July 19, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – James Schafer, 35, of Allen, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Schafer sexually abused a child related to him for several years beginning when she was 6 years old. Local law enforcement first became aware of the abuse in 2016 when Schafer told family members in Michigan about what he had done to the child. Michigan State Police were contacted and the case was referred to Allen Police Department once it was determined that the multiple instances of sexual assault occurred in Texas.

Lisa Martinez with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse.  Allen Police Department Detective Michelle Peel investigated the case.

Schafer pled guilty to the offense and Judge James Fry assessed the agreed punishment at 40 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers.

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July 19, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge.  On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood.  Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that July 21-23 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

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July 7, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Brandon McPhearson, 20, of McKinney was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

McPhearson lived with a relative in McKinney during a time that two children unrelated to him were frequently at the residence.  The first child disclosed the abuse during a forensic interview on an unrelated matter at Alliance for Children in Arlington.  Based on her disclosure, a forensic interview was set up for the second child who also disclosed abuse by McPhearson.  Once it was determined the offenses happened in McKinney, McKinney Police Detective Chris Kennedy was assigned to the case and conducted an investigation.

McPhearson entered an agreed plea of guilty in exchange for a 30 year sentence.  Both victims and their family were present for the plea.  The victims’ mother gave a victim impact statement and also read a statement written by one of the victims.  Judge James Fry presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Preston prosecuted the cases, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, as well as District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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June 23, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Nahun Gutierrez, 22, of Farmersville was sentenced to 35 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In 2015, Gutierrez had repeated sexual contact with an 8 year old child known to him.  In July 2016, the child told school classmates about the abuse; school personnel reported the child’s outcry to authorities. Lydia Connor with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse.  Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chris Fontana collected items identified during the forensic interview and submitted them for DNA testing.  Those items were later confirmed to have biological evidence belonging to Gutierrez.

The jury returned guilty verdicts.  Judge Richard Davis presided over the trial and sentenced Gutierrez to 35 years in prison without the possibility for parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 10 years in prison for a related charge of Indecency with a Child.

Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Preston and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, as well as District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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June 15, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Henry Fletcher, 81, of Farmersville, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Disabled Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Special needs children are the most vulnerable members of our community and anyone that harms them will be vigorously prosecuted,” said Willis.

In June of 2015, the child went for a walk near her house in Farmersville.  Fletcher, who did not know the child, coaxed her into his car.  Fletcher took her to his house where he sexually assaulted her.  After the assault, Fletcher dropped the child off a few blocks from her house.  She ran home and immediately told her parents.  A sexual assault exam yielded biological material that was later compared to Fletcher’s DNA.  DNA analysis confirmed Fletcher as the perpetrator.  At the time of the offense, the intellectually disabled child was 14 years old.  Fletcher was 79 years old.

Farmersville Police Department Officer William Redding responded first to the scene and Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Child Abuse Task Force Investigator Danny Stasik investigated the case.

Judge Barnett Walker found Fletcher guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Disabled Child and assessed punishment at 40 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Keil and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

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June 14, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge. On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood. Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that June 16-18 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

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June 9, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Daniel Ortega, 22, of Plano, was sentenced to 41 years in prison without parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Ortega was well acquainted with the family and had ongoing access to the child. He sexually abused the victim multiple times weekly over a three year period, beginning when the child was nine. After the child moved away, the child told her mother about Ortega’s abuse.

Plano Police Department Detective Kristina McClain investigated the case, assisted by Jeff Davis County Sheriff Deputy Jerry Walker. Big Bend Advocacy Center’s Shana Sullivan forensically interviewed the child, who out-cried in detail about the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict, after which the parties agreed upon the punishment of 41 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 20 years in prison for a related charge on which the jury also found Ortega guilty, Indecency with a Child.

Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Eanes and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs. Judge Barnett Walker presided over the trial and assessed the agreed sentence.

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June 1, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – David Ruiz, 37, of Arizona City, Arizona, received life in prison for Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Ruiz met the 25 year-old male victim in May of 2008, at a lab study in Austin, Texas.  The victim offered to let Ruiz stay at an apartment with him and a friend in Plano, Texas after learning Ruiz had nowhere to stay.

On May 31, 2008, Plano Police responded to a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance.  Witnesses in the apartment next door reported they heard arguing, saw the victim’s body thrown against the window, watched him fall to the ground and observed a pool of blood form at his feet.  Ruiz then went back onto the balcony and made statements about killing the victim.  When the neighbors went to check on the victim, they saw Ruiz run out of the apartment with a knife.  While the victim’s friend tried to stop the bleeding, the neighbors attempted to catch Ruiz but ultimately lost him behind some nearby businesses.  The victim was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead before doctors could operate.  An autopsy revealed that the victim died from multiple stab wounds.

Ruiz remained on the run for almost 8 years until he was arrested crossing the border from Mexico into Arizona in January of 2016.  Judge Scott Becker convicted Ruiz of the Murder.

During punishment, the State offered evidence of Ruiz’s prior convictions for other violent crimes as well as evidence of warrants for aggravated assault that were pending in Arizona at the time of the Plano, Texas murder.  Judge Becker sentenced Ruiz to life in prison.

The case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and lead Detective Beth Spillman.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Cynthia Walker.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigators Jared Clark and J.D. Spielman.

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June 1, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – David Ruiz, 37, of Arizona City, Arizona, received life in prison for Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Ruiz met the 25 year-old male victim in May of 2008, at a lab study in Austin, Texas.  The victim offered to let Ruiz stay at an apartment with him and a friend in Plano, Texas after learning Ruiz had nowhere to stay.

On May 31, 2008, Plano Police responded to a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance.  Witnesses in the apartment next door reported they heard arguing, saw the victim’s body thrown against the window, watched him fall to the ground and observed a pool of blood form at his feet. Ruiz then went back onto the balcony and made statements about killing the victim.  When the neighbors went to check on the victim, they saw Ruiz run out of the apartment with a knife.  While the victim’s friend tried to stop the bleeding, the neighbors attempted to catch Ruiz but ultimately lost him behind some nearby businesses.   The victim was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead before doctors could operate.  An autopsy revealed that the victim died from multiple stab wounds.

Ruiz remained on the run for almost 8 years until he was arrested crossing the border from Mexico into Arizona in January of 2016.  Judge Scott Becker convicted Ruiz of the Murder.

During punishment, the State offered evidence of Ruiz’s prior convictions for other violent crimes as well as evidence of warrants for aggravated assault that were pending in Arizona at the time of the Plano, Texas murder.  Judge Becker sentenced Ruiz to life in prison.

The case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and lead Detective Beth Spillman. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Cynthia Walker. They were aided by District Attorney Investigators Jared Clark and J.D. Spielman.  Judge Scott Becker presided over the case.

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May 16, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge.  On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood.  Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that May 19-21 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

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May 11, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Kenneth Amyx, 46, of Garland, was found guilty of Murder and sentenced to life in prison, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On May 29, 2016, a female victim known to Amyx was found dead in her apartment in Plano, Texas.  Plano Police received multiple welfare concern calls after photos showing the victim bleeding on her floor were sent to family members and posted to Facebook.  Upon making entry into the apartment, Plano officers found Amyx lying on top of the victim in the master bedroom.  She died at the scene from multiple lacerations to her body. Amyx was treated for superficial wounds.  During an interview, Amyx confessed to causing the victim’s fatal injuries and posting the photos on Facebook as part of a claimed suicide pact.

But the evidence did not support Amyx’s claim that the victim had agreed to a suicide pact. Judge Scott Becker found Amyx guilty of murder. During punishment, the judge heard that Amyx was wanted in Rockwall County for continuous sexual abuse of a female child relative at the time of the murder.  Amyx testified that he did not regret killing the victim and also admitted to multiple acts of sexual abuse of the child.  The judge assessed a life sentence.

The case was investigated by Plano Police Department, including Detectives Paul Martinez, Jonathan Hay, and Aaron Benzick.  Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Doug Millican and Calli Bailey prosecuted the case, aided by DA Investigator Laurie Gibbs.

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May 8, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Hilario Santiago, 46, of McKinney, was sentenced to 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Jury trial testimony showed that Santiago lived in the child’s home as a family roommate and had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim for many years, beginning when the child was 6 years of age.  Santiago would pull the child into his bedroom, instruct her to pull down her pants, and abuse the child. After each incident of abuse, Santiago would threaten to kill the child’s loved ones if she told anyone about what happened.  The child eventually told her parents that Santiago had “tried” to touch her and her parents kicked Santiago out of the house.  Over a year later, the child told her brother and her aunt that Santiago had done “bad things” to her and the child’s parents called the police.

McKinney Police Department Officer Bruno Sequeira was the first responder and Detective Jennifer Grounds investigated the case.  The victim was forensically interviewed by Eli Molina with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. During the forensic interview, the child gave a detailed account of the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict and Judge Richard Davis assessed punishment at 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Eanes and Stephanie Strickland and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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May 5, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Jody Alan Howland, 53, of Mount Clemens, Michigan, was sentenced to life in prison by a jury for the sexual assault of a Plano woman, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Sexual predators should never get away with their crimes, and this case proves law enforcement never forgets.”

During the early morning hours of December 12, 2003, an unknown man attacked and sexually assaulted a Plano woman in her apartment after she returned from taking trash to the apartment dumpster.  The woman called 911 and reported the assault.  Plano Police responded and transported the woman to a local hospital, where a sexual assault nurse examiner collected evidence for a sexual assault kit. Police then submitted the sexual assault kit to the Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory for DNA testing.  The forensic scientists detected and developed a DNA profile for a male suspect. However, when the profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), no suspect emerged.  Plano detectives continued to develop leads to solve the case.

In 2015, Howland was convicted of a drug offense in the State of Michigan.  Though he received probation for the offense, he was required by Michigan law to submit a DNA sample.  When the sample was entered into CODIS, Howland’s profile matched the unknown DNA profile for this offense as well as two other sexual assaults, one that occurred in Dallas, Texas, in 2004 and the other in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2001.  After confirming the CODIS hit by comparing Howland’s actual DNA to the unknown DNA profile for the Plano sexual assault, detectives also determined that Howland lived in Wylie, Texas during 2003.  His address was only five miles away from the victim’s apartment where the Plano sexual assault occurred.

A Collin County jury returned a guilty verdict on two counts of sexual assault.  During sentencing, the jury learned that Howland had several prior felony convictions, which enhanced the punishment range to 25-99 years or life for each count. The jury assessed a life sentence for each count. District Judge Scott Becker presided over the trial.

The case was investigated by Plano Police Detectives Beth Chaney and Brian Pfahning.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cynthia Walker and Bobby Huber.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Jared Clark.

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April 24, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Temmie Cooley, 51, of Dallas, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 80 years for Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “While this verdict doesn’t bring their loved one back, justice has finally been served after 27 years,” added Willis.

On November 25, 1989, the body of the female victim was found dumped in a ditch along County Road 140 in Plano, Texas.  She was found nude from the waist down, partially covered with a red sweater.  The cause of death was determined to be ligature strangulation.  Plano Police Department investigated the case in 1989 and interviewed several family members, friends, and co-workers of the victim, including Cooley.  Cooley and the victim worked together at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.  Through witness interviews, Plano Police Detective Tom Gramm learned that the victim and Cooley may have been involved in a romantic relationship.  Cooley denied this at the time and no arrest was made in 1989.  The case was re-opened in 2003, but still no arrest was made until 2014, when detectives obtained a DNA sample from Cooley which matched sperm collected in a sexual assault kit from the victim back in 1989.  Over the course of 25 years, Cooley was interviewed several times.  In each of his interviews, he denied any kind of sexual relationship with the victim until confronted with the DNA match.  Cooley ultimately admitted to the sexual relationship, but provided inconsistent statements as to his whereabouts the night of the murder and the last time he saw her.  Cooley never confessed to the murder, but he also never denied killing the victim over the 25-year investigation.

The jury heard facts regarding a subsequent murder committed by Cooley.  In 2001, Cooley confessed to strangling a Kaufman County woman with a purse strap.  Cooley had been having an affair with the woman at the time of the murder.  There were several similarities between the 2001 murder and the murder of the victim.  Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case and assessed the sentence.

The case was investigated by Plano Police Department, including Detectives Tom Gramm in 1989, Billy Meeks in 2003, and Beth Spillman in 2014.  Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Wes Wynne and Calli Bailey prosecuted the case, aided by DA Investigator Mike Smith.

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April 19, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge.  On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood.  Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that April 21-23 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

April 3, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Adam Milligan, 37, of Frisco was sentenced by a jury to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “What this man did was absolutely horrific.  But this victim’s courage and the jury’s verdict ensure he won’t terrorize any more women” added Willis.

Frisco police responded to the victim’s residence shortly after 3:00 am on August 8, 2015.  Milligan, who knew the victim, entered the victim’s home hours earlier when she was not home and without her consent. Once she returned home, Milligan restrained her hands and feet and then sexually assaulted her for over an hour. The assault ended when Milligan placed a pillow over her face and attempted to suffocate and strangle the victim with his hands.  The victim told police that Milligan had turned on a video camera during the assault.  Police were later able to locate and preserve the recording for trial.

Frisco Detective Daniel Bardwell led a strong investigation, during which time and afterwards Frisco Victim Advocate Haleh Cochran provided support to the victim.  Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Sexual Assault Response Team Program Manager for The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center, Robyn Bowles, testified about the Sexual Assault Nurse Examination she completed just hours after the assault.  Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case.

The jury heard evidence during the punishment phase of trial of prior bad acts which had not resulted in convictions, including another sexual assault and attempted sexual assaults of two other women.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kim Laseter and Holly Griffin, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Robin Laughon, Jon Hooper, and Kim Voigt-Eanes.  District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Jenni Ball and Collin County District Attorney Therapy Dog, Winston, provided support for the victim during the trial.

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March 15, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge.  On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood. Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that March 17 – 20 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

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March 1, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Mohammad Ali, 46, of Plano was sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to seven counts of indecency with a child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This perpetrator preyed upon young teenaged girls who trusted him to do his job right.  In the end, it was the courage of these very girls that helped us catch him and hold him accountable.  He won’t be preying on any more children.”

Ali was employed as a phlebotomist at Children’s Medical Center of Plano.  The initial victim came forward in December 2015 after Ali inappropriately touched her over her clothing while she was having her blood drawn by Ali in the laboratory.  After the first report, five additional victims reported offenses that occurred between August and December of 2015.  Each victim reported similar inappropriate touching by Ali over their clothes during blood draws.  The victims were between 12 and 15 years of age at the time of the incidents. Plano Police Detective Chris Jones investigated each case.

Ali pled guilty in exchange for the 19 year sentence on Friday.  The maximum sentence for this second degree felony is 20 years.  Some of the victims and their families were present for the plea.  The victims who were present for the plea gave statements about how Ali’s abuse impacted them.  Judge Richard Davis presided over the case and sentenced Ali.

Ali began working at the CMC lab in March of 2015.  Ali was initially placed on administrative leave from the hospital but was ultimately terminated prior to being arrested for three counts of indecency with a child in January of 2016.  Children’s Medical Center cooperated with the Plano Police Department throughout the criminal investigation.

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Preston prosecuted the cases, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Ryan Harvey and Greg Bowers, as well as District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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February 21, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Matthew Allen, 32, of Princeton was sentenced to 35 years in prison without parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child and indecency with a child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Allen began molesting a child known to him from the time she was she was 9 years old until she was 14 years old.  The child’s father found out about the abuse, and contacted Child Protective Services, who began the investigation.  The case was also simultaneously investigated by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.  CPS Investigator Kalyn Rosser set up a forensic interview, where the victim described the progression of sexual abuse.  The abuse began in Texas, continued in another state, and concluded back in Texas.

On Thursday, the jury returned guilty verdicts on one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child and two counts of indecency with a child.  Allen will serve 35 years in the Texas Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.  Judge Ray Wheless presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Shannon Miller and Peter Ganyard prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers, Oscar Perez, and Matt Mayes, as well as District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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February 21, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Ali L. Ghanbari, 24, of Plano, who was extradited from Mexico to stand trial in Texas, was sentenced to 27 years for Aggravated Robbery, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On November 21, 2012, Ghanbari recruited two other individuals to commit a robbery at an apartment complex near Custer and 15th Street in Plano, Texas. The intended victim had previously purchased marijuana from Ghanbari on four occasions, but no longer wanted Ghanbari’s business.  Ghanbari planned the robbery in retaliation and supplied the firearms used in the offense.

The first suspect that entered the apartment was shot and killed by a civilian in self-defense. Ghanbari fled the scene but left his cell phone in the deceased’s car, which was later turned over to Plano Police and the assigned Detectives Daniel Caballero and Brian Pfahning.  During their investigation, those same detectives uncovered text messages planning the crime between Ghanbari and the deceased.  Ghanbari was arrested in January 2013 for his role in the offense but got out of jail 21 days later after posting a $150,000 bond.

In October 2013, Ghanbari was required to appear for a court hearing due to a subsequent arrest for possession of marijuana, a violation of his bond.  Ghanbari left the courthouse before the hearing began and fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution.  In November 2015, he was extradited back to Texas with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Jared Clark.

On Friday, the jury convicted Ghanbari of Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and sentenced Ghanbari to 27 years in prison. Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Doug Millican prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.

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