Violent Gang Member, Career Criminal Gets 75 Years in Prison for Aggravated Robbery

August 30, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Robert Lee Murray, Jr., 35, of Dallas, was sentenced to 75 years in prison for Aggravated Robbery, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “A violent gang member and career criminal preyed on an innocent civilian for the last time. The judge and jury showed him the prison door and now he’ll pay for his crimes for a long, long time,” said Willis after the sentencing.

In May 2018, Murray, still on parole from a 23 year prison sentence for a 2003 Aggravated Robbery, and several accomplices lured a young man to a Plano parking lot by offering to sell him several iPhones. When the victim arrived, Murray pointed a gun and threatened to shoot him, then stole various items from the victim’s vehicle.

Plano Police Detective Jonathan Hay found incriminating texts messages and photographs on the cell phones of Murray and his accomplices, as well as Murray’s fingerprints on the victim’s vehicle.

The jury found Murray guilty of the first degree felony offense of Aggravated Robbery. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of Murray’s prior convictions. Among those were violent offenses he committed as a juvenile, and the 2003 aggravated robbery mentioned above. Prosecutors also introduced evidence of Murray’s gang affiliation.

Judge Jennifer Edgeworth presided over the case and assessed punishment at 75 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Calhoun and Kim Kircher prosecuted the case and were aided by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putnam and Victim Assistance Coordinators Stacey Taylor and Casey Hendrix.

 

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Habitual Offender Sentenced to 40 Years for Aggravated Robbery and Assaulting an Officer

August 21, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Victor Carl Terry, 37, of Dallas, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Robbery and 20 years in prison for Assault on a Public Servant, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Criminals who perpetrate violence against innocent civilians and dedicated public servants pay the price in Collin County” added Willis.

In June 2018, Terry lived in McKinney, Texas with an elderly, female relative. On June 23rd Terry stabbed her eight times with a knife, then stole her laptop, phone, and tablet, and then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. The victim was hospitalized and survived the attack.

Two days later, law enforcement located Terry in Dallas; officers found the knife as well as illegal drugs in Terry’s possession. He was arrested and detained in the Collin County Jail.

While awaiting trial on the Aggravated Robbery charge, Terry attacked a detention officer, punching him in the face and body multiple times. The detention officer suffered a fractured jaw and was also hospitalized.

McKinney Police Detective Tracy Rimpel investigated the Aggravated Robbery case and Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jay Reim investigated the Assault on a Public Servant case.

Terry pled guilty to both charges and a punishment hearing was August 19, 2019. At the hearing, prosecutors presented evidence of Terry’s eight prior convictions including robbery, drug dealing, and burglary of a building. Judge Henry Wade, Jr. presided over the hearing and assessed punishment at 40 years in prison for the Aggravated Robbery and 20 years in prison for the Assault of a Public Servant.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashleigh Woodall and Kailey Gillman prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kenny Newton and Victim Assistance Coordinators Stacey Taylor and Casey Hendrix.

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Serial Abuser and Gang Member Sentenced to 75 Years for Shooting Ex-Girlfriend

June 25, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Brandon Woods, 33, of Dallas, was sentenced to 75 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Violent abusers who terrorize innocent victims will pay the price in Collin County” added Willis.

In October 2017, Woods was placed on felony probation in Dallas County for two cases, including strangling his ex-girlfriend/mother of two of his children. In March 2018, while that ex-girlfriend was driving to the Richardson Police Department for safety, Woods followed her in his car and shot at her three times. All three shots hit her car, and one went through the door and through her abdomen, which required emergency surgery.

Woods pled guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury Family Violence in April, and a punishment hearing was scheduled for June. At the punishment hearing, prosecutors Kim Laseter and Cresta Garland presented evidence of years of prior abuse and criminal activity by Woods, including a prison sentence for Burglary of a Habitation.

Richardson Police Department Detective Jules Farmer investigated the case and testified at the punishment hearing. Dallas Police Department Detective/Task Force Officer Barrett Nelson of the Criminal Intelligence/Gang Unit also provided testimony about Woods’ gang affiliation.

Judge Ray Wheless presided over the sentencing hearing and assessed punishment at 75 years in prison.

Prosecutors were aided by District Attorney Investigators Robin Laughon, Keith Henslee, Michael Coleman, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Stacey Taylor.

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Child Predator Gets Life in Prison without Parole

June 14, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Miguel Castellanos, 44, 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. “Children everywhere are forever safe from this predator because these brave children found the courage to tell a family member about his terrible and repeated abuse,” added Willis.

In March 2017, one of Castellanos’ victims (age 13) told her mother that Castellanos sexually abused her beginning when she was nine years old. The mother reached out to family and through their discussion another victim (age 16) came forward. Both victims’ mothers reported the abuse to law enforcement.

Plano Police Department Detective Kristina McClain investigated the case. Both victims were forensically interviewed by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and out-cried in detail about specific sexual assaults by Castellanos.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and assessed punishment at 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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Katherine Nolden and Ann Martin. They were aided by District Attorney Investigators Stephanie Strickland, Michael Coleman, Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Stacey Taylor, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

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Life in Prison without Parole for Sexual Predator of Two Young Children

May 2, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Victor Calderon-Cardona, 32, of McKinney, 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. “These innocent children showed bravery beyond their years and made sure this predator will never again harm another child,” added Willis.

In April 2018, one of Calderon-Cardona’s young victims (age 10) told her school counselor that Calderon-Cardona sexually abused her for the past four years up to the present time. The counselor reported this information to law enforcement.

McKinney Police Department Detective Jennifer Grounds and Officer Bruno Siqueira investigated the case. During the investigation, they discovered another victim (age 12) that Calderon-Cardona knew and had access to. Both children were forensically interviewed by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and out-cried in detail about specific sexual assaults by Calderon-Cardona.

Calderon-Cardona pled guilty to Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact. Judge John R. Roach, Jr. assessed punishment at life in prison on Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 20 years in prison for Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Katherine Nolden and Geeta Singletary. They were aided by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Sarah Putman, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware. Family advocates and CASA volunteers assisted the children and their family during trial.

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Life in Prison without Parole for Killer of Plano Man

April 12, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Brandon Davis, 24, of Dallas, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Capital Murder, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “This victim was beloved by his family and community. The jury’s verdict ensures that this ruthless, cold-hearted murderer will never again see the light of day,” added Willis.

In the early morning hours of February 14, 2018, Davis followed the victim to his Plano home from the victim’s Dallas convenience store. When the victim got out of his car in front of his home, Davis approached and shot him four times – once in the shoulder, once in the abdomen, and twice in the chest. As the victim laid in his front yard dying, Davis stole the victim’s briefcase, which contained a gun and money from his store, and drove back to Dallas.

Detective Jonathan Hay along with numerous other police officers and detectives with Plano Police Department investigated the case. Brandon Davis was interviewed by Detective Hay and confessed to involvement in the crime.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty and an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole was assessed by the court. Judge John R. Roach, Jr. presided over the trial.

Following the trial, several family members gave emotional victim impact statements. They spoke of how their husband and father’s tragic murder affected their lives and community. The victim’s youngest daughter shared “He always encouraged me to do big things but now I am lost because the person who pushed me to greatness is no longer here by my side.”

Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Eanes and Greg Bowers and Victim Assistance Coordinators Casey Cave and Jayshree Bihari.

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50 Years in Prison without Parole for Serial Child Molester Who Targeted His Victims at Church

April 11, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Noel Anderson, 23, of McKinney, 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. “We’re grateful for these brave children, as their courage helped lock up a serial child predator,” added Willis.

Anderson sexually abused multiple children who he had ongoing access to over a period of several years through his church. His five victims ranged in age from 1 ½ years to 6 years old. Anderson confessed to the abuse and said he targeted children he thought would not disclose. One of the children eventually told her mother that Anderson abused her.

McKinney Police Department Detectives Ursula Watson and Nolan Palmer investigated the case. Multiple children were forensically interviewed by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and out-cried in detail about specific incidents of abuse by Anderson.

Anderson pled guilty; the jury returned a guilty verdict, and assessed punishment of 50 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

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

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Life without Parole for Killer in Melissa Cold Case

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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Collin County Teen Sentenced for Plotting Terrorist Attack at Frisco Mall

April 8, 2019

PLANO, Texas – An 18-year-old Plano man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison for plotting a terrorist attack at a Collin County, Texas shopping mall, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis and United States Attorney Joseph D.  Brown jointly today.

Matin Azizi-Yarand pleaded guilty to charges of solicitation of capital murder and terroristic threat today in state court before 296th District Court Judge John Roach, Jr.  Pursuant to a plea agreement reached by prosecutors and the defendant, Judge Roach sentenced Azizi-Yarand to 20 years in prison for the solicitation charge and 10 years in prison for the terroristic threat charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

According to information presented in court, Azizi-Yarand was arrested in May of 2018 after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force discovered he was plotting a mass shooting at the Stonebriar Centre mall in Frisco, Texas.    Inspired by ISIS, Azizi-Yarand was a high school student in Plano when he began actively soliciting other individuals to assist him in the attack, which he had planned for mid-May 2018.   At the time of his arrest, Azizi-Yarand had sent more than $1,400 to an undercover FBI employee for the purchase of weapons and tactical gear, had conducted surveillance on the mall, and had met with undercover federal operatives to plan the attack.  The investigation determined that Azizi-Yarand specifically intended to target police officers and civilians at the mall.

The case was filed in state district court in Collin County after federal prosecutors determined that Azizi-Yarand’s age – he was 17 at the time of the offense – limited their ability to prosecute the teen in federal court.  Individuals age 17 and above are considered adults under Texas state criminal law, while federal law requires an individual to be 18 to be considered an adult.

“This was a serious, serious threat,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown.  “There is no doubt that Azizi-Yarand would have carried out what he was planning.  Federal and state law enforcement in this district are committed to working together to combat terrorist activities in this region.   We greatly appreciate all of the law enforcement that moved quickly to prevent what could have been a very bad situation.  The FBI and the Plano, Frisco and Richardson police departments, as part of the regional Joint Terrorism Task Force, just did a great job.  And the cooperation of the Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis and his office was outstanding and allowed us to make sure the consequence reflected the seriousness of the offense.”

“We are lucky that the vigilant men and women of federal and state law enforcement stopped this ISIS-inspired mass shooting,” said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “This was textbook joint investigation and prosecution that undoubtedly saved lives. I’d like to thank United States Attorney Joe Brown and his prosecutors, the FBI, and all the law enforcement agencies that make up North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force.”

“Today’s plea is the result of the strong collaboration between the FBI and our partners in the North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said Michael Schneider, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Division. “We work together 24/7, 365 days a year to detect, investigate, and disrupt terrorist threats in order to protect our communities from harm.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force, Frisco Police Department, Plano Police Department, and Richardson Police Department.  Attorneys from both the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas and the Collin County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted Azizi-Yarand, who will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in prison.

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Contact:  Davilyn Walston
Public Information Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator
O: 409-981-7902

Life in Prison without Parole for Child Predator

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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Life in Prison for Son who Murdered His Father

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 18th. 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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50 Years without Parole for Child Predator Who Also Tried to Have Child Killed

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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50 Years without Parole for Child Predator

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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60 Years without Parole for Sexual Predator who Impregnated a Child

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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Life in Prison without Parole for Child Predator

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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47 Years without Parole for Child Sex Offender

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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McKinney Man Sentenced to 45 Years Without Parole for Sexual Assault of Special Needs Teenager

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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Repeat Offender Gets 75 Years in Prison After Impersonating Victim Online

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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Violent Gang Member and Sex Offender Who Led Police on a High-Speed Chase Gets 60 Years in Prison

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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McKinney Man Sentenced To Prison For Indecency With A Child

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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