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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

February 23, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Zachary Alan Holifield, 19, a former baseball player at Plano Senior High School who had committed to Oklahoma State University to play college ball, was sentenced to 33 years for Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On June 16, 2016, the parents of the 5 year old victim learned that Holifield sexually molested her when she was attending a daycare operated by Holified’s mother in Holifield’s home.  The victim’s parents reported the abuse and Plano Police Department initiated an investigation lead by Detective Daniel Bryeans.  Lisa Martinez with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse which began before age 5 and continued until the outcry.  Further investigation and forensic interviews revealed that another child who attended the daycare was also sexually abused by Holifield.

Holifield was arrested and interviewed by Detectives Daniel Bryeans and Aaron Benzick.  He confessed to sexually abusing the 5 year old on numerous occasions when his mother was busy or out of the home.  Plano Police Department Detectives Courtney Noel and Brian Pfahning also assisted with the investigation.

Holifield pled guilty to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and was sentenced yesterday to 33 years in prison, without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorney Shannon Miller prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers and Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

February 15, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Christopher Dee Acklin, 46, of Plano, was sentenced to 32 years in prison for Injury to the Elderly Causing Serious Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In December 2016, Acklin got drunk and then strangled and beat his mother, age 73, at her home in Plano.  The injuries he caused required extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts on her arms and surgery for a fractured femur.  Plano Police Department Detective James Phelan investigated the case.

During the sentencing phase of Acklin’s plea of guilty, the victim testified that she closed her eyes during the assault and felt like she was going to die.  Prosecutors presented evidence of prior assaults by Acklin, including a 2010 conviction for assault family violence against his mother, and a 2013 conviction for assault family violence against his wife at the time.

Prosecutors presented even more evidence of Acklin’s other criminal conduct, including two prior convictions for DWI, multiple violations of protective orders, as well as Plano Police Sgt. Christer Matthews’ testimony about Acklin’s bad conduct post-arrest.

Judge Benjamin Smith assessed punishment at 32 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Kim Laseter and Kim Kircher prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon and Victim Assistance Coordinator Jenni Ball.

#####

February 1, 2018

(McKinney, Texas) – Michael Eric Pennington, 33, of McKinney, was sentenced to life without parole for the Capital Murder of a McKinney woman, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On July 4, 2016, the victim, Leasa Carroll called police to report that a man was pounding on her front door and threatening to kill her.  She identified the man as Pennington.  McKinney officers responded and saw Pennington walking out of the front door of Carroll’s residence holding a bloody knife.  Officers immediately detained Pennington and entered the house.  They found Carroll lying on the floor of the living room with apparent stab wounds.  Carroll was already deceased.  Further investigation revealed that the blood found on the knife Pennington was holding belonged to Carroll, and that Pennington had parked his car on a different street in an effort to surprise Carroll at her home.  Pennington had no known connection to Carroll, other than Pennington’s girlfriend used to live in Carroll’s neighborhood.

McKinney Police Department Officers Jon Rouse and Robert Ensor were first on the scene, while McKinney Police Department Detective Cody Webb investigated the case.

The jury found Pennington guilty of Capital Murder, the punishment for which is an automatic life in prison without the possibility of parole.  Judge Mark Rusch presided over the case and pronounced that sentence.

Assistant District Attorneys Abigail Policastro and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Michael Bennett and Victims Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

November 13, 2017

McKinney, Texas – Charles Gray, 48, of Plano, was sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 50 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This case also highlights the devastating impact of sexual abuse on the survivors – this brave child victim was so traumatized that she contemplated taking her own life,” added Willis.

In 2015, the victim posted online that she was considering suicide.  A friend saw the post and notified the police.  When inquiring as to the reasons for the post, the victim told law enforcement that she had been abused for several years.  Gray, who is related to the victim, began sexually abusing her when she was 6 years old and continued until she was 12.  At the time of the investigation, the victim was 15.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Janeth Peterson forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details of the abuse.  Plano Police Department Detective Justin Lawrence investigated the case.

The jury found Gray guilty of both Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and assessed the punishment at 50 years in prison for each charge and a $10,000 fine.  The sentences will run concurrently.  Judge Barnett Walker presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Brandon Wonnacott and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Jennifer Gomez and Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

October 19, 2017

McKinney, Texas – Cruz Daniel Feliciano-Salinas, 24, 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.  “This courageous child ensured that this vile predator can never harm another child,” Willis added.

Feliciano-Salinas lived in the child’s family home and had ongoing access to the female child.  He sexually abused her over the course of a number of years until she turned 8 years old.  Feliciano-Salinas told her not to tell anyone.  Shortly after Feliciano-Salinas moved back to Mexico, the child told her mother that Feliciano-Salinas abused her.  Feliciano-Salinas was arrested upon reentry into the United States.

McKinney Police Department Detective Techia Davis investigated the case. Lisa Martinez of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who described in detail the specific instances of sexual abuse by Feliciano-Salinas.

The jury returned a guilty verdict and Judge Carmen Rivera-Worley assessed punishment of Life in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Brandon Wonnacott prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

September 25, 2017

McKinney, Texas – Jason Michael Lowe, 28, of Richardson, Texas received a 50 year prison sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In December 2015, Jessie Bardwell, a 27-year-old woman, moved to Richardson, Texas from Mississippi to live with her boyfriend, Jason Lowe.  Bardwell’s parents became extremely concerned when she failed to call her mother on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016.  Bardwell’s parents contacted the Richardson Police Department and asked them to check on her welfare.

Richardson police officers made contact with Lowe at his apartment.  As they questioned Lowe, it became apparent that he was lying about Bardwell’s disappearance.  During their investigation, detectives discovered evidence in Lowe’s car and garage indicating Lowe was the last person to see Jessie Bardwell alive.  On May 19, 2016, Lowe led police and prosecutors to the location of Bardwell’s body in rural Farmersville, Texas.

The medical examiner determined her death was the result of homicidal violence.  Police traced evidence collected near Bardwell’s body back to Lowe, including a cargo mat found on top of Bardwell’s body that fit the trunk of Lowe’s vehicle. Richardson Detectives Chiron Hale and Eric Willadsen investigated the case.

Lowe claimed at trial that Bardwell’s death was accidental.  The jury, however, returned a guilty verdict. Judge Scott Becker sentenced Lowe to 50 years in prison.

Bardwell’s parents gave emotional victim impact statements describing their love for their daughter, their grief since her murder, and how Lowe isolated her from family and friends.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Wes Wynne and Cynthia Walker prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigators Jon Hooper and Mike Smith, and Victims Assistance Coordinators Renee Thompson and Susanne Riggs.

#####

September 14, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – On Monday, October 2, 2017, the Collin County District Attorney’s office will host a “Cut it Out” Luncheon to train hair stylists to notice signs of domestic violence and safely refer clients for help, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Salon professionals from all over Collin County will gather for the “Cut It Out” training and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Landing – Myers Park & Event Center, located in McKinney at 7117 County Road 166.  This presentation trains stylists how to (1) recognize the signs of domestic violence, and (2) safely and confidentially refer their clients to resources for help.  The luncheon and training is provided at no cost for all attendees.

“This program is specifically designed for stylists,” District Attorney Willis explained, “because they tend to have long term, supportive relationships with their clients.  Stylists are also uniquely positioned to notice signs of abuse – including bumps, bruises, and scratches – that others may not see.”

With proper training on how to recognize the signs of abuse and safely refer victims to help, salon professionals can become invaluable and influential community partners in the fight against domestic violence.

Joining us in support of this event are many community partners who assist victims of domestic violence: Emily’s Place, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Mosaic Family Services, Inc., Stronger than Espresso, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, The Family Place, and The Turning Point/Rape Crisis Center.

In addition to the luncheon training, Collin County District Attorney prosecutors and investigators will also provide free “Cut it Out” training at local salons throughout October, which is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Those interested in attending the luncheon or scheduling a “Cut it Out” training, please contact Collin County District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Jenni Ball at jball@co.collin.tx.us.  For additional information regarding this program, please review the invitation to the event: Invitation to Cut it Out Luncheon.

September 13, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Steven Troy Tillery, 50, of Plano, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “This child’s courage in speaking out ensured that this perpetrator is locked up, behind bars, never to violate another child again,” added Willis.

Tillery sexually abused a child related to him at least 3 times in her sleep when she was 12 – 13 years old. Tillery also sent the child text messages describing the acts of abuse and asked the child to allow him to continue with the abuse in exchange for gifts.  The child told her mother about the text messages and her mother then contacted law enforcement.

McKinney Police Department Detective Adrian Guzman and Sergeant Damian Guerrero investigated the case.  The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Janetta Michaels forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details of the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict and Justice Kerry P. Fitzgerald assessed punishment at 50 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Bobby Huber prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes and Victims Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

August 16, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Kelley Eugene Bigham, 52, of McKinney, Texas was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to Capital Murder of his wife and her twin sister, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

On June 20, 2016, Bigham, who was estranged from his wife, Karen Bigham, returned to the marital residence on High Pointe Drive in McKinney to retrieve some of his belongings.  Also at the residence were the Bigham’s adult daughter and Karen Bigham’s twin sister, Kathy Boobar.  Bigham displayed a handgun and then told his daughter to leave.  Immediately upon leaving the residence, Bigham’s daughter heard her mother yell “call 911,” and then heard two gun shots.

Bigham fled the scene and drove to Rains County where his family lived.  Bigham was arrested at his father’s house by the Rains County Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of the East Tawakoni Police Department and the Texas Rangers.

Several family members were present for the plea and gave emotional victim impact statements. They spoke of the love and friendship Karen, a hairstylist, and Kathy, a bank president, shared as well as how their tragic murders affected their community.  Approximately 2000 people attended the twin sisters’ visitation and funeral services.  District Judge Benjamin Smith accepted Bigham’s guilty plea and assessed the automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Lisa Milasky King prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kenny Newton and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.  McKinney Police Detective Craig Owens investigated the case, with assistance from McKinney Police Sergeant Russel May and Texas Ranger Reuben Mankin.

#####

August 15, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge.  On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood. Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose. The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that August 18-20 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

July 19, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – James Schafer, 35, of Allen, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Schafer sexually abused a child related to him for several years beginning when she was 6 years old. Local law enforcement first became aware of the abuse in 2016 when Schafer told family members in Michigan about what he had done to the child. Michigan State Police were contacted and the case was referred to Allen Police Department once it was determined that the multiple instances of sexual assault occurred in Texas.

Lisa Martinez with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse.  Allen Police Department Detective Michelle Peel investigated the case.

Schafer pled guilty to the offense and Judge James Fry assessed the agreed punishment at 40 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Greg Bowers.

#####

July 19, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge.  On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood.  Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that July 21-23 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

July 7, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Brandon McPhearson, 20, of McKinney was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

McPhearson lived with a relative in McKinney during a time that two children unrelated to him were frequently at the residence.  The first child disclosed the abuse during a forensic interview on an unrelated matter at Alliance for Children in Arlington.  Based on her disclosure, a forensic interview was set up for the second child who also disclosed abuse by McPhearson.  Once it was determined the offenses happened in McKinney, McKinney Police Detective Chris Kennedy was assigned to the case and conducted an investigation.

McPhearson entered an agreed plea of guilty in exchange for a 30 year sentence.  Both victims and their family were present for the plea.  The victims’ mother gave a victim impact statement and also read a statement written by one of the victims.  Judge James Fry presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Preston prosecuted the cases, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, as well as District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

June 23, 2017

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Nahun Gutierrez, 22, of Farmersville was sentenced to 35 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

In 2015, Gutierrez had repeated sexual contact with an 8 year old child known to him.  In July 2016, the child told school classmates about the abuse; school personnel reported the child’s outcry to authorities. Lydia Connor with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County forensically interviewed the child, who disclosed details about the abuse.  Collin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chris Fontana collected items identified during the forensic interview and submitted them for DNA testing.  Those items were later confirmed to have biological evidence belonging to Gutierrez.

The jury returned guilty verdicts.  Judge Richard Davis presided over the trial and sentenced Gutierrez to 35 years in prison without the possibility for parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 10 years in prison for a related charge of Indecency with a Child.

Assistant District Attorneys Sarah Preston and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Voigt-Eanes, as well as District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs.

#####

June 15, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Henry Fletcher, 81, of Farmersville, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Disabled Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “Special needs children are the most vulnerable members of our community and anyone that harms them will be vigorously prosecuted,” said Willis.

In June of 2015, the child went for a walk near her house in Farmersville.  Fletcher, who did not know the child, coaxed her into his car.  Fletcher took her to his house where he sexually assaulted her.  After the assault, Fletcher dropped the child off a few blocks from her house.  She ran home and immediately told her parents.  A sexual assault exam yielded biological material that was later compared to Fletcher’s DNA.  DNA analysis confirmed Fletcher as the perpetrator.  At the time of the offense, the intellectually disabled child was 14 years old.  Fletcher was 79 years old.

Farmersville Police Department Officer William Redding responded first to the scene and Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Child Abuse Task Force Investigator Danny Stasik investigated the case.

Judge Barnett Walker found Fletcher guilty of the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Disabled Child and assessed punishment at 40 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Keil and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Stephanie Strickland.

#####

June 14, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – DWI drivers need to be on notice that this weekend will be a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Those showing signs of driving while intoxicated will be asked to provide a breath or blood sample.  If they refuse, officers will seek a warrant from a judge. On-call judges stand ready to determine probable cause for a warrant.  The driver’s blood will be drawn if the judge finds there is sufficient evidence of DWI.

The mission of the Collin County District Attorney’s office is to pursue justice and protect the community.  It works with law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of DWI offenses through the combination of effective prosecution and public awareness of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program.

The officers do not draw the blood. Rather, health care professionals are stationed at certain local jails for this purpose.  The aim of this program is to keep citizens and roadways safe by preventing DWI activity.  But those who disregard the rights of others should be aware that June 16-18 is a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” weekend in Collin County.

#####

June 9, 2017

(McKinney, Texas) – Daniel Ortega, 22, of Plano, was sentenced to 41 years in prison without parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.

Ortega was well acquainted with the family and had ongoing access to the child. He sexually abused the victim multiple times weekly over a three year period, beginning when the child was nine. After the child moved away, the child told her mother about Ortega’s abuse.

Plano Police Department Detective Kristina McClain investigated the case, assisted by Jeff Davis County Sheriff Deputy Jerry Walker. Big Bend Advocacy Center’s Shana Sullivan forensically interviewed the child, who out-cried in detail about the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict, after which the parties agreed upon the punishment of 41 years in prison without the possibility of parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and 20 years in prison for a related charge on which the jury also found Ortega guilty, Indecency with a Child.

Assistant District Attorneys Geeta Singletary and Ashley Keil prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kim Eanes and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs. Judge Barnett Walker presided over the trial and assessed the agreed sentence.

####