June 18, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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June 7, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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June 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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June 4, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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May 29, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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May 16, 2024

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

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

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

A jury found Torres guilty of murder.

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

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

The jury assessed punishment at life in prison.

Visiting judge Ray Wheless presided over the trial.

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

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

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April 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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April 16, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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April 9, 2024

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

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

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

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

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April 3, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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March 25, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secures a life with no parole sentence for child predator who claimed God told him to do it.

Christopher Caudill, 46, of Dallas, Texas, was an adult who had ongoing access to the child. In November of 2021, the then 18 year old victim out-cried to a family friend that Caudill had abused her repeatedly between the ages of 11 to 17. Victim said that during the abuse Caudill would justify it by saying “God told him to do it,” and “that’s what they did in the Bible.” The victim’s friend then contacted law enforcement to report the abuse.

Carrollton Police Department Detective Erika Honeycutt investigated the case and separately interviewed both the victim, who disclosed details of the abuse, and Caudill, who admitted to sexually assaulting the victim over a number of years. Caudill stated he abused the victim because they had a relationship that was “a love like they had in the Bible.”

The jury found Caudill guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony carrying a punishment range of 25 years to life in prison. After finding Caudill guilty and considering the facts of the case, the jury assessed punishment at life in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

After sentencing, District Attorney Greg Willis observed that: “It’s revolting that this horribly evil person not only inflicted such prolonged pain and evil on a child, but also had the twisted nerve to use God and the Bible to justify it. We are thankful the jury saw through his deceit and delivered justice.”

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alex Haynes and Wendy Correa prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator’s Greg Bowers and Michael Coleman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.

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March 19, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s Office secured a 35-year sentence for career drug dealer on parole, headed to prison for the 4th Time.

On September 7, 2021, Plano Police Department Officer Ben Thurmond conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver originally provided a false name, but officers ultimately determined his true name and that he had an outstanding warrant. The driver, Calvin Ray Hudson, age 44, of Princeton, Texas, was initially arrested for the misdemeanor offense of failure to identify while a fugitive from justice, due to lying about his name when he had an outstanding warrant.

Officer Varner conducted a search of Hudson’s person following his arrest and found a Crown Royale bag with two empty syringes and a baggie with a crystalline substance that was later confirmed to be 20.08 grams of methamphetamine.

McKinney Police Department Narcotics Detective Joe Arp testified as an expert that the amount of methamphetamine Hudson had was not that of a user but rather that of a dealer. Detective Arp testified that the typical personal use amount of methamphetamine is 0.2 grams, so Hudson had just over 100 doses with him at the time.

Judge Jennifer Edgeworth found Hudson guilty of the first degree felony of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine.

In the punishment phase, prosecutors presented evidence that Hudson had an extensive history as a drug dealer. Hudson was first convicted of selling drugs in 2007 when he was sentenced to 6 months in state jail for possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine. In November 2014, Hudson was sentenced to prison for 3 years for second degree possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Lastly, in January 2017, Hudson was convicted of both second degree and first degree possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and sentenced to 5 years in prison. Hudson was still on parole for the 2017 cases when he committed this 2021 offense. Hudson also served time in state jail for two felony theft convictions in 2004 and 2012.

After Judge Edgeworth sentenced Hudson to 35 years in prison, Willis stated, “A relentless drug dealer, undeterred by parole and three prior prison sentences for the same crime, has finally been stopped. Collin County families can breathe easier with this 35-year sentence.”

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Emily Pratt and Nick Lawrance prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Stephanie Strickland and Michael Bennett.

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March 11, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s Office secured a Life sentence for Serial Predator, Pedophile, and Stalker, Deketric Charrontay Love, 27, of Mesquite, Texas, after a jury found him guilty of Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Invasive Visual Recording.

The series of events leading to Love’s arrest began on November 11, 2022, when the Frisco Police Department responded to a report of suspicious activity. A child, alone at home, noticed an individual peering into his bedroom window, though no arrest was made that day. On December 2, 2022, the same child discovered unfamiliar items in his room, including a concealed camera on his dresser. Following this incident, a home security system was installed by the child’s father.

Days later, that security system detected motion inside the house and recorded the intruder exiting the premises. In another disturbing episode, the child noticed the intruder outside his window late at night while doing homework. The child and his father then confronted the man and alerted the police. The suspect, identified as Love, attempted to escape but was arrested while trying to leave the neighborhood in his vehicle. A search of Love’s car unearthed additional cameras and items belonging to the child. Data from Love’s phone not only placed him at the scene during these incidents but also on other occasions unknown to the family. It revealed his connection to the home’s Wi-Fi and his use of an application linked to the camera left in the child’s room. Forensic analysis matched Love’s fingerprints and DNA to items found in and around the house, solidifying his involvement.

Investigated by Frisco Police Detectives Walker Martin and Sanja Trtanj, the jury found Love guilty. During the sentencing phase, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence of Love’s prior criminal conduct and his potential threat to the community. Love was on felony probation for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Dallas County at the time of his arrest. Investigators found a substantial amount of explicit child imagery on his phone and evidence that Love had surreptitiously recorded a former coworker from outside her bathroom window.

Six community members testified about Love’s repeated voyeuristic behavior, including lurking outside windows, removing screens, entering homes uninvited, and in one instance, standing at the foot of a child’s bed in the night. A licensed sex offender treatment provider who had worked with Love testified about his unsuccessful discharge from a treatment program, his refusal to accept responsibility for his actions, and his continued danger to the community.

Additionally, following the jury’s verdict but prior to his sententing, jail staff reported that Love had made a video call to a friend, during which he requested the display of pornographic videos and engaged in inappropriate, self-pleasuring behavior, further demonstrating his lack of remorse and ongoing risk to society. Judge Benjamin Smith sentenced Love to life in prison. “We’ve sent a strong message: Our community is off-limits to predators, and we’re all in to keep our kids safe,” Willis stated after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Andrew Eberlein and Jamin Daly prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretary Jaimie Valliere.

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March 6, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 55 year sentence in prison without parole for a Plano man’s decade-long, repeated sexual assault of a child.

Lloyd Amos, 55, of Plano, Texas, was known by and had ongoing access to the child.  He repeatedly sexually abused the child over a ten year period ending during the child’s 15^th year. In 2022 the victim outcried to a sibling about the abuse.  The victim’s sibling confronted Amos via text messages about the abuse, where Amos said that he had repented for the crime and that he would “take care of the monster inside himself.” The victim’s sibling then told their mother, who contacted law enforcement, and a formal investigation ensued.

Plano Police Department Detective Kristina McClain investigated the case, including the interview of the victim, who disclosed the details of the abuse.

The jury found Amos guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony offense with a range of punishment of 25-99 years or Life. Judge Tom Nowak assessed punishment at 55 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. “No child should suffer like this child, not even for a second. Now, with this predator locked away for over 50 years, our kids are safer,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Claire Mosley and Alex Haynes prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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March 4, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 45 year no-parole sentence for an abuser’s repeated sexual assault of an 11 year old child.

Nathanael Lane, 42, of Garland, Texas, was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the child.  In July of 2022, Lane took the victim to a sleep study in Plano. Lane was informed that the child’s sleep would be video recorded for purposes of the study. The video showed Lane, who believed the room was too dark for the video to pick up the assault, sexually assault the victim.  Staff members contacted law enforcement, who arrived on scene and interviewed Lane.  Lane admitted he sexually assaulted the victim during the sleep study, and in a later interview further admitted he sexually assaulted the victim over the course of several months at his home.

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

The jury found Lane guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, a first degree felony carrying a punishment range of 5-99 years or life. Judge John Roach, Jr. assessed punishment at 45 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole

“Child sexual assaults often tragically unfold in the shadows. In a striking turn of events, this perpetrator’s darkly evil actions were captured on video by vigilant employees – individuals who had no prior connection to the victim. They acted swiftly and responsibly, and our heartfelt gratitude extends to these courageous strangers and the ever-diligent Plano police,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Mollie Thompson and Wendy Correa prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretaries Christy Ware and Jessica Ledbetter.

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February 27, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a life sentence for a home invasion serial rapist after the case was solved using forensic genetic genealogy. “This maximum sentence would not have been possible without the bravery of these four survivors, as well as the above and beyond cooperation and coordination of Plano, Coppell, Corinth, and Arlington police, and the Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant county district attorney offices. This was the first Collin County offender identified using the same forensic DNA technology that solved the Golden State Killer case. We’re grateful for Plano Police Department’s decade long dedication to cracking this case, and ultimately three other cases,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On April 2, 2011, Plano Police Department responded to a home invasion sexual assault that occurred sometime after 2 o’clock in the morning. The victim was awakened by an unknown male in her bed. She fought back during the sexual assault and in the course of doing so, her attacker’s blood was transferred to a pillow case on the bed. The pillow case was collected as evidence, as was a routine sexual assault nurse examination, both of which were forensically analyzed to develop a clear suspect DNA profile.

In September and October of 2011, Coppell Police Department (Dallas County) and Corinth Police Department (Denton County) responded to similar home invasion sexual assaults where the victims also underwent SANE exams. The unknown male profile in both of those cases was a forensic match to the suspect profile in the Plano case. Plano, Coppell, and Corinth police departments worked tirelessly for years collecting DNA from persons of interest and following up on any and all viable tips associated with these cases. The suspect was even the subject of an FBI’s America’s Most Wanted episode.

In 2018, Arlington Police Department (Tarrant County) sent sexual assault kits on unsolved cases for additional testing in hopes that advancements in DNA technology would result in new leads. This uncovered evidence from a 2003 home invasion sexual assault case that also matched to the same offender from all three 2011 cases.

In 2018, Detective Daniel Bryeans became the lead cold case investigator assigned to the case for Plano PD.  Bryeans, assisted by Plano PD analyst Jane Clements, spent the next two years working with genetic genealogy laboratories and conducting hundreds of hours of genealogical research to narrow in on a person of interest.

Ultimately, that research, along with forensic testing, lead to the arrest of Jeffery Wheat, 52, of Lexington, Mississippi, for the first degree Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Sex Assault.  Wheat was working as a long-haul truck driver in Mississippi at the time of his arrest. However, Wheat had been living in the DFW area during the time periods of all four of the offenses. Plano’s investigation revealed that each of the 2011 victims was a member of the same sorority and that the sorority had used a credit card processing company that employed Wheat and would have given him access to personal identifying information. It was due to this connection of the three 2011 victims that Wheat was dubbed the “Sorority Rapist” by the police agencies and the media in the early stages of investigation.

On Tuesday, February 27^th, three of the survivors appeared in court for the sentencing hearing and gave their victim impact statements, confronted their attacker, and described the trauma they endured.

Judge Angela Tucker imposed the sentence secured by prosecutors – Life in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

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February 26, 2024

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis’s office secured a 30 year sentence for shotgun ambush of Sachse police officers. Josiah Perez, 27, of Sachse, Texas, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon against a Public Servant, after a jury found him guilty.

On September 2, 2022, at 12:02 a.m., two City of Sachse police officers were in their parked squad car completing a report when Perez walked up from behind the car and fired his short-barreled shotgun into the driver’s side window. The driver, Officer Cory Bable, was struck by the blast and sustained injuries to his head, neck, and back from the shattered glass and birdshot. Officer Bable nevertheless pushed the shotgun up and away while he tried to wrestle the shotgun away from Perez.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Brent Merryman jumped out of the passenger seat, circled around the front of the car, and returned fire on Perez. Despite being shot twice, Perez then circled around the rear of the car to the passenger side, where he continued to point his weapon at the officers. Merryman shot him again and neutralized him, after which Perez was taken into custody. Officers found two more live shotgun shells on his person. The officers testified at trial that they had no prior interactions with Perez before the shooting. The case was investigated by the Texas Rangers.

During the punishment phase, the jury heard from two Mesquite police officers who had previous interactions with Perez, including a Dallas County conviction for spitting in an officer’s face. After considering all of the evidence in the case, the jury assessed punishment at 30 years in prison. “Perez ambushed officers from behind while they were pulled over completing their responsibilities on an unrelated call. We’re so thankful for their brave and heroic actions, and this case is a reminder that there are no routine calls or routine days for a police officer,” said Willis after jury sentencing

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ashlyn Scott and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.

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February 21, 2024

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Patrick William Travis, 26, of Lake Stevens, Washington, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the offenses of Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child by Contact. “This child molester preyed upon not just one, not just two, but multiple victims. And for that he deserves not only the maximum sentence on each charge, but will now have to serve each sentence consecutively for a total of 40 years in prison,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Travis was an adult who was known by and had ongoing access to the child victim related to the primary charge. He sexually abused that child multiple times over the course of a year, starting when the victim was 13 years old. The victim disclosed the abuse to a teacher who contacted law enforcement. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned that Travis had also sexually abused another teenage victim.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented the above evidence. They also presented evidence that during the course of the investigation, Travis admitted to previously molesting numerous females between the ages of 13 to 16.

Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jason Evans investigated the case. The initial victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where she disclosed details about the abuse.

Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case. Judge Edgeworth assessed the maximum punishment of 20 years in prison on the second degree charge of Sexual Assault of a Child, and assessed the maximum punishment of 10 years in prison on two separate third degree charges of Indecency with a Child by Contact. The Judge then ordered all three sentences to run consecutively, so that one sentence must end before the next sentence begins, for a total of 40 years in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alex Haynes and Claire Mosley prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur.

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January 5, 2024

District Attorney Greg Willis announced that the Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CCCPA) Spring session will begin February 1^st.

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

Our free, 12-week program will be held each Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Click here to
read more or complete the online application by January 11, 2024. Call Shelly Pingsterhaus at
972-548-4478 with questions. Additional requirements:

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

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

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December 12, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – Stacey Jurik, 40, of Wylie, was sentenced to 32 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child after a jury found her guilty, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “What Jurik put this child through is unthinkably disgusting. Then to also profit from the pornographic pictures of the child makes us all want to throw up,” said Willis after sentencing.

In 2021, Jurik was contacted by a photographer named Grant Durtschi. Durtschi traveled between numerous states photographing children, and many of the photos were of a sexually explicit nature. Jurik was aware that Durtschi produced child pornography and arranged for Durtschi to photograph a child in her care.

Jurik brought the child to numerous photo shoots with Durtschi from 2021 through early 2022. Jurik would discuss the ideas and themes for the photo shoots with Durtschi beforehand. These included the child posing both partially and fully nude and taking part in simulated sexual acts. At the photo shoots themselves, Jurik would prepare the child for and position the child in these sexually explicit poses. Jurik would remain for the entirety of the photo shoots and assist Durtschi in getting the child to cooperate with the photos. Jurik received payment from Durtschi for each of these photo shoots as well as a large percentage of the proceeds that he made from selling the photos online.

In August 2021, another child whom Durtschi had been photographing in a sexually explicit manner reported Durtschi to the FBI in Louisiana. The FBI began a months-long investigation into Durtschi for producing child pornography, with FBI Special Agent David Borgetti, Special Agent Chris Bedford, and Special Agent Karen Ryndak uncovering numerous other child victims that Durtschi had been photographing across multiple states.

Pursuant to a federal search warrant, the FBI seized over 50 electronic devices belonging to Durtschi, some of which contained the sexually explicit photos and videos of the child Jurik brought to him. These devices also contained multiple videos showing Jurik’s active participation in producing child pornography at these photo sessions in the DFW area.

After the FBI transferred the investigation of Jurik to the State of Texas, Dallas Police Department Detective Michael Fontenot led the investigation into Jurik. Throughout his investigation, Fontenot discovered the exact dates and locations of the session where Jurik would bring the child to be photographed, which included locations in Wylie, Providence Village, and Dallas.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for the first-degree felony offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Jurik had provided photos of another child to Durtschi for him to sell online. The jury assessed punishment at 32 years in prison with no eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kimberly Kircher and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Linda Herrera. Judge Tom Nowak presided over the case.

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