(McKinney, Texas) 

John Steven Gardner was executed in Huntsville, Texas the evening of January 15, 2020.

In January 2005, Gardner murdered his wife Tammy Gardner. Tammy filed to divorce Gardner only days before. After days of threatening messages about the divorce, Gardner drove from Mississippi, broke into Tammy’s home, and shot her. After he shot her once in the head and fled the scene, Tammy called 911, identified Gardner as the man who had shot her, and had left in a white Ford with Mississippi plates. Tammy died later in the hospital.

Gardner borrowed the Ford from his brother-in-law along with a .44 Magnum handgun. The weapon had one spent round, the same caliber as the fatal gunshot wound. Evidence connecting Gardner to Tammy’s murder was found in the Ford.

Gardner had a long history of violence against women. He shot his pregnant second wife, who later died from the injuries. After serving time in prison for her death, Gardner was released and later abducted his third wife at knifepoint and savagely beat her daughter. He also sexually assaulted one of his step-daughters. Gardner was convicted of Tammy’s murder in 2006 and sentenced to death.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim,” said Collin County Criminal District Attorney Greg Willis. “Despicable abusers like this keep us vigilant in our pursuit of justice for victims of domestic violence and their children.”

#####

November 25, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a jury’s 50 year sentence, without parole, for Jimmy Duane Tucker, 50, of McKinney, Texas. “Our juries are the conscience of our community, and they’ve once again made it crystal clear that child predators must pay for hurting children,” said Willis after sentencing.

Tucker sexually abused the victim, a child known to him, for 8 years. In September of 2017, the victim, gathered the strength to notify police that Tucker had sexually abused her since she was 12 years old. The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County where she revealed additional details of the sexual abuse. The McKinney Police Department investigated the case and arrested Tucker.

The jury found Tucker guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, nine counts of Sexual Assault of a Child, and three counts of Prohibited Sexual Conduct. The jury assessed punishment at 50 years in prison without the possibility for parole for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. By law, a charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is not eligible for parole or good time credit. Additionally, the jury assessed 20 years in prison for each of the nine counts of Sexual Assault of a Child and 10 years in prison for each of the three counts of Prohibited Sexual Conduct. Judge Rayburn Nall presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Abigail Policastro and Ann Martin prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Kim Eanes, Victim Assistance Coordinator Stacey Taylor, and Legal Secretaries Raman Kaur and Christy Ware.

#####

November 22, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a 45 year prison sentence for skate park child predator Dontarious Scott, 23, of McKinney, Texas. “This deceitful monster targeted these innocent kids and deserves every single year of this sentence,” said Willis after sentencing.

Scott sexually abused multiple children he met over several years at skate parks in Allen, Frisco, and McKinney, Texas.  Scott, a talented scooter and BMX rider, offered to teach children new tricks and served as a mentor to the younger scooter riders at the various skate parks.  Scott also lied to the kids and their parents that he was several years younger than he was. His seven victims ranged in age from 10 to 13 years old.

Scott often used social media including Instagram and Snapchat to communicate with his victims. One of the victim’s parents discovered sexually suggestive messages from Scott on their child’s phone.  They reported this to law enforcement, whose investigation led to the discovery of the other abused children. Scott confessed to abusing at least one of the seven identified victims.

Allen Police Department Detective Carolyn Crawford investigated the case. The children were forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where they disclosed details about the ongoing abuse.

Scott pleaded guilty to Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. After hearing testimony from several victims as well as Scott, Judge Richard D. Davis assessed punishment at 45 years in prison.  By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Nick Lawrance and Carrie Thomas prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Greg Bowers and Stephanie Strickland, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Christy Ware.

#####

November 18, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a jury’s 50 year prison sentence (without parole) for Jesus Mejia, 31, of Garland, for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 6 years of age. “This monster will now face the consequences of his despicable actions because this young, innocent victim found the courage to tell,” Willis said after the sentencing.

Mejia knew and sexually assaulted the child on several occasions before the child was old enough to start kindergarten. In May 2017, the then 10 year old victim mustered the courage to tell her mother about the abuse. Her mother and stepfather then reported the abuse to the McKinney Police Department.

McKinney Detective Chris Kennedy investigated the case. The child was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Mejia guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 6 years of age and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact. For Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 6, the jury assessed punishment late Friday at 50 years in prison with a $10,000 fine. By law, a sentence for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under 6 years of age is not eligible for parole. For Indecency with a Child by Contact, the jury assessed punishment at 10 years in prison with a $5,000 fine. Judge Henry Wade, Jr. presided over the case.

Assistant District Attorneys Ann Martin and Geeta Singletary prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kim Eanes and Greg Bowers, Victim Assistance Coordinator Casey Hendrix, and Legal Secretary Raman Kaur.

#####

September 16, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Stacy Davidson, 52, of Wylie, Texas, was 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. “Children everywhere are now safe from this monster because of this brave and innocent child’s courage,” Willis said after the sentencing.

Although not a relative, Davidson knew the child and sexually abused her over the course of a year starting when she was five years old. Then, in November 2018, about three years after the abuse stopped, the child mustered the courage to tell her father about it. Her parents then reported the abuse to law enforcement.

Wylie Police Department Detective Amanda Fields and Corporal Helen Taylor investigated the case. The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and disclosed details about the abuse.

The jury found Davidson guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. During the punishment phase of trial, prosecutors introduced evidence of a 2015 FBI investigation involving Davidson and child pornography. An FBI Special Agent testified that during their investigation, it was discovered that hundreds of child pornography media files had recently been opened on Davidson’s computer. This was considered by the Court when determining Davidson’s prison sentence.

Last week, Judge James R. Fry assessed punishment at 60 years in prison. By law, a sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is without eligibility for parole.

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

#####

September 4, 2019

(McKinney, Texas) – Delvin Powell, 40, of Plano, was found guilty of Capital Murder by a jury and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “The victim was truly beloved by her family. The jury’s verdict brings justice for the family and guarantees this brutal murderer can never harm an innocent person again” added Willis after the sentencing.

On September 20, 2017, the victim’s adult daughter found her mother, Kelli Underwood, deceased inside her home due to multiple gunshot and stab wounds. Powell and an accomplice were identified by name and description as having been seen with Underwood at her home on the last day she was known to be alive.

After many witness interviews and review of cell phone evidence, Texas Ranger Bruce Sherman determined that Powell and the accomplice were hired by two other individuals to carry out the murder. All four were ultimately charged in the murder for hire scheme.

The jury’s guilty verdict on Capital Murder carried with it, by law, an automatic punishment of life in prison without the possibility of parole.  Judge Angela Tucker presided over the case and assessed that automatic sentence.

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

####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

#####

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.

####

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.

####

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.

#####