April 10, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Mitchell Conrad Jones, 36, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Capital Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Police and prosecutors never forget a victim, even from a cold case. Their relentless efforts brought a murderer to justice and brings some solace to the family,” added Willis.

On July 20, 2009, Jones and two accomplices lured the victim to a house in Dallas, Texas. Once at the house, Jones attacked the victim from behind and dragged him into a darkened garage. Jones then strangled the victim to death with a cord. Jones and the accomplices searched the victim’s body and car for money or other valuables, and stole his car radio. After the murder, Jones loaded the victim’s body into the trunk of the victim’s car. He and the accomplices then drove from Dallas up to Melissa. They parked the victim’s car in an abandoned parking lot and left the car there with the victim’s body in the trunk. Melissa Police Department discovered the victim’s body seven days later.

After nearly a year of investigation, the case went cold. Nine years later, the murder case was re-opened by the Melissa Police Department, the Texas Rangers, and the Collin County District Attorney. After a cold case review with prosecutors, Texas Ranger Reuben Mankin and Melissa Detective Brian Kile ultimately discovered new evidence which led to the arrest of Mitchell Jones, Stacy Johnson, and Jasmine Salaz. The cases against Johnson and Salaz are still pending.

The jury found Jones guilty of Capital Murder. Judge Ray Wheless presided over the trial and assessed the automatic punishment of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Keil and Ashley Briggs prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Jayshree Bihari.

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February 28, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – A Collin County jury sentenced Ivan Merida, 35, of Royce City, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Collin County children are forever safe from this predator because this brave child found the courage to tell a family member,” added Willis.

Merida had ongoing access to the child. He sexually abused her over the course of more than a year, while telling her not to tell anyone. But after she turned 11 years old, she began to harm herself because of the abuse. A family member noticed and, after being asked about it, the child disclosed the abuse.

Investigator Fernando Robledo with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and disclosed the details of the abuse.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty and assessed a punishment of life in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Nick Lawrance prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Erin Fontenot.

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February 25, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Kenneth Alleman Midgley II, 30, of Plano, was sentenced to life in prison for Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “This sentence ensures that the victim’s family and our community will forever be safe from this violent man,” added Willis.

On April 13, 2017, Midgley murdered his father in their family home in Plano, Texas. Midgley then placed his father’s body in a large freezer and fled to Mexico. The family did not learn of the murder until April 15, 2017, when the victim failed to pick up his wife and daughter from the airport. After the victim failed to show, the mother called Midgley. He told her she could not speak to the victim because “he was not alive.” The Plano Police Department responded to the home and found the victim inside the freezer. Midgley spent ten days in Mexico before turning himself in to authorities.

Midgley pled guilty to murder in January 2019 and a punishment hearing was scheduled for February 18^th. At the punishment hearing, prosecutors presented evidence showing Midgley’s planning of the murder, lack of remorse and his danger to society. Family members testified that they feared for their safety and the safety of the community if Midgley was released.

Detective (retired) Scott Epperson, Detective Aaron Benzick, Officer Scott Kermes, and Criminalist Susan Hassan of the Plano Police Department testified regarding the investigation and evidence collection. Judge Ray Wheless presided over the case and assessed punishment at life in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Marisa Dunagan and Cynthia Walker prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland and Victim Assistance Coordinators Susanne Riggs and Casey Hendrix.

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February 15, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Kylil Jamall Killian, 20, of Crowley, Texas was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis and Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner. ”We are thankful for the Collin County jurors who continue to send the message that child predators will not be tolerated. The protection of children will always be our top priority. By working together, we will ensure our children receive the protection they deserve,” stated Skinner. “Children are safer now because this brave child put her own life at risk by outing this dangerous predator. We’re grateful that the school counselor, forensic interviewer, investigator, prosecutors, jury, and judge all did their duty in this difficult case well,” added Willis. 

In April of 2018, the 11 year old victim, known to Killian, notified a school counselor that Killian sexually abused her many times during the previous year. The counselor reported this information to law enforcement. McKenzie McIntosh of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed additional details about the sexual abuse.

Investigator Fernando Robledo with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and with the assistance of the US Marshals, secured the arrest of Killian in Arkansas and extradited him back to Texas.  

The jury returned a guilty verdict for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors introduced evidence that Killian sought out others to kill the victim to prevent the case from going forward. Judge Don Adams presided over the case and assessed punishment at 50 years in prison on Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 10 years in prison for Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact.  By law, a charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Abigail Policastro and Ann Martin prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Kim Eanes. District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs and Children’s Advocacy Center family advocate Kristany Harrod assisted the child and her family during trial.

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McKinney, Texas – Paulo Ostolin, 47, of Princeton, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis and Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner. “I am very proud of our dedicated deputies, prosecutors and child advocates who worked together seamlessly to protect a very brave and innocent child from true monster,” stated Skinner. District Attorney Willis said “This child bravely stood up to a sexual predator, and because she did, he’ll never prey on another child again,”

Ostolin knew and had ongoing access to the child. The child outcried to her mother about the abuse in May of 2017. Her mother then contacted local authorities and Collin County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Chris Fontana began an investigation.

Ostolin sexually abused the victim when she was 10 years old and continued the abuse until she was 12 years old. Ostolin sexually abused the child over this time period without the mother’s knowledge.

McKenzie McIntosh with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who gave a detailed account of the abuse. At trial the victim testified that during the abuse she felt, “all alone,” and “like no one could help [her].”

The jury returned a guilty verdict on the charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, for which the law does not allow parole eligibility. Judge Michael Snipes assessed punishment at 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Marisa Dunagan and Ann Martin prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Voigt-Eanes and Stephanie Strickland.

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February 1, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Roli Lopez-Sanchez, 37, of Plano, was found guilty and sentenced to 60 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “This innocent child showed remarkable courage by naming the monster who assaulted her; he will never harm another child again,” added Willis.

In February of 2018, medical professionals notified police of an 11 year old child who presented to their office 19 weeks pregnant. The child disclosed that Lopez-Sanchez sexually assaulted her. At the time of the offense, Lopez-Sanchez had ongoing access to the child.

Eli Molina of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details of the sexual abuse. Child Protective Services investigated, and the victim and her siblings were removed from the home.

In the summer of 2018, at age 12, the victim gave birth. Plano Police Detective Kristin Nichols investigated the case and obtained DNA samples of the baby. After analysis, DNA results confirmed Lopez-Sanchez as the father of the victim’s baby.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Judge James Fry presided over the case and assessed punishment at 60 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole or good time credit.

Assistant District Attorneys Abigail Policastro and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Kim Eanes.

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December 14, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Jon Woodland, 43, of Plano, 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 precious, young child showed bravery beyond her years, and now this predator can never strike again,” added Willis.

Woodland lived in the family home and had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the child over the course of a year until she turned 6 years of age.  Woodland told the child not to tell anyone.  After and separate from sexually assaulting this child, Woodland committed the federal crime of enticing a minor, who he planned to have sex with in South Texas.  Homeland Security arrested Woodland for that charge, for which he is currently serving a 15 year sentence.  After that federal arrest, the child victim in our case told her grandmother about the abuse.

Detective Justin Lawrence with Plano Police Department along with Homeland Security investigated the case.  A forensic interviewer, also with Homeland Security, interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty and assessed a punishment of life in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.  Judge Richard Beacom presided over the trial.

Assistant District Attorneys Nick Lawrance and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Cave and Legal Secretary Erin Fontenot.

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October 19, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Joseph Scarborough, 48, of Princeton, 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.  “Today a jury made sure a child predator will spend the rest of his life in prison.  This was only possible because of the child’s courage and resilience, as well as the family member who reported the assaults,” added Willis.

Scarborough knew and had ongoing access to the child.  He sexually abused the victim for approximately one year, beginning when the child was 8 years of age.  Scarborough would sexually abuse the child when his mother was out of the home.  Scarborough confessed his past abuse of the child to a family member, who then reported it to authorities.

Collin County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Danny Stasik investigated the case.  McKenzie McIntosh with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child who disclosed a detailed account of the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict and assessed punishment at 47 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.  Judge James Fry presided over the case.

After punishment concluded, the victim, the victim’s mother, and the family member to whom Scarborough confessed all gave victim impact statements.  That family member said “when I meet my maker, I don’t want him to ask me why I didn’t protect those children … my job here is done.”

Assistant District Attorneys Marisa Dunagan and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Eanes and Greg Bowers and Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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September 18, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Augusto Carrera, 45, of McKinney, was sentenced to 45 years in prison without parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This predator will never violate another child again because this courageous teenager spoke out,” added Willis.

A relative of the 14 year old victim found her in a frantic state just after being sexually assaulted.  Carrera, who was known to the victim’s family, was in the bathroom.  The victim’s relative asked the victim what happened.  The victim said Carrera sexually assaulted her and had assaulted her numerous times over the course of two years.  The victim’s relative reported the abuse to law enforcement.

McKinney Police Department investigated the case and Detective Jason Pruett and Officer Robert Ensor interviewed Carrera.  When they asked Carrera about the abuse, he said the victim tells the truth and does not lie.

Eli Molina with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the victim who disclosed details about the abuse, how it progressed over the years, and that she did not tell anyone earlier because Carrera told her “no one will ever believe you.”  The jury returned a guilty verdict on all eight counts including Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Indecency with a Child, and Sexual Assault of a Child.  Following the jury’s guilty verdicts, Judge John Roach Jr. sentenced Carrera to 45 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

After punishment concluded, the victim, who receives special education services at school due to her developmental delays, bravely read her victim impact statement in court.  Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Peter Ganyard and Brandon Wonnacott prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers, Legal Secretary Erin Fontenot, Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs and Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County Family Advocates Jennifer Pineda and Myrna Mason.

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August 3, 2018

(McKinney, Texas)  Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Bryce Clark, a habitual felony offender with prior convictions involving multiple victims and domestic violence, was sentenced to 75 years in prison after the jury found him guilty of Online Impersonation.  “Habitually violent abusers deserve to pay for their crimes, and innocent victims deserve to live in peace,” added Willis.  “The jury’s verdict accomplishes both.”

On July 26, 2015, the victim fled from an abusive marriage with Clark and sought shelter with her three children at Hope’s Door in Collin County, Texas.

On August 3, 2015, while attending a children’s therapy group session at the shelter, the victim received a multitude of vulgar messages from unknown numbers on her phone.  After responding to one of the numbers, she received a link to a post on Craigslist with her photograph, phone number and a vulgar solicitation for men to contact her.  She immediately requested Craigslist remove it and reported the unauthorized post to the Plano Police Department.

Plano Detective Jeff Rich investigated the case and discovered that Clark made the post on an account linked to him, despite Clark’s claims that the victim created the account and framed him.

The jury found Clark guilty of Online Impersonation.  During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of Clark’s prior convictions for Felony Assault, Fleeing from a Police Officer, Criminal Possession of a Forged Document, Violation of a Protective Order, and Terroristic Threat, which enhanced the range of punishment.  Evidence presented also showed that Clark abused the victim and her children for several years, and that he made threats to law enforcement officers while awaiting trial.

The jury, taking into consideration Clark’s prior convictions, threats and abusive history, assessed punishment at 75 years in prison.  Judge Scott Becker presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Briggs and Nick Lawrance prosecuted the case and were assisted by District Attorney Investigators Jon Hooper and Jared Clark and Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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August 1, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Arnulfo Mercado-Pena Jr., a habitual offender and violent gang member, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after the jury found him guilty of Evading Arrest with a Vehicle while using a Deadly Weapon.

In October 2017, Princeton Police Officer Curtis Humphreys observed Mercado-Pena, 32 and from Paris, Texas, speeding at 98 MPH on US 380.  Officer Humphreys attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Mercado-Pena refused to pull over.  Mercado-Pena led Humphreys on a high-speed chase for several miles along US 380.  Eventually, Mercado-Pena turned off of US 380, slowed to a low speed, and jumped from his vehicle while it was still moving.  Officer Humphreys pursued Mercado-Pena on foot for a short distance before Mercado-Pena surrendered.  Officer Humphreys arrested Mercado-Pena and took him into custody.

The jury found Mercado-Pena guilty and also found that Mercado-Pena used a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense, specifically a motor vehicle.  During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of Mercado-Pena’s prior convictions including Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Failure to Stop and Render Aid, Aggravated Assault, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.  Additionally, Plano Police Officer Erin Merrit testified how Mercado-Pena’s multiple tattoos identify Mercado-Pena as a member of the gang Tango Blast.

Judge John Roach Jr. presided over the case and found that Mercado-Pena’s multiple convictions made him “a habitual offender,” and sentenced him to 60 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Bobby Huber and Luke Calhoun prosecuted the case.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigators Ryan Harvey and Michael Coleman.

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July 19, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Dean Basil Johnson, 52, of McKinney, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for Indecency with a Child by Contact to be immediately followed by 10 years of community supervision for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In August 2017, a child victim, known to Johnson, reported to her mother that Johnson had sexually assaulted her the previous weekend at Johnson’s home.  The abuse was immediately reported to law enforcement.  On the same date, another child victim known to Johnson also reported she had been sexually assaulted by Johnson multiple times over the previous year.

After receiving the report, Investigator Fernando Robledo and Sergeant Chris Fontana with the Collin County Sherriff’s Office Child Abuse Task Force initiated an investigation.  Eli Molina and Rachel McConnell with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the victims who disclosed further details about the abuse.

Johnson pleaded guilty to Indecency with a Child by Contact and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was sentenced to 8 years in prison and 10 years of community supervision, respectively.  Assistant District Attorneys Bill Wirskye and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case.

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May 31, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Richardson resident Jose Ynes Oliba-Cabrera was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the Murder of a Plano woman, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “I’m proud of our Domestic Violence Unit’s hard work, which guarantees that this murderer will never again harm another woman,” added Willis.

In May 2017, Oliba-Cabrera, 51, stabbed his former girlfriend, Ludivina Frias, 48, multiple times and then stabbed himself in the chest in the 3900 Block of W. Parker Road in Plano.  Civilians nearby witnessed the brutal assault and contacted 911, resulting in an immediate response to the scene by Plano Police.  EMS transported both Frias and Oliba-Cabrera to a nearby hospital, where Frias was pronounced dead upon arrival.  Plano Detective Paul Martinez thoroughly investigated the case.

Oliba-Cabrera pled guilty to murder for an agreed punishment of 50 years in prison.  Several members of Frias’ family gave victim impact statements following the plea.  Frias’ oldest son said his mother was a “woman who would dare to smile on the saddest of days.”  He called Oliba-Cabrera a “coward for attacking a defenseless woman.”  Frias’ sister said “although we hate what you did, we will not be consumed by hate.”

Frias was a mother to five children and leaves behind her father, brothers and sisters, and many other relatives.  She worked tirelessly to support her family, enjoyed cooking for them, and loved to listen to music and dance.

Assistant District Attorneys Kim Laseter and Peter Ganyard prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon and Victim Assistance Coordinator Jenni Ball, who provided support for the victim’s family.  Judge Benjamin Smith assessed the agreed sentence.

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May 22, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Michael Edward Harssema, 45, formerly of Dallas, was convicted of three different sexually violent offenses.  He was sentenced to 20 years for Sexual Assault of a Child, and two 20 years sentences for Indecency with a Child by Contact along with $10,000 fines for each sentence.  One of the 20 Year sentences for Indecency with a Child will run consecutive to the Sexual Assault of a Child, making a total 40 year sentence, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In January 2014, a child victim reported to a therapist that Harssema, her former attorney, sexually assaulted her.  After receiving the report, Special Agent Joe Anders of the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation.  Special Agent Anders interviewed Harssema, who lied and attempted to mislead authorities.  Michelle Lanier with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the victim who disclosed details about the abuse.

During the two week trial, the victim’s mother testified that she was desperate to help her daughter who struggled from an eating disorder and drug addiction.  She sought assistance from Harssema.  On the day Harssema met the victim, he separated the victim from her mother, telling the mother that the victim would open up more about her struggles if he met with her privately.  Once alone with the victim, Harssema provided her with both Xanax and alcohol.  In addition, instead of driving the victim home from their dinner meeting, Harssema stopped at a nearby 7-11 where he purchased more alcohol. He later pulled into an Allen neighborhood where he sexually assaulted the underage victim.  The victim’s mother attempted to reach Harssema more than 30 times.  He did not take her calls but evidence introduced by prosecutors showed he took other calls.  Special Agent Anders also testified about evidence he found that corroborated the victim’s account, including cell phone records that placed the victim and Harssema in the area described by the victim.

During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of a 2012 sexual assault of another victim who reported Harssema assaulted her while he was working as her attorney.  Judge Barnett Walker presided over the case and determined that one of the sentences would be served consecutively.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Shannon Miller and Crystal Levonius prosecuted the case.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers and Victims Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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May 4, 2018

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Quinton Gold Hodge, 19, of Dallas, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Attempted Capital Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Where there is gang activity, there will be crime,” added Willis. “Criminal street gangs are not welcome in Collin County and the violent crimes they commit will not be tolerated.”

On March 20, 2016, Hodge and an accomplice lured the victim to a residence in Plano through social media.  Once the victim arrived at the location, Hodge and his accomplice robbed the victim at gunpoint.  The victim gave the perpetrators his property and tried to leave the location on foot.  As the victim walked away with his hands in the air, Hodge shot him through the torso.  As a result of the gunshot wound, the victim spent three weeks in the hospital and underwent several surgeries to save his life.  Police were able to identify Hodge and his accomplice through social media.  Police also discovered that Hodge is a known gang member in the YNB gang from Dallas.  Members of the YNB gang have committed several other assaults, robberies, and murders in Dallas County.

Plano Police Detective Jonathan Hay investigated the case.  Dallas Police Detectives Chris Walton and Eric Barnes assisted Hay with the criminal investigation.

Hodge pled guilty to Attempted Capital Murder on April 25, 2018, and the sentencing hearing concluded on Monday, April 30, 2018.  Judge Mark Rusch presided over the sentencing hearing and assessed punishment at 40 years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.  The accomplice, Robert James Pearson, pled guilty in September 2017 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Keil and Melanie Wiesman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Michael Bennett.

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May 2, 2018

(McKINNEY, Texas) – A 17-year-old Plano man has been arrested for criminal solicitation of capital murder and making a terroristic threat, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Frisco Police Department, and the Plano Police Department.

Matin Azizi-Yarand, a high school student, was arrested for making terroristic threats to carry out his plan of committing a mass shooting at a local mall and for soliciting other individuals to assist him in the mass shooting attack.  Azizi-Yarand was inspired by ISIS to conduct this attack, which he had planned for mid-May.  At the time of arrest, Azizi-Yarand sent more than $1,400 to others for the purchase of weapons and tactical gear.  He had written and planned to disseminate his “Message to America” explaining the reasons for his attack.

Azizi-Yarand will be prosecuted by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office with support from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.  Under Texas state law, if convicted, Azizi-Yarand faces up to life in prison for criminal solicitation and up to ten years in prison for making a terroristic threat.  He is in custody and bond amounts have been set totaling $3 million dollars.

“We are fortunate that the brave men and women of local and federal law enforcement work around the clock to prevent acts of terrorism and mass shootings,” said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “I’d like to thank the FBI’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Frisco and Plano Police Departments for their efforts in this case and their vigilance in protecting the citizens of Collin County.”

“The FBI’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force was able to successfully work with local, state, and federal partners to apprehend an individual who intended to do harm within the city of Frisco, Texas.  The FBI is not aware of any additional threats associated with this arrest.  The American people can take comfort in knowing that we continue to work diligently to protect and defend the United States and to ensure the safety of the communities we serve,” said Eric K. Jackson, FBI Dallas Special Agent-In-Charge.

“The facts of this case, though alarming, serve as an example of the power of cooperation and the importance of each individual remaining vigilant in the spirit of ‘see something-say something.’  I would like to thank all the local and federal partners who worked on this case for the teamwork displayed in keeping our North Texas community safe,” said John W. Bruce, Frisco Police Chief.

“Sadly, we have heard a lot about terrorism in the media, and it has become a concern in our lives.  This case exemplifies the wide reach terrorist groups have through social media and other means to radicalize others in communities across our country, but more importantly it demonstrates the high level of collaboration that exists between law enforcement agencies to prevent such plots from being carried out.  I wish to thank the FBI and all law enforcement agencies in the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for their work on this case,” said Gregory W. Rushin, Plano Police Chief.

The FBI’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force is made up of numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.  The mission of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) is prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist acts affecting the United States interests; and, to apprehend individuals who commit or plan to commit such acts. Experiences learned from the subsequent investigation of the 9/11 attacks led to the need for a “one-team – one fight” approach.  JTTFs serve as the platform connecting law enforcement (LE) communities to the Department of Defense, the United States Intelligence Community, and foreign LE entities. JTTFs leverage the collaborative efforts of LE agencies to accomplish the counter terrorism mission.  The North Texas JTTF (NJTTF) is comprised of four counterterrorism squads located in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Dallas.

If anyone has any information on this case or defendant, please call the FBI’s Public Access Line at 855-324-7257 or email at https://tips.fbi.gov.  Caller information will be kept confidential.

Copies of the arrest warrant affidavits are attached to this press release.

An arrest is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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April 10, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Steven Glen Baugh, 34, of Garland, was sentenced to life in prison for Continuous Sexual Abuse of Children, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In November 2016, a child victim known to Baugh reported to her school guidance counselor that Baugh sexually assaulted her.  The abuse was reported to Child Protective Services and law enforcement.

After receiving the report, Sergeant Chris Fontana with the Collin County Sherriff’s Office Child Abuse Task Force initiated an investigation.  Eli Molina with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the victim who disclosed details about the abuse which began when she was 6 or 7 years old and continued until she was 8.  Baugh, a registered sex offender, was convicted in 2004 of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and served five years in prison for that offense.  A warrant was issued and Baugh was arrested at his residence in Garland.

In July 2017, Baugh was scheduled for trial for the Continuous Sexual Abuse of this victim.  Three days before that trial was to begin, a second victim who was related to Baugh came forward at a church youth retreat and revealed that Baugh sexually assaulted her on one occasion when she was 12.  Detective Fontana investigated this case and filed charges against Baugh for the abuse of the new victim.

Visiting District Judge Carmen Rivera-Worley presided over the trial and found Baugh guilty.  During the punishment phase, the State presented evidence of Baugh’s prior convictions for the 2004 Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and a 2014 Indecent Exposure.  After hearing the evidence, Judge Rivera-Worley sentenced Baugh to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Abigail Policastro and Crystal Levonius prosecuted the case.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voight Eanes and Victims Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

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April 11, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Frederick Douglass Feaster, 37, of Dallas, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On February 3, 2017, multiple people called 911 to report gunshots at an apartment complex in Plano, Texas.  When police arrived at the apartment they found Miko Walker’s body in the living room of his apartment.  He was shot twice before he died.  There was evidence he attempted to protect himself by shooting at his attacker.

The same day, Plano Detectives were also notified of a gunshot victim at a local hospital who reported he was robbed at a gas station.  The man at the hospital was Frederick Feaster.  Feaster told Methodist Hospital Officer Miles Hanks and Richardson Police Officer Ryan Otero he was at a bar with friends and then was robbed at a gas station, but he was not able to tell officers what bar or what gas station.  Feaster was shot multiple times, including the wrist.

The next day Plano Detectives met with Feaster.  They informed Feaster they found his phone at the victim’s apartment.  Feaster was arrested for murder and warrants were obtained for his DNA.  Test results revealed that Feaster’s DNA matched the DNA found on a bullet at the apartment and the blood in the parking lot.  In addition, cell phone GPS records put Feaster at the scene at the time of the murder.  The case was investigated by Plano Detectives Courtney Noel and Brian Pfahning.

Feaster was indicted for Capital Murder and the State presented evidence that Feaster killed the victim during the commission of a robbery; however, the jury did not find beyond a reasonable doubt that a robbery occurred.  The jury did return a guilty verdict on the lesser charge of Murder and assessed a 30 year prison sentence.  Judge Andrea Thompson presided over the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Katherine Nolden and Cynthia Walker.  They were aided by District Attorney Investigator Michael Coleman and Victims Assistance Coordinator Renee Thompson.

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February 28, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Andrew Callaway, 28, of Wylie, received the maximum sentence, 2 years in state jail, for Animal Cruelty and also 10 years in prison for probation violations, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This sentence sends a message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in Collin County.”

On May 2, 2017, Wylie Police Department was dispatched to the 600 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal cruelty call.  Officers Christopher Gordon and Robert Harper met with a neighbor who witnessed Callaway stomping on a four-month-old boxer puppy multiple times.  Officers attempted to check on the welfare of the puppy at the Callaway residence, but Callaway denied them access.

Lieutenant Mike Atkison and Officer Sam Shipley obtained a warrant and returned the next day to find the puppy gone.  Wylie Animal Control located the puppy at the Richardson Animal Shelter, took custody, and re-named the puppy Spirit.  Spirit was then taken to Parker Road Veterinary Hospital for treatment.  The veterinarians found a fracture to his pelvis and countless fractures to both hind legs.  They were unable to repair Spirit’s serious bodily injuries, leaving humane euthanasia as the only option.  The case was investigated by Wylie Police Department, including Lieutenant Tommy Walters, Lieutenant Mike Atkison, Officer Christopher Gordon, and Officer Sam Shipley.

During the sentencing phase of Callaway’s guilty plea, Parker Road Veterinarian Dr. Greg Myers testified about the severity of Spirit’s injuries and the court heard evidence of Callaway’s lengthy criminal history in Collin and Dallas counties, including four felony drug convictions.  Prosecutors also presented evidence that Callaway was on second degree felony probation for a drug offense at the time of this charge and that Callaway violated his bond conditions by failing to appear for court.

After considering this evidence, Judge Mark Rusch assessed punishment at 2 years state jail for Animal Cruelty and 10 years in prison for probation violations on the drug charge.

Assistant District Attorneys Calli Bailey and Lisa Smith prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Laurie Gibbs.

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