August 10, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Joseph Daniel Enriquez, 55, of Anna, Texas was sentenced to life in prison for Murder. “While the criminal justice system can never make a loved one’s family feel whole again, we hope that the jury’s maximum sentence brings at least some peace and solace to the victim’s family,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On March 12, 2021, Enriquez called 911 and said he shot his wife. Anna Police Department responded to the home and found the victim lying dead in the bathroom, with a shotgun wound to her chest. When interviewed by police, Enriquez said that he accidentally pulled the trigger while he was putting his gun away. He told officers several times that the shotgun was not loaded. However, when Anna PD officers checked the gun, they found a live round in the chamber.

Months later, while awaiting trial in the Collin County Jail, Enriquez called a family member with a second story. This time he stated that the victim found out he had an affair eight years prior, and loaded the shotgun herself. Enriquez said he grabbed the gun from her and it accidentally went off.

At trial, firearms experts refuted Enriquez’s story that the shotgun just “went off” and explained that this shotgun would require a person to apply pounds of pressure in order to pull the trigger. Firearms experts also testified that the gunshot came from approximately 9-12 feet away from the victim, and was not a close contact wound that might have occurred during a struggle over the gun.

Anna PD Detective Rush Smith investigated the case, and Anna PD Officer Shane Long testified to finding the extra round in the chamber.

A jury found Enriquez guilty of murder and assessed punishment at life in prison. Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kailey Gillman and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigators Laurie Gibbs and Sam Selman, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Rebecca Royer.

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August 4, 2022

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Evan Kates, 31, of Carrollton, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for three charges of Aggravated Assault against a Public Servant. “A freshly paroled violent felon shot at police officers while they were pulling over an unrelated DWI suspect. These brave officers then pursued the shooter through four cities even as he continued to fire at them. They completed their pursuit on foot, and it’s only because of their bravery that he was held accountable,” stated Willis after sentencing.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. on August 22, 2021, Officers Joseph Houdyshell and Anders Heintz with the Allen Police Department were pursuing a vehicle believed to be driven by an intoxicated driver near the intersection of Greenville Avenue and Bethany Drive. During this unrelated DWI pursuit, a male in a maroon sedan began shooting at the officers. At the time that officers began receiving fire from the maroon vehicle, officers did not know whether the driver was associated with the DWI suspect.

Nevertheless, Officer Houdyshell immediately turned his attention from the DWI investigation in order to pursue the driver in the maroon vehicle. Officer Daryel Whitehead joined the pursuit. The pursuit of the shooter continued from Greenville Avenue in Allen through Fairview and McKinney on State Highway 5. Entering Melissa, the driver continued to shoot at Officers Houdyshell and Whitehead throughout the pursuit, with speeds reaching as high as 100 mph and disregarding all traffic signals.

The driver ultimately crashed his vehicle in Melissa at the intersection of Fannin Road and Center Street and fled on foot. Officers from Melissa PD, Anna PD, and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to help set up a perimeter while Officer Heintz and his K-9 tracked the area.  Officers Houdyshell and Whitehead pursued the fleeing shooter on foot and ultimately caught and arrested the driver and sole occupant of the maroon sedan, Evan Kates.

Officers conducted a search of Kates’ vehicle and located a Taurus handgun and magazine on the passenger floorboard, along with fired shell casings on the driver floorboard. It was later discovered through the arrest of the DWI suspect that Kates was not associated with that driver in any way.

It was also discovered that at the time of this offense, Kates had been on parole for only three months from an 18-year prison sentence for Aggravated Robbery out of Denton County.

Judge Richard Davis sentenced Kates to 40 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Allen Police Department. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ann Mathew and Calli Bailey prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

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August 1, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Stephon Washington, 23, of McKinney, Texas was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted by a jury for aggravated robbery. “Women should feel as safe as men to enjoy outdoor exercise without fear of a knife-wielding stranger’s violent attack. This verdict helps protect our citizens from a female predator bent on continuing to terrorize women,” said Willis after sentencing.

On the morning of July 10, 2021, the victim was jogging at Towne Lake Park in McKinney. At approximately 5:30 am, Washington approached the victim from behind, placed a knife to her throat, and dragged her in to a public restroom. He then threw her to the floor, demanded she take off her shirt, and demanded money from her. During the assault, Washington accidently dropped the knife and cut his hand, leading him to flee the scene, but not before telling the victim to “consider yourself lucky.” The victim did not know Washington.

Sergeant Brad Nelson of the McKinney Police Department investigated the case and apprehended Washington within hours of the crime. As a result of the cut to his own hand during the incident, Washington’s DNA was found at the crime scene.

A jury found Washington guilty of aggravated robbery, a first degree felony. During the punishment phase, prosecutors introduced witnesses and evidence for two other serious felonies from Denton County.

In 2019, Washington committed a different aggravated assault – this time with a gun – against a female motel housekeeper. He followed her into a room she was cleaning and assaulted her with a gun.

Then, in June 2021, just weeks before this assault on the McKinney jogger, Washington committed burglary of a habitation by breaking into a home occupied by a mother and her two young daughters. After the father had left for work, Washington broke into the house through a window. He walked into the master bedroom and confronted the mother. He claimed to be a police officer investigating home break-ins in the neighborhood. He instructed her to send her daughters to their rooms. As Washington wrapped his arms around the mother, he told her he wouldn’t hurt her if she did as he said. The mother broke free, got her phone, and called 911. Washington then fled. Police found Washington’s fingerprint on the window.

Both charges are still pending in Denton County.

Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case and sentenced Washington to 40 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Ashlyn Scott prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County DA Investigators Michael Coleman, Mike Smith, and Sam Selman.

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July 29, 2022

District Attorney Greg Willis announced that the Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CCCPA) Fall session will begin Sept. 1.

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 – 8:30 p.m. Click here to
read more or complete the online application by Aug. 5, 2022. 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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July 28, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Damon White, 50, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years on a total of six charges, including Burglary of a Habitation, Stalking, Repeated Violation of a Protective Order, and Criminal Mischief. “This stalker used probation as an opportunity to make life hell on earth for his ex-wife. He inflicted years of harassment and threats and made her feel unsafe wherever she was, including in her own home. This time, the criminal justice system punished a repeat offender with the maximum punishment allowable under the law,” said Willis after sentencing.

The victim filed for divorce from White in 2019 and obtained a protective order shortly thereafter. White began to stalk the victim by sending threatening texts, leaving voicemails, and rendering multiple cars driven by the victim and her family inoperable. He subsequently broke into her apartment using a screwdriver and took various items. He was arrested in 2019 at her apartment complex after evading from police and was found dressed in all black, wearing latex gloves, and in possession of a knife.

In January 2021, White pleaded guilty to five charges and punishment was assessed by the judge. He was placed on probation and ordered to have an electronic leg monitor, have no contact with the victim or her family, and to not return to the City of Allen, among other conditions.

In September of 2021, the victim and her family began receiving new communications from White, in violation of his probation. The increasingly disturbing communications culminated in a recorded phone call in which White issued a graphic threat to kill the victim. White cut off his GPS monitoring device and was unable to be located. After tracking White’s vehicle inside the city limits of Allen, Allen Police relocated the victim and her family for their safety.

The case was investigated by the Allen Police Department with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. Multiple agencies assisted in arresting White on October 30, 2021 for a subsequent Stalking charge. At the time of his arrest, White had completely changed his appearance by cutting his hair and dying his hair and beard. White also had a handgun in his possession.

White again pleaded guilty to the court on his five original charges in violation of his probation and the new stalking charge.  During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented evidence from White’s cell phone that included threatening and harassing text messages to the victim, the recorded phone call where White threatened to kill the victim, and Google searches for “spying on someone’s phone,” “reverse license plate search,” and background check requests for the victim.  The victim also testified during the sentencing hearing.

Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case and sentenced White to the maximum allowable punishment in each case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Mollie Thompson, Abby Policastro, and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Robin Laughon, Victim Assistance Coordinator Rebecca Royer, and Legal Secretary Melissa White.

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July 14, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Carmen Moreno, 26, of Rio Grande City, was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the murders of Jimmy Michael “Mike” Farris and Theresa Coomes. “Murdering even one person is unthinkable to most law abiding citizens. But viciously stabbing to death two of our citizens just to get some quick cash is a crime worthy of life in prison,” added Willis after sentencing. 

In the late evening of November 17, 2019, a deputy with the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office made a routine traffic stop of a female driver along I-35 near Hewitt, Texas, south of Waco.  The sole occupant of that vehicle acted suspiciously and provided inconsistent statements about the vehicle she drove and where she came from.

During that encounter, Carmen Moreno pulled up in a separate vehicle and approached the responding deputies who conducted the traffic stop, identifying herself as a friend of the female who was detained.  One of the deputies noticed what looked like blood on Moreno’s clothing and asked Moreno where she came from.  When Moreno mentioned an incident in Plano, deputies ran the vehicle information, which showed that Moreno was driving a vehicle belonging to Coomes and the other suspect was driving a vehicle belonging to Farris.

Deputies conducted a search of both vehicles and located knives and additional evidence consistent with blood.  McLennan County deputies contacted Plano authorities to do a welfare check on the victims’ residence. Farris and Coomes were found deceased inside Farris’ Plano home due to multiple stab wounds.

Further investigation, including cell phone communications and witness interviews, connected the suspects to the victims on the same day as the traffic stop and as the last people to have seen the victims alive.  The investigation also revealed that Moreno and her cohort had stolen items from the victims’ residence and used Farris’ credit and debit cards at multiple locations along southbound I-35 in the hours after the homicides.  Both Moreno and the other female driver were charged in the murders of the victims.

Judge George Flint sentenced Moreno to life in prison.  The co-defendant’s case remains pending.

The case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Marcia Taylor prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Dale Lundberg.

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June 28, 2022

(McKINNEY, Texas) — “Today I am proud to announce that the Grand Jury of Collin County has indicted Billy Chemirmir for four additional cases of capital murder,” said District Attorney Greg Willis.

“These indictments should serve as a reminder that every victim of a violent crime deserves to have their case investigated and prosecuted, and Collin County law enforcement and prosecutors will work every day to hold violent offenders accountable. I’d like to thank the Grand Jury for their diligent consideration of these cases, and I’d like to recognize the Frisco Police Department and the Plano Police Department for their investigative efforts that led to these indictments,” added Willis.

The cases encompassed in today’s indictments are victim Marilyn Bixler, age 90, murdered in Frisco on Sept. 17, 2017; victim Diane Delahunty, age 79, murdered in Plano on Dec. 3, 2017; victim Helen Lee, age 82, murdered in Frisco on Sept. 2, 2017; and victim Mamie Miya, age 93, murdered in Plano on Dec. 8, 2017.

Chemirmir has been previously indicted in Collin County in five cases of capital murder and two cases of attempted capital murder. These cases remain pending awaiting the October 2022 trial of Chemirmir in Dallas County. Accordingly, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office will have no further comment.

At the request of the families involved in today’s cases, the District Attorney’s Office is releasing their joint statement:

“We the families and loved ones of Marilyn Bixler, Diane Delahunty, Helen Lee, and Mamie Miya are grateful to hear of today’s four additional capital murder indictments. These indictments are another step in holding Billy Chemirmir accountable for the full extent of his horrible crimes. We’d like to thank police and prosecutors for listening to us, and for their continued efforts to see that justice is done for all the victims and their loved ones.”

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June 21, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Ladarus Keys, 29, of DeSoto, was found guilty of Capital Murder by a jury and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “Detective Aaron Benzick’s relentless investigation brought a brutal murderer to justice.  May this jury’s verdict bring some comfort to the victim’s family,” added Willis. 

On November 7, 2017, Plano police officers responded to 911 calls reporting shots fired and found Christopher Collinvitti lying dead in the entrance of his garage. Collinvitti, an engineer at Raytheon, was shot twice in the head upon returning to his home. Investigators were left with no possible suspects after questioning neighbors and collecting evidence from the scene.

After two years, neighborhood surveillance video helped lead investigator Plano Police Department Detective Aaron Benzick identify a potential suspect vehicle. Rewards were increased and local news outlets re-ran the story in hopes of discovering new information, but to no avail. In December 2019, police matched shell casings from Collinvitti’s murder to shell casings left behind from other violent offenses in Dallas County that occurred within days of the 2017 murder.

By late 2020, Detective Benzick used this information in conjunction with social media, cell phone extractions, and witness interviews, to identify Ladarus Keys and two other suspects as responsible for the crime. None of the suspects knew the victim.

All three were charged with capital murder for killing Collinvitti during an attempt to rob him. A witness at trial identified Keys as the gunman. Keys has a lengthy criminal history, including a prison sentence for robbery. The other two suspects are being held in the Collin County jail awaiting trial.

The case was primarily investigated by the Plano Police Department, with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department and the Garland Police Department.

Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case and assessed the automatic punishment at life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Dewey Mitchell and Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman and Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix.

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June 16, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Mark Hutson, 53, of Whitewright, was sentenced by a jury to 40 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, and 15 and 10 years on related charges, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Perpetrating a decade’s worth of sexual assaults on a child is beyond revolting and disgusting. In the end, the victim’s courage will bring 40 straight years of consequences to this predator,” said Willis after sentencing.

Hutson had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Hutson sexually abused the child from the time the child was 6 years old until 16 years old. The child moved to a different state a year later, when the child was 17. In 2019, at 23 years old, the victim reported the abuse to the Allen Police Department.

Allen Detective Julian Adames investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, where the child disclosed details about the decade of abuse.

Judge Don Adams presided over the jury trial. At trial, the jury also heard evidence of Hutson’s three prior convictions for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Two of those were from Illinois in the early 90’s. The third involved multiple firearms and was prosecuted federally in the Eastern District of Texas in 2015.

The jury found Hutson guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and Sexual Assault of a Child. The jury assessed punishment at 40 years in prison, 15 years in prison, and 10 years in prison, respectively. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Shaunette Bronson.

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June 8, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – James Gutierrez, 38, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “No one should ever be in fear of being assaulted by a stranger while picking up dinner on the way home from work, let alone suffer a fatal punch. While it can’t bring the deceased victim back to his family, the jury’s verdict of life in prison is the right answer for a long-term, violently dangerous man who preys upon unsuspecting people just trying to enjoy their lives,” stated Willis after sentencing.

On July 31, 2020, the victim stopped at Little Caesars Pizza on E. Parker Road in Plano, ordered a pizza and waited inside.  Gutierrez and his fiancé arrived a short time later, and also ordered a pizza.  Gutierrez and his fiancé left shortly after ordering their pizza, and waited in their car.

Surveillance video collected from the Little Caesars showed there was no interaction between the victim and the defendant or his fiancé inside the store.  When the victim walked outside with his pizza, he set it on the hood of his truck and was called over by Gutierrez.  Gutierrez got out of his car as the victim walked over, and within seconds, Gutierrez punched the victim in the head with a closed fist.

An eye witness testified at trial that the victim looked confused as Gutierrez yelled at him.  The eye witness said the victim never raised his hands towards Gutierrez, and Gutierrez punched the victim with a closed fist so fast the victim never had a chance to defend himself.  Gutierrez and his fiancé fled the scene in their car.

Plano Police Department Officers Richard Varner, Luke Bedford, and EMS personnel arrived and found the victim completely unresponsive.  The victim was punched so hard he suffered a fracture on the front forehead that traveled along the top of the skull and ultimately caused his death. Officer Bedford recognized Gutierrez from the surveillance video.  Detective Robyn Busby investigated the case.

A Collin County jury convicted Gutierrez of aggravated assault. During the punishment hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that Gutierrez assaulted his fiancé while on bond, was a gang member, and had been previously convicted of several felonies, including aggravated assault, retaliation, burglary of a habitation, failure to register as a sex offender, and robbery.  The jury assessed punishment at life in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Justin Dotzel prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Smith. Judge Tom Nowak presided over the case.

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June 7, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Ricky Stevenson, 29, of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced by a Collin County jury to 59 years in prison for aggravated kidnapping, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare for their own child to be forcibly prostituted by a human trafficker. We’ve now secured justice by forcing that trafficker to pay the consequences. We thank this jury for a sentence that’s both strong and just,” said Willis after sentencing.

On January 23, 2021, Stevenson took a female to a nail salon in Plano, Texas.  After paying for their services and exiting the salon, Stevenson was seen punching the female so hard that she fell to the ground. Stevenson then grabbed her, dragged her by her hair and clothes, and threw her in his car. The female was able to stumble out of the car in an attempt to get away from Stevenson. Stevenson grabbed her by the hair a second time and attempted to throw her back into the car, but she was able to escape and run to safety of eye witnesses who had started to approach in an attempt to intervene. The assault was captured on surveillance cameras.

Plano Police Department Detective Aaron Benzick investigated this case. His investigation revealed that the female had been prostituted by Stevenson beginning at age 16, and she was only 17 at the time of the assault.

The jury found Stevenson guilty of the first degree felony. During the punishment phase of trial, Detective Benzick testified that he identified at least two other women that Stevenson had been prostituting, one of whom he had also physically assaulted. Prosecutors presented evidence that Stevenson had previous felony convictions for Assault family Violence Impeding Breathe and Assault Family Violence with a Previous Conviction. The jury also heard about Stevenson’s social media posts, boasting about being a pimp and controlling women.  The jury assessed punishment at 59 years in prison.

Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland and Assistant District Attorney John Rolater.

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June 6, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Colin Tyler Womack, 30, of Princeton, Texas, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for Online Solicitation of a Minor and 10 years in prison for Possession of Child Pornography, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Operations such as the one that led to this arrest are crucial in getting child predators off the street. Our office is dedicated to prosecuting these individuals,” announced Willis after sentencing.

Womack used social medial applications Snapchat and Badoo to solicit an undercover officer, who he believed to be a 13 year old female child, for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact with the child. Womack showed up to meet the child and was arrested on scene. Upon further investigation, detectives discovered that the defendant possessed over 500 images and videos of child pornography on his phone, as well as images and videos depicting bestiality.

Collin County District Attorney Investigator Christopher Meehan investigated the case as part of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office Operation Hercules in March 2021.

Womack pleaded guilty to Online Solicitation of a Minor and Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Jennifer Edgeworth assessed punishment at 18 years in prison for Online Solicitation of a Minor and 10 years in prison for Possession of Child Pornography. The sentences run concurrently.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Linda Herrera.

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April 20, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Joe Angel Rodriguez, 44, of Denison, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for Indecency with a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “The fact that a convicted child predator ever has the opportunity to abuse another child, much less two children, is tragic for the entire community. The life sentence in this case will ensure that never happens again,” said Willis after sentencing.

In 2007, Rodriguez was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child in Dallas County and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After he was released from prison in 2016, he became close with two separate families and had access to two children, one in McKinney and one in Farmers Branch.

During that time, Rodriguez sexually abused each child. The child in McKinney eventually told her father. The father notified police and Rodriguez was arrested. Later that year, without knowing anything about the McKinney case, the Farmers Branch child out-cried to her mother, who also notified police.

McKinney Police Department Detective John Cook investigated the McKinney case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the incident.

At trial, the jury heard evidence of Rodriguez’s history of child abuse, as well as evidence that Rodriguez also abused both the McKinney child and the Farmers Branch child.  The jury found Rodriguez guilty.

Judge James Fry presided over the case and assessed the mandatory punishment of life in prison.  By law, Rodriguez received an automatic sentence of life in prison because of his prior conviction for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kailey Gillman and Stephani Brown prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, Legal Secretary Shaunette Bronson, and appellate attorney Lisa Braxton.

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April 6, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Apolonio Rodriguez, 33, of Celina, was sentenced by a jury to life in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury with Family Violence, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Rodriguez spent 15 years abusing multiple women. The verdict delivers vindication for the victims and perfect punishment for the predator,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Rodriguez was in a dating relationship with the victim. The victim was seven months pregnant when Rodriguez assaulted her with a golf club, extension cord, knife, mug, and his hands and feet at their house in Celina. The victim sustained extensive bruising all over her body, a laceration to her head, and a shattered elbow. Following the assault, Rodriguez forced the victim to flee with him to a family member’s house. When the victim failed to show up for work, her friends and family requested a welfare check at her home, but law enforcement did not locate the victim for five more days.  With the coordinated efforts of the Celina Police Department, the Texas Rangers, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, McKinney Police Department, and U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, the victim and Rodriguez were finally located hiding in the attic of his family member’s house. At the time Rodriguez committed this assault, he was wanted for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon out of Montague County for shooting a prior girlfriend.

Celina Police Department Sergeant Jeremiah Phillips investigated the case. Texas Ranger Reuben Mankin assisted in the days long search for the victim and Rodriguez.

Judge Carmen Rivera-Worley presided over the case.

The jury returned a guilty verdict for the first degree felony. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors offered evidence of additional domestic abuse that Rodriguez had inflicted on other women for over 15 years. Rodriguez was previously convicted of misdemeanor Assault Family Violence in 2007 out of Denton County, where he served 120 days in jail. An additional victim testified to years of abuse from 2008 until 2012, and a second victim testified to abuse from 2015 to 2017.  Rodriguez had not been prosecuted for the abuse endured by these two women due to their fear for him.  The jury assessed punishment at life in prison, and Rodriguez will have to serve 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Marisa Dunagan and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator Rebecca Royer, and Assistant District Attorneys Claire Mosely and Lisa Braxton.

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March 30, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – James Robert Hill, 35, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

“A child should never, ever have to experience such horrible abuse.  We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies to save this child from her abuser once and for all,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Hill was close to the child’s family and had ongoing access to the child.  Hill began sexually abusing the child at age 15 and continued through the next year.  The abuse was discovered when a family member witnessed Hill abusing the child and reported it to law enforcement. Hill was arrested for this abuse but ultimately posted bond. After Hill posted bond, he escalated the abuse. A few weeks later, when a family member witnessed Hill and the child together, Hill fled with the child. Hill and child were later found at his apartment, where investigators observed that he had attempted to end the child’s life.  Hill was again arrested and additional charges were added for the abuse that occurred after posting bond.

McKinney Police Department Detective Jennifer Grounds, Celina Police Department Detectives Josh Armstrong and Jonathan Harris, and Collin County District Attorney Investigator Christopher Meehan investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

Hill pleaded guilty to Sexual Assault of a Child, a first degree felony, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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March 9, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – Christopher Gonzalez, 41, of Frisco, was sentenced by a jury to 40 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “We are so proud of this child for reporting years of abuse to a trusted school counselor and for bravely testifying against the abuser in court,” said Willis after sentencing.

Gonzalez had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Gonzalez sexually abused the victim over the course of two years, beginning when the victim was 9 years old. When the victim was 11, she disclosed the abuse to her school counselor, who then reported the abuse to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators Jason Evans, Olivia Penson, and Chris Fontana with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, where the child disclosed details about the ongoing abuse.

Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the jury trial. Gonzalez pleaded guilty to Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child on the first day of trial. The jury then assessed punishment at 40 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Steven Chapa prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Shaunette Bronson.

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March 3, 2022

(McKinney, Texas) – The Office of Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis is launching the Expunction 2022 Initiative on March 31^st with the support of the NAACP (Collin County Branch), Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Collin County Bar Association, Plano Bar Association, and Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Expunction 2022 helps the Collin County community by providing free legal assistance to people who, by law, may be eligible to have their criminal record erased. “We are thrilled to help people erase their criminal record and clear a path to more opportunity for them. Whether they’re seeking employment, education, housing, or military service, this initiative will help qualifying individuals do just that.” District Attorney Willis said.

The 2021 expunction initiative – the first for Collin County – was very successful because of the supporting bar associations and the 46 volunteer attorneys. Sixty percent (60%) of all the expunction applicants were found to be eligible. Those applicants were then paired with an attorney who volunteered their time to help the applicants with filling out and filing the necessary legal documents. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of those applicants had their charges expunged. Each assisted individual saved approximately $1,800 in legal fees and costs.

Among the 132 people who got their records expunged last year was a 46 year old Hispanic woman from Plano. Working with a private volunteer attorney, she got a felony charge from 1995 expunged. She was 19 at the time. The charge was dismissed shortly after her arrest but remained on her record. Not only that, but her volunteer attorney also helped her get her filing and court fees waived since she couldn’t afford them.

Law enforcement is strongly supportive as well. Major city police chiefs from Plano (Ed Drain), McKinney (Greg Conley), Frisco (David Shilson), and Allen (Brian Harvey), declared their joint statement of support:

“We strongly support the Collin County District Attorney’s Expunction Initiative 2022. Removing unnecessary limitations of a criminal record helps people thrive in our respective communities and strengthens our ability to protect and serve.”

How to Participate in the Expunction 2022 Initiative:

• Individuals who believe they are eligible for an expunction can go to www.collincountyda.com/expunction2022/ between March 31^st and April 30^th to complete a Screening Survey.
• Individuals who MAY have an offense eligible for an expunction will be notified via email by May 31^st and will be paired with a volunteer attorney.

For additional information, individuals may call (972) 548-4479 and leave a voicemail with their name, number, and a question.

Per Texas statute, individuals who have offenses on their criminal record MAY qualify for an expunction if any of the following apply:

They were arrested, but a charge was never filed or was no-billed by the grand jury;

• They have a criminal charge that was dismissed without any type of community supervision or probation prior to dismissal (except for Class C offenses);
• They have a criminal charge that was dismissed because they successfully completed a formal Pretrial Diversion Program;
• They were acquitted on their charge by a judge or jury (usually by a finding of “Not Guilty”), or appellate court; or
• They were convicted of a crime but later pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States.

 An individual is not eligible for an expunction in Collin County if:

• Their case was not in Collin County;
• Their case is still pending;
• They were convicted in the case they want expunged, even if they just paid a fine (convictions on other cases do not prevent expunction, unless they are from the same arrest);
• They were placed on probation, community supervision, or deferred adjudication for any felony or Class A or B misdemeanor they want expunged, even if their case was later dismissed (Class C deferred adjudication is the only exception); or
• They were convicted or received any kind of probation on another offense arising from the same arrest.

** Please help those in need by spreading the word about the Expunction 2022 Initiative with your viewers, listeners, and readers as well as on your websites and social media channels.

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December 14, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Robert Eubank, 51, of Allen, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This predator had already sexually assaulted one innocent child before he preyed upon another one. Clearly, he thought he would continue to get away with it. But a brave 9-year-old child spoke up, and now other children will be forever free from his grasp,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Eubank was close to the child’s family and had ongoing access to the 9 year old.  He sexually abused the child, who immediately told a family member and the abuse was reported to the Allen Police Department.

Allen Police Department Detective PD Jackson investigated the case, which originated in 2016. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

A digital forensics investigation discovered that Eubank had sexually assaulted another child around the same age, and that Eubank was also in possession of child pornography. Digital forensic experts Jonathan Johnson and Chris Meehan, Wylie Police Department detectives, investigated those charges.

Judge Richard Beacom presided over the case.  The jury found Eubank guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, a first degree felony that carries a range of punishment of 5-99 years or life in prison.  The jury assessed punishment at life in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Carrie Thomas, Geeta Singletary, and Kimberly Kircher prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinators Niccole Frazier and Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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December 8, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that a jury sentenced Thong Pham, 54, of Garland, Texas to 99 years in prison after convicting him of Burglary of a Habitation. The sentence took into account Pham’s previous criminal activity, including a previous home burglary and an aggravated sexual assault of a child. “Families have the right to feel safe in their own homes,” stated Willis after sentencing. “The jury’s verdict reflects our community’s disdain for those who invade our homes, and especially for those who prey on children.”

On March 26, 2021, homeowners husband and wife were asleep in their Wylie home. Just after midnight, they were awakened by their dog barking in the living room. When they went to investigate, they found Pham—a stranger—in the foyer area of their house.

When the husband confronted the stranger, Pham stabbed him with a knife. The couple’s dog then attacked Pham in defense of his owners and Pham stabbed the dog multiple times before fleeing out the back door.

Both the husband and the dog sustained significant injuries but survived. Police apprehended Pham hiding in a creek approximately 150 yards from the house less than an hour later.

Detective Stewart McCoy of the Wylie Police Department investigated the case.

The jury found Pham guilty of the Burglary of a Habitation, a first degree felony. During the punishment phase, prosecutors introduced evidence of Pham’s previous criminal activity, including a previous home burglary and an aggravated sexual assault of a child. The jury sentenced Pham to 99 years in prison.

Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Ashlyn Scott prosecuted the case and were aided by Investigator Michael Coleman.

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