November 2, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Justin Stricklin, 37, of Gainesville, Texas, was sentenced by a jury to 50 years in prison after that jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “This predator exploited privacy and safety protocols to do terrible things to innocent children. And now he will spend the next 50 years in prison facing the consequences,” said Willis after sentencing.

Stricklin had access to the victims through his job as an X-ray technician at Envision Imaging in Allen, Texas. Stricklin sexually abused young children while administering their X-rays in a room away from their parents. One of the children, who was eight years old, immediately out-cried to her mother who reported it to the police. Envision placed Stricklin on administrative leave. Just three months later, while the investigation was still pending, Stricklin was placed back on active status with no restrictions. A few months later, Stricklin sexually abused another victim, who was 11 years old. The child immediately out-cried to her mother, who also reported it to the police.

Allen Police Department investigated the case. The children were forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and disclosed details about the sexual abuse.  Judge Don Adams presided over the jury trial.

During the trial’s punishment phase, prosecutors introduced evidence of another victim Stricklin sexually abused while administering an X-ray when she was 11 years old. The jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Courtney Sines and Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

#####

October 26, 2021

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Derick Tobar-Gonzalez, 29, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to 65 years for Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury involving Family Violence after entering a plea of guilty. “Too often, domestic violence does not end when the relationship ends and a victim thinks she has escaped her abuser. This case shows our dedication to prosecuting violent perpetrators who attempt to maintain control over their former victims,” said Willis after sentencing.

On Oct. 21, 2019, Derick Tobar-Gonzalez followed the victim to her apartment in Plano. Tobar-Gonzalez and the victim had been in a previous dating relationship, but the victim had ended the relationship months before. As the victim reached her door, Tobar-Gonzalez approached the victim from behind, strangled her to the point of unconsciousness, placed her into his vehicle, and drove her back to his trailer in Frisco.

At the trailer, the victim began to regain consciousness and cry out for help, so Tobar-Gonzalez again strangled her unconscious, and then raped her. Tobar-Gonzalez left the victim unconscious and fled the location with all of his belongings. The next morning, another occupant of the trailer found the victim after hearing cries coming from the back bedroom and called the police. Frisco Police and EMS responded and transported the victim to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano for life-threatening injuries. Tobar-Gonzalez’s DNA was found on evidence collected from the victim’s forensic examination.

Frisco Police Department Detective John Gaulden and Vanessa Evanoff investigated the case. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors presented evidence of the seriousness of the victim’s injuries, including hospitalization in the ICU for 27 days, followed by several months in a 24-hour care rehabilitation facility. Doctors who treated the victim explained that, as a result of the attack by Tobar-Gonzalez, the victim is permanently disabled and has permanent vision loss. The range of punishment for this offense was 5 to 99 years or life in prison. Judge Jennifer Edgeworth assessed punishment at 65 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Taylor Reese and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Oscar Perez and Victim Assistance Coordinator Rebecca Royer.

###

August 4, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Troy Lamont Tiller, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to 55 years in prison after the jury found him guilty of Evading Arrest in a Vehicle. “This serial robber terrorized the citizens of Allen, McKinney, and Plano for over 5 months, committing 12 robberies, before he was caught by the diligent work of all three police agencies. This investigation is a great example of law enforcement cooperation in Collin County,” Willis said after sentencing.

On October 23, 2018, a robbery was reported at a Subway off Spring Creek Parkway in Plano, Texas. Detectives in the cities of Plano, Allen, and McKinney had been investigating a series of similar robberies starting in May 2018, and believed the robber was driving a silver 2005-2006 Camry with no front license plate. Immediately after this Subway robbery, officers located the suspect vehicle in McKinney being driven by Tiller.

Officers initiated a traffic stop and instructed Tiller to remove his keys and place them on the hood of the car.  Instead, Tiller sped off at a high speed. During the pursuit by McKinney Police Department officers, Tiller ran numerous stop signs, a stop light, and drove on grass in between apartment buildings. Tiller then attempted to flee on foot but was shortly apprehended by McKinney officer Eric Fromhold.

During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors presented evidence of 12 robberies Tiller committed at gunpoint in the months preceding his arrest, including two where he struck the victims in the head with a gun. The evidence included testimony from multiple victims, surveillance video footage, and cell phone location data that placed Tiller at the scene of every robbery.

Prosecutors also presented evidence of Tiller’s past crimes, which included federal prison sentences for Aggravated Robbery (10 years), Kidnapping (5 years), and Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (4 years). Because of this prior history, the range of punishment for this offense was 25 years to 99 years or life in prison and the jury assessed a sentence of 55 years. Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case.

Investigators Craig Owens with the McKinney Police Department, Aaron Benzick with the Plano Police Department, and Darrin Smith with the Allen Police Department investigated the series of robberies.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Courtney Lewis and Matthew Schlake prosecuted the case, assisted by Assistant District Attorney Molly Matthews, District Attorney Investigators Sarah Putman, Linda Herrera, and Ryan Harvey, and Victim Assistance Coordinators Rebecca Royer and Niccole Frazier.

#####

July 29, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Jeffery Michael Wineberg, 46, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to Life in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. ” This predator’s attempt to hide his abuse was revealed by this brave child who had the courage to record one of the most horrific moments of her life”,  said Willis after sentencing.

Wineberg was an adult who had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of two years until the child was 13 years old. Eventually, the child was able to make an audio recording of an incident of abuse by hiding an iPad under a pillow. The child played the audio recording for her mother, but Wineberg would later learn of the recording and attempt to delete it from the iPad. The child also disclosed the abuse to another family member. The abuse was reported to the McKinney Police Department and CPS.

McKinney Police Department Detective Taran Shoemake investigated the case and was assisted by Detective Aaron Magallanez. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County where the child disclosed details about the ongoing abuse. Allen Police Department Detective Keith Compton and Collin County District Attorney Investigator Chris Meehan were able to retrieve the deleted audio recording from the iPad.

The jury found Wineberg guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. Judge John R. Roach, Jr. presided over the case and assessed punishment at life in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Justin Dotzel and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by Collin County District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur, as well as Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office Forensic Analyst Mark P. Porter.

#####

July 15, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Robert Joseph Mangiafico Jr., 55, of Carrollton, Texas, was sentenced to 63 years in prison for Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance and Evading Arrest in a Vehicle after a jury found him guilty. “This man’s crimes range from swindling the elderly to intent to sell the date rape drug. He has now been appropriately punished for his crimes,” said Willis after sentencing.

On September 18, 2019, Trooper Justin Diaz saw Mangiafico speed past him at 100 mph on President George Bush Turnpike. Trooper Diaz attempted to initiate a traffic stop but Mangiafico continued driving, swerving in and out of traffic, and varying his speed between 60 and 100 mph. After a pursuit that lasted more than 10 miles, Mangiafico crashed his vehicle into a barrier wall at Renner Rd. and the Bush Turnpike.

Trooper Diaz arrested Mangiafico and found a two-liter soda bottle full of GHB, also known as the date rape drug, during an inventory of Mangiafico’s vehicle. McKinney Narcotics Detective Joe Arp testified that the amount of GHB found was not for personal use, but rather to be sold. Per Arp, the typical amount for a user is 1-2 grams. The lab report showed that Mangiafico had 2,253 grams of GHB.

The jury found Mangiafico guilty of Possession with Intent to Deliver and Evading Arrest in a Vehicle. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of Mangiafico’s multiple felony theft convictions, including 40-year prison sentences for first degree felony money laundering (elderly fraud) and theft. Prosecutors also proved up currently pending prosecutions of Mangiafico for money laundering and fraudulently selling securities.  Judge John Roach Jr. assessed punishment at 63 years in prison on the Possession with Intent to Deliver and 20 years in prison on the Evading Arrest in a Vehicle.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Steven Chapa and Christina Skipper prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Ryan Harvey and Matt Mayes, and Legal Secretary Skyler Johnson.

#####

July 13, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Luis Talabera, 38, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced District Attorney Greg Willis. “What this predator did is sickening. He’ll now pay for it for half a century without parole. But only because of this brave child and trusted principal,” Willis stated after sentencing.

Talabera had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of eight years until the child was 12 years old.  Talabera told the child to keep the abuse a secret. Eventually, the child told a principal at school and the abuse was reported to the McKinney Police Department and CPS.

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

Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case.  The jury found Talabera guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. The Court assessed punishment at 50 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Carrie Thomas and Ashleigh Woodall prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers and Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinators Casey Hendrix and Rebecca Royer, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur.

#####

July 7, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Michael Vega, 32, of McKinney, Texas, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after the jury found him guilty of two intent-to-deliver drug charges and also learned of his history of violence and unlawful possession of firearms.  “This violent gang member and drug dealer got caught dealing even more dope while on bond for these crimes, and while in jail even directed others by phone on how to make and sell methamphetamine. Thanks to the excellent work by multiple law enforcement agencies, he’s now off the streets of Collin County,” Willis said after sentencing.

On May 7th, 2019, Melissa Police Department Officer Weand ran Vega’s paper tags as part of a routine traffic enforcement tool.  The return information from dispatch revealed that Vega had warrants out for his arrest.  Officers pulled over the vehicle and detained Vega. Officers recovered a large amount of methamphetamine and heroin during the traffic stop.

The jury found Vega guilty of two charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.  During the punishment phase, prosecutors proved up Vega’s prior prison sentences for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Assault of a Public Servant, and a federal sentence for Possession of a Firearm.

Prosecutors also presented evidence of two additional first degree Possession with Intent to Deliver charges that Vega committed while on bond.  McKinney Police Department Narcotics Detective Joe Arp testified about Vega’s well known reputation in McKinney as a drug dealer, in addition to calls Vega made while in jail directing others how to make and sell methamphetamine. The jury also heard telephone recordings of Vega bragging about hurting animals, including shooting a dog twice in front of a friend.

Dallas Gang Unit Detective Paul Inman testified that Vega’s tattoos confirmed his membership in the Tango Blast prison gang. Because of his prior conviction history, Vega’s minimum punishment by law was 25 years. The jury assessed punishment at 60 years in prison. Judge Tom Nowak presided over the trial.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Kriti Sharma prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Mike Smith and Ryan Harvey.

#####

July 2, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Laxavier Whittley, 18, of Carrollton, Texas, was sentenced to 55 years for aggravated sexual assault after a jury found him guilty. “People have a sacred right to feel safe in their own homes and not get despicably violated. We applaud this victim’s bravery as well as the excellent investigation by Plano Police,” said Willis after sentencing.

On July 8, 2019, Laxavier Whittley unlawfully entered the victim’s home around 5:30 a.m., shortly after her husband left for the gym. Whittley snuck into the victim’s bedroom and woke her while clearly displaying a firearm to coerce her compliance. Whittley then violently sexually assaulted the victim for over an hour. After that, he demanded money, jewelry, and firearms before he fled. The victim called 911 and went to Presbyterian Plano hospital in order to undergo a sexual assault nurse examination to collect forensic evidence.

Detective Catherine Foreman with Plano Police Department led the investigation, which included neighborhood interviews, a review of multiple surveillance videos, and an interview with a manager of an adjacent apartment complex. Investigators identified an apartment of interest where a search warrant was executed.  Whittley’s DNA was found on evidence collected from the victim’s forensic examination, and the victim’s DNA was found on a firearm hidden by Whittley in the apartment.

During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors presented three additional aggravated robberies that Whittley committed in the three days preceding the sexual assault.  Prosecutors also presented a long school disciplinary history as well as dozens of jail disciplinary violations while Whittley awaited trial. The range of punishment for this offense was 5 to 99 years or life in prison and the jury assessed a sentence of 55 years. Judge Cynthia Wheless presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Taylor Reese and Calli Bailey prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Stephanie Strickland and Victim Assistance Coordinator Ruth Ruiz.

#####

June 17, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Jose Antonio Hernandez, 40, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to 47 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Our hearts go out to these two children who suffered for years until the eldest garnered enough courage to tell their mother,” said Willis after sentencing.

Hernandez started sexually abusing two children, one at six years old and another at 15 years old. He had access to the children through a relationship with the family. The abuse continued with the six-year-old child for several years until the older child, who by then was an adult, disclosed the abuse to their mother.  Their mother then asked the younger child if anything had ever happened.  The younger child confirmed and disclosed the perpetrator’s still-ongoing abuse.  The children’s mother then made a report to law enforcement.

Detective Olga Chavez with the Frisco Police Department investigated the case. The children were forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where they disclosed details about the ongoing abuse.

The jury found Hernandez guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and assessed punishment at 47 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Justin Dotzel and Nick Lawrance prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Voigt-Eanes and Robin Laughon, Victim Assistance Coordinator Ruth Ruiz, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.

#####

May 26, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Baltazar Aguilar, 43, of Wylie, Texas, was sentenced to 41 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “12 years of this horrific abuse perpetrated on a child sickens us all. The secret finally came out and now this predator will face the consequences for the next 41 years,” stated Willis after sentencing.

Aguilar had access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. He sexually abused the child over the course of 12 years, from age 4 to age 16.  Over the years, Aguilar repeatedly told the child to keep the abuse a secret. When the child was 16 years old, the child told a friend and the abuse was reported to the Wylie Police Department. During an interview, Aguilar confessed to abusing the child.

Wylie Police Department Detective Amanda Fields investigated the case and Officer Joey Scimone obtained the confession. 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 Aguilar guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Indecency with a Child by Contact, and Sexual Assault of a Child. Punishment was assessed by Judge Don Adams at 41 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, and 20 years in prison for Indecency with a Child by Contact and Sexual Assault of a Child.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. The sentences will run concurrently.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Carrie Thomas and Kimberly Kircher prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers and Samantha Selman, Victim Assistance Coordinators Casey Hendrix and Rebecca Royer, and Legal Secretary Ramnpreet Kaur.

#####

May 25, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Jeremy Alan Andrews, 41, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison after the jury found him guilty of Assault Family Violence by Strangulation, and 20 years in prison for Assault Family Violence with a Prior Conviction.  “This man’s savagery against women is beyond comprehension and has now been brought to an end thanks to these courageous victims,” Willis said after sentencing.

On September 21, 2018, Jeremy Andrews entered into his girlfriend’s apartment and accused her of infidelity. Andrews repeatedly punched her and also strangled her several times. The assault lasted over 3 hours and the victim suffered visible injuries as well as fractured ribs. Officer Laine Strickland with the Allen Police Department interviewed the victim and filed the initial report.

The jury found Andrews guilty of Assault Family Violence Strangulation and Assault Family Violence with a Prior Conviction.

During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors presented eight more victims who testified about Andrews’ physical abuse against them, dating back to 2010. Prosecutors also introduced evidence of Andrews’ prior convictions for Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, Assault Family Violence Strangulation, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. These prior convictions included a previous prison sentence that made his punishment range 5-99 years or life in prison for the strangulation case and 2-20 years in prison for the family violence charge. 

 Judge Jennifer Edgeworth assessed punishment at life in prison and 20 years in prison, respectively. The sentences will run concurrently.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cresta Garland and Kim Laseter prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon.

#####

May 24, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Alejandro Amoles, Jr., 40, of Allen, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.  “This child suffered an entire year of unspeakable abuse before bravely reporting this predator to a trusted family friend,” Willis stated after sentencing.

Amoles had access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family.  He started sexually abusing the child at age 5.  The next year, the child disclosed the abuse to a family friend who was in town for the weekend.  The family friend then reported the abuse to law enforcement.

Detective Chad Hermes with the Wylie Police Department investigated the case.  The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and disclosed details about the sexual abuse.

The jury found Amoles guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and assessed punishment at 50 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge Richard Davis presided over the jury trial.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Lindsay Wozniak prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinators Casey Hendrix and Ruth Ruiz, and Legal Secretaries Christy Ware and Raman Kaur.

#####

May 20, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Ricky L. Johnson, 44, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after the jury found him guilty of Aggravated Robbery.

“Violent offenders who target innocent civilians serving our community will be brought to justice in this county,” Willis said after sentencing.

On October 12, 2019, Johnson walked into an independent pharmacy in Plano, Texas, and asked for a prescription. When the pharmacist was distracted, Johnson pulled out a screwdriver, grabbed the pharmacist by the hair, put the screwdriver to her neck, and demanded codeine. The pharmacist initially refused, but eventually gave in when Johnson threatened to kill her. Johnson left the pharmacy with the majority of the codeine and all the cash in the register. Plano Police Department was dispatched to the pharmacy, and Officer Jason Moses and Officer David Hogan located and arrested Johnson not far from the pharmacy.

The jury found Johnson guilty of Aggravated Robbery, a first degree felony. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of Johnson’s prior convictions for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault Family Violence, Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Forgery, which included two prior prison sentences. These priors made his minimum punishment range 25 years. Judge Angela Tucker assessed punishment at 40 years in prison.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Luke Calhoun prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

#####

May 11, 2021

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Carlos Espinoza, 40, of Fort Worth, was sentenced to 35 years in prison after the jury found him guilty of Evading Arrest in a Vehicle and Possession of a Controlled Substance. 

“Repeat offenders who commit crimes while already in violation of their parole can’t be allowed to remain on our streets and in our neighborhoods,” Willis said after sentencing. 

On Feb. 21, 2020, McKinney Police Department Narcotics Sergeant John Woodruff saw Espinoza run a stop sign after leaving a known drug house. The sergeant attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Espinoza drove away at over 60 miles an hour through residential neighborhoods in McKinney.  Espinoza crashed his vehicle into a resident’s back yard fence and attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended by Sergeant Woodruff a few blocks away. Officers then found two baggies of methamphetamine during a search of Espinoza’s vehicle. Officers also discovered that there was a pending warrant out for Espinoza’s arrest due to a parole violation.

The jury found Espinoza guilty of Evading Arrest in a Vehicle and Possession of a Controlled Substance. During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of Espinoza’s prior convictions for various felonies including Arson, Burglary of a Habitation, and Evading Arrest in a Vehicle. Espinoza had a total of 26 prior convictions, 16 of which were felonies and 10 misdemeanors. Because of this history, Espinoza’s minimum punishment by law was 25 years. Judge John Roach Jr.  assessed punishment at 35 years in prison. 

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jamin Daly and Nick Lawrance prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey, and Legal Secretary Jasmine Pope. 

May 6, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Marcelino Lopez-Martinez, 37, of Carrollton, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “We are so proud of this child for having the strength to report this predator after enduring an entire year of his abuse,” Willis stated after sentencing.

Lopez-Martinez had access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. When the child was 8 years old, Lopez-Martinez sexually assaulted her for the first time. Over the next year, Lopez-Martinez sexually abused the child multiple times.  When the child was 9 years old, she disclosed the abuse to her mother.

Detective Vanessa Evanoff with the Frisco Police Department investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and disclosed details about the sexual abuse.

Judge Richard Beacom presided over the jury trial. The jury 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 Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinators Casey Hendrix and Rebecca Royer, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

#####

L-R, Marc Payne 1st VP (Collin County chapter of the NAACP), Rocio Gosewehr (Collin County chapter of the NAACP), Vykim Le CCCDA, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, June Jenkins President (Collin County chapter of the NAACP), Danielle Agee (Collin County chapter of the NAACP), Kamisha Dumas Legal Aid of Northwest Texas attend DA Willis’s Expunction 2021 Kickoff

(McKinney, TX) – District Attorney Greg Willis announced Collin County’s first Expunction Initiative. “We are thrilled to help people erase their criminal record and clear a path to more opportunity. Whether seeking employment, education, housing, or military service, we know this initiative will help qualifying individuals do just that.” Willis said.

In partnership with the Collin County NAACP, and support from the Collin County District Clerk, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, the Collin County Bar Association, Plano Bar Association, and Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the initiative was organized to help people who, by law, are eligible to have their criminal records expunged. Examples include when someone is found not guilty or successfully completes a district attorney diversion program.

To best accommodate applicants and volunteers, this program was designed using online resources. To learn more, visit the District Attorney’s website at www.CollinCountyDA.com/Expunction2021.

• Individuals who want to know if they are eligible must complete the screening form at CollinCountyDA.com/Expunction2021Survey by April 30, 2021.
• For Collin County attorneys wishing to volunteer, please complete the form at CollinCountyDA.com/Expunction2021Volunteer by April 20, 2021.

Once the screening process is complete, qualifying applicants will be paired with a legal aid or volunteer attorney who will work with them throughout the process. Applicants who successfully complete the program, volunteers, and community partners will be invited to a celebration event this summer.

The police chiefs of Collin County’s major-cities: Plano Police Chief Ed Drain, McKinney Police Chief Greg Conley, Frisco Police Chief David Shilson, and Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey issued this statement of support:

“We firmly support DA Willis’ Expunction Initiative. Removing unnecessary limitations of a criminal record helps individuals thrive and strengthens our ability to protect and serve our communities.”

To help get word to those who could have a better future, share updates found on our website and social media channels: CollinCountyDA.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

For more information or to contact the Office, visit www.CollinCountyDA.com/Expunction2021.

March 25, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a 50-year prison sentence for Milvio Salguero-Gonzalez, 44, of Plano, Texas, for the Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under Six. “The perpetrator’s threats were no match for this child’s bravery in reporting his abuse and also testifying against him,” Willis stated after sentencing.

Salguero-Gonzalez had access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. He sexually abused the child when the child was around four years old. Salguero-Gonzalez told the child that something bad would happen to her parents if she told anyone about the abuse. Years later, after a safety program at school, the child told her school counselor, who reported the abuse to CPS.

Plano Police Department Detective Chris Jones 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.

Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case.  The jury found Salguero-Gonzalez guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under Six and assessed punishment at 50 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under Six is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Courtney Sines and Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Gregory Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinators Casey Hendrix and Rebecca Royer, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

#####

District Attorney Greg Willis announced that the Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy (CCCPA) Spring session will be held virtually this year, beginning February 25^th.

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. This unique opportunity sheds light on the daily operations and builds a partnership with the community.

Our free, 10-week program will be held virtually, each Thursday from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Click here to read more or complete the online application by February 4, 2021. 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.

November 20, 2020

(McKinney, TX)

My office has been working closely with numerous area law enforcement agencies since Wednesday’s murder in Celina and the subsequent arrest of Jeremy Rashad Harris for that crime. Harris is currently in the Collin County Jail on bonds totaling $3 million. We will continue to coordinate with all the involved agencies and jurisdictions to protect the public and see that justice is done. To respect the integrity of ongoing investigations, I will have no further comment at this time.

Greg Willis

Collin County Criminal District Attorney

November 19, 2020

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Brandel Washington, 27, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to First Degree Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

“This guy hurts women and children, and forcefully takes what isn’t his. Violent gang members and repeat offenders have no place in our Collin County community. May this sentence bring some peace to this courageous survivor,” Willis said after sentencing.

On February 3, 2020, Washington and his girlfriend were back seat passengers in a car being driven north bound on Preston Road in Plano. During an argument in the car, Washington shot his girlfriend in the head.  The front two occupants jumped out of the moving car.  Washington then climbed into the driver’s seat and sped off, ultimately crashing the car at the intersection of Spring Creek and Windhaven Parkway. The victim survived, but sustained serious injuries, including disfigurement and permanent hearing loss in her left ear. Plano police officers responded to the 911 calls regarding a gunshot and the car crash.  Plano Detective Jonathan Hay investigated the case.

Washington pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented evidence of Washington’s gang membership and criminal record, including a prison sentence for felony Injury to a Child in 2013—where Washington inflicted severe burns to an infant. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Washington committed two aggravated robberies in Grand Prairie and Haltom City in January of this year.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Cresta Garland prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon and Victim Assistance Coordinator Stacey Taylor. Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case and assessed the sentence.

#####