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. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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October 29, 2020

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Joel Thomas Dies, 36, of The Colony, Texas, was sentenced by a jury to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. “This predator can no longer hide behind his manipulation because the child had the courage to expose ‘their secret’ and report his terrible abuse,” Willis added after sentencing.

The evidence showed a number of things. Dies had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim over the course of four years starting when the child was just five years old  Dies told the child to keep the abuse “their secret.” But the child gathered the courage to tell her mother.  Upon learning this, the mother took the child to see a therapist who then reported the abuse to Child Protective Services and Plano Police.

Plano 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 ongoing abuse. During the criminal investigation, law enforcement learned that Dies sexually abused another child several years prior.

The jury found Dies guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and the jury assessed punishment at 60 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole. Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kimberly Kircher and Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Gregory Bowers, Kim Voigt-Eanes, and Mike Bennett, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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October 26, 2020

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Jose Fraire Delarosa, 34, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole after a jury found him guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

“I applaud the bravery of both children who testified in this case – the sibling who saw and reported a despicable act and the victim who courageously told of the horrific, ongoing sexual abuse,” Willis said after sentencing.

Delarosa had ongoing access to the victim. He sexually abused the child over the course of two years starting when the child was just six years old. Delarosa also threatened to hurt the child’s mother if the child told anyone about the abuse.  Ultimately, another sibling in the home witnessed Delarosa sexually assaulting the victim. That sibling told their mother, who reported it to Allen Police.

Allen Police investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed specific details of the ongoing abuse.

The jury found Delarosa guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.  Judge James R. Fry assessed punishment at 60 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 Sarah Putman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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October 21, 2020

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Ronnie Welborn, 48, of Princeton, received a life sentence after pleading guilty for his role in the murder of Kelli Underwood.

“We’re grateful for Texas Ranger Bruce Sherman’s outstanding investigative work. It was indispensable in securing justice for Ms. Underwood and her family,” added Willis after sentencing.

On September 20, 2017, the victim’s adult daughter found her deceased inside her home due to multiple gunshot and stab wounds. Two individuals, Robert Veal and Delvin Powell, were identified by name and description as having been seen with Underwood at her home on the last day she was known to be alive.  After multiple witness interviews and reviews of cell phone evidence, law enforcement learned that Veal and Powell were hired by Ronnie Welborn and another individual to carry out the murder. All four were ultimately charged in the murder for hire plot.

Judge Angela Tucker assessed the agreed punishment of life in prison. In August 2019, a jury found accomplice Delvin Powell guilty of Capital Murder, and in January 2020, a jury found accomplice Robert Veal guilty of Capital Murder, and both were also sentenced to life in prison.

The case was investigated by Texas Ranger Bruce Sherman, with the assistance of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and the Princeton Police Department. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Dewey Mitchell prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs and Victim Assistance Coordinator Stacey Taylor.

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October 15, 2020

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Michael Villasana, 37, of McKinney, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of Aggravated Assault Public Servant.

“Villasana had the chance to change his life by following his conditions of parole, but instead threatened the lives of officers and civilians; I commend these officers for displaying remarkable calm and professionalism throughout an intense and dangerous situation,” Willis said after sentencing.

On October 14, 2019, McKinney Police Officers Asher Richardson, Candice King, and Terry French responded to a domestic violence call in east McKinney. Once there, police learned Villasana was inside the house. A witness heard Villasana hitting his girlfriend, so the officers tried to get Villasana out of the house. After 15 minutes of refusing, Villasana finally came out into the front yard, yelling and cursing at officers.

Villasana then went back inside the house and returned with a knife. Villasana ignored officer commands and started walking through the yard and out into the street where Officer King was standing behind a parked car. As Villasana came around the end of the car, Officer King, with her gun pointed at Villasana, continued to give commands to drop the knife. Villasana made slashing motions with the knife as he shouted at Officer King, “I’m going to kill you!”

Villasana returned to the yard but then threw the knife towards and over the heads of the officers and civilians in the street. As Villasana turned towards Officer French, Officer Daniel Rogers, who just arrived on scene with a less lethal shotgun, shot Villasana with three bean bag rounds. Officers then took Villasana into custody. During transport to the jail, Villasana again threatened one of the officers, yelling “When I come home, I’m going to kill you and your family!”

Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the jury trial and then, after hearing evidence of a prolonged and serious criminal history, assessed punishment at 40 years in prison. Punishment evidence included Villasana’s three previous prison stints, which enhanced his punishment range to a minimum of 25 years, and 10+ prior convictions. Not only was he on parole for a federal gun charge at the time of this offense, his criminal history included multiple burglary of a habitation convictions.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ashlyn Scott and Peter Ganyard prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Michael Coleman.

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