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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December 1, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Addison Mays, 34, of McKinney, was sentenced to 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Every young child needs safety, and every child predator needs punishment. We are thankful for the McKinney Police Department, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and the judge and jury for their roles in seeing that justice was done,” said Willis after sentencing.

Mays had ongoing access to the child through a relationship with the child’s family. Mays sexually abused the eight-year-old victim over the course of a year. The child disclosed the abuse to the mother the next year. The mother then reported it to the McKinney Police Department.

Detective Jennifer Grounds with the McKinney Police Department investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of North Texas, where the child disclosed details about the ongoing abuse.

The jury found Mays guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a child. Judge James Fry 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 Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers and Samantha Selman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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November 10, 2021

(McKinney, Texas) – Ismael Lopez, 39, of Plano, Texas, was sentenced to 99 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “It’s ironic and just that for three long years this predator perpetrated evil upon this scared child, and that now this child’s incredible bravery will lock him up for 99 years,” said Willis after sentencing.

Lopez was close to the child’s family and had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of three years, until the child was 13 years old.  Lopez told the child to keep the abuse a secret. Eventually, the child told a family member and the abuse was reported to the Plano Police Department.

Plano Police Department Detective Alec Newtown 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.

At the sentencing phase of trial, the jury also learned that Lopez had prior convictions for Assault, Driving While Intoxicated, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, for which he was sentenced to prison time and released to federal immigration custody in 2017. Lopez was deported but re-entered the country illegally. The jury found Lopez guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and assessed punishment at 99 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge Henry Wade, Jr. presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Carrie Thomas and Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers, Sarah Putman, Laurie Gibbs, and Kenny Newton, Victim Assistance Coordinators Ruth Ruiz and Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.