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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December 5, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) –Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Allieu Bayoh, 27, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced by a jury to 35 years in prison for Aggravated Robbery after pleading guilty. “This guy committed armed robbery not once, not twice, but three times. Even switching cell phone providers didn’t help him escape the long arm of the law. I’m thankful for the excellent investigation by Frisco Police, as well as the jury for ensuring he can no longer terrorize hard-working, law-abiding citizens at gunpoint,” said Willis after sentencing.

On November 26, 2021, at approximately 9:00 pm, Frisco Police Department officers responded to a Verizon cell phone store in Frisco after employees of the store called 911 and reported being robbed at gunpoint by another employee of the store who had worked that day. The victims further reported that the suspect took dozens of cell phones and tablets, and ultimately one of the victims’ cars to flee the scene.

The next day, Arlington Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of the stolen car, which was occupied by Bayoh. Officers found items taken in the robbery in the car and on Bayoh’s person, including one of the victims’ wallets and a tablet. Bayoh attempted to resist officers, but he was ultimately placed under arrest for the November 2021 robbery. Bayoh remained in custody until bonding out on March 7, 2022.

On May 16, 2022, just two months after bonding out on the November 2021 aggravated robbery, Frisco officers responded to the same Verizon cell phone store after an employee called 911 and reported a similar robbery at gunpoint. After the victim picked Bayoh out of a photo lineup, an arrest warrant was issued for him.

On May 26, 2022, just 10 days after his second aggravated robbery, Frisco officers responded to an AT&T store in Frisco after an employee called 911 and reported now a third similar robbery at gunpoint.

Frisco officers, including lead detective Kristopher Mendoza, went to an address associated with Bayoh, where they found and arrested him for both May 2022 offenses. In a search of his person and the vehicle associated with the May 26th robbery, officers found electronics taken in the robbery and a loaded Glock handgun.

After Bayoh pled guilty, he elected to have the jury assess his punishment. After hearing evidence of the robberies, the jury sentenced Bayoh to 35 years in prison.

Judge Paul Banner presided over the case.

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

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November 28, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Dominic Miguel Rivera, 40, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for first degree felony Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine after a jury found him guilty. “This seven-time felon’s parole in Dallas County ended only eight months before he made the career-ending decision of dealing again in Collin County, where he had enough methamphetamine for 100 people to each take separate doses. Collin County will not tolerate career drug dealers,” said Willis after sentencing.

On November 15, 2022, Richardson Police Department officers Nicholas Ward and Maurice Johnson conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that Rivera was a passenger in. Officers immediately noticed that Rivera had a backpack tucked tightly between his legs and was holding his chest with one hand. During a search of Rivera’s person, Officer Johnson found a loaded handgun inside Rivera’s jacket in the same spot he had been holding when officers approached.

Rivera originally provided a false name to officers, but once his identity was confirmed through his driver’s license, a check of Rivera’s criminal history showed multiple prior felony convictions. Rivera was subsequently arrested for the offense of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

Officer Benjamin Masters conducted a search of the backpack that had been at Rivera’s feet and found an additional loaded magazine for the handgun found in Rivera’s jacket, a Velcro pouch containing an electronic scale and multiple empty baggies, a pill bottle containing marijuana that had been broken down for distribution, and a glass container with a crystalline substance inside that was later confirmed to be 22.61 grams of methamphetamine. McKinney Police Department Narcotics Detective Joe Arp testified, as an expert on the drug trade, that the amount of methamphetamine Rivera had was not for personal use. A typical personal use amount of methamphetamine is 0.2 grams, so Rivera had over 100 doses with him at the time.

The jury found Rivera guilty. In the punishment phase, prosecutors presented evidence that Rivera had a lengthy criminal history, including a long history of selling drugs. On February 23, 2012, Rivera was convicted of four Collin County drug charges, all of which occurred on different dates. On two of those drug charges, Rivera received the maximum of 2 years in state jail for two offenses of possession of cocaine and possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Rivera received 8 years in prison for the other two charges, a third degree felony possession with intent to deliver cocaine and a second degree felony possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

On October 15, 2019, Rivera was sentenced to probation out of Dallas County for second degree felony possession of methamphetamine. But on November 10, 2019, Rivera violated his probation when he was again arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Rivera’s probation was revoked on February 21, 2020, and he was sentenced to three years in prison.

After hearing Rivera’s criminal history of seven felony convictions and considering the facts of the new offense, Judge Benjamin Smith sentenced Rivera to 40 years in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jamin Daly and Wendy Correa prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Sarah Putman, Jennifer Gomez, and Michael Bennett, and Legal Secretary Jaimie Valliere.

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November 14, 2023

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Dakota Carroll, 30, a documented Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang member of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty days before trial and was sentenced to 30 years in prison for Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine, a first degree felony. “Dakota Carroll is a known violent gangster with extensive criminal history who’s willing to try to bribe police officers. This 30 year sentence holds him accountable and keeps him away from Collin County citizens,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On July 26, 2020, Richardson Police Department officers were patrolling the area near the Econolodge off of North Central Expressway when a vehicle made several traffic violations, catching the attention of Sergeant Benjamin Masters. Masters initiated a traffic stop and would ultimately identify the driver as Dakota Carroll. Based on his initial interaction with Carroll, Masters requested a K-9 officer to the scene.

K-9 Officer Cory Wendling along with K-9 Falco conducted an open air sniff of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert. A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded 58 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, unused baggies for distribution, a small amount of cash, and less than 1 gram of heroin. While officers were finishing their search of the vehicle, Carroll indicated that he could order up a pound (over 450 grams) of methamphetamine and a bunch of guns in exchange for letting him go off the charges. Carroll’s ploy was unsuccessful and he was ultimately arrested and taken to jail for the first degree felony. Carroll remained in jail for 81 days before posting bond of $25,000.

Investigation into Carroll’s background revealed he had been to prison in 2015 for a Dallas County charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. After bonding out on the Collin County charge, Carroll committed numerous other crimes back in Dallas County including Robbery (within three weeks of getting out of jail), Deadly Conduct (non-fatal shooting of a female), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Abandoning and Endangering Child, and Evading with a Motor Vehicle.

Sergeant Masters was the lead investigator on the case, with the assistance of K-9 Officer Wendling, and Officer Billy Minnix.

Judge Ben Smith presided over the case and assessed the sentence of 30 years.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.

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November 14, 2023

(McKinney, TX)

Statement of District Attorney Greg Willis:

“Today’s sentence of Life without Parole for Jeremy Harris ensures that this violent criminal can never again threaten public safety and innocent victims. I hope that the finality of today’s sentence can serve as the first step in the healing process for all the victims left in his wake.

I would like to thank all the many law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation and arrest of this defendant, especially the Celina Police Department, who served as the primary investigative agency on our case.”