November 4, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Michael Kevin Adams, 53, of Frisco, was sentenced to Life in prison without the possibility for parole for the capital murder of his ex-fiance, Nicole Leger, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In March 2013 in Frisco, Denton County, Adams abducted and sexually assaulted Leger and threatened to kill her.  Eventually he released her, and she reported his crimes to the Frisco Police Department.  Adams was arrested, but posted bond on the Denton County offenses.

Leger moved to Melissa in Collin County to hide out from Adams, renting a house in a friend’s name.  She also put the utilities in another’s name to avoid detection.  Adams, who worked for a vehicle repossession company, used a GPS tracking device to locate her new home and by phone threatened to kill her if she testified against him in the Denton County cases.  Adams’ work computer revealed searches for and routes to her home in Melissa.

On September 9, 2013, Adams entered Leger’s home and shot her twice in the head, killing her. Investigators from the Melissa Police Department, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Rangers collected DNA, digital evidence from Adams’ work computer, and firearms comparison evidence.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for capital murder which carried an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.  Judge Ray Wheless pronounced sentence drawing the two week trial to a close.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Paul Anfosso, Thomas Ashworth, and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland and Keith Henslee.  Ranger Reuben Mankin and Melissa Police Captain Kyle Babcock were the chief investigators in the case.

#####

November 4, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Robert Arthur Moses, 63, of Frisco, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-wife, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On January 14, 2015, friends reported that Anna Moses, a University of Texas at Dallas administrator and master’s student, had been missing since the evening before.  Frisco Police responded to her home for a welfare check and discovered Anna’s body in her garage.  She was lying on her back with mail strewn around her and her purse nearby.  It appeared that she arrived home after work and was shot multiple times, before entering her home, including three in her back, two in her chest, and one to her throat.  A seventh bullet grazed her and was found in her clothing. While it did not appear that anyone had tried to break into her home, police did determine that her car was missing.

As part of the investigation, Anna’s friends and co-workers were interviewed as well as Anna’s ex-husband, Robert Moses.  During the interview, Texas Ranger Reuben Mankin noticed a small cut on Robert’s Moses’ right hand.  Though he denied having anything to do with Anna’s murder, he did agree to give a DNA sample to police.

Hours after Anna’s body was discovered, Frisco officer William Lo located Anna’s car about a block and a half away from her house.  Officer Lo immediately noticed that the driver seat had what appeared to be a small blood stain on the right side.  Forensic scientists from the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab processed the car locating an additional blood stain on the seat and a blood smear on the center console.  These blood samples were processed and through DNA analysis, Robert Moses could not be excluded as a contributor of the blood found in the car.  Friends and associates of Anna were ruled out as suspects based on the estimated time of death, toll road records, surveillance video and other evidence.

The jury found Robert Moses guilty of murder.  After additional evidence, the jury sentenced Moses to life in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cynthia Walker, Lisa King and Bobby Huber.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Jared Clark.  The case was investigated by Detective Brian Tschudy from the Frisco Police Department and Texas Ranger Reuben Mankin.  Judge Scott Becker presided over the case.

#####

October 21, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this 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 October 21-23 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

October 19, 2016

McKinney, Texas – James Dalton Smith, 55, of Melissa, was sentenced last week to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In September 2009, Smith began sexually abusing a 9 year old child who was known to him.  That abuse continued until the child reached the age of 13.  The child ultimately disclosed the sexual abuse to her older sister who immediately contacted the Melissa Police Department.  Melissa Police requested help from the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, and Collin County Child Abuse Task Force Investigator Gerald Burk investigated.  The child disclosed specific details of the sexual abuse during her forensic interview with Eli Molina of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and two counts of Indecency with a Child by Contact.  The jury then sentenced him to 30 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse.  The jury also sentenced Smith to 4 years in prison on each of the two Indecency counts.  The sentences will run concurrently.  Smith will not be eligible for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Shannon Miller and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers.

#####

October 7, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Eric Quinones, 36, of Carrollton, was sentenced to 32 years in prison without parole for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under Six (6), announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In April 2008, Quinones sexually assaulted a 4 year old girl known to him.  The child moved to Dallas County soon after with her mother, and Quinones continued to sexually abuse the child. The child ultimately disclosed the sexual abuse to her mother when she was 11 years old.  A report was immediately filed with the Carrollton Police Department.

Carrollton Detective Dena Williams investigated the case.  The child provided details of the assaults to both the detective and also during a forensic interview with Ray Lara of the Dallas County Children’s Advocacy Center.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under (6).  Judge Keith Dean then sentenced Quinones to 32 years in prison.  Quinones will not be eligible for parole.  Quinones also faces continuous sexual abuse charges in Dallas County.

Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Preston and Lindsey Wynne prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey.

#####

October 7, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Christopher Ryan Wall, 32, of Plano, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On February 6, 2015, Plano Police officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a crash at the intersection of Independence Parkway and Parkhaven Drive.  Witnesses reported that Wall’s black BMW was travelling at a high rate of speed while southbound on Independence when it struck the left front driver’s side of a red Mazda turning left from Parkhaven.  The driver of the red Mazda, Rita Deysarkar, was found unresponsive and in critical condition. She was rushed to Plano Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery for internal injuries.  She remained in a coma for over a month.  Wall sustained only minor injuries and was released to police custody from the hospital.

Plano Police Officer Morgan Helmberger interviewed Wall, who showed signs of intoxication and admitted coming from a local bar.  Officer Helmberger secured a search warrant for Wall’s blood, which showed an alcohol concentration of .110 nearly four hours after the accident.  Officer Steven Van Note and Officer Frank Benjamin, both experts in crash reconstruction, determined that Wall’s vehicle was traveling 114 mph at the time of impact.  The posted speed limit is 40 mph.  Both officers determined that based on Wall’s speed, the terrain, and lack of visibility, Ms. Deysarkar could not have seen Wall’s vehicle in time to prevent the accident.  She continues to suffer from her injuries.

Wall pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon before Judge Benjamin Smith, who after hearing the evidence, sentenced Wall to 20 years in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Ryan King and Lisa King.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Kenny Newton.

#####

October 3, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Son T. Nguyen, 71, of Richardson, was sentenced to 29 years in prison without parole for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under Six (6), announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On August 29, 2015, Nguyen sexually assaulted a 4 year old girl who was in his girlfriend’s care. When the little girl’s mother picked her up from the babysitter’s house in the evening, the girl immediately told her mother that her private part hurt. When asked why, the little girl described what Nguyen had done.

The girl’s mother immediately took her daughter to the pediatrician and soon thereafter to the REACH clinic for a sexual assault exam. Dr. Kristin Reeder conducted the medical exam and collected DNA evidence and clothing from the girl. DNA analysis results showed that Nguyen could not be excluded as a match for the DNA collected from the girl and her clothing.

Plano Police Department Detective Danny Bryeans lead the criminal investigation. Days after the sexual assault, Lisa Martinez, from the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, conducted two forensic interviews with the girl during which she was able to describe what Nguyen had done to her.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under (6) before sentencing Nguyen to 29 years in prison without parole.

Judge Richard Davis presided over the jury trial. Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Preston and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey.

#####

September 30, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this 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 at local hospitals 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 this weekend is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

September 26, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Zachary Elliot Callens, 18, of Frisco, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his mother and father, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On August 11, 2014, Frisco Police officers responded to a 911 call of shots fired at a home near Coit and Shepherds Hill.  When Frisco police officers responded, they discovered Ryan and Maria Callens deceased in their bedroom.  Both had been shot and killed.  Police also found a rifle on the floor outside the master bedroom.  The rifle had a flashlight attached to it by duct tape.

The victim’s 16-year-old son, Zachary Callens, was located outside the residence near his sister when police arrived.  Frisco Officer Hinton Butler heard Callens explain to his sister that “he did it.”  When she asked him if the murders were his plan, he indicated to her that it was.  Multiple items of evidence were collected from the scene including the rifle with the flashlight, as well as duct tape and bullets found in Callens’ bedroom.  DNA evidence linked Callens to the flashlight and the duct tape on the rifle.

Frisco Det. Daniel Bardwell and Sgt. Nelson Walter led the investigation and charged the juvenile with the murder of his parents. Callens was later certified to stand trial as an adult.

The jury found Callens guilty of both murders and assessed punishment at life in prison for each. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Danette Broome and Cynthia Walker. They were aided by DA Investigator Jared Clark.

#####

September 16, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Connie Sue Cason, 49, of Garland, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for two counts of Manslaughter, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On August 25, 2013, just after 9 a.m., Dale and Laura Thomas left their home in Lucas to attend Sunday church service at East Fork Baptist Church in McKinney, where Dale taught Bible school and both sang in the choir.  Less than a mile from their home, they entered the two-lane, mile-long bridge over Lake Lavon on FM 3286. Cason, heading in the opposite direction, suddenly veered across the yellow divider lane directly into the Thomas’ lane of travel.  Driver Dale Thomas attempted to avoid Cason’s vehicle by moving onto the shoulder, but Cason hit the Thomas’ truck head-on at approximately 60 miles per hour, pinning their truck and pushing it backwards along the guardrail of the bridge.

Laura Thomas was killed instantly.  Dale Thomas was alive upon arrival of fire department and EMS personnel, but was pronounced dead a short time later at Medical Center of Plano.  Cason told emergency personnel on scene that she believed she fell asleep.  Emergency personnel transported Cason to Medical Center of Plano, where she told medical staff that she smoked methamphetamine earlier that morning. Cason’s medical records also indicated that methamphetamine was present in her body.

Cason was charged with two counts of Manslaughter for recklessly causing the Thomas’ deaths by failing to maintain a single lane, failing to control her vehicle, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to timely apply her brakes, failing to stay awake, and for the introduction of an illegal controlled substance into her body prior to operating a motor vehicle.

The jury convicted Cason on both counts of Manslaughter with a Deadly Weapon and sentenced her to 15 years in prison.

The case was investigated by several DPS troopers, including Senior Corporal Shannon Thomas. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Cynthia Walker prosecuted the case, aided by DA Investigator Mike Smith.

#####

August 31, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this Labor Day 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 at local hospitals 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 Labor Day weekend is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

August 26, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Edwin Romero, 33, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for Aggravated Robbery and Burglary of a Habitation, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On March 17, 2015, the victim came home and was immediately confronted by Romero inside her home. Romero, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and gloves, held her at gunpoint, demanded cash and gold, and instructed her not to look at him.  He ransacked the master bedroom, bathroom and closet, then locked the victim in the closet and left the residence.  Plano officers responded and discovered the glass patio door shattered.

On April 1, 2015, Romero broke into another home in Plano through a window in the back of the home, occupied by a mother and her baby.  He forced them into a bathroom and ransacked the master bedroom and closet. Romero took her jewelry and left.  Plano crime scene officers recovered a shoe imprint on the screen that had been removed from the broken window.  A neighbor’s surveillance video showed a gold Honda CRV in front of the home.  The driver knocked on the front door, and when there was no answer, drove around to the alley.  Video also showed a person wearing dark clothing walking quickly from the alley into the backyard.  Police used the license tag to locate the vehicle and begin surveillance on the CRV and Honda Odyssey associated with the same person.

On April 2, 2015, Romero broke into yet another home, this time in Frisco.  He held a screw driver to her neck and threatened to kill her while forcibly taking off her gold wedding ring.  She positively identified Romero in a line-up.

Plano Intelligence Unit tracked the Odyssey driving through residential streets and alleys in Garland, Richardson, and Plano.  During a traffic stop 11 days later, Romero ran from the police, who found a grey hooded sweatshirt and gloves in the Odyssey.  A search of Romero’s home recovered a glass breaking tool, jewelry, cash, and shoes matching the type and size of the imprint left on the window screen.  Romero’s cell phone records also placed him at the time and locations of the break-ins.
The jury convicted Romero of Aggravated Robbery and Burglary of a Habitation.  Punishment evidence showed Romero’s previous convictions for three burglaries as well as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.  Judge Scott Becker assessed a life sentence on both cases.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Wes Wynne prosecuted the cases and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Jared Clark. Plano Det. Cathy Stamm led the investigation with Det. Aaron Benzick’s assistance.

#####

August 2, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Paul Alexander Tanner, Sr., 86, of Fairview, was sentenced to life in prison for two counts of Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In May of 2013, Paul Alexander Tanner, Sr. lived with his son, 59, and grandson, 23, on 84 acres in Fairview, Texas.  The Tanners were being evicted from the home. A neighbor heard gunshots coming from the Tanner home on May 14, 2013.

Police discovered the victims’ bodies on May 17, 2013. Both victims had been shot twice.  Police tracked Tanner to a hotel in Addison, Texas, where he was found unresponsive after ingesting medications and wine.

Prosecutors presented evidence of his son’s blood on Tanner’s pants.  Tanner’s cell phone records placed him near the home around the time of the murders.  The murder weapon was never found.

The jury convicted Tanner of both counts of Murder.  Judge Ray Wheless sentenced Tanner to life in prison.

The case was investigated by Kyle Nevil with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and Reuben Mankin with the Texas Rangers.  Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Thomas Ashworth and Courtney Neel prosecuted the case, aided by DA Investigators Keith Henslee and Laurie Gibbs.

#####

July 29, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this 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 at local hospitals 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 29-31, 2016 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

July 1, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Luis Estrada, 58, of McKinney will serve 25 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “The jury’s verdict punishes the perpetrator and protects other children,” added Willis.

The young victim was known to Estrada, who perpetrated the abuse during the child’s caretaker’s absence.  The child disclosed the abuse the next day, and the child was taken to a nearby hospital for an exam.  The exam results corroborated the child’s disclosure.  Even more details came to light during the child’s forensic interview at the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center.

McKinney Police Detective Ursula Watson investigated the case and was assisted by Detective Adrian Guzman.  During Estrada’s interview by Detective Guzman, Estrada admitted some of the details of his conduct but denied others.

The child testified at trial about the details of the assault and the acts committed against him by Estrada.  The jury returned guilty verdicts and sentenced Estrada to 25 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under Six and three years for Indecency with a Child. Estrada will not be eligible for parole.  Senior District Judge Richard Davis presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Zeke Fortenberry and Sarah Preston prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers.

#####

June 30, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Fourth of July 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 this July Fourth Weekend is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

June 28, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Nathaniel Alexander Caldwell, 35, of Wylie was sentenced to 28 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In September of 2013, Oklahoma authorities received a tip that Caldwell was sexually abusing a child he knew. Based on that tip, the child was forensically interviewed in October 2013, but made no disclosure of abuse at that time.  In March of 2014, a second tip to Oklahoma Child Protective Services again suggested sexual abuse by Caldwell.  The child was forensically interviewed a second time and made significant and detailed disclosures about the abuse and when it occurred.  The information obtained indicated the sexual abuse occurred in Wylie, Texas where the child lived previously.

Wylie Police Department Det. Helen Taylor led an investigation that included employment records showing time frames Caldwell had access to the victim.  The victim’s medical records were obtained and documented physical complaints by the victim. Each piece of evidence corroborated the victim’s outcry of sexual abuse.

The victim testified at trial about the sexual abuse.  She was able to recall the details of the assault and said that it hurt her and made her cry.

Senior District Judge Richard Davis found Caldwell guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of Six and sentenced Caldwell to 28 years in prison.  Caldwell will not be eligible for parole, and once released must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Zeke Fortenberry prosecuted the case and was assisted by Investigator Greg Bowers.

#####

June 10, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Lacie Dee Pardun, 32, of Rowlett, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Manslaughter, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “The judge and jury absolutely did right by holding her accountable for the death of Russell Neis, and yet no one can give the widow back her husband, or the two kids back their father,” added Willis.

On December 13, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., Pardun was driving southbound on Hwy 78, a two lane roadway, at speeds reaching 89 mph.  Just outside of Blue Ridge, and after passing several vehicles, she came upon the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA) of McKinney traveling northbound in the opposite direction.

The CMA was having their “Project Christmas” toy drive to provide toys to underprivileged children.  The CMA was traveling with approximately ten riders in formation, followed by two cars that included the toys to be delivered.

The speeding Pardun slammed into a pickup in front of her that was also traveling southbound. She then spun into the oncoming lane of travel, striking and killing Russell Neis, who was the last motorcyclist in the CMA formation.  Neis’ wife saw what happened, as she was in one of the two toy-filled cars following the formation.

Pardun was charged with recklessly causing the victim’s death by failing to keep a proper lookout, timely apply her brakes, control her speed, and failing to maintain a single lane.  The investigation also uncovered amphetamine and marijuana in Pardun’s system at the time of the collision.

The jury convicted Pardun of Manslaughter with a Deadly Weapon.  Judge Wheless decided punishment after considering additional evidence, which included Pardun’s felony probation for debit card abuse, her prior misdemeanor convictions, and her driving record that included two other crashes.  Wheless sentenced Pardun to 10 years in prison.

The case was investigated by several DPS troopers, including Sgt. Hunter Lewis. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Paul Anfosso and Courtney Neel prosecuted the case, aided by DA Investigator Keith Henslee.

#####

May 27, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Collin County Criminal District Attorney Greg Willis announced today his office is conducting a Drive Sober intiative for the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, May 27th – 30th, 2016.  “Conducting a Drive Sober event helps law enforcement get more intoxicated drivers off the roadways and ultimately saves lives.  Our aim is to keep our citizens safe by preventing DWI activity this Memorial Day weekend,” added Willis.  Texans can avoid adding to the toll of drunk driving by following the law, planning a safe ride home, designating a sober driver, or calling a taxi, Uber, or a friend so they can be picked up.

How Does It Work?
In Texas, and in all fifty states, anyone driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 is considered legally intoxicated.  Under the Drive Sober program, police officers may seek blood search warrants for offenders who are arrested for DWI and refuse the officer’s request for blood alcohol testing.  Local judges will be available to make probable cause determinations and authorize the blood search warrants. Nurses will also work through the night to assist police officers with these investigations.

Why is the District Attorney Involved?
The Collin County District Attorney’s mission is to pursue justice and protect the community.  In keeping with this mission, the DA’s office works with local law enforcement and State agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.  Those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that May 27-30, 2016 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

May 23, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Ubaldo Zapuche-Landaverde, 37, of Celina, was sentenced to 35 years in prison without parole for repeated sexual assaults of a child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “The jury made sure he won’t be hurting any more children,” added Willis.

In September of 2014, authorities received a tip that Zapuche-Landaverde was sexually abusing a 15 year old female known to the family.  Based on the tip, a Sheriff’s deputy went to her school to meet with the victim and took her to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County for a forensic interview.  During the interview, she gave corroborating details of five years of ongoing sexual abuse, starting at age 10, at various locations in Collin County.

Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Gerald Burke led the investigation.  He was assisted by Investigator Billy Lanier’s interview of Zapuche-Landaverde.

The jury found Zapuche-Landaverde guilty on all counts and sentenced him to 35 years in prison without parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child, 15 years for each of two counts of indecency with a child, and 10 years for the third indecency count.  The sentences are concurrent.

Assistant District Attorneys Zeke Fortenberry and Ryan King prosecuted the case and were assisted by Investigator Greg Bowers.  Senior District Judge Richard Davis presided.

#####