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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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May 19, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Tymothy Pfeiffer, 34, of Frisco, was sentenced to life without parole for the Capital Murder of Juan Rodriguez, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In August of 2015, Tymothy Pfeiffer planned the robbery of Juan Rodriguez, a longtime friend.  Because of their previous relationship, Pfeiffer knew Rodriguez kept large sums of money in his apartment.  Pfeiffer bought a gun off the street and he, along with two associates, drove from Farmers Branch to Rodriguez’s apartment in Frisco.  Pfeiffer went up to Rodriguez’s apartment, shot Rodriguez once in the chest, took his phone and wallet, and fled back toward Farmers Branch.  As Rodriguez lay dying in the breezeway, two neighbors attended to him and called 911. The neighbors heard Rodriguez’s final words: “Tym Pfeiffer shot me.”

Frisco Police Department investigators identified Pfeiffer using police reports he had been named in.  They later learned that within an hour of the murder, one of Pfeiffer’s accomplices had pawned Rodriguez’s phone and attempted to use his debit card.  Investigators also used cell phone mapping software to place Pfeiffer inside Rodriguez’s apartment complex at the time of the murder.

Of note was a recorded phone call from the jail between Pfeiffer and his brother.  The brothers engaged in a coded conversation that, when translated, showed that Pfeiffer was at the scene of the murder.
The jury deliberated for two hours before finding Tymothy Pfeiffer guilty of Capital Murder, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Keil and Thomas Ashworth prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon.  Judge John Roach, Jr. presided over the case.

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May 17, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – Erin Falterman, 39, of Prosper was sentenced to 2 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation for multiple sexual assaults of a teenaged boy, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “Even teenaged boys are vulnerable, which is why our laws protect them,” said Willis.

In the summer of 2013, Falterman began making sexual advances towards one of her son’s friends, who was 15 years old at the time.  Falterman offered to pick the boy up from a sports camp one morning when his mother was running late.  When Falterman picked him up, she drove behind a local business and performed a sex act on the boy before returning him home.  A few days later, Falterman took the boy out shopping with her and engaged in multiple sexual acts with the child. Falterman told the boy not to tell, and if he did, she said she would kill herself.  The crime was discovered when one of the boy’s friends posted a reference on social media.  This reference was reported to the Prosper Police Department.

The case was investigated by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office Child Abuse Task Force, of which Prosper is a member.  Investigator Chris Meehan recovered numerous sexually explicit messages sent from Falterman on the boy’s phone.  Many of those messages referenced the sexual encounters and Falterman’s desire to continue the illegal affair.

The jury found Falterman guilty of all three counts of Sexual Assault of a Child and all three counts of Indecency with a Child, and subsequently sentenced her to 2 years in prison on one count and probation for the five remaining counts.  Judge Keith Dean presided over the case. Falterman must serve the 2 year sentence in prison before being released and placed on community supervision for a period of 10 years.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Wes Wynne prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Mike Smith.

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May 6, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Timothy Gregg, 43, of McKinney, received 65 years in prison for repeated sexual abuse of an 8 year old child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This child showed great courage in disclosing the abuse.  And because she did, this predator can’t harm another child,” added Willis.

Gregg began molesting the child in East Texas and continued when the victim’s family moved to Collin County.  Trusted by the family, Gregg spent a lot of time around the child.  The child disclosed the abuse to a grandmother in July 2015.  McKinney PD Investigator Natalie Irwin investigated the case.  The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and provided details of the abuse.  A physical examination, performed by a sexual assault nurse examiner, corroborated the details the child provided.  “These specially trained detectives, interviewers and nurses are vital to holding child predators like Timothy Gregg accountable.  Collin County is fortunate to have these professionals protecting our children,” said Willis.

The jury returned a guilty verdict Thursday for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child and Indecency with a Child.  Judge James R. Fry then sentenced Gregg to 65 years in prison for the continuous sexual abuse and 10 years for indecency with a child.

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

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April 29, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Jitender Singh, 32, of Los Angeles, California, received 17 years in prison for Burglary of a Habitation and 2 years for fraudulent use of information, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “The jury put an end to this victim’s decade long stalking nightmare,” added Willis.

Singh first met the victim while they both attended college in Delhi, India.  Though merely classmates, Singh asked the victim to marry him in 2006.  After she refused his proposal in 2006, Singh began following the victim home and threatened the victim with violence until she graduated in 2007.  When the victim moved to New York to attend school in 2007, Singh continued harassing her, and even assaulted her father in India.  Prosecuted and convicted for the harassment, threats and assault in India, Singh appealed and signed an affidavit agreeing to stay away from the victim in order to continue his studies in the United States.

Once in the US, Singh sought but was denied admission to the university where the victim was enrolled.  That university obtained a criminal trespass order prohibiting Singh from its campus. During the victim’s internship in California, Singh followed her and located her new address.  He went to her residence demanding to see her, and when she refused, he stated, “You can’t hide from me, I will always find you.”  Upon the victim’s return to New York to finish school, the harassment continued.  An IT company hired the victim, who moved to Plano in 2011. Between 2011 and 2014, Singh harassed the victim through phone calls and other electronic means.

In 2014, Singh located the victim’s address in Plano by falsely creating a credit monitoring service account in her name.  While the victim was away, Singh traveled to Plano and broke into her home by convincing a locksmith to unlock her door.  Singh took her passport, social security card, and other documents as well as several pieces of her jewelry.  A suspicious neighbor called 911 and Plano PD officer Michael Weaver and others located Singh in the parking lot of the victim’s apartment with her property.  Detective Brenda Speaker led the fraud investigation.

The jury convicted Singh of Burglary of Habitation and sentenced him to 17 years, out of a possible 20, and assessed a $4,000 fine.  The jury also convicted Singh of Fraudulent Possession or Use of Identifying Information and sentenced him to the maximum sentence of 2 years.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Cynthia Walker. They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Jared Clark.  Retired District Judge Richard Davis presided over the case.

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April 29, 2016

McKinney, Texas – The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program will be conducted in Collin County this weekend, April 29 – May 1, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Why “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”?

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program is an effort to get intoxicated drivers off the road, raise public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and most importantly, to save more lives and prevent injuries on our roadways.  Texans can avoid adding to the toll of drunk driving by following the law, planning a safe ride home, designating a sober driver, or call a taxi, Uber, or a friend so they can be picked up.

How Does It Work?

It is against the law in Texas, and in all fifty States, to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.  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.  If that judge finds probable cause, a licensed healthcare professional will perform a sanitary blood draw.

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 keeps roadways safer by working with local law enforcement and State agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.  The program’s aim is to keep citizens safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that April 29-May 1, 2016 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

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March 7, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Alireza Nikmanesh, age 42, of Dallas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the shooting murder of his boss Kevin Murray, announced Collin County Criminal District Attorney Greg Willis.  “Mr. Murray was widely loved and respected, and our hearts go out to his loved ones and colleagues.  The jury held his murderer accountable,” added Willis.

Trial testimony revealed that Nikmanesh was a delivery driver for Pizza Hut in Plano.  Several coworkers testified that they had altercations with Nikmanesh in the months leading up to the murder.  Victim, Kevin Murray, the area manager for the pizzeria, talked with Nikmanesh on several occasions and attempted to find a good fit for him within the company.  On October 26, 2014, Nikmanesh instigated another disturbance at work, which led to the decision to terminate him.  Murray arranged to meet Nikmanesh on October 30.

On that day, Murray, along with another manager, met with Nikmanesh at the Subway restaurant on Parker and Custer in Plano.  They told him he could no longer work for Pizza Hut.  As Nikmanesh began to leave, Murray followed him outside to give him his final paycheck. Nikmanesh refused to take it, and Murray turned to walk away.  Once Murray’s back was turned, Nikmanesh pulled a gun out of his car and fired eleven shots at Murray, emptying the magazine. Murray was struck a total of ten times, the first seven in the back, and later died as a result.  After shooting Murray, Nikmanesh sat down on the curb and told a witness that he did it because Murray “annoyed” him.  Plano PD Detective Brian Pfahning investigated the case and interviewed Nikmanesh after his arrest.

The jury found Nikmanesh guilty of murder.  During the punishment phase of the trial, coworkers described Murray as a respectful and friendly boss who loved his job and cared about employees. The jury sentenced Nikmanesh to 50 years in prison just after midnight Saturday morning.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Lisa King and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kenny Newton. Judge Ben Smith presided.

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February 29, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Benito Pena Jr., age 33, of Anna, Texas, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 16 year old child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Predators need to know that our teenagers are not fair game, and the jury definitely sent that message,” added Willis.

Around September 2014, Pena began molesting the 16 year old child, who was known to him.  The abuse lasted several months until the child outcried to her mother about the abuse.  A report of the abuse was made to the Anna Police Department.  The Collin County Sheriff’s Office Child Abuse Task Force led by Sgt. Russell Driver investigated, and a forensic interview of the victim took place at the Children’s Advocacy Center.  Information was obtained that Pena had a pantyhose fetish, and that he forced the child to engage in this fetish on numerous occasions.  An extraction of Pena’s cell phone revealed approximately 21,000 photos of women that corroborated his fetish.  DNA evidence corroborated the victim’s description of the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child. During the punishment hearing, the jury considered additional evidence that included jail phone calls, seven sexually explicit video recordings, and evidence of Pena’s previous drug conviction. The jury then sentenced Pena to 16 years in prison out of a possible 20 years.

Assistant District Attorneys Shannon Miller and Lindsey Wynne prosecuted the case with assistance from Investigator Greg Bowers. Judge Ray Wheless presided over the case.

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February 26, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Jose Guzman, age 35, of Dallas, Texas was sentenced to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “The jury made sure that all children will be safe from this child molester for the next 30 years,” added Willis.  “Justice was served.”

Around August 2010, Guzman began molesting the then nine year old child, whom he knew.  Guzman abused the child on several occasions through late 2011.  While being treated for depression years later, the child outcried to her therapist. Plano Police Detective Kristina McClain led the investigation, and a forensic interview of the child led to the arrest of Guzman.

At trial, the victim testified about the ongoing sexual abuse from Guzman describing the details of her abuse.  The jury returned a guilty verdict Thursday for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child and on Friday, the jury sentenced Guzman to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole.  Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Sarah Preston prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland. Judge James Fry presided over the case.

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February 26, 2016

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this 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 February 26 – 28, 2016 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

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February 16, 2016

Gustavo Julian Garcia was executed in Huntsville, Texas. “Justice was done today.  My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In December 1990, in Plano, Texas, Garcia murdered Craig Turski, a store clerk, during a robbery.  Less than a month later, Garcia murdered store clerk Greg Martin during another robbery.  Plano police officers caught Garcia and his accomplices at the scene of the second murder.  Garcia possessed the weapon used in both murders, and he confessed to murdering Turski.  Garcia was tried for Turski’s murder and sentenced to death.  In 1998, Garcia participated in a highly publicized attempt to escape from Death Row with six other inmates.  One inmate died during the escape, and the attempt resulted in Texas opening an entirely new Death Row unit with improved security.  Garcia received a retrial on sentencing in 2001 and again received a sentence of death.

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January 29, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Benjamin Newman, 24, of Dallas, was sentenced to 75 years in prison for Murder announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On April 17, 2014, after already consuming at least three alcoholic beverages, Benjamin Newman drove to the Hangout bar in Plano, to continue drinking with Christopher Brigman and Newman’s former girlfriend. The three drank heavily at the bar until deciding to leave and drive home.  Staff from the Hangout noticed that Brigman appeared intoxicated, and they attempted to stop him from driving home when Newman became confrontational and aggressive. Showing signs that he too was intoxicated, the staff also attempted to prevent Newman from driving home, but Newman was able to leave after bumping a staff member with his car.  The Hangout staff informed Newman before he sped off that they had taken a photo of his license plate and that they would be contacting Plano Police.  After Newman left, Brigman decided to go inside and arrange a ride home.  As Brigman was being escorted back into the Hangout by three staff members, Newman re-entered the parking lot and accelerated his vehicle directly into the men he had just had the confrontation with.  Christopher Brigman was struck and killed, and two staff members were injured, one seriously.  Newman immediately sped off without stopping.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on January 28, 2016 for Murder and two counts of Aggravated Assault.  During punishment, Newman’s former girlfriend testified the defendant had been physically abusive with her on multiple occasions.  Newman was sentenced to 75 years for murder with 20 and 10 years respectively on the aggravated assault counts to run concurrently.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cynthia Walker and Brandon Wonnacott prosecuted the cases and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Smith.  The case was investigated by Plano Detective Brian Pfahning.

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January 29, 2016

McKinney, Texas – Lawrence Parker, Jr., age 43, of Princeton, Texas was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, after a jury convicted him of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “Parker is locked up for life with no parole.  But even that isn’t enough punishment for what he did to this child.  At least we know he will never again have another opportunity to harm a child,” added Willis.

In March of 2015, Princeton police received an online tip that Parker was sexually abusing a child who was known to the family.  Based on the tip, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services began an investigation.  When found after several days, the young girl was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County for a forensic interview.

During that interview, the victim gave gruesome and graphic details of ongoing sexual abuse by Parker which began when she was 13.  Collin County Sheriff Investigator Gerald Burk interviewed Parker on several occasions in which Parker denied any sexual contact with the victim and also claimed she had a mental illness.  In his final interview, Parker confessed to having sex with her more than 25 times.  Parker claimed that the girl sexually attacked him, and his acquiescence was only to help her with her mental illness.

At trial, the victim testified and explained in detail the ongoing sexual abuse she experienced from Parker.  The sexual assaults took place in multiple locations, however, she was able to recall specific instances in Collin County and Dallas County.  The investigation began after the victim reached out to a friend online.

Judge James Fry sentenced Parker to life in prison without the possibility of parole.  Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Zeke Fortenberry prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

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January 29, 2016

McKinney, Texas – According to the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control, 2.1% of Texas drivers report driving after drinking too much, which is higher than the national average of 1.9%. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, in accordance with his office’s mission of pursuing justice and protecting the community, hopes to change that.  The following information is being provided to help keep Collin County roads safe in 2016.

DID YOU KNOW?

The only way to sober up is time.  Drinking water or exercising does not help alcohol leave your system.  Depending on how much you drink you could be intoxicated many hours after you stop drinking.

You can be intoxicated and not have consumed any alcohol.  In Texas you can be intoxicated from illegal drugs, controlled substances, prescription drugs, or other substances.  Even properly prescribed drugs can cause intoxication.

You can help keep roads safe by planning a sober ride home.  Whether it’s a cab, a designated driver, public transportation, or a sober friend who will come pick you up, plan a ride home that will get you there safely.  Helpful telephone numbers are provided below.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers may seek a warrant from a judge.  A licensed healthcare professional will perform a sanitary blood draw if the judge finds probable cause.

Collin County Cab: 469-952-7772
Frisco Express: 972-821-1683
Taxi Now: 214-458-8294

Yellow Cab: 214-426-6262
Plano TX Metro Cab: 972-964-8584
Uber or Lyft: app available

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