November 13, 2015
(McKinney, Texas) – Derrick Mitchell, 35, of Plano, was sentenced to 35 years for Aggravated Sexual Assault, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.
In August of 2014, Mitchell held a woman with whom he had a relationship and struck her with a flashlight multiple times before forcing her to have sex with him. Through tears, the victim pleaded with him to stop, but Mitchell threatened to kill her if she didn’t comply.
The following day, Mitchell began to send the woman threatening and harassing text messages, demanding that she see him. The victim drove to the Plano Police Department and reported the incident to Officer J.W. Burns. She then went to the hospital and was examined by a sexual assault nurse. While at the hospital, Mitchell called the victim again and she confronted him about what he had done. Mitchell responded by stating “Maybe you’ll step up to the plate and be a woman and take care of [me] or I will continue to degrade you until I break you…I can make it way worse.” Nurses at the hospital overheard these comments.
Mitchell was subsequently arrested by the Plano police, but even while in jail, he continued to attempt to contact the victim. He sent letters demanding that she not show up for court and made threats if she did show.
Mitchell eventually pleaded guilty to the offense and requested that the judge decide his fate. Judge Webb Biard considered the evidence and heard testimony from the victim. The judge then sentenced Mitchell to 35 years in prison. Mitchell must serve at least one-half of that sentence before eligible for parole.
The case was investigated by Plano Detective James Phelan. Assistant Criminal District Attorney Wes Wynne prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Robin Laughon.
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