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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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

#####

December 4, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – Daniel Christopher Rodriguez, 31, of Wylie, was sentenced to 35 years in prison without the possibility of parole for multiple sexual assaults of the same child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “Children are the most vulnerable victims in our society.  We have a duty not only to protect them but also to punish their predators,” added Willis.

Rodriguez abused the victim from the ages of 10 to 15.  The abuse escalated over time and the victim became suicidal.  Rodriguez frequently threatened the victim that if she ever told anyone about the abuse, he would hurt her and her family.  When the victim was 15, the victim’s grandmother took her to her pediatrician for depression.  The victim told her pediatrician that she had been sexually abused.  The grandmother later found the victim’s suicide note referencing Rodriguez’ sexual abuse.

Wylie Police Detective Helen Taylor investigated. A trained forensic interviewer at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County interviewed the victim.  Rodriguez pled guilty and was sentenced to 35 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, 20 years in prison for three counts of Sexual Assault of a Child, and 20 years in prison for three counts of Indecency with a Child.

Assistant District Attorney Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case.  She was assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

#####

November 13, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – Derrick Mitchell, 35, of Plano, was sentenced to 35 years for Aggravated Sexual Assault, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In August of 2014, Mitchell held a woman with whom he had a relationship and struck her with a flashlight multiple times before forcing her to have sex with him. Through tears, the victim pleaded with him to stop, but Mitchell threatened to kill her if she didn’t comply.

The following day, Mitchell began to send the woman threatening and harassing text messages, demanding that she see him.  The victim drove to the Plano Police Department and reported the incident to Officer J.W. Burns.  She then went to the hospital and was examined by a sexual assault nurse.  While at the hospital, Mitchell called the victim again and she confronted him about what he had done. Mitchell responded by stating “Maybe you’ll step up to the plate and be a woman and take care of [me] or I will continue to degrade you until I break you…I can make it way worse.”  Nurses at the hospital overheard these comments.

Mitchell was subsequently arrested by the Plano police, but even while in jail, he continued to attempt to contact the victim.  He sent letters demanding that she not show up for court and made threats if she did show.

Mitchell eventually pleaded guilty to the offense and requested that the judge decide his fate. Judge Webb Biard considered the evidence and heard testimony from the victim.  The judge then sentenced Mitchell to 35 years in prison.  Mitchell must serve at least one-half of that sentence before eligible for parole.

The case was investigated by Plano Detective James Phelan.  Assistant Criminal District Attorney Wes Wynne prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon.

#####

November 9, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – John Turner Gray, 21, of McKinney, was sentenced to 16 years for Aggravated Assault, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “The women of Collin County are safer now that Gray is in prison.  In less than two years, Gray committed seven assaults total on five different female victims.”

Gray’s victims included girlfriends, family members and an acquaintance. The seven assaults spanned from October 2013 to August 2015.  The aggravated assault victim, a friend of Gray’s then girlfriend, tried to protect the girlfriend from Gray.  Gray punched the victim in the face shattering her orbital socket.  Her injuries required reconstructive surgery to insert metal plates and screws to restructure a cheekbone, and nylon mesh to support her eye.

Two of Gray’s former girlfriend victims testified about the pattern and escalation of the abuse, which included being drug by their hair and punched.  Gray’s sister testified that when she tried to stop him from destroying her property, he struck her in the face, grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the ground, and repeatedly stomped on her before fleeing the scene.  Gray’s mother also testified that he threw a watch at her, which caused a gash above her lip and required stitches.

During punishment, evidence of another assault was provided through the testimony of a former girlfriend.  Evidence of two juvenile assault cases was also shown to the jury and admitted during punishment.  Along with the 16 years for aggravated assault, the jury also sentenced Gray to prison sentences of 7 years for continuous violence against the family, 5 years for a separate case of continuous violence against the family, and 180 days for criminal mischief.

The assaults were investigated by numerous officers of the McKinney and Frisco police departments.  Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Courtney Neel and Paul Anfosso prosecuted the cases, aided by District Attorney Investigator Keith Henslee.

#####

October 28, 2015

McKinney, Texas – The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program will be conducted in Collin County over this Halloween weekend, October 30 – November 1, 2015, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Why Have the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Program?
Halloween is a fun night to celebrate, but no celebration should ever end with the scary consequences of drunk driving.  When drivers fail to be responsible, a few celebratory glasses of alcohol can quickly turn a fun evening into a scary nightmare.  The 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.

How Does It Work in Practice?
Drivers who look to celebrate the Halloween season with a few drinks and subsequently 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.  A licensed healthcare professional will perform a sanitary blood draw if the judge finds probable cause.

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 to keep roadways safe through cooperation with local law enforcement and State agencies to deter the chilling and possibly life-altering effects of driving while intoxicated.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens safe by preventing DWI activity.  Beware that October 30 – November 1, 2015 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

October 15, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – David Fife, 56, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 75 years for Aggravated Robbery, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “It’s a great day for justice getting a violent, repeat offender off the street,” added Willis.

Evidence showed that on November 25th, 2014, Fife entered a Metro PCS store in Plano and robbed the two store clerks at gun point.  After entering the store, Fife walked towards the counter and lifted his shirt showing the two guns that he had in his waistband.  Fife then pulled one of the guns out, pointed it at the two victims and demanded they turn over all the money and the memory SD cards behind the counter.  The victims gave Fife $317 in cash, and 5 memory cards.

Before leaving, Fife threatened to return and kill the victims if they called the police.  Fife, a frequent customer of the Metro PCS store, attempted to disguise himself by covering up his face and head with a towel, hat, and sunglasses.

Once Fife left, one of the victims called 911 and said she recognized the voice of the man that had just robbed her.  After gathering more descriptors, Plano Police Detective Scott Epperson confirmed that Fife was in fact the robber that the victim had recognized.  The Plano Police Intelligence Unit conducted surveillance of Fife, and a search warrant was executed at the apartment in Dallas where Fife had been staying.  Police recovered one of the distinctive memory cards that were stolen in the robbery.

A jury convicted Fife of aggravated robbery. Judge Webb Baird assessed the 75 years punishment after hearing evidence that Fife had been previously convicted of several felonies including 4 prior aggravated robberies. Evidence also showed that while waiting for trial, Fife brutally assaulted another inmate in the Collin County Jail. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Cindy Walker were the prosecutors, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Dale Dowdy.

#####

October 6, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – Donavin Jennings, 23, of Wylie, received a sentence of 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Jennings was 20 years old, claiming to be 15, when he met the 12 year old victim.  He began a dating relationship with her that became sexual after the victim turned 13.  When the victim turned 14 and began attending Wylie High School, Jennings would sometimes eat lunch with her and walk her to class.  Jennings would pass himself off as a 16 year old student, occasionally walking through the halls of Wylie High School with a backpack.  He would sometimes ride the school bus and hang out with high school students.

Wylie High School received a tip that Jennings was having an inappropriate relationship with the victim and an investigation commenced.  The victim was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and was interviewed by trained forensic interviewer Eli Molina.  The victim disclosed that Jennings had been sexually abusing her and that she did not know his age.  Wylie Police Detective Helen Taylor, assigned to the Collin County Rural Child Abuse Task Force, led the investigation.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for continuous sexual abuse of a child, and Judge Keith Dean sentenced Jennings to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole.  Additionally, Jennings was sentenced to two years in prison for indecency with a child to run concurrently.

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

#####

September 23, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – Luis Rocha, of Plano, received 40 years in prison for assault family violence with a prior family violence conviction, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On March 29, 2014 Rocha and his girlfriend got in a car accident while Rocha was driving intoxicated.  Once they got home from the accident, Rocha’s girlfriend attempted to hide the car keys so that he would no longer be able to drive.  Rocha quickly became upset and began punching and kicking the victim in the head and body.  He also bit the victim multiple times on her back and head and smashed a coffee table over the victim as she lay on the ground.  The victim didn’t initially call the police out of fear of Rocha retaliating, but when the pain from the assault became too great to bear, she went to the hospital.  The hospital staff immediately recognized that she had been assaulted and contacted an officer in the facility who reported the assault to dispatch. The case was investigated by Plano Detective Steve Young.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on September 23, 2015 for assault family violence with a prior family violence conviction.  Rocha had been previously convicted of multiple felonies including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, and injury to a child.  Rocha had been to prison on three separate occasions, and had abused other women in the past.  After the jury found him guilty, Rocha agreed to a 40 year sentence.

Prosecutors Wes Wynne and Brandon Wonnacott prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Smith.

#####

September 21, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – Harlan Wayne Routon, 68, of Wylie, Texas, was sentenced to 32 years confinement without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

From 2008 until 2011, Routon molested a child at his Wylie home when the child would stay overnight. Routon committed the sexual acts against the child when he assumed the child was asleep.  The child would often wake up to the molestation or to noises made by Routon when he entered the room, but the child would pretend to be asleep.  The child outcried to the abuse in July 2013 and an investigation by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office Child Abuse Task Force ensued.

The jury returned a guilty verdict Friday for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child.  On Monday, the jury sentenced Routon to 32 years confinement without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Preston and Shannon Miller prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.  The case was investigated by former Collin County Sheriff Investigator Jim Blackburn.  Judge Richard Davis presided over the case.

#####

September 18, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – Felipe DeJesus Blanco, 33, of Plano, was sentenced to 70 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Blanco, who had prior misdemeanors for resisting arrest and assault, brutally strangled and zip-tied his victim before sexually assaulting her on April 29, 2014. After strangling the victim until she blacked out, Blanco tied her up and repeatedly abused her until she was broken and bleeding.  The victim arrived at Parkland hospital in the early morning hours of April 30, 2014 for treatment.  Doctors obtained evidence from the victim, which tied Blanco to the sexual assault through DNA. When Plano officers arrived at Blanco’s residence to search for evidence, they found him in his closed garage, with the car running, attempting to commit suicide.

Blanco told police that he bought multiple items for the victim.  He believed the victim owed him something for his gifts.  Blanco said the victim’s consent was, “half and half.”  The jury found Felipe Blanco guilty of aggravated sexual assault and assessed his sentence at 70 years in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Chris Fredericks prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Pickrell.  The case was investigated by Plano Officer Patricia McClure and Detectives James Phelan and Chris Jones. Judge Angela Tucker presided.

#####

September 4, 2015

(McKinney, Texas) – The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program will be conducted in Collin County this weekend, September 4 – 7, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Why Have the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Program?
The 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.

How Does It Work in Practice?
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.  A licensed healthcare professional will perform a sanitary blood draw if the judge finds probable cause.

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 to keep roadways safe through cooperation with local law enforcement and State agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that September 4 – 7, 2015 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####