department Detective Olga Chavez investigated the case. The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where she disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Wilbanks guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony carrying a punishment range of 25-99 years or life in prison. After finding Wilbanks guilty, the jury assessed punishment at 31 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge John R. Roach, Jr. presided over the case.

“Every day, we hear devastating stories of children harmed by those they trusted, suffering in silence for years until a brave outcry ends their abuse. And we rely on our citizens to serve as jurors and decide the rightful justice in these cases. We remain profoundly thankful for everyone – past, present, and future – who supported and supports this child through such unthinkable trauma,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Baileigh Hale and Mollie Thompson prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinators Melissa White and Valerie Miller, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur.

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April 16, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 52-year with no-parole sentence for an abuser’s repeated sexual assault of a child starting when the child was 9 years old, and continuing until the child was 13.

Joseph Ray, 41, of Princeton, Texas, was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the child. In July of 2022, the then 14 year old victim outcried to a family friend, detailing Ray ‘s abuse between the ages of 9 to 13. Victim said that during the abuse Ray would play pornographic videos to teach the victim new sexual acts, saying: “that’s what we’re going to do later.”

When Ray was arrested, his cell phone was collected by law enforcement. Officers found hundreds of images of child exploitation material on Ray’s phone.

Richardson Police Department Detective Austin Trice investigated the case, which covered additional locations within Collin County. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Ray guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony carrying a punishment range of 25 years to life in prison. Judge Richard Beacom presided over the case.

After finding Ray guilty, the jury assessed punishment at 52 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

“This child not only endured 5 years of sexual abuse from someone close to the family, but this abuser also exposed the child to explicit videos and acts that can have a lasting impact on an innocently young and impressionable mind. We hope this child is able to forget those images one day and rest easier knowing he will spend the rest of his natural life in prison,” stated Willis after the sentence.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alex Haynes and Wendy Correa prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Ryan Harvey, Victim Assistance Valerie Miller, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.

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April 9, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 20 year sentence for a member of the Texas prison gang Tango Blast who assaulted a police officer while resisting arrest. Salvador Jove, 32, of Royse City, Texas, was sentenced to prison by a jury for the second degree felony offense of Assault on a Peace Officer.

On July 4, 2022, at 12:29 a.m., Officer Jeffrey Jarvi of the Plano Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance outside of the Plano Police Headquarters. Upon arrival, Officer Jarvi made contact with Jove, who was standing shirtless outside of a woman’s vehicle. Officer Jarvi learned that Jove had been harassing the woman by repeatedly banging on her window and refusing to leave. Officer Jarvi then began speaking to Jove, who showed multiple signs of intoxication and began telling Officer Jarvi that he “could be a troublemaker.” While Officer Jarvi was arresting Jove for public intoxication, Jove began to actively resist. Once Jove was finally placed in handcuffs, Jove then began to threaten Officer Jarvi. As Officer Jarvi was trying to get Jove into the back of a police car, Jove then violently kicked Officer Jarvi in the chest. Officer Jarvi was able to finally secure Jove in the police car, and both Jovi and Officer Jarvi were unharmed.

During the punishment phase of trial, the jury heard that Jove had previously been to prison for three Burglary of a Habitation charges, one of which similarly involved Jove violently kicking an officer while resisting arrest. The jury also heard testimony from Plano Police Detective David Farrington about Jove’s affiliation with the Tango Blast prison gang. After consideration of all the evidence in the case, the jury assessed Jove’s punishment at 20 years confinement in prison. “This prison gangster has a clear history of resisting and assaulting law enforcement during his arrests. Considering his criminal resume, this jury no doubt shared the same sentiments as my office in wanting to take this repeat offender out of our community for as long as possible,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Charles Brazell and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey.

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April 3, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 35 year prison sentence for long-time drug dealer Monica Gonzales, 37, of McKinney, Texas.

On May 30, 2023, Detective Joe Arp of the McKinney Police Department conducted a covert narcotics investigation at the Super 8 Motel in McKinney, Texas where he witnessed a vehicle approach a known suspect and engage in a hand-to-hand drug transaction. Detective Arp followed the vehicle as it left the parking lot and saw a traffic violation a few blocks later. Detective Arp radioed for another officer to conduct a traffic stop.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Cary Wittwer immediately noticed the strong odor of marijuana. Gonzales was a passenger in the car. While still inside the car, Gonzales handed a small baggie of marijuana to Officer Jonathan Losawyer. Officer Wittwer then pulled Gonzales out of the vehicle and asked if she had any other drugs on her person. She reached up the leg of her shorts and pulled out two bags of methamphetamine.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was 34.9 grams. Plano Police Department Narcotics Detective David Farrington testified as an expert to explain why the amount of methamphetamine Gonzales had was not for personal use. A personal use amount of methamphetamine is 0.2 grams, so Gonzales had over 170 doses with her at the time.

After Gonzales pleaded guilty, a jury assessed her punishment. The jury heard evidence that Gonzales had a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2006, including two prior prison trips for drug dealing and possession in 2016 and 2020, respectively. Officer Wittwer testified about an encounter he had with Gonzales just two weeks before this arrest. Gonzales was in a car with her 15-year-old son as well as two other individuals. Officer Wittwer conducted a traffic stop and immediately noticed the odor of marijuana. Officer Wittwer conducted a probable cause search of Gonzales’ son, who had 52 grams of methamphetamine in multiple baggies hidden in various parts of his pants and boots.

After hearing Gonzales’ criminal history, and considering the facts of this offense, the jury sentenced Gonzales to 35 years in prison. “We’ve seen this before: a repeat offender who hasn’t changed despite multiple prison sentences. Now, it seems she’s passing these harmful habits to her son, or at the very least, not protecting him from this destructive path. Rest assured, my office will not back down. We’re committed to clear our streets of harmful influences,” remarked Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Abbie Adkins and Luke Calhoun prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Michael Coleman.

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