Bexar County, TX

Announcing the 2020 CREATE PEACE Poster Contest! *Deadline Extended*
Posted On: January 30, 2020

The AIM Peer Mediation Program Celebrates 20 Years of Service!
Posted On: August 20, 2018
On August 14, 2018 the County Commissioners presented a Proclamation honoring the BCDRC’s Amigos in Mediation (AIM) Peer Mediation Program to commence 20 years of service to local schools! Commissioner Tommy Calvert, Pct. 4 sponsored the Proclamation. The AIM Program is proudly supported by the San Antonio Bar Association/Foundation. The AIM Program provides conflict resolution and peer mediation training services at no cost to all Bexar County schools, grades 3-12.Pictured from left to right: Mike Lozito, Director, Judicial Services; Chief Sheriff Sandoval; Santos Vargas, President, San Antonio Bar Association; Commissioner Rodriguez; Dan Naranjo; Judge Wolff; DeAnna Curcio, AIM Peer Mediation Program Coordinator; Al Cortez, Director, BCDRC; Commissioner Wolff; Frank Rizzo, the founding AIM Peer Mediation Program Coordinator; Marisela Martinez, Esther Duenas and Ginny Lester, members of the Advisory Board; Commissioner Calvert; Rene De La Cruz, volunteer AIM Trainer; Beth Watkins, Immediate Past President of the San Antonio Bar Association.
Bexar County Homepage

Toltec Apartments
Posted On: December 08, 2020

Christ Episcopal Chruch
Posted On: December 08, 2020

Marnoch Homestead
Posted On: December 08, 2020

The Dawson Massacre
Posted On: December 08, 2020

The Rechel Stumpf House
Posted On: December 08, 2020

Maverick Carter House
Posted On: December 08, 2020

Scottish Rite Cathedral
Posted On: December 08, 2020

Boldtville Schoolhouse
Posted On: December 08, 2020

Hangar 9 - Brooks City Base
Posted On: November 12, 2020

The Battle of Salado
Posted On: November 12, 2020

The Battle of Medina
Posted On: November 12, 2020

The Koheler House
Posted On: October 07, 2020

Old San Antonio Bank Building
Posted On: October 07, 2020

The Navarro House
Posted On: October 07, 2020

The Halff House
Posted On: October 07, 2020

John T. Floore Country Store
Posted On: October 07, 2020

The Storming of Bexar
Posted On: September 25, 2020

The Woll Invasion
Posted On: September 25, 2020

The Woodward House and Women's Club
Posted On: September 25, 2020

Wesley Peacock House
Posted On: September 25, 2020

T C Frost Wool Warehouse
Posted On: September 25, 2020

Bexar County Courthouse
Posted On: September 25, 2020

T.C. Frost and the Frost Bank
Posted On: September 25, 2020
Thomas C. Frost came to Texas from Alabama in 1855.

Erasmo Seguin
Posted On: September 25, 2020
Born in San Antonio, Seguin helped to found the first public school in San Antonio.

Coker Cemetery
Posted On: July 15, 2020

Old St Mary's College
Posted On: July 15, 2020
In 1852, 4 members of the Society of Mary began construction of this building.

4/1/2019 - Sex offender receives 8 life sentences for sexually assaulting 7-year-old girl
Posted On: April 01, 2019
A convicted sex offender received a total of eight life sentences after he was convicted on charges he sexually assaulted a child and filmed it.A Bexar County jury found Jose Trinidad Gonzalez, 36, guilty Friday in the 226th District Court. Gonzalez was accused of sexually assaulting a 7 year old child in 2017. The victim’s mother discovered video recordings of the crimes on a tablet used by the child to play video games, but owned by Gonzalez.Gonzalez was also found guilty of violation of sex offender registration, due to his failure to register his address with law enforcement, which was a requirement of his 2002 conviction for sexual assault. That sentence required him to register as a sex offender. Gonzalez also had a 2002 conviction for aggravated kidnapping.As a result of the 2002 convictions, the aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by contact punishment ranges of are elevated. Upon conviction in this case, automatic life sentences are granted. The District Attorney’s Office filed a motion requesting that the sentences be served consecutively (stacked). Judge Velia Meza agreed to the request. In addition, Gonzalez was sentenced to the maximum punishment allowed for the remaining charges, which included four life sentences (concurrent) and three 20-year sentences. Gonzalez must serve 140 years before he can be considered for parole. Judge Meza also assessed a $10,000 fine for each of the automatic life sentences.The case was investigated by the San Antonio Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Karl Alexander and Melissa Saenz.CountsChargeSentence2Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child2 Automatic Life Sentences (Stacked) + $10,000 Fine2Indecency With a Child-Contact2 Automatic Life Sentences (Stacked) + $10,000 Fine3Sexual Performance of a Child3 Life Sentences (Concurrent)3Possession of Child Pornography3 20-Year Sentences (Concurrent)1Violation of Sex Offender RegistrationLife Sentence (Concurrent)

4/19/2018 - Guilty Verdict for Deandre Dorch, Accused of Tying up Children in Backyard
Posted On: April 19, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, April 19, 2018: Yesterday, a Bexar County Jury in Impact Court found Deandre Dorch, age 38, guilty of two counts of Injury to a Child causing Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of Abandonment of a Child. Dorch will be sentenced by Judge Laura Parker later next month. On April 28, 2016, a resident in the 8100 block of Chipping called 911 after hearing a child crying for several hours. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the location and looked over the fence, where they observed two young children tied up in the backyard. The children, ages 3 and 4, were tied with a dog chain and leash; one of the children was tied at the wrists and the other at the ankles. Deputies set both children free and they were transported to the hospital for treatment of numerous injuries. Inside the home, deputies found six children, ranging in age from 10 months old to 11 years old, all without adult supervision. Porucha Phillips, the mother of the six children inside the home, showed up to the house an hour later with Deandre Dorch. Cheryl Reed, the mother of the two children found outside, claimed she was in California. She returned to San Antonio several days later. The trio were all friends who had recently moved to Texas from California. All three defendants were questioned by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators. All of the children are in the care of Child Protective Services. Reed faces criminal charges of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury and Child Abandonment stemming from this incident. “I have said many times that I believe children are gifts from the Lord and should be treated as such. Our community should not tolerate evil behavior towards children, this office definitely does not,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. Assistant District Attorneys Emily Angulo and Karl Alexander prosecuted the case against Dorch in Impact Court. Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Abandonment of a Child is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

2/13/2018 - Life without Parole for Defendant who Sexually Assaulted two Young Girls
Posted On: February 13, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, February 13, 2018: Last week, the judge of the 399th District Court sentenced Tracy Cobbs, age 41, to confinement for life without the possibility of parole. Previously, a jury in the 399th District Court had found Cobbs guilty on two counts of Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child for sexually abusing two girls, ages five and four. Cobbs, who was a family friend of the girls’ parents, took the family into his home when they were going through a hard time. The girls’ mother took the girls to Cobbs’ home for shelter and lodging, but left them alone with him due to her own substance dependency. The girls’ father gained custody of the girls but left them under the care of their grandparents when he found employment out of state. Within two weeks of living with their grandparents, the girls told their grandmother about how they had been abused by Cobbs. Over the course of the investigation and trial preparation, Assistant District Attorneys learned of two additional victims who had been sexually assaulted by Cobbs. Additionally, Cobbs had an extensive criminal history. At trial it was shown that in 1989, Cobbs had previously committed an aggravated robbery against three individuals. One of the individuals was Mr. Greg Ferris, an ex-SAPD Officer, who owned a gun shop where the robberies took place. During sentencing, Mr. Ferris testified about the robbery. Prosecutors also presented evidence showing Cobbs had been on felony probation at the time he committed not only the robbery but also the sexual assaults“I’ve said it once before and I will say it again, child abuse is one of the most disgusting acts out there and it is something that I will not tolerate,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Our children are precious gifts from the Lord and we must protect them, anyone who harms children will be held accountable by our Office.” Assistant District Attorneys Denise Hairston and Daryl Harris from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against Cobbs in the 399th District Court. Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, with an enhanced punishment, due to the girls’ age, punishable by a minimum of 25 years to life without parole and a $10,000.00 fine.

1/30/2018 - Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years for Injuring 9-week-old
Posted On: January 30, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, January 30, 2018: Yesterday, a Bexar County Jury in the 175th District Court sentenced Sierra Fisher, age 22, to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Last Friday, jurors found her guilty of a 2014 Injury to Child – Serious Bodily Injury case that left her child with 13 total fractures. On January 26th, 2014, the 9-week-old infant was taken to the emergency room by Sierra Fisher and her boyfriend/co-defendant, whose case is still pending. The victim had bruising on his face; scratches to his face and back; an acute spiral fracture to his left arm; and healing rib and leg fractures. The infant had a total of 13 fractures which were non-accidental in nature. The bruising was determined to be intentional because the child was too young to crawl or move on his own. Fisher was charged with commission for causing the injuries, omission for allowing her boyfriend to inflict the injuries, and omission for failing to seek medical treatment for the victim. Fisher and her boyfriend were the exclusive care givers for the victim with the exception of the biological father who had some visitation but not recent enough to have inflicted the acute arm fracture. "Child abuse is one of the most disgusting acts out there and it is something that I will not tolerate,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Our children are precious gifts from the Lord and we must protect them, anyone who harms children will be held accountable by our Office.”During sentencing, prosecutors asked the jury to send a message to the Bexar County community on how we feel about child abuse, asking the jury to start at 20 years and go up or down from there. Assistant District Attorneys Anna Scott and Brandon Ramsey from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against Fisher in the 175th District Court. Injury to Child-Intentionally/Knowingly causing Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony punishable by 5-99 years and up to a $10,000 dollar fine.

Grand Jurors Return Fifth Indictment Against Genene Jones for 1981 Death of Paul Villarreal
Posted On: October 31, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, October 31st, 2017: This morning, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Genene Jones, age 66, for the September 24, 1981 murder of 3-month-old Paul Villarreal. “These are your kids too. These are San Antonio babies,” said Petti McClellan-Wiese during the press conference this afternoon, she is the mother of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan, who fell victim to Genene Jones in 1982. In 1984, a jury in Williamson County sentenced Jones to 99 years in prison for the death of Chelsea McClellan. Over the last year, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has announced several indictments against Jones. In June, this office announced the indictments against Jones for the July 3, 1981 murder of 8-month-old Richard “Ricky” Nelson; the January 17, 1982 murder of 4 ½ month-old Patrick Zavala; and the September 16, 1981 murder of 2-year-old Rosemary Vega. In May, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Jones for the 1981 murder of 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer. The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million for this latest indictment. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was initially sentenced in 1984, she will be released from prison in March 2018. She will, however, not be released from custody; at some point, Jones will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for her new murder charges. Jones is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas. “True Justice will come when she stands before the Lord, but until then, we will do our best to make sure Genene Jones takes her last breath from behind prison bars,” said District Attorney LaHood. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

10/16/2017 - Guilty plea for Porucha Phillips Accused of Tying up Children in Backyard results in 50
Posted On: October 16, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, October 16, 2017: District Attorney Nico LaHood announced Friday that Porucha Phillips, age 34, entered a plea to two counts of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury and received a sentence of 50 years in prison. She will not be eligible for parole until she has served 25 years of that sentence.On April 28, 2016, a resident in the 8100 block of Chipping called 911 after hearing a child cry for several hours. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies showed up at the location and looked over the fence, where they discovered two young children tied up in the backyard. The children, ages 3 and 4, were tied with a dog chain and leash. One of the children was tied up by the wrists and the other by the ankles. Deputies set both children free and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. The two children had numerous injuries. Inside the home, deputies found six children, ranging in age from 10 months old to 11 years old. All of the children were without adult supervision.Phillips, the mother of the six children inside the home, showed up to the home with Deandre Dorch, an hour later. Cheryl Reed, the mother of the two children found outside tied up, claims she was in California. She returned to San Antonio several days later. The trio were all friends who had recently moved from California. All three defendants were questioned by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators. All of the children are in the care of Child Protective Services. Dorch and Reed still face criminal charges of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury and Child Abandonment from this incident.“What Porucha Phillips did to these children is beyond my understanding. Children are gifts from the Lord and should be treated as such. In the law, we call it a depraved heart and unfortunately there are others out there that have the same seared conscience,” said District Attorney LaHood. “I promise to continue my push for increased punishments for these chronic abusers during the next legislative session. Let me be clear, anyone that abuses those who cannot defend themselves - our communities’ most vulnerable (children, elderly & disabled) will be dealt with swiftly and harshly.”Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Child Abandonment is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

9/13/2017 - 88-Year Prison Sentence Handed Down to Step-Grandmother for Death of 5-Year-old Boy
Posted On: September 13, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, September 13, 2017: Last night, a Bexar County jury in the 379th District Court sentenced Gloria Proo, age 52, to 88 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On Monday, jurors found Proo guilty of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission in connection with the death of 5-year-old Josiah Williams.On December 27, 2012, emergency responders were called out to a home in the 3900 block of Gayle Avenue. Once inside, they discovered Josiah Williams unresponsive, lying on the floor. First responders, who immediately began attempting to revive the boy, said Josiah had two black eyes, cuts, scrapes, and bruising all over his body. Josiah was pronounced dead at the scene.An autopsy later revealed Josiah had been beaten and starved to death. At the time of his death, the 5-year-old weighed 38 pounds. The Medical Examiner testified Josiah died as a result of "dehydration in a battered, underweight child." Gloria Proo had cared for and babysat Josiah. During an interview with San Antonio police detectives, Proo denied any involvement in Josiah's death. During the trial, Josiah's maternal grandmother testified that prior to staying with Proo, he was a "happy, go lucky child." Josiah had been with Proo, his biological father Charleston Williams, and his stepmother Crystal Williams, for six months before he died. Additionally, a family acquaintance testified that Josiah's skin was "yellow" and appeared extremely underweight weeks before his death. At the time of his death, Josiah was not enrolled in school."In his short life, Josiah went through pain, torture and isolation," said District Attorney LaHood. "No child should die thinking they are alone and unloved. We commend the jury for sending a strong message with their sentence."In June 2016, a jury sentenced Crystal Williams to 99 years in prison and assessed a $10,000.00 fine. Charleston Williams, who is also charged with Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission, is awaiting trial in the 379th District Court. Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Boyd and Grant Bryan from our Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Proo in the 379th District Court.

8/24/2017 - 45-Year Sentence for Man Who Violently Assaulted Girlfriend and Three Children
Posted On: August 24, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, August 24, 2017: This week, Felony Impact Court Judge Laura Parker sentenced Markus Lorenzo Scott, age 39, to 45 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the charge of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Additionally, Judge Parker sentenced Scott to 20 years in prison for the charge of Assault Family Choking – Strangulation. Last month, Scott pleaded guilty to the charges. The sentences will be served concurrently, or at the same time.On April 4, 2016, Scott came home intoxicated and assaulted his girlfriend and then began violently assaulting children who were at the home. Scott assaulted a 9-year-old boy by punching him in the eye; he then began choking the 11-year-old niece of his girlfriend before he started kicking the girl’s 12-year-old brother and repeatedly stomped him in his head. Scott left the home before San Antonio police responded to the scene, but was arrested a short time later when he was found hiding in the bushes. Under questioning by detectives, Scott denied any involvement. Meanwhile, the 12-year-old boy, who suffered the most severe injuries, was put in a medically induced coma. Family members said the boy had to learn how to talk and walk due to the traumatic injuries he received from the attack.During the punishment hearing, Prosecutor Karl Alexander told the judge that Scott “killed” what the boy could have been in the future. On the stand, Scott continued to blame the 12-year-old boy and stated he had enough of him and “snapped.” Assistant District Attorneys Karl Alexander and Brittany Byrd from our Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Scott.Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assault Family Choking – Strangulation is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

7/10/2017 - 60-Year Prison Sentence for Man Convicted in Grandson’s Murder
Posted On: July 10, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, July 10, 2017: Today, 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel sentenced Joel Soto to 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Last month, a Bexar County jury found Soto guilty of the murder of his 2-year-old grandson, Jeremy Soto. Jurors also returned guilty verdicts for the charges of Manslaughter, Arson and Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury.On November 16, 2013, San Antonio police responded to a call for a truck on fire off Rogers Road near Wiseman. Inside the truck, authorities discovered the body of 2-year-old Jeremy Soto. The Medical Examiner later revealed Jeremy had passed away before the fire. Additionally, the 2-year-old had a lethal dose of methamphetamine in his system. During his trial last month, a Child Protective Services case worker testified that the defendant had admitted to using methamphetamine just a few days prior to his grandson’s death. Arson investigators also testified that the fire was not an accident and had originated from inside the truck on the passenger’s side, where Jeremy was sitting.“It’s tragic enough to have a 2-year-old child subjected to such harm by his own grandfather that ultimately took his life, but then to further it by burning his body - is absolutely unthinkable,” said District Attorney LaHood. “I want to commend Prosecutors Stephanie Boyd and Lauren Glasscock and the jury for exercising justice for Jeremy Soto.”Murder and Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury are first degree felonies, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Manslaughter and Arson are second degree felonies, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However due to Soto’s criminal history, his punishment range was enhanced to 15 to 99 years or life in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Boyd and Lauren Glasscock prosecuted the case against Soto in the 379th District Court.

6/29/2017 - Grand Jurors Return Two New Murder Indictments Against Genene Jones
Posted On: June 29, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 29, 2017: This morning, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned two new murder indictments against Genene Jones. The new indictments are for the July 3, 1981 murder of 8-month-old Richard "Ricky" Nelson and for the January 17, 1982 murder of 4 1/2 month-old Patrick Zavala. Last week, our office announced the indictment against Jones for the September 16, 1981 murder of Rosemary Vega. Last month, we announced the indictment against Jones for the December 12, 1981 murder of Joshua Sawyer.The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million each for these two new indictments. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was sentenced, she will be released from prison in March 2018. Prior to her mandatory release, she will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for the new charges. Jones is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the continuing investigations, we will reserve further comment at this time regarding potential future charges against Jones.

6/21/2017 - Grand Jurors Return 2nd Indictment Against Genene Jones for 1981 Death of Rosemary Vega
Posted On: June 21, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 21, 2017: This morning, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Genene Jones for the September 16, 1981 murder of 2-year-old Rosemary Vega. Last month, our office announced the indictment against Jones for the December 12, 1981 murder of 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer.The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million for this latest indictment. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was sentenced, she will be released from prison in March 2018. Prior to her mandatory release, she will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for the new charges. Jones is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the continuing investigations, we will reserve further comment at this time regarding potential future charges against Jones.

5/25/2017 - Genene Jones Indicted for 1981 Death of Joshua Sawyer
Posted On: May 25, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 25, 2017: Today, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Genene Jones, age 66, for the 1981 murder of Joshua Sawyer. Jones is suspected of killing up to 60 infants. She is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.On December 12, 1981, Jones was working as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit in what was formally known as the Bexar County Hospital. Evidence shows that Jones injected 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer with a toxic level of Dilantin.In 1984, a jury in Williamson County sentenced Jones to 99 years in prison for the death of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan. In late 1984, in Bexar County, a Judge sentenced Jones to 60 years in prison for injecting then 4-week-old Rolando Santos with Heparin. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.When District Attorney LaHood took office in January 2015, he approved a Task Force to investigate Jones and the crimes she committed.“As people are well aware, I believe children are a gift from the Lord,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Genene Jones did not see children in this regard. She is pure evil and justice warrants that she be held accountable for the crimes she committed. Our Office will attempt to account for every child whose life was stolen by the actions of Jones. Our only focus is justice.”The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was sentenced, she will be released from prison in March 2018. Prior to her mandatory release, she will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for the new charges. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the continuing investigations, we will reserve further comment at this time regarding future charges against Jones.

3/31/2017 - Pair Indicted in Horrific Abuse Case of 21-Month-old Girl
Posted On: March 31, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 31, 2017: A Bexar County Grand Jury has indicted a couple for causing horrific injuries to a 21-month-old girl. Isaac Andrew Cardenas, age 24, was indicted for two counts of Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. The victim’s mother, Crystal Herrera, age 22, was indicted for one count of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission.On December 31, 2016, Herrera called 911 claiming her 21-month-old daughter had been attacked by dogs. When deputies and emergency responders arrived to the south Bexar County home, they observed the girl had suffered severe injuries to her genital and anal area. The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment. Investigators with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and doctors described the child’s injuries as horrific and some of the worst they have ever seen. Under questioning by investigators, both Cardenas and Herrera claimed the victim had been attacked by dogs. When compared to the medical evidence, the child’s injuries did not match their story, but are consistent with a brutal sexual assault.“It is unthinkable to hear allegations of a mom involved in such horrific behavior,” said District Attorney LaHood. “This alleged abuse is disgusting and will be treated appropriately. We will not grow weary in showing the community how much we value children.”Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, with an enhanced punishment of 25 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Cardenas and Herrera are awaiting trial out of the 227th District Court. The District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Unit will be prosecuting the cases against the defendants.

3/8/2017 - Bill Targeting Serial Abusers of the Most Vulnerable Filed Today
Posted On: March 08, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 8, 2017: Today, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Nico LaHood alongside Senators Carlos Uresti and Donna Campbell, and State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins announced the filing of a bill that would give prosecutors across the state the added tools to prevent initial and continuous crimes committed against our children, seniors and disabled individuals. In October 2016, District Attorney LaHood formally announced the proposed legislation alongside County Judge Nelson Wolff, 225th District Court Judge Peter Sakai, state representatives, senators, local law enforcement officials and area children, senior and disabled individual’s advocacy groups.“Over the past two years, cases have come across my desk that have brought pain to my heart as a father, son, and public servant,” said District Attorney LaHood. “These cases have emboldened my passion to protect our most vulnerable citizens."The bill filed today targets the chronic serial abuser of the most vulnerable victims – children, elderly, and the disabled. Currently, there is a gap where prosecutors are unable to appropriately punish the most serious abusers of children, the elderly and the disabled. The bill fills the gaps and gives a judge or jury the opportunity to assess the appropriate punishment in some of the most horrific abuse cases prosecutors have.DA LaHood is proposing four changes to the Penal Code that will address the following:1. Long term abuse – this relates to multiple alleged incidents (over time or multiple victims). The punishment would now be a first degree felony (5-99 years or life), versus a third degree felony (2-10 years).2. Long term abuse with serious injury – this relates to multiple injuries with serious bodily injury. This would enhance the punishment from first degree felony (5-99 years or life) to 15 years to life.3. Prior conviction with new abuse allegations – this relates to a prior injury adjudication followed by a new abuse allegation. This would enhance this from a third degree offense to a first degree offense.4. Child under 6 years old – this relates to Injury to a Child offense, without serious bodily injury. This would enhance the offense from a third degree to a first degree offense because of the victim’s age (under 6 years old).Last year, Bexar County was rocked by the horrific abuse allegations involving two young children, ages 3 and 4, who were found chained up in the backyard of a northeast side home. This gave the DA’s Office reason to re-examine State laws on abuse and prosecutors identified a need to fill gaps in existing statutes. In this particular case, prosecutors were able to present new medical expert evidence to a Grand Jury and they in turn then upgraded the charges from 3rd degree felonies to 1st degree felonies.“As our office seeks to reduce backlog in our criminal justice system and overcrowding in our prisons, it is important to remember we have a duty to hold the most violent and heinous criminal offenders accountable,” said DA LaHood. “This is especially true for those who target the most vulnerable, unable to defend themselves.”The bill filed today will now be referred to a Senate or House committee. The bills are voted on in committee, then the entire membership of the Senate and House. If the bill passes votes in favor in both Senate and House Chambers, it is then placed on the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

9/2/2016 - Pair Indicted for Capital Murder of 7-year-old Iris Rodriguez
Posted On: September 02, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, September 2, 2016: Earlier this week, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted Frank Gomez, age 28, and Manuel Watson, age 22, for the Capital Murder of 7-year-old Iris Rodriguez. Additionally, the defendants were indicted for two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. On June 1, 2016, the defendants were leaving Cuellar Park around 10 p.m. on the 5000 block of San Fernando on the city’s west side, when they encountered the victim, her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. Witnesses said words were exchanged between the victims and the defendants, when gunfire erupted. Iris suffered a gunshot wound to her head and died from her injuries. Her mother suffered a gunshot wound to her arm. A third suspect, Jonathan Campos, committed suicide in the Bexar County Jail in July. A fourth suspect, Peter Gonzalez, was arrested but has not been indicted at this time. His case is currently under review. Capital Murder is a felony, punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole or death. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is a second degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. The cases are pending in the 187th District Court.

9/1/2016 - 99-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Sexually Abused Girl
Posted On: September 01, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, September 1, 2016: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 175th District Court sentenced Darrel Keith Bowser, age 49, to 99 years in prison without the possibility of parole and assessed the maximum fine of $10,000.00. On Wednesday, jurors took 30 minutes to find Bowser guilty of one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. In 2012, the victim made an outcry to a family friend that Bowser had sexually assaulted her in the past. The victim also told a Bexar County forensic interviewer at ChildSafe that Bowser had been inappropriately touching her since she was six years old. San Antonio police detectives handled the investigation and submitted the case to the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. During the trial the victim, now 17 years old, told jurors about the abuse she endured by Bowser. Bowser took the stand in his own defense, denying the allegations against him. During cross-examination the defendant admitted to his extensive prior criminal history, which includes aggravated robbery, burglary of a habitation, and numerous drug and assault charges. Additionally, the defendant had previously served time in federal prison for a drug charge. Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison without the possibility of parole and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Karl Alexander and Helen Stowe from the Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Bowser in the 175th District Court.

7/29/2016 - Trio Indicted in Case Where Children Were Found Tied Up
Posted On: July 29, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, July 29, 2016: Yesterday, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted a trio connected to a child abuse case where two children were found tied up in the backyard of a northeast Bexar County home. Porucha Phillips, age 34, is charged with three counts of Injury to a Child. Deandre Dorch, age 36, is charged with two counts of Injury to a Child. Cheryl Reed, age 30, is charged with one count of Injury to a Child. On April 28, 2016, a resident on the 8100 block of Chipping called 911 after hearing a child cry for several hours. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the location and looked over the fence, where they discovered two young children tied up in the backyard. The children, ages 3 and 4, were tied with a dog chain and leash. One of the children was tied up by the wrists and the other by the ankles. Deputies set both children free and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. The two children had numerous injuries. Inside the home, deputies found six children, ranging in age from 10 months old to ten years old. All of the children were without adult supervision. Phillips, the mother of the six children inside the home, showed up to the home with Dorch, an hour later. Reed, the mother of the two children found outside tied up, claims she was in California. She returned to San Antonio several days later. The trio were all friends who had recently moved from California. All three defendants were questioned by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators. All of the children are in the care of Child Protective Services. Injury to a Child is a third degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Phillips, Dorch, and Reed are awaiting trial out of the 187th District Court. The DA’s Office Child Abuse Unit will be prosecuting the cases against the defendants.

6/28/2016 - 99-Year Prison Sentence in Child Starvation Death Case
Posted On: June 28, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, June 28, 2016: Today, a Bexar County jury in the 379th District Court sentenced Crystal Williams, age 31, to 99 years in prison and assessed a $10,000.00 fine in connection with the death of 5-year-old Josiah Williams. Last week, Williams pled guilty to the first degree felony charge of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury – Omission. On December 27, 2012, emergency responders were called out to a home in the 3900 block of Gayle Avenue. Once inside, they discovered Josiah unresponsive, lying on the floor. First responders, who immediately began attempting to revive the boy, said Josiah had two black eyes, cuts, scrapes and bruising all over his body, and appeared extremely underweight. Josiah was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later revealed Josiah had been beaten and starved to death. At the time of his death, the 5-year-old weighed 38 pounds. The Medical Examiner testified Josiah died as a result of “dehydration in a battered underweight child.” During an interview with San Antonio police detectives, Williams admitted that she should have sought medical assistance for her step-son, but denied injuring the boy. During the punishment phase, Josiah’s maternal grandmother testified that prior to living with Williams, he was a “happy, go lucky child.” Josiah had been living with Williams, his biological father Charleston Williams, and his step-grandmother Gloria Proo, for six months before he died. Additionally, a family acquaintance testified that Josiah’s skin was “yellow” and appeared extremely underweight weeks before his death. At the time of his death, Josiah was not enrolled in school. The two remaining co-defendant’s in this case, Charleston Williams and Gloria Proo, are awaiting trial before the 379th District Court. Williams and Proo are also charged with Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury – Omission. Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury – Omission is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Williams must serve 30 years before she’s eligible for parole. Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Boyd, Lauren Glasscock, and Clarissa Fernandez, Investigator Edgar Castro, Victim Advocate Norma Ferguson and Intern Alex Pedraza from the Child Abuse Unit handled the case against Williams in the 379th District Court.

6/16/2016 - Five Life Sentences Handed Down in Child Sex Abuse Case
Posted On: June 16, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, June 16, 2016: This afternoon, 290th District Court Judge Melisa Skinner sentenced Carl Bailes, age 40, to five life sentences and eight 20-year sentences. Earlier today, a Bexar County jury found Bailes guilty of 5 counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and 8 counts of Sexual Assault of a Child. In 2012, a then 16-year-old girl made an outcry to her mother that Bailes had repeatedly sexually abused her. The victim, now 19 years old, testified that Bailes began sexually assaulting her when she was just 5 years old. Based on her accusations, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating Bailes. Bailes was subsequently charged with production, receipt, possession and distribution of child pornography. FBI agents discovered numerous files depicting child pornography on his computer and discovered Bailes had deleted an additional 100 files of child pornography. In November 2015, a federal judge sentenced Bailes to 135 years as a result of those charges. During the punishment hearing today in State District Court, the victim told the judge the abuse still affects her and made a devastating impact on her childhood. The judge ordered two of the life sentences and one of the 20-year sentences be “stacked” or served consecutively with his 135-year federal prison sentence. The remaining three life sentences and seven 20-year sentences will be served concurrently. “I commend the jury’s swift verdict and Judge Skinner’s tough sentence,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Everyone can be at peace knowing that Mr. Bailes will never harm another innocent child. Our Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who harm our children.” Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Sexual Assault of a Child is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Kristina Escalona and Alessandra Cranshaw prosecuted the case against Bailes in the 290th District Court.

05/19/2016 - Four Stacked Life Sentences in Child Sex Abuse Case
Posted On: May 19, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, May 19, 2016: This morning, 227th District Court Judge Kevin O’Connell sentenced Willie David Floyd, age 32, to four consecutive, or stacked life sentences. Last month, a Bexar County jury found Floyd guilty of four counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. In 2014, a then 7-year-old girl made an outcry to an employee at a children’s shelter that Floyd had sexually abused her. The abuse occurred in April and May of 2014. Additionally the victim, now 9 years old, made another outcry a year later that Floyd had sexually abused her special needs brother as well, who was 6 years old. Local child advocates told jurors about the trauma the young girl experienced from the abuse by Floyd. During the trial and at today’s sentencing hearing, Floyd maintained his innocence. Today, prosecutors asked Judge O’Connell to stack the life sentences, and the motion was granted. “This man’s behavior is disgusting and this is what will happen to animals who prey on children and special needs children,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “I am very proud of the hard work of prosecutors Anna Scott and Marissa Giovenco.” Because of the stacked life sentences, Floyd is not eligible for parole for 120 years. Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a 1st degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Anna Scott and Marissa Giovenco from the Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against the defendant in the 227th District Court.

05/04/2016 - Jurors Sentence Man to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Girl
Posted On: May 04, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, May 4, 2016: Yesterday, a Bexar County jury in the 379th District Court sentenced Ivan Sanchez, age 42, to 50 years in prison; additionally, jurors assessed three 20-year sentences. The sentences will run concurrently, or at the same time. On Friday, Sanchez was found guilty of one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and three counts of Indecency with a Child by Contact. In November 2005, the victim made an outcry to a relative detailing the sexual abuse she endured by Sanchez. The girl, now an adult, told jurors Sanchez sexually assaulted her for several years, beginning when she was 9 years old. In addition, a second victim testified during the punishment phase that Sanchez had made sexual advances towards her when she was 13 years old. Sanchez was originally convicted and sentenced by a jury to 28 years in prison in 2009. The Court of Appeals ordered a retrial due to evidentiary matters. Sanchez had previously been to prison for a drug charge. At the time of his arrest for the sexual assault, he was on probation for assaulting the victim’s mother. Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Indecency with a Child by Contact is a 2nd degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Boyd, Clarissa Fernandez, and Daryl Harris prosecuted the case against Sanchez in the 379th District Court.

05/02/2016 - 60-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Sexually Abused Young Girl
Posted On: May 02, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, May 2, 2016: This afternoon, Bexar County jurors in the 290th District Court sentenced Steve Kou, age 62, to 60 years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On Friday, Kou was found guilty of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child. In July 2014, a then 8-year-old girl made an outcry to a relative that she was being sexually abused by Kou. The girl said the abuse started when she was in kindergarten, and had lasted three years. Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Kou and charged him with Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child. During the trial the victim, now 10 years old, testified about the sexual abuse she endured by Kou. In addition, the girl’s mother told jurors that her daughter still has nightmares and is traumatized from the abuse. Kou did not give investigators a statement at the time of his arrest, nor did he testify during his trial. “This 60-year sentence guarantees this defendant will no longer harm this young girl or another innocent child,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “I hope this verdict sends a strong message to other predators out there who harm our children.” Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 25-99 years or life in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Kristina Escalona and Melissa Saenz from the Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Kou in the 290th District Court.

06/03/2015 - 50-Year Sentence for Man who Injured Children in Shooting
Posted On: June 03, 2015
This morning in the 226th District Court, Judge Sid Harle sentenced Jose Ramos Mercado, age 41, to 50 years in prison for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child. On August 30, 2014, Mercado opened fire on a vehicle driven by his girlfriend and containing his girlfriend’s two children, aged 6 and 11 years old. The girlfriend was not injured. The 11-year-old suffered two grazing gunshot wounds to her head; and the 6-year-old suffered six gunshot wounds and injuries including a fractured right arm, a gunshot wound to his face at mouth level, and a gunshot wound where the bullet lodged at the base of his spine. The remaining three rounds entered various parts of his torso and legs. The shooting, which occurred in the 200 block of Anton Drive, was captured on surveillance video. Mercado then took the girlfriend’s vehicle and remained on the run for days before being captured by SAPD on September 2, 2014. “By the grace of God, these two innocent children survived this horrific shooting,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “A 50-year sentence is just punishment for Mr. Mercado who carelessly shot into a vehicle knowing there were children inside of it.” Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the defendant’s prior felony convictions, the punishment range for this offense was 15-99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Prosecutor Caitlin Thomas, Advocate Yadi Tamez and Investigator Steve Simpson, all of the Child Abuse Unit, handled the case in the 226th District Court.

05/29/2015 - 60-Year Sentence for Man who Sexually Abused Girl
Posted On: May 29, 2015
Yesterday, visiting Judge Raymond Angelini sentenced Jimmy Vera, age 41, to 60 years in prison. Jurors in the 187th District Court convicted Vera of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child after deliberating for four hours. In February 2014, Vera sexually assaulted the 11-year-old victim. The victim outcried about the abuse, after she was taken to a hospital where she was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease. The victim, now 12 years old, took the stand and told jurors about the abuse. On the stand, Vera denied any involvement. “I am proud of the hard work from Child Abuse Unit Prosecutors Kimberly Gonzalez and Lauren Glasscock, said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute child predators. This 60-year sentence ensures Mr. Vera will never harm another innocent child.” Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Prosecutors Kimberly Gonzalez and Lauren Glasscock from the Child Abuse Unit handled the case in the 187th District Court.

05/28/2015 - 35-Year Sentence in Case Where Boy was Badly Burned
Posted On: May 28, 2015
Yesterday, 399th District Court Judge Ray Olivarri sentenced Matthew White, age 27, to 35 years in prison. Earlier this month, White entered a no contest plea to the charge of Injury to a Child Intentionally/Knowingly Causing Serious Bodily Injury. In December 2013, White and his girlfriend, Emily Sanford, were arrested after her 3-year-old son sustained horrific burns to his genital area and the tops of his feet. Investigators said White told Sanford not to take her son to the hospital because he would get into trouble. Instead, the couple put cream on the boy’s burns. Days following the incident, Sanford finally took her son to the hospital “because he started to stink.” The child’s burns were so severe and badly infected that he almost died. White has always maintained that the boy burned himself in the shower when he was briefly left unattended. However, the shower water was tested and it was determined it could not have caused those injuries. According to police, White was left alone with the child while Sanford would go to work. “Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for abused children in our community,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “I hope the message is clear that if you harm a child – you will pay the consequences.” In February, the boy’s mother, Emily Sanford, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for not reporting the abuse. Injury to a Child Intentionally/Knowingly Causing Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Prosecutor Meredith Chacon from the Child Abuse Unit handled the case.

05/26/2015 - Life Without Parole Sentence for Man who Sexually Abused Girl
Posted On: May 26, 2015
This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 399th District Court sentenced Elias Juarez, age 66, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. On Friday, it took jurors less than three hours to convict him of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a young child. The victim, now 11, testified that Juarez sexually abused her from the age of 3 until she was 8 years old. On the stand, the young girl became overwhelmed with emotion when describing the abuse she endured. The jury also heard from two other victims – now adults – who testified Juarez sexually abused them as well. The abuse from the 11-year-old girl came to light, after one of the additional victims spoke out. The defendant chose not to testify during his trial. “This life sentence guarantees Mr. Juarez will never victimize another child,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “I am proud of our prosecutors for their hard work in presenting the evidence and applaud the jury for giving this child predator the maximum sentence.” Continuous Sexual Abuse of a young child is a first degree felony, punishable by 25-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Prosecutors Meredith Chacon and Grant Bryan from the Child Abuse Unit handled the case out of the 399th District Court.

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down more than 300 indictments
Posted On: January 15, 2021
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 300 felony indictments.David James Estrada Jr. is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 5, 2020, Estrada did then and there commit or attempt to commit the felony offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and while in the course of or in furtherance of or in immediate flight from the commission or the attempted commission of this offense, Estrada did then and there commit or attempt to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life, to-wit: striking Dominga Pesqueda with a deadly weapon (motor vehicle), that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury, thereby causing Pesqueda’s death. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 175th District Court.Violetta Martinez is charged with intoxication manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 31, 2019, Martinez did operate a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, and did by reason of such intoxication cause the death of Gavin Walence by accident or mistake, by the defendant driving the motor vehicle into a motor vehicle near Walence and striking Walence. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 144th District Court.Noah Benjamin Escamilla is charged with graffiti $2,500 to < $30,000. The indictment alleges that on May 29, 2020, Escamilla, with paint, did intentionally and knowingly make markings on the tangible property on the City of San Antonio, the owner, without effective consent of the owner, and did thereby cause pecuniary loss in an amount of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. The property is the Alamo cenotaph. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 290th District Court.Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.For information on trial dates, click here. To request court documents, click here.

Bexar County D.A.'s Office completes additional review into shooting death of Marquise Jones
Posted On: January 13, 2021
This afternoon, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and two of his senior staff met with the family of Marquise Jones to discuss the additional review of the officer-involved shooting that resulted in Mr. Jones’ death. The family was informed that this office would not re-present the case to a new Grand Jury.The two senior staff members are Assistant District Attorney Daryl Harris (recently announced as the head of the Civil Rights Division) and Jamissa Jarmon (Chief of the Misdemeanor Section) spent more than three months reviewing the case. Harris and Jarmon were present for the meeting with the Jones Family. Their findings are in this memo and serve as the only comment the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office will make on this case, which is now considered closed.All memos from the Civil Rights Division will be posted on its webpage.

Bexar County Commissioners approve funding for additional family violence prosecutors
Posted On: January 12, 2021
This morning, Bexar County Commissioners approved a request from District Attorney Joe Gonzales for additional resources to help with a growing number of family violence cases.The $350,624 request includes two misdemeanor prosecutors, a felony prosecutor and a paralegal. The need comes as all courts were forced to move to mostly virtual proceedings last March because of strict COVID-19 protocols. Since then, the number of misdemeanor and felony cases pending has increased by more than 60%.“Since I took office in January 2019, I knew we needed help with family violence cases. I shifted staff and resources to increase the Family Violence Division by more than 60%. I had no idea the staff would have to review about 2,000 cases that had not been touched for years. The division cleared that backlog and even during a pandemic have managed to keep working up new cases. My staff and I agree that domestic violence is a serious problem in Bexar County. Now that they know they’ll have more help, they’ll be ready for jury trials to resume,” Gonzales said.The additional misdemeanor prosecutors were initially requested by County Court at Law #13 Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez to handle a growing docket. Then, her court and County Court at Law #7 were the only courts handling misdemeanor family violence cases. In late November, six other judges agreed to begin adding some of those cases to their dockets.“Prior to that change, there were four misdemeanor prosecutors with an average caseload of 1,173 cases. Now, we are able to distribute those complex cases to additional prosecutors. With the additional staffing, we will be more prepared to get these cases into court to seek justice for the thousands of victims who have been waiting since the pandemic started,” Gonzales said.Bexar County’s Administrative Judge determines when jury summons can be sent so that trials may resume. That is not expected to happen for several weeks.To learn more about family violence and to see the latest data on pending cases, click here.

Bexar County Assistant District Attorney Daryl Harris to lead Civil Rights Division
Posted On: January 12, 2021
This afternoon, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales announced Assistant District Attorney Daryl Harris will lead the office’s newly created Civil Rights Division.Bexar County Commissioners approved funding for the division in October 2020. It will handle cases of officer-involved shootings, custodial deaths and allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement. The Civil Rights Division consists of two prosecutors, an investigator and an advocate. The CRD reports directly to District Attorney Gonzales.“Since taking office in January 2019, I saw the need to make changes to how the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office handles these types of cases. While I required those cases be presented to a Grand Jury for review, those cases were still being handled by a team of prosecutors who had other types of criminal offenses as part of their caseload. Over the summer, amidst growing awareness of the need for transparency and independence in Bexar County and beyond, I saw the need to create a division dedicated specifically to these offenses. Daryl is a dedicated public servant. Like me, he has seen the need to make change to how our office handles these cases. He is already conducting reviews and looking for new ways to make our process as fair and independent as possible,” Gonzales said.Harris has been with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office since July 2002. He has prosecuted misdemeanor and felony offenses. Harris has also served as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Trial Division and Chief of the Intake Division. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Kansas State University and St. Mary’s University School of Law. Prior to joining the District Attorney’s Office, Harris served as an officer in the United States Army before he retired in 2001.“The emerging Civil Rights Division of the District Attorney’s Office is important to me because I have watched the reporting about officer involved shootings of citizens and evaluated the contentious back and forth debate that follows these incidents since Ferguson. I have considered these arguments as a black man, a father, a retired soldier, an attorney, a career prosecutor, but most importantly as an American citizen. The discourse in 2020 has been particularly intense in this country, and the county that I live in and have learned to love. My objective has always been to perform my duties as a Bexar County Assistant District Attorney with that same sense of commitment, duty and integrity. All our citizens have rights which must be protected and respected – I think those in uniform agree with that. All police officers – in every department – are authorized to use force when necessary to serve and protect us – I think the public knows and agrees with that. These two points come into conflict when a citizen is injured or killed by a police officer. That conflict defines the space where the Civil Rights Division must live and do our work. Our laws define criminal behavior. They also establish defenses and justifications – available to citizens accused of a crime - for the use of force. Our job is to apply those laws to the facts of every case and to do so as thoroughly, rigorously, and evenhandedly as the public expects and as the law requires. I understand that this approach will frustrate or upset either side in one case or another. I accept that; but the only promise I make is that we will always seek to do the harder right instead of the easier wrong,” Harris said.The division operates as follows:A prosecutor and the investigator will respond to the scene of an officer-involved shooting to monitor the scene. Law enforcement will still be required to conduct an investigation and file their case with our office for review.In the event of a death, the advocate will reach out to the family of the deceased early on, to establish a point of contact with our office. As with any other case, advocates explain the process of our office to include what happens with a case once it reaches the District Attorney’s Office.The Civil Rights Division will review the entire file provided by law enforcement and will conduct any necessary additional investigation.The Civil Rights Division will present its findings directly to the District Attorney for additional review and charging decisions.As has been the case since District Attorney Gonzales took office in January 2019, every case will be presented to a Grand Jury. If the Grand Jury issues a true bill of indictment, the case would be forwarded to a court and the Office could make no comment on the pending criminal matter. It is important to note that Chapter 20 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requires Grand Jury proceedings be kept secret. Violations of the law could lead to criminal penalties. If the Grand Jury declines to hand down an indictment (a no-bill), the District Attorney’s Office will release a publicly available memo explaining the facts of the individual case and its analysis. Those memos would serve as the only comment the District Attorney’s Office will make on the case. The memos will be posted on the Civil Rights Division webpage.Because the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is not a primary investigative agency, all reports about or information related to criminal activity or on-going investigations should be directed to a law enforcement agency so that it may be properly investigated. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office will not reopen a closed case without new evidence that was either not known or unavailable at the time of its filing with this office for review.

Bexar County D.A. publishes magistration, felony criminal trial data
Posted On: January 08, 2021
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has added two more dashboards with data of incoming cases. One details cases filed at magistration after an individual is arrested; the other details the current caseload of the Criminal Trial Division.“Data collection within the DA’s Office, when done, was often done by hand prior to the start of my administration in January 2019. This made it difficult to know what was happening with cases. Over the last 2 years, we have begun to improve our ability to collect and analyze data. Now that we have a better idea of what we have in this office, I have decided to make this information publicly available. It is important the public know how its District Attorney’s Office is working,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.The Magistrate Dashboard shows 5,343 cases have been received at the Justice Intake and Assessment Annex (JIAA) in December 2020. It is important to note that these numbers do not represent the total of arrests made by law enforcement, as some people may have been arrested on multiple charges.“The sheer volume of arrest cases our office receives at JIAA each month represents just one portion of the total caseloads of our prosecutors, investigators and support staff,” Gonzales said.The dashboard shows a majority of the arrest cases (83.7%) were accepted and had a bond set by a judge. In these cases, both the Assistant District Attorney on site and the magistrate judge accepted the charges. Nearly ten percent of arrest cases were accepted and remanded without bond by a judge. Often, those defendants are held without bond because they have violated parole conditions. They may also have a pending motion to revoke their probation, are wanted for an out of county or out of state warrant or the company/surety who posted a defendant’s bond filed an Affidavit of Surety to Surrender. Only about 8% of the arrest cases in December 2020 were rejected at magistration. There were 4,473 cases accepted at JIAA by both the ADA and the magistrate judge. The offense most commonly accepted at magistration in December 2020 was for Driving While Intoxicated (277). The offense most often rejected at magistration for the same time period was Possession of Marijuana 0-2 oz. This is often because of the DA Office’s Drug Declination Policy. “Our policy to not accept certain low-level drug offenses (absent exceptional circumstances) was implemented primarily to allow our staff to focus our efforts on prosecuting violent crimes, as those are cases with victims awaiting justice. In November, family violence cases made up the majority of the violent crime arrests accepted at magistration,” Gonzales said.The dashboard also includes data on the race of people arrested by case. Of the 37 law enforcement agencies that made arrests in Bexar County in November, the San Antonio Police Department made the most (3,379).The dashboard also allows the viewer to sort the data by arresting agency, charge description, charge level, race and gender.The Criminal Trial Pending Cases Dashboard includes data from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Bexar County issued stay home orders and the Texas Supreme Court brought jury trials to a halt. As of March 16, 2020, the number of indicted felony cases pending trial by the CTD was 3,387. By December 27, 2020, that number stood at 6,605.“Each of these cases gets closer review after magistration and filing by law enforcement. After that, prosecutors may file an information in the case of misdemeanor offenses or a grand jury may return a true bill of indictment in the case of felony offenses. Cases may also be referred back to law enforcement for further investigation or dismissed for a variety of issues including missing witnesses and the inability of our office to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt – the standard for all criminal cases in court,” Gonzales said.For both time periods, possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 less than 1 gram (a state jail felony – the lowest level felony offense) is the top pending offense. Other felony drug offenses are also at the top of both lists. Aggravated robberies and aggravated assaults with a deadly weapon also rank high in the number of cases pending trial. In-person jury trials are presently on hold. Virtual jury trials are allowed, but must be approved by both the State and Defense.“During the pandemic, courts have held virtual proceedings and limited in-person hearings. This has made reducing the number of pending cases especially challenging. While we are eager for jury trials to resume so that we can adjudicate these cases, I want the public to know that it is often the oldest pending cases that courts prioritize. This will mean that people who are victims of crime in 2020 may have to wait much longer for justice than they, as well as I, would like. However, I want everyone to know our office has been moving cases through the system as best we can so that we can be prepared for courts to resume jury trials,” Gonzales said.These dashboards are preceded by the Family Violence Dashboard and the Cite and Release Dashboard.

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in 2 separate capital murder cases
Posted On: December 18, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 360 felony indictments.Trevon Chaney, Roger Troy Koontz Jr. and Aviar Maleek Smith are charged with capital murder – other felony. Three separate indictments allege that on Sep. 22, 2020, Chaney, Koontz and Smith intentionally caused the death of Miguel Carvajal by shooting Carvajal with a deadly weapon (firearm) and Chaney, Koontz and Smith were in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of robbery of Carvajal. These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 290th District Court.Johntavion Sounders is charged with capital murder – other felony. The indictment alleges that on July 14, 2020, Sounders intentionally caused the death of Jasmine Williams by shooting Williams with a deadly weapon (firearm) and Sounders was in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of robbery of Williams. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 379th District Court.Christian Rodriguez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 28, 2020, Rodriguez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Jorge Enrique Rodriguez by cutting and stabbing the complainant with a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 144th District Court.Rebeca Ann DeLeon is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 27, 2020, DeLeon intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Carlos Sifuentes by striking Sifuentes with a deadly weapon (motor vehicle operated by DeLeon) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. The indictment also alleges that DeLeon was committing or attempting to commit the felony offense of driving while intoxicated 3rd or more, and while in the course of or in furtherance of or in immediate flight from the commission or the attempted commission of this offense, DeLeon did then and there commit or attempt to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life, to wit: by driving a motor vehicle outside her lane of travel, and/or by failing to maintain a single lane of travel, and/or by driving a motor vehicle at a speed that was not reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing, and/or by failing to maintain proper control over a motor vehicle, and/or by failing to take necessary and proper evasive action, and/or by failing to keep a proper lookout, and/or by failing to apply brakes in a timely manner, thereby causing the death of Sifuentes. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 399th District Court.Matthew Isaiah Velasquez is charged with intoxication manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 23, 2020, Velasquez operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated and caused the death of Aldo Flores, by accident or mistake by Velasquez driving the motor vehicle into a wall or barrier, failing to drive the motor vehicle entirely on the roadway, failing to maintain proper control over the motor vehicle or driving on the shoulder of the roadway. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 187th District Court.Noemi Hinojosa is charged with assault – intentionally/knowingly causing serious bodily injury to a child. The indictment alleges that on June 2, 2020, Hinojosa intentionally and knowingly caused serious bodily injury to Bonnie Segura, a child who was 14 years of age or younger, by causing Segura to ingest a controlled substance. The indictment also alleges Hinojosa had a legal duty to act and failed to do so in that that failing to seek out appropriate medical care. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 186th District Court.Robert John Gaitan is charged with injury to a child causing bodily injury – intentionally/knowingly. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 23, 2020, Gaitan intentionally and knowingly caused bodily injury to Angel Gonzalez, a child who was 14 years of age or younger, by striking Gonzalez with the hand of the Defendant. This case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity and Cyber Crimes Division in the 290th District Court.Michael Davis Hernandez is charged with online solicitation of a minor. The four of the five counts in the indictment allege that in April and May of 2020, Hernandez, a person who was 17 years of age or older, with the intent to commit the offense of indecency with a child, intentionally communicated by separate text messages in a sexually explicit manner with a law enforcement detective who was posing as a person whom Hernandez believed was a minor, a person younger than 17 years of age. The fifth count of the indictment alleges Hernandez, with the intent to commit the offense of sexual assault intentionally distributed over the internet or by an electronic message service sexually explicit material to a law enforcement detective who was posing as a person whom Hernandez believed was younger than 17 years of age. This case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity and Cyber Crimes Division in the 437th District Court.Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.“The service of the Grand Jurors from the 187th District Court and the 437th District Court ended this week, reviewing 1,579 cases during a term abbreviated by holidays and during the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing measures in place. Throughout the year, Grand Jurors – who are all citizens summoned to serve two days per week for eight week terms – provide a vital service to Bexar County. These citizens review alleged crimes committed here in Bexar County and they make the decision to True Bill and send a case to court for trial or to issue a No Bill of indictment where the Grand Jury does not believe a crime was committed. I thank these Grand Jurors and all of the previous panels for their vital role in our criminal justice system,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.In 2020, Bexar County Grand Jurors handed down 11,907 felony indictments.Copies of indictments may be obtained from the Bexar County District Clerk's Office. Information on court settings may be obtained by searching online here.

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in 3 separate murder cases
Posted On: December 11, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 260 felony indictments.Maria Del Rosario Mendez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on March 27, 2020, Mendez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Jose Salvador Tellez-Tapia by shooting him with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 379th District Court.Mary Diaz is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 25, 2020, Diaz intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Christopher Jones by shooting him with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 187th District Court.Daniel Chavez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 2, 2020, Chavez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Auturo Calderon-Gonzalez by shooting Calderon-Gonzalez with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 399th District Court.Gabriel Noriega is charged with failure to stop and render aid causing death. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 1, 2020, Noriega intentionally and knowingly drove a vehicle that became involved in an accident that resulted in a death to Alberto Flores, and Noriega did thereafter, knowing said accident had occurred, intentionally and knowingly failed to determine whether a person was involved in the accident and determine whether that person required aid, and said accident resulted in the death of Flores. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 226th District Court.Bryan Stephan Jenkins is charged with attempting to compel prostitution. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 17, 2020, Jenkins knowingly attempted to cause by force Jasmine Doe, a pseudonym, to commit prostitution by grabbing, striking, scratching and pulling Doe with his hand and by threatening to kill her and her unborn child, an act or acts that amounted to more than mere preparation that tended by failed to effect the commission of the offense. This case is being prosecuted by the Human Trafficking Unit in the 175th District Court.Because all of these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.Information on court proceedings may be found by searching the case here. To request court records, click here.

Cite and Release data available on Bexar County D.A. website
Posted On: December 11, 2020
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has added a Cite and Release dashboard to its website. The interactive graphic includes data from the date law enforcement began participating on July 1, 2019, through July 30, 2020. To see the dashboard, click here.“This full year of data shows nearly 2,500 people avoided being taken to jail for a non-violent, low-level offense. While it has spared those individuals the time and expense of a criminal case including jail time, bond fees, legal fees. In just the first year, Cite and Release has saved taxpayers more than $1.8 million in jail booking costs. Simply by writing a citation and returning to duty instead of spending hours taking an individual to jail, law enforcement has also been able to keep officers on the streets where they can be available to respond to calls from the public,” said District Attorney Joe Gonzales.The program was created by the Texas Legislature 13 years ago. It allows local jurisdictions to choose to issue tickets for those offenses.When law enforcement issues the citation, the individual reports to Bexar County’s Reentry Center. An Assistant District Attorney reviews the facts provided by law enforcement and, if approved for Cite and Release diversion programs, the individual would be given the opportunity to participate. If that individual successfully completes the programs, he/she would not have the violation appear on any criminal record. Those who either do not complete the programs or do not meet the criteria for various reasons would be placed on a court track. There, pre-trial diversion programs are also considered and the individual may still avoid having a record of the violation. The dashboard does explain that nearly 64% of the citations the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has received from law enforcement were for possession of misdemeanor marijuana. However, more than 96% of those citations were rejected, meaning those individuals cited did not have to participate in any diversion programs. The dashboard shows most people referred to the court track were cited for misdemeanor theft offenses.“It is important to note that the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has a policy of declining to accept cases of one ounce or less of marijuana from law enforcement. Shortly before we implemented Cite and Release in Bexar County, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill that redefined marijuana as containing more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Anything below that amount is considered hemp. Our office also requires a lab report to determine whether the drugs obtained during an arrest are, in fact, marijuana weighing more than one ounce,” Gonzales said.The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office does not maintain data on law enforcement’s decision to cite or arrest a person for a qualifying offense. That information may be obtained from law enforcement. Click here to see the San Antonio Police Department's Fourth Quarter Data on Cite and Release.“As with any policy of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, cite and release does not dictate when law enforcement may make an arrest. It is our responsibility to consider each individual case when it reaches our office and to determine what the best path is for the individual and the community,” Gonzales said.In October, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office published its first dashboard on family violence data. Other dashboards will be added to the website soon.Click here to view the full Cite and Release webpage.

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reforms death sentence in Bexar County capital murder case
Posted On: December 04, 2020
On Nov. 25, 2020, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued an opinion in the case of a Bexar County man convicted of capital murder, reforming his death sentence to life in prison due to intellectual disability.Geronimo Gutierrez, who is now 43 years old, was sentenced to death in April 2002. Gutierrez was found guilty of the 1999 abduction and murder of Rick Marin.Shortly after the trial, the Supreme Court of the United States held that intellectually disabled persons are exempt from the death penalty. Gutierrez’s appeals raised the issue of his own intellectual disability since that ruling, as he has an IQ of 72. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), defines intellectual disability in the range of 65-75. In 2017, a separate Supreme Court ruling found the framework for deciding intellectual disability claims applied to Gutierrez’s initial appeals were unconstitutional because they were not informed by the views of medical experts.Experts for the State and the Defense have since agreed Gutierrez was intellectually disabled. In 2019, the Court of Criminal Appeals remanded this case to the trial court to make a new recommendation on the issue of intellectual disability. The Court of Criminal Appeals accepted the trial court’s recommendation, and the recent ruling of the Court will bring the appeals of this case to an end. “The appeals of death penalty cases are lengthy and costly for taxpayers. While the standards for executions of persons with intellectual disabilities have changed since this offense was committed, they still apply to people on Death Row. The evidence of this Defendant’s intellectual disability existed at the time of his trial. More than 18 years after his conviction, that evidence remains. This court ruling means this Defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison and Mr. Marin’s family will not have to worry about this case coming back for trial. I hope this ruling brings them some peace,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.This case presented a single, narrow claim that Gutierrez’s death sentence was a violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments because he is intellectually disabled. The District Attorney’s Office has spoken to Mr. Marin’s family, and they are comfortable with the result under these circumstances. This case was handled by the District Attorney’s Appeals and Conviction Integrity Divisions. To read the full opinion from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, click here.Also this week, District Attorney Gonzales joined a bipartisan group of more than 95 criminal justice leaders to call for an immediate halt to federal executions and asking the President to commute the sentences of the five people currently scheduled to be executed by the federal government over the next two months. “The decision by the federal government to rush through these executions during a pandemic and at the end of the President’s term is troubling. When there are other options, the government should allow those to be exhausted. The death penalty is final. If there are errors at any point in a case, those should be considered before a sentence like this has been carried out. We cannot have faith in a fair and just legal system when justice is rushed,” Gonzales said.The full statement can be found here.

Woman indicted by Bexar County Grand Jury for intoxication manslaughter
Posted On: December 04, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 340 felony indictments.Mariana Campos-Jimenez is charged with intoxication manslaughter. The first count of the indictment alleges that on May 23, 2020, Campos-Jimenez operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, and did by reason of such intoxication caused the death of Gabriel Gallegos by accident or mistake, by Campos-Jimenez driving the motor vehicle into a motor vehicle occupied by Gallegos. The second count of the indictment alleges Campos-Jimenez failed to take necessary and proper evasive action to avoid driving the motor vehicle into a motor vehicle occupied by Gallegos, driving on the wrong side of the road, failing to apply the brakes in a timely manner and failing to keep a proper lookout. This case is pending in the 175th District Court.Adrian Octavio Cardenas is charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 5, 2020, Cardenas intentionally and knowingly attempted to cause the death of Arturo Ozuna by shooting Ozuna with a deadly weapon (firearm), an act amounting to more than mere preparation that tended but failed to effect the commission of the offense of capital murder, having at the time the specific intent to commit the offense of capital murder, and Ozuna was a peace officer who was acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and Cardenas knew Ozuna was a peace officer. This case is pending in the 226th District Court.Davian Loredo is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Five separate indictments allege that on Aug. 18, 2020, Loredo did use and exhibit a deadly weapon (firearm) and intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to Brenda Sanchez, Juliann Hernandez, Angel Serrato, Angel Serrato Jr., and Kathlyn Sanchez, by shooting at and in the direction of the complainants with said deadly weapon. These cases are pending in the 175th District Court.All of these cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division. Because they are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.Information on court dates may be obtained by searching for the case online here. To request court records, click here.

Bexar County D.A. Joe Gonzales, County Court Judges announce major change for family violence cases
Posted On: November 20, 2020
For more than a decade, misdemeanor family violence cases have been assigned to County Court 7 and County Court 13. When the COVID-19 protocols were put into place, all courts ceased having jury trials and most moved to virtual hearings – a much slower process than in-person hearings. As you can see from the Bexar County District Attorney’s Family Violence Dashboard Bexar County misdemeanor family violence courts have seen their dockets increase by more than 50%. This week, more than half of the County Court Judges have agreed to begin taking on these cases.“When these misdemeanor family violence courts were created, the volume of cases was significantly lower than it is today. With more than 4,500 family violence cases pending right now, thousands of survivors are facing a very long wait for justice. These cases being assigned to more courts means they will get even more attention by our staff, judges and, eventually, juries. It may also lead to quicker and more successful prosecutions of family violence cases. I am grateful the judges recognize the importance of these cases and that they are willing to increase their workload to help their fellow judges. We have spent many hours working with the judiciary to find the most efficient means of seeking justice for these survivors. Today’s announcement is one of the most significant changes to the court system in Bexar County,” said District Attorney Joe Gonzales.The following judges have agreed to take on misdemeanor family violence cases with Judge Michael De Leon (County Court 7) and Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez (County Court 13): Judge Alfredo Ximenez (County Court 4), Judge John Longoria (County Court 5), Judge Mary Roman (County Court 8), Judge Tommy Stolhandske (County Court 11), Judge Carlo Key (County Court 14) and Judge Melissa Vara (County Court 15).

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in capital murder, murder cases
Posted On: November 13, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 200 felony indictments.Kevin Ray Clark is charged with manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on May 3, 2020, Clark did recklessly cause the death of Miranda Martinez by discharging a deadly weapon (firearm) at and in the direction of Martinez. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 379th District Court.Phillip Lopez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 14, 2020, Lopez committed or attempted to commit the felony offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle while in the course of or in furtherance of or in immediate flight from the commission or the attempted commission of this offense, Lopez did then and there commit an act clearly dangerous to human life, to-wit: driving a motor vehicle at an in the direction of Olga Deanda while driving at an unsafe speed for the conditions and while disregarding a traffic control device, thereby causing the death of Deanda.A second indictment charges Lopez with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. It alleges that on Aug. 14, 2020, Lopez did use and exhibit a deadly weapon (motor vehicle), that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury, and Lopez did intentionally, knowingly and recklessly cause bodily injury to Santa Maria Rincon, by driving said deadly weapon at an in the direction of Rincon.A third indictment charges Lopez with theft of a vehicle $2,500 to less than $30,000. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 14, 2020, Lopez, with intent to deprive the owner of property, namely: a sport utility vehicle, did then and there unlawfully appropriate said property, by acquiring and otherwise exercising control over the property, said property being other than real property which had a value of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, without effective consent of the owner.Lopez’s cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 379th District Court.Joseph Brandon Selders is charged with capital murder. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 2, 2007, Selders intentionally caused the death of Blase Wright Jr., by shooting Wright with a deadly weapon (firearm) and that Selders was in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of burglary of a habitation. The indictment also alleges Selders intentionally caused the death of Wright by shooting Wright with a deadly weapon (firearm) while Selders was in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of aggravated robbery of Wright. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 227th District Court.Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.Information on court proceedings may be found here. To request court records online, click here.

Grand Juries indict men for separate murder, manslaughter cases
Posted On: November 19, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 200 felony indictments.Fabian Rene Arredondo is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and causing serious bodily injury. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 16, 2020, Arredondo intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused serious bodily injury to Cecilie Arredondo by shooting her with a deadly weapon (firearm) and during the commission of said assault the defendant used a deadly weapon, to-wit: a firearm and Cecilie Arredondo was a member of the defendant’s family. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 226th District Court.Jiovanni Benjamin is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 16, 2020, Benjamin intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Frederick Buhler by shooting Buhler with a deadly weapon (firearm). A separate indictment charges Benjamin with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The indictment alleges that on Sep. 16, 2020, Benjamin used and exhibited a deadly weapon (firearm) and that he intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to John Christian Longoria by shooting Longoria with said deadly weapon. These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 186th District Court.Caesar Andrew George is charged with manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on March 4, 2020, George did recklessly cause the death of Eugene Roller by driving a motor vehicle at a speed that was not reasonable and prudent under the circumstance then existing, and/or failing to maintain a single lane of traffic, and/or failing to take proper and necessary evasive action to avoid colliding with another motor vehicle, and/or failing to apply the brakes in a timely manner, and/or failing to maintain proper control over the motor vehicle. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 187th District Court.Because these cases are pending, we can make no further comment on them.Both Grand Juries will have next week off for the Thanksgiving holiday.Information on court proceedings may be found here. To request court records online, click here.

S.A. man receives 12 year sentence for intoxication manslaughter charge
Posted On: November 09, 2020
A San Antonio man who pled guilty to intoxication manslaughter earlier this year has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing a woman who was delivering food.On Dec. 2, 2018, Jennifer White, 33, was stopped at a light at the intersection of Perrin Beitel and Naco Perrin when Dakota Lovelace, 25, struck her vehicle from behind, sending her car into a delivery truck that was making a turn in the intersection. Ms. White died at the scene. Lovelace had a blood alcohol content of .237 – nearly three times the legal limit for intoxication. San Antonio Police Department investigators determined Lovelace was traveling 70 miles per hour when he struck Ms. White’s car without applying the brakes.On Thursday, Lovelace appeared in-person for sentencing before visiting Judge Laura Parker. Strict COVID-19 protocols were in place for the hearing, with family and friends of White present. Maria White, the mother of Jennifer White, described her daughter as a “beautiful, bubbly person” and said “a hole has been left in her life and the lives of so many others” with her daughter’s death. Jennifer White was Maria White’s only child.Judge Parker sentenced Lovelace to 12 years in prison. The judge also ordered an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon, meaning Lovelace must serve at least half of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.“There is no excuse for drinking and driving. Jennifer White was an innocent victim in this tragedy. I know that the resolution of this criminal case will not bring Jennifer back, but I hope we can honor her memory by the simple act of not getting behind the wheel after drinking,” District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.White’s mother said she will continue to fight for her daughter and all victims of intoxication-related crimes. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Joe Hooker of the Criminal Trial Division.

Grand Jury indicts man for family violence-related murder
Posted On: November 06, 2020
This week, two newly-impaneled Grand Juries began their service to Bexar County by handing down more than 100 felony indictments in just two days.Jorge Izquierdo is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 20, 2020, Izquierdo intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Cora Nickel by shooting her with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Unit in the 175th District Court. Because this case is pending trial, we can make no further comment on it.Information on court proceedings may be found here. To request court records online, click here.

Convicted sex offender sentenced for sex attack on 64-year-old woman
Posted On: November 05, 2020
This afternoon, a convicted sex offender was sentenced to 25 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault. Due to COVID-19 procedures, the hearing was conducted via Zoom.Clovis Joseph Schexnayder, 47, was accused of the Sep. 2016 attack on a 64-year-old woman. The victim was walking to work when an unknown man dragged her into a brushy area and sexually assaulted her. During the offense, the victim said Schexnayder also choked her and threatened to kill her. In Feb. 2017, DNA from the crime was linked to Schexnayder’s in Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). San Antonio Police found Schexnayder was already in custody for failing to register as a sex offender for an unrelated offense and charged him with the new charge.“Mr. Schexnayder is rightfully headed to prison. We are grateful to the San Antonio Police Department for their investigation of this case, and our prosecution team for all their hard work to assure justice was achieved on behalf of this victim,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.Upon his release from prison, Schexnayder must register as a sex offender for life.This case was prosecuted by the Family Violence Unit in the 379th District Court with Judge Ron Rangel presiding.

Grand Jury indicts pair for capital murder
Posted On: October 30, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 230 felony indictments.Dorian Murphree and Kyle Phillips are charged with capital murder. The indictments allege that on July 14, 2020, Murphree and Phillips intentionally caused the death of Jasmine Williams by shooting Williams with a deadly weapon (firearm) and that the defendants were in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of Robbery of Williams. Their cases are pending in the 226th District Court.Colby Burke is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on July 30, 2020, Burke intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Savannah Ramos by driving a motor vehicle at and in the direction of Ramos. This case is pending in the 226th District Court.Sidney Cedillo is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on August 13, 2020, intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Jonathan Sanchez by cutting and stabbing the complainant with a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is pending in the 399th District Court.James Walker is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on July 31, 2020, intentionally and knowingly caused the death of David Overstreet by cutting and stabbing Overstreet with a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is pending in the 144th District Court.Carl Morrison is charged with intoxication manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on January 29, 2018, Morrison operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, and did by reason of such intoxication, cause the death of Marlena Morrison by accident or mistake by Carl Morrison driving a motor vehicle into a motor vehicle occupied by Marlena Morrison. This case is pending in the 399th District Court.All of these cases are being prosecuted by the Felony Criminal Trial Division. Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.“This week, the two Bexar County Grand Juries ended their terms. We are especially thankful for their service as they have come in two days each week for the last six weeks to review hundreds of felony cases. Without these citizens, the justice system does not work,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said.187th Criminal District Court Judge Stephanie Boyd and 437th District Court Judge Lori Valenzuela have impaneled two Grand Juries who will begin their terms of service next week.To see the status of a pending court case, click here. To request copies of court records, click here.

Bexar County District Attorney’s Office makes family violence data available online
Posted On: October 29, 2020
In a first for Bexar County, District Attorney Joe Gonzales has made family violence data available online. The two dashboards present the data in different ways. One details incoming family violence and sex assault cases comparing September 2019 to September 2020. Users may sort the cases by offense type, description or method the case was booked. The second dashboard shows the number of misdemeanor and family violence cases pending on March 16, 2020 – when Bexar County COVID-19 orders went into effect eliminating jury trials and limiting courtroom occupancy – and on October 25, 2020.To view the dashboard, click here.“In the interest of transparency, we felt it was important for everyone to be able to see the serious increase in domestic violence and child abuse cases our office has received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cases pending in court have nearly doubled in the last seven months, with more than 4,500 misdemeanor cases being handled by 4 prosecutors and more than 2,600 felony cases for 37 prosecutors. The facts are, my staff cannot continue to handle these cases without additional resources. This is why I plan to ask Bexar County Commissioners to allow us to increase staffing to specifically address the growing backlog of misdemeanor cases we know will need our attention when courts can resume in-person proceedings and jury trials,” Gonzales said.While the data is not updated daily, it will be updated often. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is in the process of developing dashboards to publish data on other divisions and programs.

Bexar County Grand Jury indicts man for capital murder
Posted On: October 23, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 270 felony indictments.Rogelio Sanchez is charged with capital murder. The indictment alleges that on July 5, 2020, Sanchez intentionally caused the death of Christina De La Cruz by shooting her with a deadly weapon (firearm) and that Sanchez was in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of kidnapping De La Cruz or Adrian Sepulveda or Gabriel Patlan. Sanchez is also charged in a second indictment with aggravated kidnapping. That indictment alleges that on July 5, 2020, Sanchez intentionally and knowingly abducted Gabriel Patlan by secreting and holding Patlan in a place where he was not likely to be found and by using and threatening to use deadly force, and during the commission of the offense Sanchez did use and exhibit a firearm with the intent to inflict bodily injury on Patlan. This case is pending in the 187th District Court.David Rodriguez Jr. is charged with manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on March 11, 2020, Rodriguez did recklessly cause the death of Michael Prieto by discharging a deadly weapon (firearm) at and in the direction of Prieto. This case is pending in the 437th District Court.These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division. Because they are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.To find information on a pending case, click here. To request court records, click here.

Bexar County Commissioners approve funding for new District Attorney’s Civil Rights Division
Posted On: October 20, 2020
This morning, Bexar County Commissioners approved a request from Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales for funding to establish a Civil Rights Division. The division will include two prosecutors, an investigator and an advocate at a cost of $385,984. The Civil Rights Division will handle cases of officer-involved shootings, custodial deaths and excessive use of force by law enforcement. They will report directly to District Attorney Gonzales.“I have spent the last few months reviewing how other District Attorney’s Offices handle these cases and believe a Civil Rights Division puts this office in line with larger counties, focusing on cases that deserve the highest scrutiny. Until the State of Texas establishes a truly independent investigative and prosecutorial process, I join other large District Attorney’s Offices in taking steps like these to make the review and prosecution of these cases as independent as possible,” Gonzales said.Now that the positions have been approved, the jobs will be posted and the District Attorney’s Office will select the team. Once staffed, the division will operate as follows:A prosecutor and the investigator will respond to the scene of an officer-involved shooting to monitor the scene. Law enforcement will still be required to conduct an investigation and file their case with our office for review.In the event of a death, the advocate will reach out to the family of the deceased to establish a point of contact with our office. As with any other case, advocates explain the process of our office to include what happens with a case once it reaches the District Attorney’s Office.The Civil Rights Division will review the entire file provided by law enforcement and will conduct any necessary additional investigation.The Civil Rights Division present its findings directly to the District Attorney for additional review.As has been the case since District Attorney Gonzales took office in January 2019, every case will be presented to a Grand Jury. If the Grand Jury declines to hand down an indictment (a no-bill), the District Attorney’s Office will release a publicly available memo explaining the facts of the individual case and its analysis. If the Grand Jury issues a true bill of indictment, the case would be forwarded to a court and the Office could make no comment on the pending criminal matter. It is important to note that Chapter 20 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requires Grand Jury proceedings be kept secret. Violations of the law could lead to criminal penalties.Previously, these cases were handled by the Special Crimes Division, which was also responsible for the review and prosecution of other felony and misdemeanor offenses. That division will now be known as the Public Integrity and Cyber Crimes Division. Among the crimes handled by the division: public corruption and abuse of office;internet crimes targeting children;election integrity;complex financial crime;elder fraud;and money laundering and fiduciary theft. “These structural changes are integral to continuing to focus the duties of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office on crimes that are essential to ensuring public trust and with as much transparency as is allowed by law,” Gonzales said.

Bexar County District Attorney's Office seeks to create Civil Rights Division
Posted On: October 16, 2020
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales will announce the creation of a Civil Rights Division to handle officer-involved shootings. It will consist of two prosecutors, an investigator and a victim’s advocate. The team will respond to the scene of shootings in an effort to more effectively and independently review these cases, as well as custodial deaths and cases of excessive force. After law enforcement conducts its investigation of the incident and files a case with our office, the Civil Rights Division will review the case and may conduct a further investigation. The Civil Rights Division will report directly to District Attorney Gonzales.The budget for the new division is $385,984. The request will be presented to Bexar County Commissioners on Tuesday.When he took office in January 2019, Gonzales established the following protocol for officer-involved shootings: the Special Crimes Division reviews all cases and presents them to the District Attorney and his administration. All shootings are presented to a grand jury for review. Previously, law enforcement agencies were given clearance letters from the District Attorney’s Office, before cases had been filed and reviewed by prosecutors. Cases were not always presented to a grand jury.“I remain committed to finding the best practices for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. While Bexar County is not the first to establish a Civil Rights Division, I have spoken to other larger District Attorneys about how they have been able to make the process more independent with their own Civil Rights Divisions. Until the State of Texas establishes a truly independent investigative and prosecutorial process, it is up to local law enforcement and prosecutors to do their best to scrutinize these shootings with as much independence as we can manage,” Gonzales said.

More than 300 felony indictments handed down between Oct. 12-15
Posted On: October 15, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 300 felony indictments.Alejandro Rodriguez Garcia is charged with intoxication manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 22, 2020, Garcia operated a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, and did by reason of such intoxication cause the death of Arnulfo Cortez by accident or mistake, by Garcia losing control of the motor vehicle. The indictment also alleges Garcia failed to take necessary and proper evasive action to avoid crashing the motor vehicle occupied by Cortez by failing to maintain a single lane of traffic and failing to maintain proper control over the motor vehicle. This case is pending in the 144th District Court.Jose Alfonso Hernandez is charged with failing to stop and render aid resulting in death. The indictment alleges that on March 2, 2020, Hernandez intentionally and knowingly drove a vehicle that became involved in an accident that resulted in the death of Kyle Wayne Perry and Hernandez did thereafter, knowing said accident had occurred, intentionally and knowingly failed to determine whether a person was involved in the accident and to determine whether that person required aid, and said accident resulted in the death of Perry. This case is pending in the 227th District Court.Isaac Sandoval is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on July 17, 2020, Sandoval intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Justin Johnson by shooting Johnson with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is pending in the 379th District Court.All of these cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division. Because they are pending, we can make no further comment on these cases.To see the status of a pending court case, click here. To request copies of court records, click here.

Bexar County District Attorney's Office creates Election Response Team
Posted On: October 15, 2020
In his capacity as Bexar County’s Criminal District Attorney, Joe Gonzales also has a duty to advise the Bexar County Elections Office. On the first day of Early Voting, Gonzales announced the creation of a District Attorney Election Response Team. The team will consist of five attorneys and will be available to Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen and her staff to provide clarity on polling site questions and resolve any issues through Election Day.“I want to reassure all Bexar County voters that casting a ballot at a polling site is safe and secure. No voter should worry about whether his or her vote is going to be counted. I know our Elections Office is prepared for a record-breaking turnout and I want voters and the Elections Office staff to know that we are here to help them,” Gonzales said.It is important to note that the District Attorney Election Response Team is only handling inquiries from the Elections Office staff. Citizen concerns and complaints must be filed with law enforcement so they may be thoroughly investigated and filed with the District Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.For information on Bexar County elections, click here.

2 men indicted for separate sex offenses
Posted On: October 09, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down 250 felony indictments.Jose Rodriguez Chucuan is charged in a multi-count indictment. The indictment alleges that on May 3, 2020, Chucuan committed one count of aggravated kidnapping and four counts of sexual assault. Anthony Martinez is charged with sexual assault of a child. The indictment alleges that on May 22, 2020, Martinez committed the offense of sexual assault of a person younger than 17 years of age. Both cases are being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 226th District Court. Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them. To see the status of a pending court case, click here. To request copies of court records, click here.

Bexar County D.A. statement on possible election interference
Posted On: October 02, 2020
In August, I became aware of what appeared to be a concerted effort to interfere in the political process within Bexar County. Accordingly, I asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for an opinion in order to help better define the scope of the powers of a Texas Criminal District Attorney in the prosecution of those federal officials who knowingly violate Texas election laws in an attempt to disenfranchise Texas voters. Mr. Paxton has decided he will not issue an opinion for 180 days, well beyond the November General Election. Since I have sent that request, the U.S. House Oversight Committee has begun an investigation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and his handling of the postal service. The Committee and I have a shared concern: the appearance that the United States Postal Service has been instructed to delay delivery of mail, including mail-in ballots, in an effort to interfere with the upcoming election. I am disappointed Attorney General Paxton does not share the same concerns, but I continue to consider options to protect the right of every Bexar County resident to fully and freely participate in our democratic process without unlawful barriers, intimidation or interference from others.I want to encourage all eligible voters in Bexar County to register to vote by the deadline Monday, October 5, 2020, so that you are able to fully participate in our democracy and join the discussion about our shared future.If you have questions related to registering to vote, voting by mail (formerly called “absentee voting”), the sample ballot, early voting locations and hours, as well as how to participate in the election process, you can find more information online at elections.bexar.org. You may also contact the Bexar County Elections Office by phone at 210-335-VOTE (8683).If you are voting in person, please remember that electioneering/campaigning within 100 feet of the entrance of the building in which a polling place is located is against the law. This may include wearing a badge, insignia, emblem or other device relating to a candidate, measure or political party. Some other Texas Election Code violations include:Unlawfully influencing/coercing voters;Voting illegally;Harassing election officials;Using a wireless communication device within 100 feet of a polling place.If you see a potential violation of these or any other election laws, report this activity to law enforcement so that it may be properly investigated.A critical component of our democracy is peaceful public discussion of issues that affect us at local, state and federal levels and our mutual participation in decision about how our government should be run by exercising our right to vote. I encourage you to do so.

Bexar County man indicted for making active shooter threat to Ft. Hood
Posted On: October 02, 2020
A Bexar County Grand Jury has indicted Mario Pena with felony terroristic threat. The indictment alleges that on July 31, 2020, Pena threatened to commit an offense involving violence to property of the United States of America, to-wit: posting on social media that Pena was going to be an active shooter at the Fort Hood Military Base, with intent to influence the conduct or activities of an agency of the federal government, to-wit: the United States Army.This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 187th District Court. Because it is pending, we can make no further comment on this case.This was one of 270 indictments handed down by two Bexar County Grand Juries this week.To see the status of a pending court case, click here. To request copies of court records, click here.

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in 2 separate murder cases
Posted On: September 25, 2020
During the week of Sep. 21-25, 2020, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down 265 felony indictments.Isaiah Andres Enriquez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on May 9, 2020, Enriquez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Michael Allen by cutting and stabbing Allen with a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 290th District Court.Edward Asyford Moore is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on July 12, 2020, Moore intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Richard Brennan Moore by cutting and stabbing Moore with a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 227th District Court.Jenelius Crew is charged in eight separate indictments with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The indictments allege that on June 12, 2020, Crew used a deadly weapon (firearm) and intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to eight complainants by shooting them with said deadly weapon. Crew is also charged in seven separate indictments with deadly conduct with a firearm. The indictments allege that on June 12, 2020, Crew knowingly discharged a firearm at and in the direction of seven complainants. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 187th District Court.Because these cases are all pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.To see the status of a pending court case, click here. To request copies of court records, click here.

Bexar County Grand Jury hands down indictment for June 2020 murder
Posted On: September 17, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 200 felony indictments.Gilberto Perez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on June 29, 2020, Perez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Moses Johnson by shooting Johnson with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 226th District Court.Because this case is pending trial, we can make no further comment on it.

D.A. Joe Gonzales statement on case of local community activist
Posted On: September 16, 2020
Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales released the following statement:“On September 10, 2020, Jourdyn Parks, a local community activist, was arrested and charged with child abandonment. The case was originally reviewed and accepted at the magistrate’s office by one of our assistant district attorneys and has been assigned to the 175th District Court. After the death of George Floyd and prior to this arrest, my staff and I have met with Ms. Parks, along with other Black Lives Matter activists, on numerous occasions in an effort to establish a dialog on how we handle officer-involved shootings. Among the topics discussed was the status of three such shootings filed and resolved in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.Because of the prior community-based meetings conducted between Ms. Parks and our office and in order to avoid the appearance of any conflict, I am seeking to recuse the District Attorney’s Office from any further involvement with these cases. Additionally, because our office represents the Texas Department of Regulatory Service in Children’s Protective Service matters, I have likewise elected to seek a recusal of our office from any involvement regarding the care of her children.I have filed a motion to recuse the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as soon as possible in order to avoid any further delay.”

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in murder, child sex cases
Posted On: September 11, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 200 felony indictments.Greg Delgado is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Feb. 21, 2020, Delgado intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Luis Guerrero by shooting Guerrero with a deadly weapon (firearm).Delgado is also under indictment for the following offenses:Attempted capital murder of a police officer;Aggravated assault against a public servant;Felon in possession of a firearm;Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance PG 1 4 grams to 200 grams;3 separate cases of deadly weapon in a penal institution.These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 226th District Court.Spencer Allen Cox is charged in a four-count indictment. The first count alleges that on Oct. 15, 2019, Cox induced a child younger than 18 years of age to engage in sexual conduct and a sexual performance that resulted in the child creating a video of herself engaging in sexual conduct. The second count alleges that on Nov. 5, 2019, Cox, being a person who was 17 years of age or older, with the intent to commit the offenses of possession or promotion of child pornography and sexual performance by a child, did intentionally distribute over the internet, by other electronic message or service system, or through a commercial online service, sexually explicit material, to-wit: a video of sexual intercourse between a male and a female, to a minor. The third count alleges that on Oct. 22, 2019, Cox intentionally and knowingly possessed visual material that depicted, and which Cox knew visually depicted a child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made, engaging in sexual conduct. The fourth count alleges that on Oct. 15, 2019, Cox intentionally and knowingly possessed visual material that visually depicted, and which Cox knew visually depicted a child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made, engaging in sexual conduct. At the time of his arrest, Cox was employed as a U.S Border Patrol agent. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 144th District Court.Because these cases are pending, we can make no further comment on them.To see the status of a pending court case, click here. To request copies of court records, click here.

D.A. Joe Gonzales statement on meeting with family of Marquise Jones
Posted On: September 08, 2020
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales issued the following statement:This afternoon, I met with the family of Marquise Jones and some of their representatives. The family’s civil attorney recently provided additional information from the February 2014 officer-involved shooting to our office. As previously stated, I have repeatedly re-examined this case and other officer-involved shootings since I took office in January 2019. I explained to the family that rather than have the same team look at this additional information, I have assigned two veteran prosecutors to be a fresh set of eyes on the case and do a full case review. I know the Jones family has waited a long time to get answers from the District Attorney’s Office. I have promised the family that we will communicate with them as we work on the new review of this case. Once that examination is complete, we will meet with them to discuss where we go from there.

2 indicted by Bexar County Grand Juries for separate murders
Posted On: September 04, 2020
During the week of August 31 through September 4, 2020, two newly-impaneled Bexar County Grand Juries began their service by handing down more than 100 felony indictments.Jacob Riley Embrey is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on June 1, 2020, Embrey intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Daniel Ramirez by shooting Ramirez with a deadly weapon (firearm). This case is pending in the 226th District Court.Felix Sanchez is charged with murder. The first count of the indictment alleges that on June 13, 2020, Sanchez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Jose Jurado by shooting Jurado with a deadly weapon (firearm). The second count of the indictment alleges Sanchez, knowing that an offense had been committed, altered, destroyed and concealed a human corpse with intent to impair its verity, legibility and availability as evidence in a subsequent investigation and official proceeding related to the offense. This case is pending in the 144th District Court.Leonel Martinez is charged in one indictment with intoxication manslaughter. It alleges that on June 13, 2020, Martinez did operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, and did by reason of such intoxication cause the death of Destiny Rodriguez by accident or mistake, by Martinez driving the motor vehicle into a motor vehicle occupied by Rodriguez. The indictment also alleges that Martinez, knowing said accident had occurred, intentionally and knowingly failed to render to Rodriguez reasonable assistance when it was then apparent Rodriguez was in need of medical treatment, and said accident resulted in the death of Rodriguez.Martinez is charged in a second indictment with failure to stop and render aid causing serious bodily injury. The indictment alleges that on June 13, 2020, Martinez intentionally and knowingly drove a vehicle that became involved in an accident that resulted in injury to Joseph Uridales and Martinez, knowing said accident had occurred, intentionally and knowingly failed to determine whether a person was involved in the accident and determine whether that person required aid, and said accident resulted in serious bodily injury of Uridales. The indictment also alleges Martinez operated a motor vehicle upon a highway and public place and was involved in an accident resulting in injury to Alexandra Mejia, an occupant of a motor vehicle, and Martinez failed to immediately stop, return to the accident, and remain at the scene of the accident, to give Martinez’s name and address, the registration number of the vehicle he was driving and the name of his motor vehicle liability insurer to the Mejia who was injured in the collision, and to provide Mejia reasonable assistance when it was apparent that treatment was necessary. Martinez’s cases are pending in the 144th District Court.These cases are all being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division. Because they are pending, we can make no further comment on these cases.

Bexar County D.A. statement on meeting with attorneys for Damian Daniels
Posted On: September 01, 2020
This morning, the Bexar County District Attorney and other staff members met with the family of Damian Daniels, with their attorneys.During the meeting, District Attorney Joe Gonzales explained that the BCSO is still investigating the shooting and has not filed its case with this office for review. Once the District Attorney’s Office completes its review, the facts will be presented to a Bexar County Grand Jury.“Mental health is a crisis that needs to be addressed by people outside the criminal justice system. Today’s meeting is the beginning of a dialogue between our office and the people representing the family of Mr. Daniels. We understand the concerns they have about the events leading up to the death of Mr. Daniels. We hope to be able to provide answers to the family of Mr. Daniels once we have received and reviewed this shooting and have presented it to a Grand Jury,” Gonzales said.Because this incident is pending, we can make no further comment at this time.

Bexar County D.A. dismisses charges against jogger
Posted On: September 01, 2020
This afternoon, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales dismissed two charges of assault on a peace officer against Mathais Ometu in the interest of justice and at the request of the complainants. Both complainants are San Antonio Police Officers.“After reviewing all the evidence as well as considering all the facts and circumstances, I have decided that the just outcome is the dismissal of all charges against Mr. Ometu. It is important to note the officers involved in this case have requested dismissal as well. Neither officer wishes to have him incur any future consequences are a result of this incident. This case is one of competing interests. It is the officer’s duty to investigate and detain a person of interest that may be a suspect in a crime versus a citizen’s right not to disclose their identification where no arrest has been made. In this case, the officers did have a description that led them to believe that Mr. Ometu may have been the suspect they were seeking. However, Mr. Ometu was not that person and did not have an obligation to identify himself or make a statement. Ultimately, the officers agree that dismissal is in the interest of justice,” Gonzales said.San Antonio Police Chief William McManus issued the following statement:“What occurred was an unfortunate situation for everyone involved. Although he fit the description of a domestic violence suspect, Mr. Ometu was doing nothing wrong when he was stopped, and the officers were only doing their jobs when they stopped him. Both officers wish that things had turned out differently given Mr. Ometu turned out not to be the suspect. Although the police officers were assaulted, they were not injured. As such, they have asked that the charges against Mr. Ometu be dismissed. They also do not want Mr. Ometu to suffer any adverse consequences from the incident. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales has agreed to drop the charges. Both officers felt it important to use this incident as an opportunity for unity and understanding at a time when it is most needed. It is clear that pursuing charges against Mr. Ometu would not bring us closer to our goals of building trust and creating partnerships with our community. We have invited Mr. Ometu to start a dialogue on policing in San Antonio, and that invitation will remain open,” Chief William McManus said.CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DISMISSAL PAPERWORK

Statement on Arrest of Mathais Ometu by SAPD
Posted On: August 28, 2020
On Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales issued the following statement on the arrest of Mathais Ometu:Mr. Ometu was arrested and charged on Aug. 25, 2020, by the San Antonio Police Department with two different counts of assault on a peace officer arising out of the same incident. He has posted bond on those charges. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is currently waiting for law enforcement to complete their investigation and file their full case, including any body camera footage, with our office. We will then review all evidence and decide how to proceed with any potential criminal case.

DA Gonzales on Voter Intimidation
Posted On: August 24, 2020
District Attorney Joe Gonzales submitted a request to the Texas Attorney General on Wednesday in order to understand the scope of his authority to ensure that neither private actors nor government officials infringe on Texans’ right to choose their leaders in secure, accessible, fair elections.However, The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office is a prosecuting agency and not an investigative agency; thus, if any voter believes someone is interfering with his or her ability to exercise the right to vote, that person should report it to law enforcement to investigate fully and then send to our office for review and possible prosecution.To see the previous press release on the request to the AG, please click here.

2 men indicted for separate murders
Posted On: August 21, 2020
During the week of Aug. 17-21, 2020, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 200 felony indictments.Thomas Leonard Roberts is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on June 3, 2020, Roberts intentionally and knowingly caused the death of April Arlene Le Clere by cutting and stabbing her with a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 227th District Court.Justin Aaron Rodriguez is facing charges in three separate indictments. The first indictment charges Rodriguez with murder. It alleges that on May 12, 2020, Rodriguez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Michael Medrano by shooting him with a deadly weapon (firearm). The second indictment charges Rodriguez with felon in possession of a firearm. It alleges that on May 12, 2020, Rodriguez, having been convicted of the felony offense of graffiti $2500 to $30,000 on Jan. 16, 2019, intentionally and knowingly possessed a firearm before the fifth anniversary of Rodriguez’s release from confinement or release from supervision under community supervision, parole or mandatory supervision, following conviction of said felony. The third indictment charges Rodriguez with possession of a controlled substance PG 1 less than 1 gram. It alleges that on May 12, 2020, Rodriguez intentionally and knowingly possessed a controlled substance, namely heroin, which by aggregate weight, including any adulterants and dilutants, was an amount less than one gram. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 379th District Court.Michael Anthony Aldape is charged with terrorist threat – peace officer in five separate indictments. Each indictment alleges that on May 23, 2020, Aldape did threaten to commit an offense involving violence to five different peace officers and that Aldape knew each victim was a public servant, namely: a peace officer and that Aldape threatened bodily injury to each officer with the intent to place the officers in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 226th District Court.Because these cases are pending trials, we can make no further comment on them.

Bexar County DA requests AG opinion about prosecuting officials who disenfranchise voters
Posted On: August 19, 2020
Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales is requesting a legal opinion from the Texas Attorney General in order to better define the scope of his authority related to the prosecution of federal officials who intentionally disenfranchise Texas voters.The request was sent to AG Ken Paxton today. It specifically asks the Attorney General to clarify the scope of the authority of a Criminal District Attorney to prosecute a federal official who knowingly violates the Texas Election Code, preventing Texas voters – particularly those age 65 or older – from exercising their constitutionally-protected right to vote by mail.Local media reports show mail sorting equipment has already been removed from Bexar County post offices, forcing the painfully slow process of hand-sorting mail.“If Bexar County residents cannot rely on the USPS to deliver things like medication or pay bills on time, how can they be certain their ballots will be received, let alone counted?” Gonzales said. “While Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has routinely focused on virtually non-existent voter fraud, I am more concerned with what appears to be an effort to keep lawful voters from any party from being able to have their mail-in votes tallied without the federal government standing in the way.”Click here for the full request for opinion.

Bexar County Grand Jury hands down indictment in fatal family violence case
Posted On: August 14, 2020
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 200 felony indictments.Michael Gonzales is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on May 24, 2020, Gonzales intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Miranda Milowski by cutting and stabbing her with a knife that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 186th District Court.Trevon Deonte Rogers is charged under two separate indictments. The first indictment charges Rogers with sexual performance by a child under the age of 14. The eight-count indictment alleges that during December 2019 and January 2020, Rogers intentionally and knowingly produced a performance, namely a motion picture that included sexual conduct by a child and that Rogers knew the character and content of the material. Rogers is also charged in a second indictment with sexual assault of a child. The nineteen-count indictment alleges that during December 2019 and January 2020, Rogers intentionally and knowingly caused the sexual organ of five different children younger than 17 years of age to contact his sexual organ. These cases are being prosecuted by the Special Crimes and Family Violence Divisions in the 175th District Court.“As I have stated since the beginning of my administration, we will continue to make crimes against children and other crimes of violence a priority,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment.

Bexar County Grand Jury indicts man for shooting 3 in May 2020
Posted On: August 13, 2020
During the week of Aug. 3-7, 2020, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 220 felony indictments.Three separate indictments charge Taron Larry Bowie with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The indictments allege that on May 13, 2020, Bowie used a deadly weapon (firearm) and that Bowie did intentionally, knowingly and recklessly cause bodily injury to Craig Tyler, James Harper and Dwight Harper by shooting at and in the direction of the complainants with a deadly weapon.This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 186th District Court. Because it is pending, we can make no further comment on this case.

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in capital murder, murder cases
Posted On: August 05, 2020
During the week of July 27-31, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 230 felony indictments.Zion Limon is charged with capital murder of multiple persons. The indictment alleges that on May 2, 2020, Limon intentionally and knowingly caused the deaths of Darren Meeks and Chance Seiter by shooting them with a firearm during the same criminal transaction. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 175th District Court.Damion Campbell is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on May 6, 2020, Campbell intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Evan O’Regan by cutting and stabbing O’Regan with a knife, that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury. Campbell is also charged in two other indictments with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Those indictments allege that on May 6, 2020, Campbell did use a deadly weapon (knife) that in the manner of its use and intended use was capable of causing death and serious bodily injury to Brittaney Hood-Wright and Gabriella Harrell by cutting and stabbing each complainant with said deadly weapon. These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 186th District Court.David Edward Medina is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 1, 2019, Medina, with intent to cause serious bodily injury to Alfonso Diaz, did commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that caused the death of Diaz by shooting him with a firearm. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 379th District Court.John Paul Maspero is charged with injury to the elderly – serious bodily injury. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 23, 2020, Maspero did intentionally and knowingly cause serious bodily injury to Phyllis Bailey, an individual who was 65 years of age or older by choking Bailey with the hands of the Defendant. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Unit in the 144th District Court.Because these cases are pending trials, we cannot make any further comment.

Bexar County Grand Juries indict man for March 2020 murder
Posted On: August 05, 2020
During the week of July 20-24, 2020 , Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 200 felony indictments.Joseph William Woolard is charged in three indictments alleging the following:Murder: On March 4, 2020, Woolard did commit or attempt to commit the felony offense of evading arrest or detention in a vehicle, and while in the course or in furtherance of or in immediate flight from the commission or the attempted commission of this offense, Woolard did then and there commit or attempt to commit an act clearly dangerous to human life by driving his vehicle into oncoming traffic and striking a vehicle operated by Asante Contreras, causing the death of Contreras;Felon in Possession of a Firearm: On March 4, 2020, Woolard, having been convicted of the felony offense of evading arrest or detention in a vehicle on June 10, 2010, did intentionally and knowingly possess a firearm after the fifth anniversary of Woolard’s release from confinement or release from supervision under community supervision, parole or mandatory supervision, following conviction of said felony at a location other than the premises at which Woolard lived, to-wit: in the defendant’s vehicle;Evading Arrest/Detention W/Vehicle: On March 4, 2020, Woolard, while using a vehicle, did intentionally flee from a person Woolard knew was a peace officer who was attempting to lawfully arrest the defendant.Michael Hogan is charged with Attempted Capital Murder of a Police Officer. The indictment alleges that on April 23, 2020, Hogan intentionally and knowingly attempted to cause the death of San Antonio Police Officer Stephanie Cherry by shooting at and in the direction of Cherry with a firearm, an act amounting to more than mere preparation that tended but failed to effect the commission of the offense of capital murder, having at the time the specific intent to commit the offense of the capital murder, and Cherry was a peace officer who was acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty and Hogan knew Cherry was a peace officer.Both of these cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 144th District Court. Because these cases are pending, we can make no further comment on them.

Bexar County Grand Jury indicts pair for April 2020 capital murder
Posted On: August 05, 2020
During the week of July 6-10, 2020, two newly impaneled Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 150 felony indictments.Angel Jonathan Koenigstein and Nathaniel Velasquez are co-defendants in three separate indictments. One indictment charges the pair with capital murder – other felony. That indictment alleges that on April 12, 2020, Koenigstein and Velasquez intentionally caused the death of Christian Retiz by shooting Retiz with a firearm and that they were in the course of committing or attempting to commit the offense of robbery of Malachi Bruce-Lowery.Koenigstein and Velasquez are also charged with aggravated robbery. One indictment alleges that on April 12, 2020, the pair, while in the course of committing theft of property and with intent to obtain and maintain control of said property, used and exhibited a firearm and that they intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to Bruce-Lowery by shooting Bruce-Lowery with a deadly weapon.A second aggravated robbery indictment alleges that on April 12, 2020, Koenigstein and Velasquez, while in the course of committing theft of property and with intent to obtain and maintain control of said property, did intentionally and knowingly threaten and place Christopher Pruett in fear of imminent bodily injury and death and that the Koenigstein and Velasquez used and exhibited a deadly weapon (firearm).These cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 144th District Court. Because these cases are pending trial, we can make no further comment on them.

Bexar County Grand Juries indict two men for separate April 2020 murders
Posted On: August 05, 2020
From June 29 through July 2, 2020, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down more than 260 felony indictments.Trey Larenz Duncan is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on April 21, 2020, Duncan intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Reginald Adams by shooting Adams with a firearm. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 187th District Court.James Christopher Stewart is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on April 25, 2020, Stewart intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Tiffany Desiree Washington by shooting Washington with a firearm. This case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division in the 399th District Court.Because these cases are pending, we can make no further comment on them.

Three Deaths Cases are Focus of Grand Juries' Attention
Posted On: November 25, 2019
Bexar County Grand Juries indicted more than 360 felony cases this week. Three of those indictments related to crimes involving a death.A grand jury indicted Juan Fragosa for murder. The indictment alleges that on August 31, 2019, Fragosa intentionally caused the death of William Terrell by strangling him with a ligature. Subsequent to indictment, the case is now pending in the 399th District Court.Gregory Siu was indicted for murder. The indictment alleges that on August 17, 2019, Siu committed or attempted to commit the felony offense of aggravated assault, and while in the course of flight from this offense, he drove a motor vehicle at a speed that was not reasonable under the circumstances into an intersection with vehicles present without stopping, thereby causing the death of Kishana Mitchell. This case has been assigned to the 144th District Court, where it is now pending.In the third death case, Michael Arriaga Tello was indicted for failing to stop and render aid. The indictment alleges that on July 1, 2019, Tello intentionally and knowingly drove a vehicle that became involved in an accident resulting in the death of Lawrence Nathaniel New and that Tello intentionally and knowingly failed to determine whether a person was involved in the accident and to determine whether that person required aid. This case is currently pending in the 187th District Court.Because those defendants are all awaiting trial, our office cannot make any further comment on the cases. Each defendants is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.Our prosecutors were also very busy in court this week.In the 226th District Court, Cameron Roby was sentenced to life in prison by District Judge Velia Meza. During the trial, evidence showed Roby was dating the victim, Adrienne (AJ) Dameron, on April 26, 2018, when they were involved in an argument. Roby shot Dameron in the head, killing her. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Groomer and Leslie Cortez.“This sentence sends the message that domestic violence has no place in our community. AJ’s life was not one for Cameron Roby to take. We are happy that justice has been served and hope this brings peace and closure to AJ’s family in this violent, senseless crime,” Groomer said.A jury in the 399th District Court found Charles Robnett guilty of capital murder, resulting in an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. During the trial, evidence showed on Oct. 16, 2017, Robnett met with the victim, Gary Barnhardt, under the premise of buying marijuana from Barnhardt. Instead, Robnett stole the drugs and opened fire on Barnhardt’s car, killing him. Two other men are charged for their alleged roles in the crime.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gretchen Flader and Andrew Fields.A man who committed his sixth drunken driving offense was sentenced to 40 years in prison on a felony murder charge. During the trial, evidence showed Ricky Cantu was driving under the influence on October 28, 2018, when he struck and killed motorcyclist Rudy Borrego.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Clint Malloy and Miranda Carrillo.

This week in the Bexar County Grand Jury
Posted On: November 15, 2019
This week, Bexar County Grand Juries handed down nearly 270 felony indictments for a variety of offenses – including drug-related offenses, property crimes and violent crimes. Four of those indictments were for crimes involving deaths.Taymor McIntyre was indicted for capital murder. The indictment alleges that on April 23, 2017, McIntyre intentionally killed Mark Anthony Saldivar by shooting him with a firearm during a robbery.Sebastian Espinar and Jimmy Coung Duc Tran were indicted for capital murder. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 12, 2019, Espinar and Tran intentionally killed Andres Gerardo Salinas by shooting Mr. Salinas with a firearm during a robbery.Lindsey Turiano was indicted for murder. The indictment alleges that on July 14, 2019, Turiano intentionally killed Norma Turiano Woods by hitting her with a stick, by cutting and stabbing her with a knife, and by strangling Ms Woods with his hands.Jose Alberto Martinez Cervantes was indicted for failing to stop and render aid-death. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 10, 2019, Cervantes intentionally drove a vehicle that was involved in an accident resulting in the death of Gilberto Plaza and that Cervantes intentionally failed to determine whether another person was involved in the accident and failed to determine if that person required any aid.An indictment is only a charge and is not considered evidence of guilt. Because these cases are pending trial, our office can make no further comment on the facts, circumstances or merits of each case.In addition to presenting new cases to the Bexar County Grand Jury, our office was also presenting cases in court in which juries handed down two verdicts in felony cases.On Thursday, a jury in the 379th District Court sentenced Leandre Hill to 40 years in prison for the March, 2012, murder of Randall Perkins. Mr. Perkins was attending a party when a fight broke out and subsequently ended with his death. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gretchen Flader and Jessica Schulze.“This family waited 7 ½ long years for this case to see the light of day in a courtroom. We are proud to give this family a sense of peace and resolution,” Schulze said.A jury in the 290th District Court sentenced Denys Martinez to 18 years in prison for manslaughter and 15 years for intoxication manslaughter for the death of Barbara Martinez. In May, 2017, Denys Martinez was driving at more than 100 miles an hour when his car ran a red light and hit Barbara Martinez’s car, killing her. Denys Martinez’s blood alcohol content was .18 after the crash, over twice the legal limit. Denys Martinez’s wife was a passenger in his car at the time of the crash. She was left with serious injuries.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kristina Escalona and Alicia Lovett.“After two long years of waiting for justice, it is our hope that this verdict can finally bring peace to Barbara Martinez’s family,” Escalona said.

Bexar Criminal District Attorney Weighs in on Rodney Reed case.
Posted On: November 14, 2019
Bexar Criminal District Attorney Weighs in on Rodney Reed case. .’The Criminal District Attorney’s office has released the letter.View the Reprieve Letter Now

Jury finds Cantu Guilty of Murder
Posted On: October 28, 2019
A Bexar County jury found Ricky Cantu guilty of murder. Cantu, 58, was accused of driving while intoxicated on February 24, 2018, when he struck and killed a motorcyclist, Rudy Borrego. Cantu was charged with murder instead of intoxication manslaughter because he had three previous convictions for driving while intoxicated.After the verdict was read in the 175th District Court, Cantu was taken immediately into custody without bond while he awaits sentencing. Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl will sentence Cantu at a later date. He faces up to 99 years or life in prison.The case was prosecuted on behalf of the Criminal District Attorney's Office by Assistant District Attorneys Clinton Malloy and Miranda Carrillo.“We are thankful that the jury, after reviewing the evidence, rendered a just and fair verdict. We hope this result brings a sense of justice to Rudy Borrego’s family and friends. This jury’s verdict sends a strong message that our community will not tolerate intoxicated drivers putting our citizens’ lives in danger when they get behind the wheel,” Malloy and Carrillo said.

Brutal Murder Brings Life Sentence for Defendant
Posted On: October 11, 2019
A man convicted of the brutal murder of a San Antonio college student was sentenced this morning to life in prison.Ernesto Esquivel Garcia, 21, was convicted in August for the June 2018 murder of Jared Vargas, 20. Vargas had been missing for three days before his body was found burning inside an apartment.Assistant District Attorney Brandon Ramsey told the court Garcia “took Jared Vargas’s life, then took all of (Vargas’s) worldly possessions after that” and that Garcia set the fire to “in (Garcia’s) words get rid of the evidence.” “He took away the ability for the parents of Jared Vargas to say goodbye to their son,” Ramsey said.Garcia was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Kevin O’Connell of the 227th Criminal District Court.Garcia, who was in the United States illegally, faces deportation once he is released from prison.“Our focus - our goal - is to bring justice to the victim, so we review the facts of each case without regard to citizenship,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales. While Garcia is first eligible for parole in 30 years, the Criminal District Attorney’s Office and the Vargas Family will oppose Garcia’s release by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.Also this week, a Bexar County jury in the 399th District Court convicted a man for the murder of two people during what was described as “eight minutes of hell and terror” by Mario Del Prado, Chief of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Felony Division.Manuel Garcia was found guilty of capital murder for the February 2015 deaths of Patrick Moore and Samuel White. During the trial, a witness testified that Garcia took her car, drove around San Antonio’s East Side, and there used the car to run over both Mr. Moore and Mr. White more than one time. Four others were also struck and injured by Garcia during the rampage – which Assistant District Attorney Gretchen Flader argued was clearly intentional.The jury assessed Garcia a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.Finally, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted a San Antonio woman for a murder charge. The indictment alleges that on July 14, 2019, Aliza Marie Cantu intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Marc Anthony Ramirez by shooting him with a firearm. The case is currently pending in the 186th District Court.

Statement on Plea to the Jurisdiction Ruling in Bexar County Precinct Two Litigation
Posted On: October 09, 2019
A Bexar County District Court today heard a plea to the jurisdiction filed by attorneys from the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, who represented Bexar County in this matter. Former Bexar County Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela previously filed a legal action to prevent the newly-appointed constable from taking office. The former constable alleged that her previous statements to the media that she planned to run for Bexar County Sheriff in 2020 did not trigger the “resign to run” provision of the Texas Constitution. Judge Martha Tanner considered the arguments of counsel, determined the court had no jurisdiction over the claims asserted by former constable Barrientes Vela, and dismissed her entire lawsuit. In addition, a previously issued Temporary Restraining Order was dissolved. As a result of the judge’s order, the hearing on this case formerly scheduled for Friday is canceled. According to Larry Roberson, chief of the Civil Division of the Criminal District Attorney's Office, the Bexar County Commissioners Court may now move forward with investiture of the new Constable for Precinct 2. Constable Barrientes Vela, through her legal counsel, agreed to vacate her office by 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. Because a criminal investigation remains pending, the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office can make no further comment on the court ruling.

Man Gets 65 Years in 2018 Murder
Posted On: October 02, 2019
SAN ANTONIO – A man found guilty for his role in a 2018 murder was sentenced to 65 years in prison on Tuesday.Joseph Alvarado was sentenced to 65 years in the murder of Tarik Ross, who was shot and killed on March 6, 2018, by individuals who set up a meeting to purchase marijuana. Ross met these individuals in a car with his girlfriend and their two-year old son. During the encounter, one man entered the back seat of Ross’s vehicle next to the couple’s toddler. Soon after, he pulled out a weapon and told them not to move. The man then exited the vehicle and attempted to open the driver’s side door where Ross was sitting.Trying to escape, Ross put the car in reverse. Joseph Alvarado, who was waiting in another vehicle, then approached Ross’s car. Alvarado and the other individual opened fire on the car’s driver’s side door. Ross was shot in three times, including once in the head. His girlfriend and young son were not hurt. A jury found Alvarado guilty of murder. Judge Jennifer Peña then sentenced Alvarado to 65 years in prison.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kristina Escalona and Jason Wolff.“With the last of the men responsible for Tarik’s death sentenced on Tuesday, our hope is that the Ross family can now move towards peace and closure. That is the outcome our office strives for as we seek justice,” Escalona said.In another case on Tuesday, a judge sentenced a driver to prison for a car crash that left a woman in his car seriously injured.Kassey Williams was convicted of aggravated assault for the June 2017 crash. Williams lost control of the car he was driving, crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a pole. His passenger was pinned inside. She suffered multiple broken bones, lost her spleen and suffered brain trauma as a result of the crash. She continues to suffer from memory loss and is fully disabled.Williams initially claimed someone else was driving the car when it crashed. After the incident, an analysis of Williams’ blood showed low levels of methamphetamine, cocaine and cocaine metabolite. Officers also found meth in Williams’ pocket and a gun under the driver’s seat.After hearing evidence of Williams’ criminal history and a sexual assault committed by Williams months before the DWI crash, Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl sentenced Williams to 35 years in prison.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christian Neumann and Miranda Carrillo.“Judge Torres-Stahl was thorough, fair and considerate of both parties in considering a sentence that appropriately addresses the harm that Mr. Williams perpetrated on the people in his life. His sentence ensures that he will be unable to harm any other citizens of Bexar County and also sends a clear message about both driving while intoxicated and sexual assault,” Neumann said.

Bexar Grand Jury Indicts Andre McDonald
Posted On: October 02, 2019
A Bexar County Grand jury indicted Andre McDonald this morning on two felony charges related to the death of his wife, Andreen. McDonald was first indicted on a charge of murder. The indictment alleges that on February 28, 2019, Andre McDonald intentionally and knowingly killed Andreen McDonald. Further, the indictment alleges that Andre McDonald intended to cause serious bodily injury to Andreen McDonald and committed an act clearly dangerous to human life that caused her death. Murder is a first-degree felony. If convicted, Andre McDonald could be sentenced to from 5-99 years or life in prison.In addition, Andre McDonald was also indicted for tampering with evidence. The five-count indictment alleges that on March 2, 2019, knowing hat a missing person investigation was in progress, he intentionally and knowingly altered, destroyed or concealed a receipt, a hammer, clothes and shoes with the intent to impair their verity, legibility and availability as evidence in the investigation. Tampering with evidence is a third-degree felony. If convicted, Andre McDonald could be sentenced to 2-10 years in prison.An indictment is a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Because these cases are pending trial in the 399th District Court, our office can make no further comment on these indictments.

Bexar County Grand Juries Busy
Posted On: September 16, 2019
Since September 1st, Bexar County Grand Juries have handed down indictments in 396 felony cases – 135 of these involve family or domestic violence and are assigned to the Family Violence division of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The remainder of the cases, 261, are being prosecuted by the Office's Felony Criminal Trial Division.Among the cases are the following:Brandon Jay Clark was indicted on a charge of murder. The indictment alleges that on April 2, 2019, Clark was attempted to commit the felony offense of aggravated assault and, in the course of or immediately after the aggravated assault and while attempting to escape, Clark shot and killed Mr. Ramiro Longoria with a firearm. Clark was also indicted on two additional charges of aggravated assault for shooting two other surviving complainants on the same date.Thomas De La Garza was indicted for murder. The indictment alleges that on June 21, 2019, De La Garza intentionally or knowingly shot and killed Santiago Escamilla by shooting him with a firearm.An indictment is a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. These cases are pending trial so our office can make no further comment.

Theft/Exploitation of Elderly Offense Brings Life Sentence
Posted On: September 06, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2019Theft/Exploitation of Elderly Offense Brings Life SentenceThe Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office asked for and received the maximum sentence in a theft/exploitation of elderly case involving a defendant with prior federal convictions on two counts of bank fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, and one count of tampering with a witness.Angelika (Angie) Navarro, 64, was convicted of two counts of theft and one count of exploitation of elderly by a Bexar County jury. Navarro was found guilty of stealing $134,000 from Pat and Sharon Reese. Navarro befriended Sharon Reese, who had been recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, and took advantage of that friendship to convince her and her husband, Pat, to invest in several fraudulent scams in which the money actually went to Navarro. Sharon Reese subsequently died of cancer.The jury took approximately an hour to render the guilty verdict and approximately another hour to determine the punishment. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Dawn McCraw and Brandon Jackson with assistance from victims’ advocate Angela Treviño.“Our senior citizens have earned respect,” said Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales, “and our office will go after anyone who disrespects our elderly and attempts to swindle them out of their hard-earned retirement or savings.”Through Junella Reese, the Reese family also released the following statement:“Angie Navarro took more from us than money, she used the most emotional time of our lives and turned it into a fraudulent scheme. With this, not only did she take money that placed a huge debt on Pat, she took away precious time from Sharon, which should have been used to focus on her own health and family.We would not have received justice without ADA Dawn McCraw, ADA Brandon Jackson, victims’ advocate Angela Trevino, Detective David Brinkman of the SAPD, and many more attorneys and staff of the DA’s office who worked tirelessly to bring this case to trial and seek justice not only for our own family, but for the prior victims who now know she is paying for her crimes. The dedication shown by everyone, and the care they took to ensure justice was served, has brought closure to the terrible ordeal that Angie Navarro inflicted upon our family. Sharon’s soul can now be at peace, and Pat can rest knowing Sharon has been vindicated."###

Bexar County Criminal DA's Office clarifies policy on marijuana prosecution
Posted On: September 05, 2019
Clarification of DA Policy regarding Marijuana ProsecutionSince May 16, 2019, it has been and continues to be the policy of the Bexar County D.A.’s Office to refuse prosecution of Possession of Marijuana under 1 ounce.Individuals that are found to be in Possession of Marijuana between 1 and 4 ounces are potentially eligible for our Cite and Release Program.The District Attorney’s Office will not, however, file a Possession of Marijuana case with a weight between 1 and 4 ounces without a lab report demonstrating a THC concentration greater than .3%. This has been and continues to be the policy of the District Attorney’s Office since the state's hemp law took effect.The District Attorney’s Office will accept Possession of Marijuana cases over 4 ounces. However, these cases cannot be indicted without a lab report showing a THC concentration greater than .3%.This week’s approval by Commissioner’s Court to purchase equipment for the Bexar County Crime Lab will eventually enable the lab to test for THC concentration. The District Attorney’s Office will request that testing initially be limited to felony marijuana cases. Once the lab’s capacity and the ultimate cost to law enforcement of testing become more clear, decisions can be made on the value of testing and prosecuting Possession of Marijuana cases between 1 and 4 ounces.

Bexar Grand Juries Keep Busy
Posted On: September 03, 2019
Bexar County grand juries handed down indictments in 275 felony cases last week, including charges for capital murder, murder and intoxication manslaughter. Shandrick Van Anthony Buckley is charged with Capital Murder-Incarcerated for Murder. The indictment alleges that on May 30, 2019, Buckley intentionally and knowingly used his hands and feet to cause the death of Alexander Wise. The indictment further alleges that this offense occurred while Buckley was already incarcerated for the offense of murder. Michael Todd Phipps is charged with Murder. The indictment alleges that on June 4, 2019, Phipps intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Becky Ann Ibarra by shooting her with a firearm. Because of the circumstances involved, this case is being prosecuted by the Family Violence Division of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office. Jesus Ruiz Sauceda is charged with Intoxication Manslaughter. The indictment alleges that on June 9, 2019, Sauceda operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated and caused the death of Domenica Burleson by driving into Ms. Burleson's motor vehicle. The indictment includes a deadly weapon allegation and alleges that the motor vehicle was used as a deadly weapon to cause Ms. Burleson's death. Sauceda wa also indicted for three other counts of Intoxication Assault as a result of the same incident. Bexar County grand juries indicted more than 1,100 felony cases during the month of August. <div class="infogram-embed" data-id="f349f735-6411-4556-8563-36da50e1d02b" data-type="interactive" data-title="Aug. 2019 Total Indictments"></div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n="InfogramEmbeds",o=e.getElementsByTagName("script")[0],d=/^http:/.test(e.location)?"http:":"https:";if(/^\/{2}/.test(i)&&(i=d+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var r=e.createElement("script");r.async=1,r.id=s,r.src=i,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,0,"infogram-async","https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js");</script>

08/29/2019 Former BIRD bakery manager sentenced
Posted On: August 29, 2019
A former manager of BIRD bakery was sentenced yesterday to four years in prison for stealing thousands of dollars from the business. She was also ordered to pay $124,000 in restitution. Jessica Martinez, 24, pled no contest to Misapplication of Fiduciary Property ($30,000 to $150,000) and Theft ($30,000 to $150,000) on July 9, 2019. Both of these charges are third degree felonies. The sentencing hearing was held yesterday, August 28, 2019. Martinez was hired to work at BIRD bakery in Alamo Heights at the age of 19. She was eventually promoted to manager, which gave her greater ability to override BIRD bakery’s controls. Records show that Martinez then conducted 464 fraudulent transactions for various amounts during the period beginning December 12, 2016, and extending through May 1, 2018. The amount of money involved in the fraudulent transactions totaled $124,521.88. Records and testimony revealed Martinez used the stolen money to buy designer goods for herself and gifts for others – including coworkers. While BIRD bakery reviewed records to determine the source of its losses, the company was forced to scrap plans for a new Denver location and to shift funds from its Dallas location to supplement the employee payroll in Alamo Heights. The company was also unable to give raises or bonuses to employees, including Martinez's coworkers, due to the missing money. Martinez was taken into custody immediately after sentencing in the 187th District Court. The case was investigated by the Texas Rangers and the Alamo Heights Police Department. Prosecutors were Assistant District Attorneys Dawn McCraw and Justin Fischer. In a statement, BIRD owner, Elizabeth Chambers Hammer, said: “From the day we opened our doors at BIRD, it has been our goal to approach and operate our company as a small business – no matter how large the company becomes. From day one, we have treated our employees (and guests) like family and have put significant trust in our staff, particularly senior management. Unfortunately, one of our trusted managers chose to commit an egregious crime over the course of many, many months and today, thanks to Dawn McCraw and Judge Stephanie Boyd, justice was served. In the words of ADA McCraw, ‘Crimes are not committed in a vacuum.’ There are far-reaching effects as a result of the defendant’s actions. Not only did our business suffer, our other staff members did as well, both emotionally and financially. My team and I could not be more grateful for the diligent pursuit of justice by Dawn McCraw, Justin Fischer and Texas Ranger Keith Pauska during this process. We feel very confident that Judge Boyd made the best decision and we are grateful for the precedent and example that she has set for our company.”

8/26/2019 - Bexar County Grand Juries Issue Five Indictments in Four Murder Cases
Posted On: August 26, 2019
Bexar County Grand Juries handed down 359 felony indictments last week, including five indictments in four murder cases. Two of the murder cases are being handled by the District Attorney’s Office Family Violence Division. The other two murder cases are being prosecuted by the DA’s Felony Criminal Trial Division.The Family Violence Division is prosecuting the following two indictments for murder.Joe Rodriguez is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on May 19, 2019, Rodriguez intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Ruben Solis by cutting and stabbing Mr. Solis with a knife. The indictment also includes an enhancement alleging that Rodriguez was an habitual offender due to prior convictions on charges of burglary of a vehicle (1996) 1996 and burglary of a habitation-force (2004).Darryl Eugene Webb is charged with murder. The indictment alleges that on May 23, 2019, Webb intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Clifford Alexander by shooting Mr. Alexander with a firearm. This indictment includes a repeat offender enhancement alleging that Webb was previously convicted of murder in 1983.The following three indictments are being handled by the Felony Criminal Trial Division:(1-2) Joe Angel Arredondo and Juan Gonzales are each charged with murder. The indictments allege that on Jan. 30, 2017, they knowingly and intentionally caused the death of Marcelino DeLeon by shooting Mr. DeLeon with a firearm. Arredondo’s indictment also includes a repeat offender enhancement alleging that Arredondo was convicted in 2013 on a federal felony charge of conspiracy to transport and harbor aliens. Gonzales’s indictment also includes a habitual offender enhancement alleging that Gonzales has a 2000 conviction for felony of burglary habitation-force and a 2011 conviction of the felony aggravated kidnapping.Ruben Justin Trejo is charged with murder. The three-count indictment alleges on Jan. 6, 2019, Trejo was attempting to commit the felony offense of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle when he struck a motor vehicle driven by Joseph Becker. Mr. Becker was killed.Of the 359 felony indictments issued last week, 103 of those cases are assigned to the Family Violence Division of the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.

8/9/2019 - Bexar County Grand Jury indicts murder defendant
Posted On: August 09, 2019
This week, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted Colin Christian King on a charge of murder.The indictment alleges that on May 2, 2019, King intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Shane Bourret by shooting him with a deadly weapon (a firearm).King’s case is assigned to the 186th District Court where it is awaiting a trial setting.This case is one of more than 230 felony indictments in the last week, including 88 Family Violence Unit cases.

7/29/2019 - DA's Office volunteers at SA Food Bank
Posted On: July 29, 2019
On Saturday, dozens of employees of the Bexar County District Attorney's Office volunteered to help the San Antonio Food Bank.If you'd like to volunteer to help, click here. If you want to donate food or money to the San Antonio Food Bank, click here.

7/24/2019 - 'Medical Center Rapist' enters guilty plea
Posted On: July 24, 2019
Anton Jamail Harris pled guilty Wednesday to five charges of aggravated sexual assault.Harris, 20, was accused of raping women in the Medical Center area from June 2016 until May 2017. Harris’s case was set for trial next week in the 399th District Court.“For nearly a year, this defendant targeted innocent women – many of whom were in their own homes where they deserved to feel safe. This guilty plea should send a message to the community that Anton Harris will no longer pose a danger,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.Mr. Harris still awaits sentencing in the 399th District Court.

7/18/2019 - Grand jury votes not to indict SAPD officer for Oct. 2018 shooting
Posted On: July 18, 2019
On Wednesday, a Bexar County grand jury voted not to indict San Antonio Police Officer Steve Casanova for the death of Charles Roundtree, Jr., a bystander who was killed during an officer-involved shooting on October 17, 2018.Davante Snowden was indicted by an earlier grand jury for Felon in Possession of a Handgun as a result of this incident. The case against Davante Snowden is pending trial in the 399th Criminal District Court of Bexar County.“Our office presented all the evidence regarding this officer-involved shooting to the grand jury. Although the decision of the grand jury may not be the decision that was hoped for by the family of Charles Roundtree, Jr., we respect the grand jury’s decision and extend our sympathy to the Roundtree family,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales.Longstanding Texas law and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure prohibit the disclosure of anything that is presented to a grand jury.Further, in order to protect the integrity of the pending prosecution of Davante Snowden, no further comment will be made.

7/3/2019 - Statement on hemp/marijuana case filing policy
Posted On: July 03, 2019
In response to a law signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott that defines hemp and changes the definition of marijuana, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales has joined three other Texas District Attorneys in a policy of not accepting criminal charges for Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana for amounts of four ounces or less."The immediate effect of the hemp law is that it requires the state to prove a THC concentration on marijuana cases that cannot be accomplished without lab testing. Therefore, because Bexar County currently cannot meet this requirement, The District Attorney’s office will no longer accept marijuanna cases of 4 ounces or less from law enforcement without an accompanying lab result. Felony cases will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Our office is working diligently to locate a lab that can conduct such testing. Notwithstanding this current state of the law, nothing prevents law enforcement from conducting a routine search, seizure and potential arrest based on probable cause," Gonzales said.House Bill 1325 was signed into law by the Governor last month and became immediately effective. The House Bill creates a State of Texas Hemp Production Plan, and now allows farmers to grow hemp as a crop. The new definition of Help necessarily changes the definition of marijuana. "Marijuana means the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not, the seeds of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of that plant or its seeds. The term does not include ... hemp, as that term is defined by Section 121.001, Agricultural Code." Hemp is defined by Section 121.001, as "the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds of the plant and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis."If the THC concentration of a cannabis sativa L. plant is less than 0.3 percent, the substance is hemp; if the THC concentration of cannabis sativa L. plant is greater than 0.3 percent, the substance is marijuana. Under the new law, to determine if a substance is marijuana or hemp, laboratory testing is required to show the THC concentration. Therefore, in order to follow the Law as now enacted by the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor, jurisdiction represented by the undersigned elected District Attorneys will not accept criminal charges for Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana (4 oz. and under) without a lab test result proving that the evidence seized has a THC concentration of over .3%.Felony Marijuana charges will be evaluated on a case by case basis by our respective Offices. In the proper instances, such charges may be taken while lab test results are pending.To see the policy signed by Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez, click here.

6/6/2019 - DA's Office, Public Defender's working to help victims of former attorney
Posted On: June 06, 2019
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office are asking former clients of now-disbarred attorney Mark Benavides to come forward to have their cases reevaluated.Benavides was convicted in 2018 for six counts of human trafficking for trading sex for legal services. Benavides was sentenced to 80 years in prison.Since then, the Conviction Integrity Unit reviewed evidence in the case and identified more than 50 women he represented and whose cases may have been tainted.“What happened to the clients of Mark Benavides was shocking and it was terrible and it’s not how the justice system is supposed to work. We want for everybody who comes through the doors of the courthouse to be treated fairly and to be treated appropriately. It’s our job to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to make that happen,” said Christian Henricksen, Chief of Litigation for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.The women were sent letters from the Public Defender’s Office offering representation for their claims for relief. Click here to read the letter sent to victims of Mark Benavides“Obviously as attorneys, we have a position of trust with our clients. Frankly, the actions of this case tainted the entire profession. If anyone feels that he – Mark Benavides – wasn’t looking out for their best interest, we want them to come forward. I think the biggest message we have for those people is that whatever you say, coming forward, is going to be completely confidential. This isn’t an attempt to rehash what happened to you. We’re not really going to be asking questions about what exactly happened. We just want to facilitate talking to the DA’s Office about what happened and if their case may be subject to reevaluation,” said Michael Young, Chief Public Defender for the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office.Victims may reach out Marisol Morales, a licensed counselor with the Public Defender’s Office, at 210-335-0701.

5/16/2019 - Update on new DA initiatives & policies
Posted On: May 16, 2019
Family Violence.The newly created Family Violence Unit handles crimes involving allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual abuse. The number of felony prosecutors assigned to these cases have been increased from 22 to 35 (an increase of more than 60%), and an experienced family violence prosecutor has been hired to lead this unit. These first steps will allow the DA’s Office to more effectively resolve cases, provide greater assistance to victims, and improve community safety.Gang Initiative.The office has instituted a new Gang Initiative with law enforcement to improve information-sharing among law enforcement agencies and the DA’s Office to address gang-related violence in Bexar County. The DA’s Office is well situated to improve coordination and information-sharing among law enforcement agencies and, through this initiative, focus and more efficiently use law enforcement and prosecutorial resources on the problem of violent crime.Cite and Release.With the cooperation of the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, we have revamped and expanded our cite-and-release program. We aim to start the new program this summer. Once in place, police will be able to issue tickets for misdemeanor offenses such as possession of marijuana, misdemeanor theft, driving with an invalid license, and criminal mischief. This program benefits law enforcement by allowing police to stay on the streets. Taxpayers save money because the County will not have to pay to jail people when the police do not want them jailed. Those who are accepted into and successfully complete the program will benefit by avoiding arrest and a criminal record. Pretrial Diversion.Diversion programs that address the root causes of crime by providing treatment or other services reduce recidivism while helping people remain free of unnecessary criminal records. These programs also help people avoid the harmful collateral consequences of a conviction—such as the loss of housing, employment, and student loans. The Pretrial Diversion program was an existing program when Joe Gonzales was elected D. A. Under Joe’s leadership, this program has been expanded by removing barriers to admission, like application fees and mandated guilty pleas. Also, strict guidelines that eliminated many people from acceptance into the Pretrial Diversion program have been lifted and prosecutors have been given more discretion to accept people into the program. If a person is accepted into the diversion program, prosecutors will dismiss the case and allow the person to complete the program. If the program is successfully completed, the D.A.’s Office will agree to an expunction of that offense from the person’s criminal record. In the first 100 days of Joe’s administration, 1109 people have been admitted into the program, compared with only 259 people in the first 100 days of 2018. Trace Drug Possession and small amounts of Marijuana Possession.In order to focus resources on the prosecution of violent crime, the D.A.’s Office is instituting a new declination policy in the prosecution of certain low quantity drug cases. This office will not prosecute people for possession of a penalty group 1 controlled substance case when the amount is less than 0.25 grams. This office will not prosecute people for simple possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.Bail. It is not right or fair that a person should have to languish in jail before a minor criminal case is resolved simply because they do not have the money to pay for a bond. The D.A.’s new bail policy is designed to address this problem. In cases were a defendant is charged with a misdemeanor or state jail felony, prosecutors will recommend release on a PR bond unless:the defendant is a flight risk (or)the defendant is a danger to the community or the victim.Of course, police officers may still make any arrest when probable cause exists. We will not make final prosecution decisions until a prosecutor has had time and opportunity to review the evidence during intake. Our office has a duty to look at each case individually; we understand that there may be circumstances that warrant deviation from our policy principles. If a prosecutor thinks that a case warrants an exception to any of our policies, especially when they feel that the person may be a danger to a victim or to the community, that prosecutor will document their reasons in the case file and seek supervisor approval.“It is my hope that these new policies will ensure a more efficient and just manner to prosecute crime while keeping our community safe.” – Joe Gonzales, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney

Bexar County District Attorney's Office seeking death penalty in fatal SAPD officer shooting
Posted On: May 08, 2019
"When I ran for District Attorney in 2018, I promised the citizens of Bexar County that I would seek the death penalty only in the worst of the worst cases. The facts of this case meet that standard. After months of reviewing all of the evidence in this case, as well as meeting with and considering the wishes of Detective Marconi's family, my capital crimes committee and I have elected to seek the death penalty. This decision was made after much debate about the options available to me and I believe that the cold and calculating nature of the defendant's conduct in this case deserves the death penalty."- Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales

4/24/2019 - BCSO deputy indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
Posted On: April 24, 2019
This past Tuesday, a Bexar County grand jury returned a two count indictment against Andrew McDermott, a Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputy.McDermott, 27, was charged in a two count indictment with aggravated robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.The two charges stem from a June 6, 2018, incident where McDermott is alleged to have brandished a knife while threatening his ex-girlfriend over text messages that he believed she may have sent to others. McDermott slashed the victim’s arms while trying to cut the phone from her pajamas.

4/23/2019 - Bexar County D.A. Joe Gonzales issues new guidelines for criminal trespass arrests
Posted On: April 24, 2019
In response to the deaths of homeless and mentally ill people being held in jail on criminal trespass charges, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office instituted the following policy effective Saturday, April 20, 2019:Until further notice, we will be rejecting criminal trespass charges in the following situations:The offense occurs at a non-residential place;Criminal Trespass is the only charge;The Defendant appears to be homeless; andThe Defendant does not have any violent history and is not currently on probation/deferred for any offense.However, please note that if there is any indication that there is a mental health issue, the case needs to proceed to the Justice Intake and Assessment Annex, where the accused can potentially get a mental health evaluation/assessment.This policy does not prevent officers from making an arrest. These guidelines should not be interpreted in any way that infringes on law enforcement discretion to ensure public safety or the safety of the individual being arrested. The decision to prosecute the case will be made by a prosecutor based on the specific facts of each case, a risk assessment and a mental health evaluation.“We are continuing to develop our policy regarding this issue and are working with law enforcement and mental health professionals to better serve the community and find workable solutions to this problem,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.

4/18/2019 - Grand jury indicts man for shooting that killed BCSO K9 Chucky
Posted On: April 18, 2019
A Bexar County grand jury returned multiple indictments on charges connected to a January 25, 2019, shooting that left Chucky, a Bexar County Sheriff's Office K9, dead from injuries suffered in the incident.One of indictments alleges that Matthew Mireles committed the offense of interfering with a police service animal by killing him with a firearm. A second indictment alleges that Mireles pointed a firearm at 8 police officers, for which he is charged with 8 counts of aggravated assault of a police officer. Mireles was also indicted for evading arrest with a vehicle (alleged to be a deadly weapon) for the pursuit that preceded the shooting and for being a felon in possession of a firearm (also a deadly weapon).All charges include a habitual offender enhancement allegation due to Mireles previously being convicted on charges of assault on a public servant and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

4/3/2019 - Three indicted on charges related to infant's death
Posted On: April 03, 2019
A Bexar County grand jury indicted three people for their alleged roles in the death of baby King Jay Davila and concealing of evidence of the crime.Christopher Davila is charged with Injury to a Child causing Serious Bodily Injury. The indictment alleges that on January 3, 2019, Davila had assumed care, custody and control of the child when he struck the baby with an unknown object, struck the baby against an unknown object or by an unknown manner and that Davila failed to seek medical treatment for the baby, causing the infant’s death. This offense is a first degree felony. If convicted, Davila faces from 5 to 99 years or life in prison.Davila, his cousin Angie Torres and Davila’s mother Beatrice Sampayo, are charged with Tampering with Evidence. The indictment alleges that on January 4, 2019, the three concealed the baby’s car seat knowing an investigation was underway to find King Jay Davila, who had been reported missing. This offense is a third degree felony. If convicted, the punishment range is 2 to 10 years in prison.Davila is also charged with Tampering with Evidence by concealing a human corpse. The indictment alleges that on January 4, 2019, Davila knew a missing person investigation was in progress and intentionally concealed the baby’s corpse with the intent to impair its verity, legibility and availability as evidence in the investigation. This offense is a second degree felony. If convicted, Davila faces 2 to 20 years in prison.Davila is also charged with felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on January 10, 2019, was in possession of a firearm inside a motor vehicle. This offense is a third degree felony. If convicted, Davila faces 2 to 10 years in prison.Davila is also charged with possession of a controlled substance. The indictment alleges that on January 10, 2019, Davila was in possession of one gram or more but less than four grams of a controlled substance. This offense is a second degree felony. If convicted, Davila faces 2 to 20 years in prison.The defendants are all awaiting arraignment on these charges in the 227th District Court.

4/1/2019 - Sex offender receives 8 life sentences for sexually assaulting 7-year-old girl
Posted On: April 01, 2019
A convicted sex offender received a total of eight life sentences after he was convicted on charges he sexually assaulted a child and filmed it.A Bexar County jury found Jose Trinidad Gonzalez, 36, guilty Friday in the 226th District Court. Gonzalez was accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child in 2017. The victim’s mother discovered video recordings of the crimes on a tablet used by the child to play video games, but owned by Gonzalez.Gonzalez was also found guilty of violation of sex offender registration, due to his failure to register his address with law enforcement, which was a requirement of his 2002 conviction for sexual assault. That sentence required him to register as a sex offender. Gonzalez also had a 2002 conviction for aggravated kidnapping.As a result of the 2002 convictions, the aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by contact punishment ranges of are elevated. Upon conviction in this case, automatic life sentences are granted. The District Attorney’s Office filed a motion requesting that the sentences be served consecutively (stacked). Judge Velia Meza agreed to the request. In addition, Gonzalez was sentenced to the maximum punishment allowed for the remaining charges, which included four life sentences (concurrent) and three 20-year sentences. Gonzalez must serve 140 years before he can be considered for parole. Judge Meza also assessed a $10,000 fine for each of the automatic life sentences.The case was investigated by the San Antonio Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Karl Alexander and Melissa Saenz.CountsChargeSentence2Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child2 Automatic Life Sentences (Stacked) + $10,000 Fine2Indecency With a Child-Contact2 Automatic Life Sentences (Stacked) + $10,000 Fine3Sexual Performance of a Child3 Life Sentences (Concurrent)3Possession of Child Pornography3 20-Year Sentences (Concurrent)1Violation of Sex Offender RegistrationLife Sentence (Concurrent)

3/29/2019 - Bexar County grand jury indicts former BCSO jailer for assault on inmate
Posted On: March 29, 2019
Thursday, a Bexar County grand jury returned an indictment against former Bexar County Sheriff's Office Detention Officer Raul Macias Gonzales, age 31.Gonzales was charged in a four-count indictment with Official Oppression, Violation of Civil Rights, Aggravated Assault and Engaging in Organized Crime. The charges stem from acts that are alleged to have taken place in April 2017, when Gonzales used his position, power, and authority as a Bexar County Sheriff Detention Officer to subject an inmate to assault by other inmates housed in the same unit. The victimized inmate was subsequently transported to University Hospital for medical treatment.Gonzales was terminated from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office later that year after an investigation was conducted into the assault.

3/28/2019 - SA man sentenced to 25 years in prison for stabbing
Posted On: March 28, 2019
A Bexar County judge sentenced a man to 25 years in prison for a near-fatal attack on a Walmart store employee.Travis Cobb was shoplifting inside the store in July 2017. An employee tried to stop him and Cobb severely stabbed him. The victim identified Cobb as his attacker.A jury found Cobb guilty of aggravated assault Wednesday. District Court Judge Frank Castro sentenced Cobb to 25 years in prison.

3/20/2019 - BCSO jailer convicted for lying about assault on inmate
Posted On: March 20, 2019
On Monday, the jury in the 187th Criminal District Court convicted Michael Fernandez, a Bexar County Sheriff’s Office detention officer, of Tampering with a Governmental Record, a Class A Misdemeanor.The charges against Michael Fernandez arose from a June 15, 2016, incident that occurred in the jail between Fernandez and an inmate while Fernandez was on duty. Fernandez was suspended for 15 days following a determination by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department that Fernandez had used excessive force against the inmate and then lied about the incident on his official report.Later, Fernandez was arrested after a grand jury returned an indictment against him for his actions that day.The jury sentenced Fernandez to six months of probation. As a condition of probation, the judge ordered that Fernandez must also complete an anger management course. He also must pay a $1,000 fine.This conviction means that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) will consider Fernandez disqualified to hold a license to be a jailer or a license to be a peace officer in the State of Texas.“The jury’s verdict in this case sends a strong message to our community, and the men and women in law enforcement, that this type of behavior in our jails is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.Information on Fernandez’s employment status may be obtained from the BCSO.

3/13/2019 - Former ESD2 Administrator pled guilty to theft by public servant $30,000-$150,000
Posted On: March 13, 2019
The Administrator for several Emergency Services Districts admitted to a scheme that defrauded Bexar County taxpayers of thousands of dollars.Gil Muniz Perez, 62, pled guilty to theft by public servant $30,000-$150,000 – a second degree felony. Judge Stephanie Boyd, 187th Judicial District Court, sentenced Gil Perez to 10 years’ probation. Perez will be required to pay $149,769.99 in restitution as a condition of his probation.In addition to his role as the Administrator for several ESDs, Perez was President of at least one ESD. Perez abused his positions by misapplying and misusing government funds entrusted to him by the ESDs, the County Commissioners, and the taxpayers of Bexar County. Perez devised a variety of overpayment schemes in the form of reimbursement and payment irregularities, to include duplicate payments, fictitious and disallowable expenditures, credit card payments for personal use, and other unauthorized purchases and expenses.The Texas Rangers investigated Perez with the assistance of the Bexar County Auditor’s Office and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.

3/13/2019 - Grand jury returns no-bill in case involving BCSO deputies
Posted On: March 13, 2019
On Tuesday, a Bexar County grand jury returned a no-bill of indictment in the Dec. 21, 2017, shooting death of Amanda Jones. The shooting also resulted in the death of Kameron Prescott, a 6-year-old bystander.After carefully reviewing and considering the evidence, the grand jury concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate against the Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies involved.Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales released the following statement: “I respect and agree with the decision of the grand jury in this case.”

5/22/2018 - Guilty Verdict for Woman who Shot Boyfriend during Argument
Posted On: May 22, 2018
Today, a Bexar County Jury in the 144th District Court found Jamie McCord, age 30, guilty of the Murder of Ryan Perez. McCord will be sentenced by Judge Lorina Rummel at a later date. In February 2017, Jamie McCord was arguing with her boyfriend, Ryan Perez, in their apartment. The argument escalated resulting in McCord shooting Perez in the chest with a .22 caliber semiautomatic handgun. McCord’s mother, who was living in the apartment at the time, heard them arguing and overheard Perez say, “Do it! Do it!” The next thing she heard was a gunshot and McCord telling her that they had to take Perez to the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, Perez told doctors that he had been “shot by a friend cleaning a gun.” Perez collapsed at the hospital and was transported to SAMMC where he died. McCord told police at the hospital that Perez had shot himself while inspecting the gun. McCord admitted that it was her gun that shot Perez. She claimed they had painted the gun recently with metal door paint and wanted to see if the gun was working properly when it went off. During trial, the medical examiner testified that this was not a close range shooting disproving McCord’s account that Perez had shot himself. “We have all done things that we immediately regret or regret later, does it make it accidental? No. And it does not bring Ryan back” said Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Paulissen during closing arguments. Assistant District Attorneys Michael De Leon and Stephanie Paulissen from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted this case against McCord in the 144th District Court. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

5/17/2018 - Life Sentence for Man Who Killed Friend over Stolen Welder
Posted On: May 17, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, May 17, 2018: Last week, it took a Bexar County Jury in the 226th District Court less than five minutes to find Jim Longoria, age 70, guilty of the Murder of Gary Davila. The same jury sentenced Longoria to life in prison in just 20 minutes. In January 2017, Jim Longoria was driving down Five Palms Drive with his six-year-old grandson looking for Gary Davila. Longoria found Davila and exited the car to confront him, yelling and cursing at Davila. As the confrontation escalated, Longoria pointed a gun at Davila and shot him once. Longoria’s grandson ran out of the vehicle, but Longoria put him back in the car and drove off, leaving Davila to die. During the trial, Jim Longoria claimed he shot Davila in self-defense. Longoria claimed that he had seen Davila walking down the street and wanted to question him about a welder that had been stolen from his house. Assistant District Attorneys Nick Socias and Clayton Haden from the District Attorney’s Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Longoria in the 226th District Court. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

4/19/2018 - Guilty Verdict for Deandre Dorch, Accused of Tying up Children in Backyard
Posted On: April 19, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, April 19, 2018: Yesterday, a Bexar County Jury in Impact Court found Deandre Dorch, age 38, guilty of two counts of Injury to a Child causing Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of Abandonment of a Child. Dorch will be sentenced by Judge Laura Parker later next month. On April 28, 2016, a resident in the 8100 block of Chipping called 911 after hearing a child crying for several hours. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the location and looked over the fence, where they observed two young children tied up in the backyard. The children, ages 3 and 4, were tied with a dog chain and leash; one of the children was tied at the wrists and the other at the ankles. Deputies set both children free and they were transported to the hospital for treatment of numerous injuries. Inside the home, deputies found six children, ranging in age from 10 months old to 11 years old, all without adult supervision. Porucha Phillips, the mother of the six children inside the home, showed up to the house an hour later with Deandre Dorch. Cheryl Reed, the mother of the two children found outside, claimed she was in California. She returned to San Antonio several days later. The trio were all friends who had recently moved to Texas from California. All three defendants were questioned by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators. All of the children are in the care of Child Protective Services. Reed faces criminal charges of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury and Child Abandonment stemming from this incident. “I have said many times that I believe children are gifts from the Lord and should be treated as such. Our community should not tolerate evil behavior towards children, this office definitely does not,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. Assistant District Attorneys Emily Angulo and Karl Alexander prosecuted the case against Dorch in Impact Court. Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Abandonment of a Child is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

4/6/2018 - Celebration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Posted On: April 06, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, April 6, 2018: Over thirty agencies have joined together to plan events for National Crime Victims’ Rights week which will be celebrated from April 8 – 14, 2018. This year's theme, "Expand the Circle – Reach All Victims” reflects a vision to build partnerships between criminal justice and victim service professionals in order to expand the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, get connected to services, and receive the support they need. A calendar of events for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been attached to this email. Events include a County Proclamation; Victims’ Tribute and Wreath Laying Ceremony; special childrens’ events; and many other meaningful events. Please check the attached events calendar for specific dates and times. Help us instill values within our community where rights and services for victims and survivors of crime are not just observed annually, but practiced daily. For questions or more information on these events or other victim issues, please contact Ms. Cyndi Jahn, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Coordinator at (210) 335-2733.

4/1/2018 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for March 2018
Posted On: April 01, 2018
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 3/1/2018 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/31/2018 there were 530 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 263 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 263 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 120 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 26 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 63 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 46 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 9 Intoxication Assault: 2 Intoxication Manslaughter: 1 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

3/1/2018 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for February 2018
Posted On: March 01, 2018
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 2/1/2018 through 11:59 p.m. on 2/28/2018 there were 443 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 227 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 206 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 94 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 28 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 63 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 40 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 10 Intoxication Assault: 2 Intoxication Manslaughter: 0 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

2/13/2018 - Life without Parole for Defendant who Sexually Assaulted two Young Girls
Posted On: February 13, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, February 13, 2018: Last week, the judge of the 399th District Court sentenced Tracy Cobbs, age 41, to confinement for life without the possibility of parole. Previously, a jury in the 399th District Court had found Cobbs guilty on two counts of Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child for sexually abusing two girls, ages five and four. Cobbs, who was a family friend of the girls’ parents, took the family into his home when they were going through a hard time. The girls’ mother took the girls to Cobbs’ home for shelter and lodging, but left them alone with him due to her own substance dependency. The girls’ father gained custody of the girls but left them under the care of their grandparents when he found employment out of state. Within two weeks of living with their grandparents, the girls told their grandmother about how they had been abused by Cobbs. Over the course of the investigation and trial preparation, Assistant District Attorneys learned of two additional victims who had been sexually assaulted by Cobbs. Additionally, Cobbs had an extensive criminal history. At trial it was shown that in 1989, Cobbs had previously committed an aggravated robbery against three individuals. One of the individuals was Mr. Greg Ferris, an ex-SAPD Officer, who owned a gun shop where the robberies took place. During sentencing, Mr. Ferris testified about the robbery. Prosecutors also presented evidence showing Cobbs had been on felony probation at the time he committed not only the robbery but also the sexual assaults “I’ve said it once before and I will say it again, child abuse is one of the most disgusting acts out there and it is something that I will not tolerate,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Our children are precious gifts from the Lord and we must protect them, anyone who harms children will be held accountable by our Office.” Assistant District Attorneys Denise Hairston and Daryl Harris from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against Cobbs in the 399th District Court. Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, with an enhanced punishment, due to the girls’ age, punishable by a minimum of 25 years to life without parole and a $10,000.00 fine.

2/13/2018 - Defendant found Guilty for Sexually Assaulting two Young Girls
Posted On: February 13, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, February 13, 2018: Last week, a Bexar County Jury in the 227th District Court found Benjamin Escobedo, age 46, guilty of one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, one count of Sexual Assault of a Child and two counts of Indecency with a Child by Contact for abusing two girls ages 12 and 15. Escobedo will be sentenced by Judge Kevin O’Connell next month. Escobedo, who was the boyfriend of the girl’s mother, lived with the two girls, but was not their biological father. In February 2015, the girls’ older brother, heard Escobedo entering the girls’ bedroom and thought that this was suspicious. He followed Escobedo into the bedroom and saw the defendant kneel down and reach across the bed towards the younger sister. The girls’ brother told their mom what he had seen and their mom confronted the older sister. When asked about the incident, the girl began to cry and told her mother that Escobedo had been sexually abusing her. The younger sister originally said nothing had happened and that Escobedo had never sexually assaulted her; about a month later, however, she also admitted to being victimized by Escobedo. During trial, both girls testified about the sexual assaults and told jurors they were gaining strength and getting stronger in telling their stories about what happened. One of the sisters said she wants to help others who are too scared to come forward. During closing arguments, prosecutors asked the jury to find Escobedo guilty. “I want you to use logic, use your common sense,” said Assistant District Attorney Leo Gonzalez. “If you believe them beyond a reasonable doubt, I am asking you to find him guilty, because he is guilty.” Assistant District Attorneys Leo Gonzalez and Marissa Giovenco from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted this case against Escobedo in the 227th District Court. Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is a first degree felony, with an enhanced punishment punishable by 25 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child by Contact are both second degree felonies punishable by 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

2/9/2018 - Grand Jury Indicts Larry Moore for the 1987 Capital Murder of Dianna Lowery
Posted On: February 09, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, February 9, 2018: On Monday, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment for Capital Murder, charging Larry Moore, age 64, with intentionally causing the death of Dianna Lowery by strangulation while committing or attempting to commit Kidnapping and Sexual Assault of Lowery. After returning the indictment, a warrant was issued for Larry Moore’s arrest, and Moore was located and arrested in Prescott, Arizona, where he awaits extradition to Bexar County to face this charge. On January 29, 1987, more than 30 years ago, 25 year old Dianna Lowery was found dead in the bathtub located in her home on Bailey Street in San Antonio, Texas. There was evidence at the scene that she had not died of natural causes. An autopsy was performed and the medical examiner determined that Lowery had died by asphyxiation, and the manner of death was Homicide. The San Antonio Police Department was never able to gather sufficient evidence to arrest a suspect and the case went cold. In 2004, Lowery’s mother called the San Antonio Police Department and told them that she was terminally ill, and she would like to see justice for her daughter before she died. The officer assigned to look into Lowery’s murder was Elizabeth Greiner, an SAPD Homicide Detective assigned to the Cold Case Unit at the time. Through Detective Greiner’s investigation, enough evidence was obtained to identify Larry Moore, a man who had lived in the duplex next door to Lowery back in 1987, as the person responsible for Lowery’s murder. As part of Detective Greiner’s investigation, Larry Moore was found to be the owner of both his and Lowery’s duplex unit, and had access to Lowery’s apartment by a spare set of keys he kept with him. The case was presented to a Grand Jury in September of 2005, and Larry Moore was indicted for murder on September 19, 2005. A prosecutor under the previous administration dismissed the case for further investigation on March 15, 2007, and Lowery’s mother subsequently passed away. In January of 2018, Lowery’s niece called the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office seeking answers for why her aunt’s case had been dismissed. The District Attorney, Nico LaHood assigned the Chief of the 187th District Court to go through the archived file for an answer to her question. Upon investigation, LaHood determined that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Larry Moore of Capital Murder. Moore is charged under the capital murder statute as it existed in 1987, which means possible punishment on conviction is either death or life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

2/1/2018 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for January 2018
Posted On: February 01, 2018
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 1/1/2018 through 11:59 p.m. on 1/31/2018 there were 480 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 285 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 236 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 95 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 35 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 58 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 47 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 6 Intoxication Assault: 2 Intoxication Manslaughter: 1 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

1/30/2018 - Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years for Injuring 9-week-old
Posted On: January 30, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, January 30, 2018: Yesterday, a Bexar County Jury in the 175th District Court sentenced Sierra Fisher, age 22, to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Last Friday, jurors found her guilty of a 2014 Injury to Child – Serious Bodily Injury case that left her child with 13 total fractures. On January 26th, 2014, the 9-week-old infant was taken to the emergency room by Sierra Fisher and her boyfriend/co-defendant, whose case is still pending. The victim had bruising on his face; scratches to his face and back; an acute spiral fracture to his left arm; and healing rib and leg fractures. The infant had a total of 13 fractures which were non-accidental in nature. The bruising was determined to be intentional because the child was too young to crawl or move on his own. Fisher was charged with commission for causing the injuries, omission for allowing her boyfriend to inflict the injuries, and omission for failing to seek medical treatment for the victim. Fisher and her boyfriend were the exclusive care givers for the victim with the exception of the biological father who had some visitation but not recent enough to have inflicted the acute arm fracture. "Child abuse is one of the most disgusting acts out there and it is something that I will not tolerate,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Our children are precious gifts from the Lord and we must protect them, anyone who harms children will be held accountable by our Office.” During sentencing, prosecutors asked the jury to send a message to the Bexar County community on how we feel about child abuse, asking the jury to start at 20 years and go up or down from there. Assistant District Attorneys Anna Scott and Brandon Ramsey from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against Fisher in the 175th District Court. Injury to Child-Intentionally/Knowingly causing Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony punishable by 5-99 years and up to a $10,000 dollar fine.

1/30/2018 - Couple Found Guilty in Dog Attack Case
Posted On: January 30, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, January 30, 2018: Last week, jurors found Alphonso McCloud and Sanyelle McCloud guilty of a 2017 dog attack that left 73-year- old widow Doris Mixon-Smith with an amputated left arm above the elbow. The jury in the 187th District Court sentenced McCloud, age 28, to 4 years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Sanyelle McCloud, age 30, is pending sentencing by Judge Joey Contreras early next month. On March 6th, 2017, relatives of the defendants called 911 to request police because the defendant’s 80 pound pit-bull was attacking their next door neighbor, Doris Mixon-Smith as she was working on the flowerbed in her yard. Officers arrived on location during the attack, and shot the animal three times, killing the animal. Mixon-Smith was evacuated to University Hospital where her left arm was amputated above the elbow, due to the severe nature of her injuries from the attack. The investigation revealed that the dog had a history of biting others to include a cable repair man in October 2016 and members of the defendant’s household. The defendants also acknowledged that the animal had been able to get out of the fenced yard twice in the past, but no obvious point of escape was discovered in this incident. During the trial, prosecutors learned that six months before moving next door to Doris Mixon-Smith, the defendants had been evicted from a rental property for lying about the number of dogs they had, including the pit-bull. On Monday, the day of the sentencing, prosecutors learned that the couple still had two pit-bulls at their current residence. Assistant District Attorneys Daryl Harris and Nicole Phillips from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against the McClouds’ in the 187th District Court Dangerous dog attack – causing Serious Bodily Injury is a third degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and up to a $10,000 fine.

1/17/2018 - Defendant in “Hell’s Gate” Murder Sentenced to 99 Years
Posted On: January 17, 2018
San Antonio, Texas, January 17, 2018: Today, a Bexar County jury in the 290th District Court sentenced Robert Martinez, age 21, to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Last Friday, jurors found Martinez guilty of the 2015 Hell’s Gate murder of Steven Cerna. On February 20, 2015, Robert Martinez lured Steven Cerna to a ditch on the West side of San Antonio, known as “Hell’s Gate.” As they walked through the ditch, Martinez executed Cerna by shooting him two times to the face and two times to the neck. Neighbors heard the gunshots and called police, identifying two Hispanic males between the ages of 19 and 20 running from the ditch into a maroon colored car with a broken windshield that was parked on the side of the street. After speaking to witnesses, Robert Martinez was identified as a person of interest in the murder but no arrest was made. Two years later, Martinez’ uncle, Larry Isaac, was charged with Aggravated Kidnapping. Isaac offered to provide information on the cold case murder in exchange for a reduced sentence on his case. It was this information that led to the arrest of Martinez. At trial, Isaac testified that shortly after the murder, Martinez told him that he killed Steven Cerna because Martinez had learned that Cerna’s cousin had killed his friend. Martinez wanted revenge for his friend’s death and formulated a plan to lure him to the ditch. Isaac testified that prior to the murder, Martinez had been known to carry a .38 caliber firearm and per the ballistics report, a .38 caliber bullet had been used to kill Cerna. During closing arguments, prosecutors stated that Martinez possessed an “eye for an eye” mentality. “Where did that bullet come out, the victim’s face, eye for an eye,” said Assistant District Attorney Melissa Saenz during closing arguments. “You need to hold him accountable; we ask that you find him guilty.” Assistant District Attorneys Melissa Saenz and Kristina Escalona from the District Attorney’s Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Martinez in the 290th District Court. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. During punishment, jurors heard evidence of Martinez’s prior convictions, including a Robbery committed after the Murder, along with evidence of his association with the Lincoln Court Kings. The Defendant testified during the Punishment phase of trial and continued to deny his involvement in the Murder. After deliberating for 90 minutes, the jury sentenced Martinez to 99 years in prison.

1/1/2018 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for December 2017
Posted On: January 01, 2018
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 12/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 12/31/2017 there were 529 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 261 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 268 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 102 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 36 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 66 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 42 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 9 Intoxication Assault: 5 Intoxication Manslaughter: 1 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

12/15/2017 - Bexar County Grand Jury Indicts Man Who Set Fire that Killed Firefighter
Posted On: December 15, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, December 15, 2017: Tuesday, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned five indictments against Emond Johnson, age 39, for the charges of Felony Murder, Arson resulting in Death, two charges of Arson and Bodily Injury, and Arson-Building. On May 18, 2017, a fire at the Ingram Square Center caused the death of San Antonio Firefighter Scott Deem, caused serious injuries to Firefighter Brad Phipps, and injured Firefighter Robert Vasquez as well caused serious damage to the building structures themselves. San Antonio Arson, San Antonio Police Department, Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, ATF, and the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office have worked tirelessly together since day one to determine the cause of the fire, and whether or not it was a result of a tragic accident, natural cause or the result of a criminal act. After eliminating any natural or accidental cause of the fire, investigators determined that this fire was intentionally set. Felony Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Arson resulting in Death is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Arson and Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Arson-Building is a second degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

12/1/2017 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for November 2017
Posted On: December 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 11/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 11/30/2017 there were 515persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 258 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 260 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 98 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 36 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 63 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 49 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 8 Intoxication Assault: 1 Intoxication Manslaughter: 0 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

11/27/2017 - 2nd Public Safety Town Hall Meeting
Posted On: November 27, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, November 27, 2017: District Attorney Nico LaHood and The Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings focused on public safety for our community at-large. A Town Hall meeting will be held in various areas of Bexar County in order to provide the opportunity for residents within both our urban and rural areas to express their concerns and ideas about public safety. It is expected that this tour will last for 15 weeks until the end of February as District Attorney LaHood intends to hold a Town Hall on a weekly basis (excluding the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas). The second Town Hall will be held this evening Monday November 27th, 2017 at the Barbara Jordan Community Center located at 2803 E. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78203 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. All residents, local elected officials and law enforcement representatives are invited to participate in these Town Hall meetings. Below is a complete list of the Town Hall meetings that will be held for the remainder of the year. Information will be released for the 2018 schedule at a later date. Monday November 27th, 2017 Barbara Jordan Community Center 2803 E. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78203 Monday December 4th, 2017 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9186 650 E. White, San Antonio, Texas 78214 Monday December 11th, 2017 San Antonio Community College 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212 Monday December 18th, 2017 Palo Alto Community College 1400 W. Villarreal Blvd., San Antonio, Texas 78224

11/26/2017 - District Attorney Nico LaHood Launches Public Safety Town Hall Tour
Posted On: November 26, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, November 13, 2017: District Attorney Nico LaHood and The Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings focused on public safety for our community at-large. A Town Hall meeting will be held in various areas of Bexar County in order to provide the opportunity for residents within both our urban and rural areas to express their concerns and ideas about public safety. It is expected that this tour will last for 15 weeks until the end of February as District Attorney LaHood intends to hold a Town Hall on a weekly basis (excluding the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas). The first Town Hall will be held this evening Monday November 13th, 2017 at Thomas Jefferson High School located at 723 Donaldson Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78201 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. All residents, local elected officials and law enforcement representatives are invited to participate in these Town Hall meetings. Below is a complete list of the Town Hall meetings that will be held for the remainder of the year. Information will be released for the 2018 schedule at a later date. Monday November 14th, 2017 Thomas Jefferson High School 723 Donaldson Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78201 Monday November 27th, 2017 Barbara Jordan Community Center 2803 E. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78203 Monday December 4th, 2017 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9186650 E. White, San Antonio, Texas 78214Monday December 11th, 2017 San Antonio Community College 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212 Monday December 18th, 2017 Palo Alto Community College 1400 W. Villarreal Blvd., San Antonio, Texas 78224

Corporation Indicted for Environmental Crime Arising from Failed Septic Systems at Mobile Home Park
Posted On: November 09, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, November 9, 2017: Today the Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment charging SAN MAN, Inc., a Texas corporation, with the environmental crime of “Intentional or Knowing Unauthorized Discharge of a Pollutant” in violation of Section 7.145 of the Texas Water Code. This charge results from conditions at the Oak Hollow Mobile Home Park where a number of septic systems failed and discharged effluent sewage to the surface soil in the yards of the park’s residents. SAN MAN, Inc. owns the Oak Hollow Mobile Home Park, a 7.8 acre property divided into over 60 mobile home parcels, and located at 6348 Prue Road. In October of 2016, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the Bexar County Environmental Services, in conjunction with the City of San Antonio, initiated an investigation in response to reports that septic systems at the Oak Hollow Mobile Home Park were defective and presenting a health and safety hazard to the park’s residents. This investigation revealed that a number of the park’s septic systems had failed resulting in effluent sewage rising to the soil surface and saturating residents’ yards. Testing of these contaminated soil indicated concentrations of human-originated E. Coli bacteria greatly in excess of the standards considered safe for human contact. Intentional or Knowing Unauthorized Discharge of a Pollutant is punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $250,000 for a corporation.

11/1/2017 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for October 2017
Posted On: November 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 10/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 10/31/2017 there were 494 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 250 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 218 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 127 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 22 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 71 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 39 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 13 Intoxication Assault: 4 Intoxication Manslaughter: 0 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

Grand Jurors Return Fifth Indictment Against Genene Jones for 1981 Death of Paul Villarreal
Posted On: October 31, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, October 31st, 2017: This morning, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Genene Jones, age 66, for the September 24, 1981 murder of 3-month-old Paul Villarreal. “These are your kids too. These are San Antonio babies,” said Petti McClellan-Wiese during the press conference this afternoon, she is the mother of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan, who fell victim to Genene Jones in 1982. In 1984, a jury in Williamson County sentenced Jones to 99 years in prison for the death of Chelsea McClellan. Over the last year, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has announced several indictments against Jones. In June, this office announced the indictments against Jones for the July 3, 1981 murder of 8-month-old Richard “Ricky” Nelson; the January 17, 1982 murder of 4 ½ month-old Patrick Zavala; and the September 16, 1981 murder of 2-year-old Rosemary Vega. In May, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Jones for the 1981 murder of 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer. The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million for this latest indictment. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was initially sentenced in 1984, she will be released from prison in March 2018. She will, however, not be released from custody; at some point, Jones will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for her new murder charges. Jones is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas. “True Justice will come when she stands before the Lord, but until then, we will do our best to make sure Genene Jones takes her last breath from behind prison bars,” said District Attorney LaHood. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

10/17/2017 - Life Sentence for Man who killed Wife in Living Room
Posted On: October 17, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, October 17th, 2017: On Friday, a Bexar County jury in Impact Court found George Chapple, age 64, guilty of the murder of his wife Kathy Ryder, age 56. Jurors sentenced Chapple to life within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.On May 20, 2016, George Chapple and Kathy Ryder who had been married for approximately 4 years were home alone at 7611 Windsor Oaks in San Antonio, Texas. Chapple called 911 and reported he heard gunshots and that Ryder was shot before quickly hanging up. Responding officers testified that Chapple was calm and showed no concern for his wife at the scene. During an interview with police, Chapple originally stated that he was asleep and woke up to Ryder screaming at him because she had been shot, but he believed she was joking. As the questioning continued, Chapple admitted to being the one who actually shot Ryder. Chapple then claimed he shot his wife in self-defense and that it had been an accident. Chapple claimed that Ryder woke him up with a gun in her pocket and then pulled the gun out threatening to kill him. Chapple claimed that Ryder had been upset about another woman. Chapple claimed that Ryder had the gun and he took it from her, but then Ryder attempted to get it back from him, and spun him around somehow causing the gun to go off. During his interview Chapple was callous about Ryder’, laughing and joking.“Think about Kathy Ryder, she is a mother and grandmother, think about that woman who is no longer with us because of the actions of that man,” said Assistant District Attorney Leo Gonzalez during closing arguments.Assistant District Attorneys Leo Gonzalez and Marissa Giovenco from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against Chapple in Impact Court.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, due to Chapple’s criminal history, which includes two felony convictions for Burglary and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon out of Tarrant County, the range of punishment was increased to a minimum of 25 years to life in prison.

10/16/2017 - Guilty plea for Porucha Phillips Accused of Tying up Children in Backyard results in 50
Posted On: October 16, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, October 16, 2017: District Attorney Nico LaHood announced Friday that Porucha Phillips, age 34, entered a plea to two counts of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury and received a sentence of 50 years in prison. She will not be eligible for parole until she has served 25 years of that sentence.On April 28, 2016, a resident in the 8100 block of Chipping called 911 after hearing a child cry for several hours. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies showed up at the location and looked over the fence, where they discovered two young children tied up in the backyard. The children, ages 3 and 4, were tied with a dog chain and leash. One of the children was tied up by the wrists and the other by the ankles. Deputies set both children free and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. The two children had numerous injuries. Inside the home, deputies found six children, ranging in age from 10 months old to 11 years old. All of the children were without adult supervision.Phillips, the mother of the six children inside the home, showed up to the home with Deandre Dorch, an hour later. Cheryl Reed, the mother of the two children found outside tied up, claims she was in California. She returned to San Antonio several days later. The trio were all friends who had recently moved from California. All three defendants were questioned by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators. All of the children are in the care of Child Protective Services. Dorch and Reed still face criminal charges of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury and Child Abandonment from this incident.“What Porucha Phillips did to these children is beyond my understanding. Children are gifts from the Lord and should be treated as such. In the law, we call it a depraved heart and unfortunately there are others out there that have the same seared conscience,” said District Attorney LaHood. “I promise to continue my push for increased punishments for these chronic abusers during the next legislative session. Let me be clear, anyone that abuses those who cannot defend themselves - our communities’ most vulnerable (children, elderly & disabled) will be dealt with swiftly and harshly.”Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Child Abandonment is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

10/13/2017 - Bexar County Family Justice Center Fashion Show Luncheon in Observance of Domestic Viol
Posted On: October 13, 2017
WHAT: The second annual Bexar County Family Justice Center Foundation Fashion Show Luncheon will be held Friday, October 20th, 2017 in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The “Sisterhood of Strength & Style” show’s honorary chair this year is Bexar County Criminal District Attorney, Nicholas “Nico” LaHood. As the majority partner of the Bexar County Family Justice Center, Nico’s dedication to eradicating family violence in Bexar County has been unwavering. The fashion show, sponsored by Dillard’s, will spotlight brave survivors of domestic violence, local models, celebrities, and domestic violence advocates. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit victims of domestic violence through services provided by the Bexar County Family Justice Center. WHEN: 11:30a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 WHERE: St. Anthony Hotel – Anacacho Ballroom300 East Travis Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205

10/13/2017 - Two Consecutive Life Sentences for Defendant Who Killed 5 Year Old
Posted On: October 13, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, October 11, 2017: On Monday, Bexar County Judge Sid Harle, presiding judge of the 226th District court sentenced Abdi Abdi, age 20, to two life sentences within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Abdi pled guilty to both murder and robbery and was sentenced on both charges. As part of a plea agreement, Abdi waived his right to appeal. The two sentences will run consecutively which means Abdi will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 60 years in prison.On June 1st, 2016 Abdi Abdi showed up to a residence located on 807 Pecan Valley in San Antonio, Texas, along with two other men, with the intent to rob a man who lived at the residence. During the robbery attempt, the three men began shooting, and Abdi, who was armed with a handgun, shot and killed Ana Garza, 5, who was inside the home. The suspects then fled the crime scene.Based on investigations and surveillance by the San Antonio Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, Abdi was apprehended by the U.S. Marshal’s Service on June 9th, 2016 and arrested.“I’m proud of the collaboration between the multiple law enforcement agencies and our staff within the District Attorney’s Office,” said District Attorney LaHood. “Their tenacity coupled with the decisions of the judge allowed justice to be found. Although we cannot change what happened, God willing, this is a step in closing a difficult chapter for the Garza family.”Assistant District Attorneys Joshua Somers and Marilisa Janssen prosecuted the case against Abdi in the 226th District Court.

9/27/2017 - DA LaHood Announces Upcoming Cite and Release Pilot Program
Posted On: September 27, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, September 27, 2017: Today, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Nico LaHood, alongside County Judge Nelson Wolff and Sheriff Javier Salazar announced the creation of an upcoming Cite and Release pilot program aimed at low-level, non-violent offenders. During today’s press conference, District Attorney LaHood shared information on the upcoming pilot program.In order to establish a Cite and Release pilot program in Bexar County, District Attorney LaHood said they based it on House Bill 2392, which was passed and signed by the Governor during the 80th Legislative Session in 2007. This bill granted peace officers the option to issue a citation to a person who allegedly committed a violation of certain misdemeanor offenses and under certain circumstances. The pilot program, which has been in the works for more than two years, is expected to positively impact the citizens of our community, law enforcement and the justice system.“We have to balance community safety, fiscal responsibility for taxpayers, and opportunities for the citizen accused,” said District Attorney LaHood. “When utilized, this program will allow officers to stay on our streets and continue to protect our community, help reduce the burden on our criminal justice system and at the same time, allow the citizen accused an opportunity to learn from a poor choice without having the stigma of an arrest hanging over their head.”At this time, full details for the pilot program have not been finalized. Once that occurs, the program will begin in the near future and will have its initial evaluation after 6 months.The following offenses will be included in Cite and Release pilot program: Class A & Class B Possession of Marijuana (less than 4 oz.)Class B Criminal MischiefClass B TheftClass B Theft of ServiceClass B Driving While License InvalidWatch the full press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhI-6JlvwB0

9/13/2017 - 88-Year Prison Sentence Handed Down to Step-Grandmother for Death of 5-Year-old Boy
Posted On: September 13, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, September 13, 2017: Last night, a Bexar County jury in the 379th District Court sentenced Gloria Proo, age 52, to 88 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On Monday, jurors found Proo guilty of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission in connection with the death of 5-year-old Josiah Williams.On December 27, 2012, emergency responders were called out to a home in the 3900 block of Gayle Avenue. Once inside, they discovered Josiah Williams unresponsive, lying on the floor. First responders, who immediately began attempting to revive the boy, said Josiah had two black eyes, cuts, scrapes, and bruising all over his body. Josiah was pronounced dead at the scene.An autopsy later revealed Josiah had been beaten and starved to death. At the time of his death, the 5-year-old weighed 38 pounds. The Medical Examiner testified Josiah died as a result of "dehydration in a battered, underweight child." Gloria Proo had cared for and babysat Josiah. During an interview with San Antonio police detectives, Proo denied any involvement in Josiah's death. During the trial, Josiah's maternal grandmother testified that prior to staying with Proo, he was a "happy, go lucky child." Josiah had been with Proo, his biological father Charleston Williams, and his stepmother Crystal Williams, for six months before he died. Additionally, a family acquaintance testified that Josiah's skin was "yellow" and appeared extremely underweight weeks before his death. At the time of his death, Josiah was not enrolled in school."In his short life, Josiah went through pain, torture and isolation," said District Attorney LaHood. "No child should die thinking they are alone and unloved. We commend the jury for sending a strong message with their sentence."In June 2016, a jury sentenced Crystal Williams to 99 years in prison and assessed a $10,000.00 fine. Charleston Williams, who is also charged with Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission, is awaiting trial in the 379th District Court. Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Boyd and Grant Bryan from our Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Proo in the 379th District Court.

9/7/2017 - Grand Jury Indicts Accused Serial Rapist Who Targeted Medical Center Area
Posted On: September 07, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, September 7, 2017: Today, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned six indictments against Anton Jamail Harris, age 18, for the charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault and Aggravated Robbery. Beginning in June 2015, the defendant went on a two year crime spree in the Medical Center area targeting women. Evidence reveals Harris would follow his victims to their apartment doors and force his way inside, threatening them with a knife or gun. Harris would then sexually assault them and take their property. In some cases, Harris would knock on the victims’ apartment doors and would then assault them.San Antonio Police Department’s Special Victims Unit identified Harris as a person of interest after he matched the description of the suspect given to them by his victims. Detectives were able to get DNA from Harris and he was arrested on June 8th after DNA matched evidence from the sexual assaults. The defendant remains in the Bexar County Jail on bonds totaling $775,000. All six indictments are first degree felonies, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Harris is awaiting trial out of the 399th District Court.

9/1/2017 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for August 2017
Posted On: September 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 8/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 8/31/2017 there were 394 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 184 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 145Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 135Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 21Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 47Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 36Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 9Intoxication Assault: 1Intoxication Manslaughter: 0*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

8/24/2017 - 45-Year Sentence for Man Who Violently Assaulted Girlfriend and Three Children
Posted On: August 24, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, August 24, 2017: This week, Felony Impact Court Judge Laura Parker sentenced Markus Lorenzo Scott, age 39, to 45 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the charge of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Additionally, Judge Parker sentenced Scott to 20 years in prison for the charge of Assault Family Choking – Strangulation. Last month, Scott pleaded guilty to the charges. The sentences will be served concurrently, or at the same time.On April 4, 2016, Scott came home intoxicated and assaulted his girlfriend and then began violently assaulting children who were at the home. Scott assaulted a 9-year-old boy by punching him in the eye; he then began choking the 11-year-old niece of his girlfriend before he started kicking the girl’s 12-year-old brother and repeatedly stomped him in his head. Scott left the home before San Antonio police responded to the scene, but was arrested a short time later when he was found hiding in the bushes. Under questioning by detectives, Scott denied any involvement. Meanwhile, the 12-year-old boy, who suffered the most severe injuries, was put in a medically induced coma. Family members said the boy had to learn how to talk and walk due to the traumatic injuries he received from the attack.During the punishment hearing, Prosecutor Karl Alexander told the judge that Scott “killed” what the boy could have been in the future. On the stand, Scott continued to blame the 12-year-old boy and stated he had enough of him and “snapped.” Assistant District Attorneys Karl Alexander and Brittany Byrd from our Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Scott.Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assault Family Choking – Strangulation is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

8/23/2017 - Life Sentence for Man Who Murdered Neighbor and Killed Man during Crime Spree
Posted On: August 23, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, August 23, 2017: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 186th District Court sentenced Charles Ray Hall, age 31, to life in prison for the 2014 murder of his neighbor Lawrence Carroll. Last Friday, jurors found Hall guilty of the murder.On May 27, 2014, Hall walked up to his neighbor, Lawrence Carroll’s door on the 200 block of Victor Street and when Carroll answered the door, Hall shot him in the head, killing him. Hall then walked back to his home nearby Carroll’s apartment, changed clothes and walked back to the complex where he began shooting at another man. The man was able to escape unharmed. Meanwhile, Hall left the complex in a waiting car. Later that night, Hall returned to the apartment complex where a local television crew was covering the aftermath of Carroll’s murder. Hall began harassing the news crew and was told to leave the premises by security guard Angel Maldonado. A short time later, Hall returned and confronted Maldonado telling him he had something for him, before shooting him in the arm and neck. Maldonado was transported to the hospital and survived.While responding to the shooting of Maldonado, a San Antonio police officer spotted Hall sitting on a bench laughing at the patrol cars passing him. The officer, who had received a good description of Hall from several witnesses at the crime scenes, stopped and confronted Hall. Another officer confirmed Hall was the suspect they were looking for and he was placed under arrest. Under questioning by San Antonio police detectives, Hall confessed to killing Rogelio Ramos and Lawrence Carroll and injuring Angel Maldonado.During punishment, jurors learned that just one day before he murdered Lawrence Carroll, Hall shot and killed Rogelio Ramos. Hall was driving a stolen van when he began shooting at Ramos. Ramos drove to a gas station off Austin Highway to try and get away from Hall. However, Hall was able to catch up to Ramos, shooting him from the stolen van. Hall then got off the van and shot Ramos execution style.During a victim impact statement, Lawrence Carroll’s son Lawrence Carroll Junior, told Hall “you took a piece of our hearts we can never get back” and added “you need to rot in prison.” Carroll Junior said he was a Christian man who forgave Hall, but said he would never forget what he did.Assistant District Attorney Gretchen Flader from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Hall, with the assistance of Victim Advocate Leslie Garza, DA Investigator Anthony Rodriguez and intern Rosie Garcia. Hall is still awaiting trial for Rogelio Ramos’ murder and the shooting of Angel Maldonado. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

8/22/2017 - Life Sentence for Man Who Terrorized Young Woman in 2013 Robbery
Posted On: August 22, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, August 22, 2017: Last week, Bexar County jurors in Felony Impact Court sentenced Juan G. Rodriguez, age 32, to life in prison and an additional 20 years behind bars. Jurors took less than 15 minutes to find Rodriguez guilty of Aggravated Robbery and Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault.On September 28, 2013, Rodriguez broke into an apartment in the 8900 block of Datapoint Drive, on the city’s northwest side. Once inside the apartment, Rodriguez removed a television, wallet, backpack and laptop before he returned to confront a young woman who lived there with her family. The victim testified that Rodriguez woke her up with a gun pointed at her, and then pulled the trigger. The gun did not fire, but Rodriguez warned her that the next time the gun would go off if she didn’t cooperate. She said Rodriguez threatened to kill her family while he led her around the apartment, collecting property. The victim, who said she feared for her life, told jurors that she was able to talk Rodriguez out of sexually assaulting her. However, Rodriguez did force the young woman at gunpoint to take off all her clothes while he took pictures of her. He then instructed her to get in bed and cover her face while he escaped. The girl’s younger brother was able to call for help when he saw Rodriguez in his sister’s room during the robbery.Rodriguez was arrested days later in Victoria, Texas and extradited back to San Antonio. Inside the vehicle Rodriguez was driving at the time of his arrest, authorities recovered the young woman’s ID’s that were taken from her apartment, along with a revolver believed to have been used during the robbery. Additionally, San Antonio Police suspected Rodriguez in other burglaries and sexual assault in the same area as the September 28th incident. They believe he committed a crime spree from August 2013 to the end of September. At the time of his arrest, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus called Rodriguez, “brazen and dangerous.” During the punishment hearing, Rodriguez admitted to the September 28th Aggravated Robbery and Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault, but asked jurors for a second chance and mercy. Assistant District Attorneys Tamara Strauch and Madeline Flosi prosecuted the case against Rodriguez in Felony Impact Court.“I commend the hard work of our prosecutors and diligence of the jury to protect our community,” said District Attorney LaHood. “This lifestyle of crime will not be tolerated and we will continue to seek maximum punishment for evil behavior.”Aggravated Robbery is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Rodriguez is awaiting trial out of the 399th District Court for other unrelated cases, including Burglary of a Habitation, Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Sexual Assault.

8/11/2017 - 30-Year Prison Sentence for Drunk Driver Who Killed Teen with Muscular Dystrophy
Posted On: August 14, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, August 11, 2017: This week, 290th District Court Judge Melisa Skinner sentenced Richard Sanchez, age 50, to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Sanchez pleaded “no contest” to the charges of Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault, both with a deadly weapon finding. Under the plea agreement, Sanchez was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison for the Intoxication Manslaughter and the maximum 10 years in prison for the Intoxication Assault. Judge Skinner stacked both sentences, per the State’s request, making his total sentence 30 years in prison. Additionally, Sanchez pleaded guilty to two additional Intoxication Assault charges and one Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon charge. These charges were taken into consideration for the plea agreement.On January 7, 2017, Sanchez was driving the wrong way on IH-35 around 2:49 a.m. 18-year-old Miguel Hernandez was travelling with his family in a van from Mexico to Georgia, when Sanchez struck their vehicle head-on. The impact caused the van to catch fire. Sanchez’s vehicle was then struck by another vehicle. That vehicle struck a fourth vehicle. Miguel, who had muscular dystrophy, passed away from his injuries later that morning in the hospital. Several of Miguel’s family members, who are currently residing out of state, are still recovering from their injuries.Responding officers said Sanchez had a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and admitted to taking prescription drugs. Sanchez refused to tell officers where he was coming from. Sanchez was non-complaint and uncooperative with medical staff and San Antonio police officers. After obtaining a warrant for his blood, Sanchez had to be restrained in order for his blood to be drawn. Toxicology results later showed that Sanchez had a blood alcohol concentration of .19, more than two times the legal limit, when his blood was drawn. At the time of the January 2017 crash, Sanchez was on probation for Driving While Intoxicated. Additionally, Sanchez was previously convicted for Indecency with a Child by Exposure.Intoxication Manslaughter is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Intoxication Assault is a third degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Due to the deadly weapon finding, Sanchez will have to serve half of the times of his sentences before he is eligible for parole. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Frazier from our DWI Task Force prosecuted the case against Sanchez in the 290th District Court.

8/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for July 2017
Posted On: August 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 7/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 7/31/2017 there were 469 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 182 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 199Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 156Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 19Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 51Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 30Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 11Intoxication Assault: 2Intoxication Manslaughter: 2*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

7/25/2017 - 10-Year Prison Sentence for Drunk Driver Who Struck Crowd
Posted On: July 25, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, July 25, 2017: Today, 144th District Court Judge Lorina Rummel sentenced Juan Perez-Turrubiate to 10 years for Intoxication Assault, 10 years for Failure to Stop and Render Aid with Serious Bodily Injury and 5 years for Failure to Stop and Render Aid with Bodily Injury. All of the sentences will be served concurrently, or at the same time. Additionally, the judge ruled the vehicle the defendant drove was used as a deadly weapon, which will require Perez-Turrubiate to serve half of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.On June 12, 2016, around 4 a.m., Juan Perez-Turrubiate, age 23 at the time, crashed his vehicle into a group of people near North General McMullen Drive and West Commerce Street on the city’s west side. One victim was pinned between Perez-Turrubiate’s vehicle and another vehicle, amputating her leg, while a second victim was struck and then dragged underneath Perez-Turrubiate’s vehicle. Perez-Turrubiate left his vehicle and attempted to leave the scene, but was stopped by bystanders and the second victim. Perez-Turrubiate was apprehended by San Antonio Police officers near the crash scene. Perez-Turrubiate’s blood alcohol concentration was .18, more than twice the legal limit of .08.During his punishment hearing this morning, one of the victim’s expressed how she was not going to give up hope despite the fact that the defendant’s actions took away her leg, her ability to dance, and the time she could have spent with her young child while she was in the hospital and as she continues to recover.Intoxication Assault is a third degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Failure to Stop and Render Aid Causing Serious Bodily Injury is a third degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Failure to Stop and Render Aid Causing Bodily Injury is a hybrid offense, punishable by 2-5 years in prison. Assistant District Attorney Jason Todd from our DWI Task Force prosecuted the case against Perez-Turrubiate in the 144th District Court.

7/13/2017 - Former Bexar County Administrator for Emergency Services Districts Indicted
Posted On: July 19, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, July 13, 2017: This week, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Gilbert Muniz Perez, age 61, for one count of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property $30,000-$150,000; one count of Theft by Public Servant $30,000-$150,000; and one count of Abuse of Official Capacity $30,000-$150,000.Gilbert Muniz Perez, a public servant, worked as the Administrator for several Emergency Services Districts and also held a position as President of at least one district. The State alleges Mr. Perez abused his positions by misapplying and misusing government funds entrusted to him by the districts, the County Commissioners, and the Bexar County taxpayers. Perez devised a variety of overpayment schemes, to include duplicate payments, fictitious and disallowable expenditures, credit card payments for personal use, and other unauthorized purchases and expenses.The Texas Rangers investigated Perez with the assistance of the Bexar County Auditor’s Office and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit. As part of the investigation, agents executed a search and seizure warrant at Perez’s home seizing over forty boxes of documents related to the Emergency Service Districts.Theft by Public Servant $30,000-$150,000 is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Misapplication of Fiduciary Property $30,000-$150,000 and Abuse of Official Capacity $30,000-$150,000 are both third degree felonies, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

7/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for June 2017
Posted On: July 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 6/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 6/30/2017 there were 443 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 214 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 208Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 103Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 16Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 62Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 40Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 7Intoxication Assault: 7Intoxication Manslaughter: 0*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

6/29/2017 - Grand Jurors Return Two New Murder Indictments Against Genene Jones
Posted On: June 29, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 29, 2017: This morning, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned two new murder indictments against Genene Jones. The new indictments are for the July 3, 1981 murder of 8-month-old Richard "Ricky" Nelson and for the January 17, 1982 murder of 4 1/2 month-old Patrick Zavala. Last week, our office announced the indictment against Jones for the September 16, 1981 murder of Rosemary Vega. Last month, we announced the indictment against Jones for the December 12, 1981 murder of Joshua Sawyer.The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million each for these two new indictments. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was sentenced, she will be released from prison in March 2018. Prior to her mandatory release, she will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for the new charges. Jones is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the continuing investigations, we will reserve further comment at this time regarding potential future charges against Jones.

6/26/2017 - 50-Year Prison Sentence for Documented Gang Member Who Killed Cousin
Posted On: June 26, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 26, 2017: On Friday, Judge Laura Parker from the Felony Impact Court, sentenced 40-year-old Arthur Whitley to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Earlier that day, Judge Parker found Whitley guilty of the May 2015 murder of his cousin, Michael Whitley.On May 26, 2015, shortly after 2:00 a.m., the victim 39-year-old Michael Whitley, was sitting in front of a home in the 300 block of Ferris Avenue, on the city’s east side. Whitley was scratching off a lottery ticket when he was suddenly shot twice in the chest and once in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives with the San Antonio Police Department centered on Whitley as a suspect in the deadly shooting after an eyewitness identified the defendant as the shooter. At the time of the murder, the defendant was finishing up his federal parole term for a gun charge at a nearby halfway house.Evidence later presented at his trial showed surveillance video of a person resembling the defendant, coming and going from the halfway house before and after the shooting. Additionally, cell phone records, including text messages, belonging to the defendant corroborated the video evidence. Whitley was arrested the same day as the shooting. Under questioning by detectives, Whitley said he was sleeping at the halfway house during the deadly shooting.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, due to the defendant’s lengthy criminal history, which includes numerous shootings, Whitley’s punishment was enhanced to 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Additionally, Whitley is a documented gang member. Assistant District Attorneys Thom Nisbet and Jason Goss from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Whitley in Felony Impact Court.

6/26/2017 - Repeat Drunk Driver Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for 11th DWI Conviction
Posted On: June 26, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 26, 2017: Last week, a Bexar County jury in the 227th District Court sentenced San Juan Garcia, age 57, to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Jurors found Garcia guilty of DWI 3rd or More with a deadly weapon finding. This latest conviction was his 11th Driving While Intoxicated related charge.On January 10, 2014, around 9:30 p.m., the defendant was driving on WW White Road near Hein, when he struck a motorcyclist, causing a major crash. The victim was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries. When officers arrived at the scene, they noticed the defendant, later identified as San Juan Garcia, had a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. Under questioning by police, Garcia admitted to drinking “four to six beers.” Garcia also said the victim was at fault for the crash and even blamed the arresting officer, telling him he had ruined his life. Toxicology results later showed that Garcia had a blood alcohol concentration of .21, more than two times the legal limit, when his blood was drawn.This was the 11th time Garcia had been convicted for driving while intoxicated. Garcia was arrested for his first DWI on March 17, 1982. Just a few months later, in June of 1982, Garcia was arrested for his second driving while intoxicated offense. In 1989, Garcia was arrested for his sixth DWI and sentenced to prison for 5 years. In January 2004, Garcia was convicted for his tenth driving while intoxicated offense and sentenced to 6 years behind bars. During his trial, Garcia took the stand and admitted he had a problem with alcohol, but said he did not have time to get help. During closing arguments of the punishment phase, prosecutors asked jurors to send a message to the community that repeat drunk drivers such as Garcia should remain behind bars. They added that Garcia had not learned from his numerous trips to prison and did not know his limits.“Mr. Garcia showed a complete disregard for public safety when he chose to repeatedly get behind the wheel while he was intoxicated,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Make a plan ahead of time. Be responsible and don’t make a game time decision.”DWI 3rd or More is a third degree, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, because the defendant is a habitual offender, the punishment range for DWI 3rd or More was enhanced to a minimum of 25 years up to 99 years or life in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Martinez and Jessica Frazier from the DWI Task Force prosecuted the case against Garcia in the 227th District Court. Due to the deadly weapon finding, Garcia will have to serve 15 years in prison before he’s eligible for parole.

6/21/2017 - Grand Jurors Return 2nd Indictment Against Genene Jones for 1981 Death of Rosemary Vega
Posted On: June 21, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 21, 2017: This morning, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Genene Jones for the September 16, 1981 murder of 2-year-old Rosemary Vega. Last month, our office announced the indictment against Jones for the December 12, 1981 murder of 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer.The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million for this latest indictment. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was sentenced, she will be released from prison in March 2018. Prior to her mandatory release, she will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for the new charges. Jones is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the continuing investigations, we will reserve further comment at this time regarding potential future charges against Jones.

6/16/2017 - 30-Year Prison Sentence for Teen Who Shot Girl After Party
Posted On: June 16, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 16, 2017: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury sentenced Julian Martinez, age 19, to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the March 2016 murder of Amanda Acosta. On Thursday, jurors found Martinez guilty of Acosta’s death.On March 14, 2016, Julian Martinez attended a party in the 200 block of Cavalier Avenue where he got into a fight with another party goer. Witnesses said Martinez punched the party goer after getting upset over the opposing gang colors he was wearing. The party goer left the home with the victim, Amanda Acosta, and another friend. Shortly after leaving the party, Acosta’s friend heard a loud bang inside their vehicle and then realized it was a gunshot. The friend testified Amanda told her she had been shot and she thought she was joking. Once she realized Acosta had in fact been shot, her friends drove her to a nearby hospital, however, she passed away a short time later from a gunshot wound to her back. Amanda died just a few days shy of her eighteenth birthday. Days following Amanda’s death, her family held a benefit barbecue plate sale to help pay for funeral expenses. Martinez showed up to the benefit and even wore an “In Loving Memory” shirt and posed with her family in a picture shown to jurors during his trial.San Antonio Police centered on Martinez as a suspect after several eye witnesses who were at the party identified him as the shooter or as a person in a violent altercation immediately before the shots were fired. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Jason Goss and Clint Malloy from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Martinez.

6/1/2017 - Capital Murder Indictment Returned in Death of 15-Year-Old & Her Unborn Child
Posted On: June 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, June 1, 2017: A Bexar County Grand Jury has indicted Armando Rodrigo Garcia-Ramires, age 36, for two counts of Capital Murder in connection with the death of 15-year-old Jennifer Delgado and her unborn child.On March 6, 2017, Armando Rodrigo Garcia-Ramires is accused of shooting and killing his 15-year-old stepdaughter, Jennifer Delgado and her unborn child. While fleeing the scene of the murder, Garcia-Ramires later shot himself in a wooded area in the 1100 block of Babcock Road. Garcia-Ramires is awaiting trial out of the 437th District Court. Capital Murder is a felony, punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

6/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for May 2017
Posted On: June 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 5/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 5/31/2017 there were 470 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 233 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 173Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 156Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 18Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 60Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 38Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 17Intoxication Assault: 6Intoxication Manslaughter: 2*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

5/30/2017 - 65-Year Sentence for Man Who Shot BCSO Deputy
Posted On: May 30, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 30, 2017: Last week, a Bexar County jury sentenced 37-year-old Sherman Robinson to 65 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On Wednesday, jurors found Robinson guilty of Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon Against a Public Servant in connection with the October 2015 shooting of Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy Joseph Canales.On October 30, 2015, Deputy Canales, who is assigned to the K-9 Unit, was given information that drug dealing was taking place in the 8000 block of Midcrown, on the city’s northeast side. Deputy Canales went to the location and observed the defendant, later identified as Sherman Robinson, acting very suspicious by walking back and forth across Midcrown and never taking his eyes off of Deputy Canales. Eventually the defendant walked into the apartment complex at the location and Deputy Canales continued his patrol. A short while later when Deputy Canales drove back by the location, he once again saw the defendant about to cross Midcrown. Deputy Canales stopped his patrol vehicle to speak with the defendant, but as soon as he stepped out of his vehicle, the defendant opened fire with a .380 caliber handgun. The first shot hit Deputy Canales in the right forearm and the second shot hit him in the chest. The first shot disabled Deputy Canales’ arm, making it impossible for him to draw his sidearm and defend himself. Deputy Canales fled around his patrol vehicle as the defendant continued to fire at him. Deputy Canales then sought shelter behind a nearby tree and was able to draw his firearm with his left hand. The defendant fled into the apartment complex. Evidence later showed Robinson was less than 12 feet away from Deputy Canales when he fired his .380 caliber gun at him.Canales was able to call for help and give a description of the defendant and the direction in which he fled. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Windcrest and San Antonio Police Departments, responded to the area. A Good Samaritan also assisted Deputy Canales who had suffered injuries from the gunshots. While trying to evade officers in the apartment complex, Robinson once again shot at officers who were pursuing him. Robinson was caught a short while later hiding underneath a car in the apartment complex with the gun he used to shoot Deputy Canales just inches from his hand.Meanwhile, Deputy Canales was rushed to San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) where he underwent 8 hours of surgery to repair his right arm. The bullet that struck Deputy Canales in the chest was stopped by his ballistic vest. Deputy Canales endured months of rehabilitation and ultimately returned to work.On the stand, Deputy Canales told jurors he thought he was going to die that night and talked about his devastating injury. He also spoke of the loss of his father, San Antonio Police Officer Antonio Canales, who was killed in the line of duty in 1972. Deputy Canales says that he uses this horrific experience to train new officers about being ready for anything and fighting to survive when placed in similar situations. Since this incident Deputy Canales and his family regularly work with organizations that support injured and fallen officers (both human and K-9) and their families.The defendant also testified claiming he feared for his life and said he would shoot Deputy Canales again if in the same situation. Jurors took about one hour to convict Robinson of shooting Deputy Canales. After hearing punishment evidence, the jury returned a 65-year prison sentence. Prosecutors asked Presiding Judge Laura Parker to stack the 65-year sentence on top of a 99-year sentence that Robinson received last year for a Felon in Possession of a Firearm charge. Judge Parker granted the request, making Robinson’s total sentence to 164 years. Robinson will have to serve his 99-year sentence before his 65-year sentence begins.Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon Against a Public Servant is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, due to Robinson’s extensive criminal history, his punishment range was enhanced to 25 years to life in prison. Because of the nature of the offense, Robinson will have to serve at least 30 years on the Aggravated Assault before he becomes eligible for parole. Assistant District Attorneys Joe Hooker and Alfred Ramirez from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Robinson.

5/25/2017 - Genene Jones Indicted for 1981 Death of Joshua Sawyer
Posted On: May 25, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 25, 2017: Today, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Genene Jones, age 66, for the 1981 murder of Joshua Sawyer. Jones is suspected of killing up to 60 infants. She is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.On December 12, 1981, Jones was working as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit in what was formally known as the Bexar County Hospital. Evidence shows that Jones injected 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer with a toxic level of Dilantin.In 1984, a jury in Williamson County sentenced Jones to 99 years in prison for the death of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan. In late 1984, in Bexar County, a Judge sentenced Jones to 60 years in prison for injecting then 4-week-old Rolando Santos with Heparin. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.When District Attorney LaHood took office in January 2015, he approved a Task Force to investigate Jones and the crimes she committed.“As people are well aware, I believe children are a gift from the Lord,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Genene Jones did not see children in this regard. She is pure evil and justice warrants that she be held accountable for the crimes she committed. Our Office will attempt to account for every child whose life was stolen by the actions of Jones. Our only focus is justice.”The Grand Jury recommended Jones’ bond be set at $1 million. Due to a law in effect at the time Jones was sentenced, she will be released from prison in March 2018. Prior to her mandatory release, she will be extradited back to Bexar County where she will await trial for the new charges. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Due to the continuing investigations, we will reserve further comment at this time regarding future charges against Jones.

5/24/2017 - 60-Year Prison Sentence for Door to Door Salesman Who Gunned Down Homeowner
Posted On: May 24, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 24, 2017: Today, a Bexar County jury in the 186th District Court sentenced Richard Luis Amezquita, age 37, to 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the murder of Kerry O’Toole.On November 7, 2015, Amezquita was working as a home security salesman when he approached a home on the 1000 block of Visor Drive, in North San Antonio. The homeowner, later identified as 53-year-old Kerry O’Toole, had a “no soliciting” sign on the front door. Amezquita later told San Antonio police that O’Toole answered the door agitated and began attacking him a short time later – kicking and choking him. Amezquita told police he went to his vehicle where he retrieved a handgun. Amezquita claimed O’Toole began throwing rocks at him, when he fired his weapon at him – killing him. Amezquita left the scene and called 911, claiming self-defense. He was arrested nearby from where the shooting had occurred. Evidence at the scene did not support Amezquita’s allegations of self-defense.O’Toole, who was a carpenter, was described as the neighborhood hero because he would help everyone without charging them. Assistant District Attorneys Kim Gonzalez and Michelle Haden prosecuted the case against Amezquita in the 186th District Court. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

5/12/2017 - 40-Year Sentence in "Red Berry Mansion" Theft
Posted On: May 12, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 12, 2017: This week, 399th District Court Judge Frank Castro sentenced Kenneth McGraw, Jr. to 40 years in prison for committing theft valued at $20,000 to $100,000—a third-degree felony.On October 24, 2016, in exchange for the defendant’s no contest plea, the defendant agreed to a term of 15 years. The defendant, however, failed to show up for his sentencing hearing, removed his GPS monitor, and fled the jurisdiction. While a fugitive from justice, he was arrested on drug charges and later brought back to Bexar County. Exposed to the entire range of punishment of 25 to 99 years or life in prison as a habitual offender, Judge Castro sentenced McGraw to 40 years.In late 2014 and early 2015, workers with the City of San Antonio reported a massive theft at the historic Red Berry Mansion on the city’s East Side on Gembler Road. The city estimated the property loss at tens of thousands of dollars. On March 3, 2015, San Antonio Police Department officers learned that McGraw and his father, Kenneth McGraw, Sr., were involved in the mansion heist after they received a Crime Stoppers tip that the pair offered to sell them items from the Red Berry Mansion. Both were later arrested. Some of the property from the mansion was recovered; however, paintings and other artifacts are still missing. The city is trying to recover some of the lost property. If you have any information about the case, please call San Antonio Police.Kenneth McGraw, Sr. is awaiting trial on the case in the 399th District Court. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Edward A. Appelbaum and Kaytlyn Knowles from the Criminal Trial Division handled the case.

5/11/2017 - 65-Year Sentence for Man Who Murdered Iraq War Veteran
Posted On: May 11, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 11, 2017: Yesterday, a Bexar County jury sentenced Daniel Jeremy Torres, age 21, to 65 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and assessed a $10,000.00 fine. On Tuesday, jurors found Torres guilty in the murder of Jesse Richards, an Iraq War veteran.On December 20, 2015, Torres and his brother, David Alexander Zuniga, confronted Richards, as Richards got off a bus near the 400 block of Porter Street, on the city’s east side. Richards, an Army Veteran who had completed three tours in Iraq, had just finished his shift at a Southeast side restaurant. Police believe the brothers were attempting to rob Richards, when he was shot. Richards was found lying in the middle of the street near the bus stop. He died from his injuries a short time later. During the trial, Zuniga and another brother testified Torres was the shooter. The murder weapon was never recovered, however, eleven days following the murder Zuniga posted a picture of the same caliber weapon used in the killing on his Facebook page.During the punishment phase, the victim’s family testified of Jesse Richards sacrifice to serve his country, telling jurors that after serving his first tour of 15-months, he re-enlisted in the Army to serve two additional tours. They added that their family suffered a tremendous loss when he was killed. Torres’ mother testified he once threatened her with a screwdriver to her neck. Additionally, Torres was a convicted felon and a documented gang member.“I am proud of the hard work and dedication of prosecutors Josh Somers, James Phillips, and their team to ensure Jesse and his family received justice,” said District Attorney LaHood. “This is by no means closure for them, but hopefully it’s the start of the healing process.”In January, a jury sentenced Zuniga to life in prison for his role in Richards’ murder. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or Life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Joshua Somers and James Phillips prosecuted the case against Torres.

5/2/2017 - 40-Year Prison Sentence for Murder Defendant Who Shot Man Six Times
Posted On: May 02, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, May 2, 2017: Today, Visiting Judge Raymond Angelini sentenced Rosalio Anthony Barraza, age 22, to 40 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In late March, a Bexar County jury in the 290th District Court took just 30 minutes to find Barraza guilty of the 2013 murder of Isaac Arocha.On July 20, 2013, Barraza and Arocha got into a verbal altercation at a party on Weir Avenue on the city’s west side. Witnesses said Barraza walked outside and told Arocha to meet him in the middle of the street. As Arocha walked towards the street, Barraza was seen pulling out a .22 caliber revolver and firing at Arocha. Barraza fired the weapon six times, striking Arocha in the chin, neck, hand and three times in the chest. Arocha died a short time later.San Antonio police searched the area for Barraza and then enlisted the help of their Repeat Offender Program (ROP) and U.S. Marshals. Barraza was eventually apprehended in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and extradited back to Bexar County in October 2016. Following Barraza’s sentencing, the victim’s father addressed the defendant during a victim impact statement. Arocha’s father told Barraza how life without his son will never be the same and that he will never move on from this.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Matthew Ludowig and Gary Barton from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Barraza in the 290th District Court.

5/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for April 2017
Posted On: May 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 4/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 4/30/2017 there were 585 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 246 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 243Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 178Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 32Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 65Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 46Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 16Intoxication Assault: 4Intoxication Manslaughter: 2*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

4/13/2017 - Pair Who Killed Mall Patron During Rolling Oaks Mall Robbery Indicted
Posted On: April 13, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, April 13, 2017: Today, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted Jose Luis Rojas, age 34, and Jason Prieto, age 35, for Capital Murder.On January 22, 2017, Rojas and Prieto were both armed with guns when they stormed into the Kay Jewelers store located inside Rolling Oaks Mall. One of the men brandished a gun during the robbery, while the other began breaking a display glass with a tool. During the robbery, Jonathan Murphy, a customer at the jewelry store, was shot and killed. Rojas was also shot by a mall patron who possessed a CHL. Prieto fled from the mall, but was apprehended by the Converse Police Department soon after the shooting when he wrecked his vehicle and was found sleeping in a culvert.Rojas and Prieto were both indicted as habitual offenders due to their prior criminal history. Capital Murder is a felony, punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Rojas and Prieto are awaiting trial out of the 226th District Court.

4/11/2017 - Former Special Education Teacher Indicted for Assaulting Student
Posted On: April 11, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, April 11, 2017: A Bexar County Grand Jury has indicted Rosemary Diaz, age 59, for two cases of Injury to a Child or Disabled Individual. The charges stem from two separate incidents on February 1st and 2nd, 2017, where Diaz, a former special education teacher at Indian Creek Elementary, assaulted a 5-year-old autistic child. The assault, which was captured on video, shows Diaz repeatedly striking and pushing the child.“Our children are precious and we must protect them,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Special needs children are in a category of their own. They are truly the most vulnerable sector of our society. They often cannot defend or speak for themselves and anyone who harms them will be held accountable by our Office.”Injury to a Child or Disabled Individual is a third degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. The District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit will be prosecuting the case against Diaz. Diaz is currently awaiting trial out of the 187th District Court.

4/7/2017 - Woman Indicted, Funds Raised at Fashion Show Never Donated to Cancer Charity
Posted On: April 07, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, April 7, 2017: Yesterday, officers with the San Antonio Police Department’s Repeat Offender Program, or ROP, arrested Andrea Vasquez, age 44, for four felony cases of Theft. A Bexar County Grand Jury indicted Vasquez as a result of a joint investigation between the District Attorney’s Office and the San Antonio Police Department.On October 9, 2016, Vasquez hosted a charity event at a downtown venue, claiming the proceeds would be donated to the San Antonio chapter of “THair for You,” a national charity that provides wigs to cancer patients. During the event an oversized $20,000 presentation “check” made out to the charity “THair for You” was presented; however, the Comptroller for the charity stated that the charity never received any donation from the event. Vasquez advertised that the event was hosted by a charity named the “Fashion for Cancer Foundation.” During the joint investigation, it was determined that there was no charity named “Fashion for Cancer Foundation” registered as non-profit with the State of Texas. A small business owner provided fashion related services for the event, and the event was paid for with checks from a business named “Lauren Nicole, LLC,” a bank account associated with Vasquez. The bank account did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks written. The small business owner and checks written to vendors were never paid. The checks and services totaled almost $30,000.Theft is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, if convicted, Vasquez could face 2-10 years in prison for each case due to her past criminal history. In 2001, Vasquez was sentenced to ten years in prison for killing a mother and injuring her daughter in an intoxication-related crash.This incident is an ongoing criminal investigation. If you believe you have been a victim of Andrea Vasquez, please contact SAPD’s White Collar Division at (210) 207-7451.

4/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for March 2017
Posted On: April 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 3/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/31/2017 there were 439 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 201 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 184Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 125Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 18Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 61Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 36Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 10Intoxication Assault: 3Intoxication Manslaughter: 2*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

3/31/2017 - Pair Indicted in Horrific Abuse Case of 21-Month-old Girl
Posted On: March 31, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 31, 2017: A Bexar County Grand Jury has indicted a couple for causing horrific injuries to a 21-month-old girl. Isaac Andrew Cardenas, age 24, was indicted for two counts of Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. The victim’s mother, Crystal Herrera, age 22, was indicted for one count of Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission.On December 31, 2016, Herrera called 911 claiming her 21-month-old daughter had been attacked by dogs. When deputies and emergency responders arrived to the south Bexar County home, they observed the girl had suffered severe injuries to her genital and anal area. The victim was transported to University Hospital for treatment. Investigators with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and doctors described the child’s injuries as horrific and some of the worst they have ever seen. Under questioning by investigators, both Cardenas and Herrera claimed the victim had been attacked by dogs. When compared to the medical evidence, the child’s injuries did not match their story, but are consistent with a brutal sexual assault.“It is unthinkable to hear allegations of a mom involved in such horrific behavior,” said District Attorney LaHood. “This alleged abuse is disgusting and will be treated appropriately. We will not grow weary in showing the community how much we value children.”Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, with an enhanced punishment of 25 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Injury to a Child Causing Serious Bodily Injury by Omission is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Cardenas and Herrera are awaiting trial out of the 227th District Court. The District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Unit will be prosecuting the cases against the defendants.

3/23/2017 - Jurors Return Swift Guilty Verdict in Murder Trial
Posted On: March 23, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 23, 2017: Today, a Bexar County jury in the 290th District Court took just 30 minutes to find Rosalio Anthony Barraza, age 21, guilty of the 2013 murder of Isaac Arocha.On July 20, 2013, Barraza and Arocha got into a verbal altercation at a party on Weir Avenue on the city’s west side. Witnesses said Barraza walked outside and told Arocha to meet him in the middle of the street. As Arocha walked towards the street, Barraza was seen pulling out a .22 caliber revolver and firing at Arocha. Barraza fired the weapon six times, striking Arocha in the chin, neck, hand and three times in the chest. Arocha died a short time later.San Antonio police searched the area for Barraza and then enlisted the help of their Repeat Offender Program (ROP) and U.S. Marshals. Barraza was eventually apprehended in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and extradited back to Bexar County in October, 2016. Barraza, who is facing up to life in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced by Visiting Judge Raymond Angelini in the 290th District Court on May 2, 2017.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Matthew Ludowig and Gary Barton from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Barraza in the 290th District Court.

3/10/2017 - 30-Year Sentence for Drunk Driver Who Killed Woman, Seriously Injured Man
Posted On: March 10, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 10, 2017: Yesterday, 437th District Court Judge Lori Valenzuela sentenced Tyler Mosley, age 23, to a total of 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the offenses of Intoxication Manslaughter and Intoxication Assault. The sentences, 20 years and 10 years respectively, will run consecutively. In addition, an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon was applied to the Intoxication Manslaughter conviction.On July 5, 2015, after being involved in a hit and run accident, Tyler Mosley, ran a red light at Pat Booker and IH-35 access road and fled at a high rate of speed. He then t-boned the vehicle driven by James Casiano in which Emily McLaughlin was a passenger, as he ran a second red light at Toepperwein and IH-35 access road. The impact was so strong, the passenger side door was ripped off of the vehicle and the vehicle was thrown 10 feet in the air impacting a traffic signal pole. Emily did not survive her injuries and James was seriously injured, suffering a traumatic brain injury.Prior to the crash, Tyler Mosley had been at a bar in Live Oak, evidenced by the wrist band discarded by the Defendant at the crash scene prior to the arrival of the police department. The Defendant was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert and found to be intoxicated, shortly after the crash. A blood draw revealed the defendant not only had alcohol in his system, he had Tramodal, Xanax, the metabolite of cocaine, and the cutting agent for cocaine in his blood at the time of the crash. James and Emily were on their way home from a movie and dinner when they were struck by Mosley. Emily was visiting James, with plans to move to San Antonio soon.Intoxication Manslaughter is a second degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. An affirmative finding of a Deadly Weapon ensures that the Defendant will do half the time before becoming eligible for parole. Intoxication Assault is a third degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Frazier and Jason Todd from our DWI Task Force prosecuted the case against Mosley in the 437th District Court.

3/9/2017 - 35-Year Sentence for Man Convicted in Christmas Day Murder
Posted On: March 09, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 9, 2017: Yesterday, a Bexar County jury in the 187th District Court sentenced Benjamin Poehlmann, age 34, to 35 years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Jurors convicted Poehlmann of the 2014 Christmas Day murder of Roxann Sanchez, age 28.On December 25, 2014, Poehlmann shot and killed Roxann Sanchez at his home on First View Drive, near Perrin Beitel. The defendant’s sister who also lived in the home heard a loud noise and found Sanchez on the floor lifeless and her brother out of his wheelchair, crying. She added the victim and the defendant were arguing that morning and had a relationship where they were, “always fighting.” When San Antonio police arrived, they found Poehlmann on the ground next to the victim. Investigators recovered a handgun and shell casings at the scene. During the punishment phase of the trial, Poehlmann claimed there was never any real disagreement that morning and he was just cleaning his gun when it “went off.”Prior to committing the murder, the defendant was convicted in 2006 and 2009 of felon in possession of a firearm. Additionally, he was convicted of felony evading and possession of a controlled substance. Police had responded to the same household where the murder occurred in July 2014 when the defendant’s sister complained of gunshots inside the home. The defendant denied shooting inside the house, but the firearms were taken into custody and removed from the home. Regardless, the defendant admitted that he bought another firearm from an “associate” despite being a convicted felon and repeatedly being convicted for that same crime. The victim was 28 years old when she died and left behind 4 young children.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Michael De Leon and Alfredo Ramirez from our Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Poehlmann in the 187th District Court.

3/8/2017 - Bill Targeting Serial Abusers of the Most Vulnerable Filed Today
Posted On: March 09, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 8, 2017: Today, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Nico LaHood alongside Senators Carlos Uresti and Donna Campbell, and State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins announced the filing of a bill that would give prosecutors across the state the added tools to prevent initial and continuous crimes committed against our children, seniors and disabled individuals. In October 2016, District Attorney LaHood formally announced the proposed legislation alongside County Judge Nelson Wolff, 225th District Court Judge Peter Sakai, state representatives, senators, local law enforcement officials and area children, senior and disabled individual’s advocacy groups.“Over the past two years, cases have come across my desk that have brought pain to my heart as a father, son, and public servant,” said District Attorney LaHood. “These cases have emboldened my passion to protect our most vulnerable citizens."The bill filed today targets the chronic serial abuser of the most vulnerable victims – children, elderly, and the disabled. Currently, there is a gap where prosecutors are unable to appropriately punish the most serious abusers of children, the elderly and the disabled. The bill fills the gaps and gives a judge or jury the opportunity to assess the appropriate punishment in some of the most horrific abuse cases prosecutors have.DA LaHood is proposing four changes to the Penal Code that will address the following:1. Long term abuse – this relates to multiple alleged incidents (over time or multiple victims). The punishment would now be a first degree felony (5-99 years or life), versus a third degree felony (2-10 years).2. Long term abuse with serious injury – this relates to multiple injuries with serious bodily injury. This would enhance the punishment from first degree felony (5-99 years or life) to 15 years to life.3. Prior conviction with new abuse allegations – this relates to a prior injury adjudication followed by a new abuse allegation. This would enhance this from a third degree offense to a first degree offense.4. Child under 6 years old – this relates to Injury to a Child offense, without serious bodily injury. This would enhance the offense from a third degree to a first degree offense because of the victim’s age (under 6 years old).Last year, Bexar County was rocked by the horrific abuse allegations involving two young children, ages 3 and 4, who were found chained up in the backyard of a northeast side home. This gave the DA’s Office reason to re-examine State laws on abuse and prosecutors identified a need to fill gaps in existing statutes. In this particular case, prosecutors were able to present new medical expert evidence to a Grand Jury and they in turn then upgraded the charges from 3rd degree felonies to 1st degree felonies.“As our office seeks to reduce backlog in our criminal justice system and overcrowding in our prisons, it is important to remember we have a duty to hold the most violent and heinous criminal offenders accountable,” said DA LaHood. “This is especially true for those who target the most vulnerable, unable to defend themselves.”The bill filed today will now be referred to a Senate or House committee. The bills are voted on in committee, then the entire membership of the Senate and House. If the bill passes votes in favor in both Senate and House Chambers, it is then placed on the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

3/3/2017 - Former SAPD Officers Convicted on all Charges Stemming from Fake Undercover Operation
Posted On: March 03, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, March 3, 2017: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 187th District Court convicted two former San Antonio Police Department officers on more than a dozen counts each for the charges of Sexual Assault, Compelling Prostitution, and Official Oppression.In June 2015, Live Oak police officers responded to a call from a woman who said she had been sexually assaulted by a purported law enforcement officer. The victim told police she met the officer after she was referred to him by an SAPD officer who was a friend of hers. The officer she was referred to told her that she could earn up to $5,000 a day if she qualified for this undercover operation. The officer provided her a phone number and told her to send a text expressing her interest in the program. She did, and eventually was persuaded to meet with an alleged agent and complete certain “levels” to qualify for the job.In their efforts to identify the perpetrator, investigators with Live Oak Police Department and the Texas Rangers discovered close to 25 other women were being told this same false story of a job opportunity working as an undercover operative with law enforcement. By tracking the phone records and speaking to witnesses, authorities were able to identify Emmanuel Galindo and Alejandro Chapa, both former patrol officers with the San Antonio Police Department, as the persons who were recruiting women for this purpose. Each was identified as making false representations in order to persuade these women to have sex with them. During questioning, the pair denied any involvement in the criminal enterprise. The victims told authorities they were in desperate need of the money and believed the operation was in fact real. Galindo and Chapa resigned from SAPD following their arrests in September 2015.“We passionately support our law enforcement community but when men and women abuse their authority, we will hold them accountable,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “These convictions are not a reflection on the entire law enforcement community, but the individuals convicted are examples of those who dishonor the badge.”Galindo was convicted of the following charges: 5 counts of Sexual Assault, 5 counts of Compelling Prostitution, and 11 counts of Official Oppression. Chapa was convicted of the following charges: 3 counts of Sexual Assault, 4 counts of Compelling Prostitution, and 8 counts of Official Oppression. Sexual Assault and Compelling Prostitution are both 2nd degree felonies, punishable by 2-20 years and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Official Oppression is a Class A misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail, and up to a $4,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys David Lunan and Ryan Wright prosecuted the cases against Galindo and Chapa out of the 187th District Court. The punishment phase will resume Monday at 8:15 a.m. in the 187th District Court.

3/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for February 2017
Posted On: March 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 2/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 2/28/2017 there were 390 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 179 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st:141 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher:136 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container:14 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd:52 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More:32 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 8 Intoxication Assault:4 Intoxication Manslaughter:3 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

2/23/2017 - 32-Year Sentence for Man Who Shot at Bexar County Constables
Posted On: February 23, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, February 23, 2017: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 227th District Court sentenced Darnell Rogers, age 23, to 32 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On Wednesday, jurors convicted Rogers of the first degree felony offense of Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant.On September 18, 2015, law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were dispatched to the 3800 block of Southcross for reports of two black males shooting their guns at a car. Authorities believe the two parties had engaged in a drug deal before the shooting occurred. Bexar County Constables’ James Valle and Fabian Gonzalez from Precinct 4 first responded to the scene and made contact with Rogers. The constables began chasing Rogers on foot. Shortly thereafter, the constables heard a gunshot and observed Rogers scrambling over an 8-foot fence. They said when Rogers got to the other side of the fence, he began firing again at them. During the trial, numerous witnesses from a nearby apartment complex and nursing home testified to seeing Rogers fire his weapon at the uniformed constables.Another constable then witnessed Rogers aim his gun at the other constables in an attempt to fire at them again. The constable shot Rogers once, striking him. Rogers was placed into custody and found with a 9MM gun and 15 grams of methamphetamine. Rogers, who represented himself during his trial with an advisor present, was partially paralyzed as a result of the incident. During the punishment phase, the State presented evidence Rogers has a criminal history and had assaulted guards and inmates in the Bexar County Jail while awaiting trial.Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Schulze and Julie Wright from the Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Rogers in the 227th District Court.

2/21/2017 - Grand Jury Indicts Man for Two Separate Capital Murders
Posted On: February 22, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, February 21, 2017: Today, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted Jose Baldomero Flores III, age 36, for two separate Capital Murders and one count of Arson of a Habitation.Flores is alleged to have committed the murder of Esmeralda Herrera on March 2, 2011. The victim was found murdered inside her apartment in the 100 block of General Ent Court. Additionally, the defendant is accused of setting her apartment on fire. The defendant was arrested in 2011 for the murder of Herrera. In May 2011, the case was rejected for further investigation. In 2015, the case was re-opened by the current District Attorney’s administration. The defendant is also accused of committing the murder of Heather Willms on February 21, 2005. Willms was found murdered in her apartment located in the 5600 block of Grissom Road in Leon Valley. Both murders are alleged to have been committed in the course of sexually assaulting the respective women, which elevates the murders to capital murders.In late November, Flores was arrested as a result of a joint investigation between the District Attorney’s Office, the San Antonio Police Department, the Leon Valley Police Department and the Texas Rangers. The defendant is awaiting trial for the cases out of the 437th District Court.Capital Murder is a felony, punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Arson is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.

2/10/2017 - 80-Year Prison Sentence for Murder Defendant in 2014 Shooting Death
Posted On: February 10, 2017
San Antonio, Texas, February 10, 2017: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 186th District Court sentenced Dustin Lee Osborne, age 22, to 80 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and assessed a $10,000.00 fine. On Wednesday, jurors found Osborne guilty of the August 2014 murder of Ralph Lopez, age 34.On August 11, 2014, Lopez was outside his home in the 9200 block of Lytle Avenue, on the city’s south side, when Osborne and Osborne’s uncle, Gabriel Aguilar showed up. The pair was at Lopez’ home to pick up two women who were at the location. One of the women, however, refused to leave with the men. Lopez intervened and began fighting with Aguilar. A witness told police that Aguilar then instructed Osborne to shoot Lopez. Osborne shot Lopez six times. He later died at a hospital.Osborne and Aguilar left the location before police could arrive, but were both arrested and charged with Lopez’s murder. Under questioning by police, Osborne told detectives that he thought Lopez was reaching in his waistband for a weapon when Osborne opened fire. The State’s witnesses, however, testified during the trial that Lopez did not have a weapon and Osborne shot Lopez after his uncle instructed him to do so. On the stand, Osborne claimed he shot Lopez in self-defense, claiming he was in fear for his life. No weapon was found on the victim.Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Gabriel Aguilar, a co-defendant in this case, is awaiting trial for Lopez’ murder. Assistant District Attorneys Joshua Somers and Lauren Scott prosecuted the case against Osborne in the 186th District Court.

2/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for January 2017
Posted On: February 01, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 1/1/2017 through 11:59 p.m. on 1/31/2017 there were 425 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 189 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 156Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher 147Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 23Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 61Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 29Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 6Intoxication Assault: 2Intoxication Manslaughter: 1*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

1/1/2017 - DWI "No Refusal" Arrests for December 2016
Posted On: February 03, 2017
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 12/1/2016 through 11:59 p.m. on 12/31/2016 there were 420 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 217 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense:Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 156Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher: 144Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 16Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 53Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 43Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 8Intoxication Assault: 0Intoxication Manslaughter: 0*The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases.No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

9/16/2016 - 40-Year Sentence for Murder Defendant Who Killed Man in 2013
Posted On: September 16, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, September 16, 2016: Yesterday afternoon, 186th District Court Judge Jefferson Moore sentenced Antonio Torres, age 39, to 40 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On August 19th of this year, a Bexar County jury took under an hour to find Torres guilty of the November 2013 murder of Roy Ruiz. On November 4, 2013, Torres showed up at a home in the 1300 block of Keats to confront his girlfriend’s mother. After the victim, Roy Ruiz, said the mother was not home, Torres shot Ruiz killing him. Several witnesses told police Torres was the shooter. Under questioning by San Antonio police detectives, the defendant denied any involvement in the shooting. However, during his trial, numerous witnesses testified Torres was the shooter and shortly after the murder, the defendant discarded cell phones, guns and clothing. Additionally, Torres made several admissions to acquaintances and in jail phone calls regarding involvement in Ruiz’ murder. During the sentencing hearing, the defendant’s former wife testified that Torres beat her with a bat and violated a protective order she had against him. After sentencing Torres to four decades, Judge Moore told the defendant he was ‘dangerous’ and belonged in prison. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Kimberly Gonzalez and Laura Maetzold from the Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Torres in the 186th District Court.

9/12/2016 - 60-Year Sentence for Repeat Drunk Driver
Posted On: September 12, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, September 12, 2016: On Friday afternoon, a Bexar County jury sentenced Zachary Wade Lenius, age 32, to 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Earlier in the week, the defendant had pleaded guilty to Murder. On November 29, 2014, the defendant was involved in a deadly crash at a gas station located at the 12000 block of O’Connor Road. After fleeing the scene of a hit and run crash at Perrin Bietel and Centergate, the defendant failed to negotiate the curve right before the gas station, crossed over the turn lane and struck the victim, Joo Chung, head-on. The force from the impact pushed the victim’s vehicle up into the parking lot of the gas station, where both vehicles came to rest. The defendant was identified by an off-duty State Trooper who was following behind him at the time of the crash. As the off-duty trooper was assisting the victim, Joo Chung, the defendant fled from the scene. The off-duty trooper chased after him and brought him back to the crash scene, where he was evaluated by a DWI officer and found to be intoxicated. The defendant refused a blood draw. A search warrant was obtained and his blood drawn at the hospital. The toxicology results showed his blood alcohol content was .11. Lenius initially denied being the driver, but later told the arresting officer he was driving the truck. Additionally, DNA from the airbag was a match to the DNA obtained from the Defendant. At his trial, the defendant pled guilty to the jury for the offense of Murder. The State called several witnesses to the stand, detailing the events of both crashes. In addition, the State put on evidence of the defendant’s two prior DWIs, and past criminal history – which included two felony cases, an aggravated assault and a drug case, which he was on probation for at the time of the deadly crash. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years, or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, the defendant’s punishment range was enhanced to 15 years to life in prison because he was considered a repeat offender. Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Frazier and Joseph Hooker from the DWI Task Force prosecuted the case against Lenius in the 226th District Court

9/2/2016 - Pair Indicted for Capital Murder of 7-year-old Iris Rodriguez
Posted On: September 02, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, September 2, 2016: Earlier this week, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted Frank Gomez, age 28, and Manuel Watson, age 22, for the Capital Murder of 7-year-old Iris Rodriguez. Additionally, the defendants were indicted for two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. On June 1, 2016, the defendants were leaving Cuellar Park around 10 p.m. on the 5000 block of San Fernando on the city’s west side, when they encountered the victim, her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. Witnesses said words were exchanged between the victims and the defendants, when gunfire erupted. Iris suffered a gunshot wound to her head and died from her injuries. Her mother suffered a gunshot wound to her arm. A third suspect, Jonathan Campos, committed suicide in the Bexar County Jail in July. A fourth suspect, Peter Gonzalez, was arrested but has not been indicted at this time. His case is currently under review. Capital Murder is a felony, punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole or death. Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is a second degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. The cases are pending in the 187th District Court.

9/1/2016 - 99-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Sexually Abused Girl
Posted On: September 01, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, September 1, 2016: This afternoon, a Bexar County jury in the 175th District Court sentenced Darrel Keith Bowser, age 49, to 99 years in prison without the possibility of parole and assessed the maximum fine of $10,000.00. On Wednesday, jurors took 30 minutes to find Bowser guilty of one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. In 2012, the victim made an outcry to a family friend that Bowser had sexually assaulted her in the past. The victim also told a Bexar County forensic interviewer at ChildSafe that Bowser had been inappropriately touching her since she was six years old. San Antonio police detectives handled the investigation and submitted the case to the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. During the trial the victim, now 17 years old, told jurors about the abuse she endured by Bowser. Bowser took the stand in his own defense, denying the allegations against him. During cross-examination the defendant admitted to his extensive prior criminal history, which includes aggravated robbery, burglary of a habitation, and numerous drug and assault charges. Additionally, the defendant had previously served time in federal prison for a drug charge. Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison without the possibility of parole and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Karl Alexander and Helen Stowe from the Child Abuse Unit prosecuted the case against Bowser in the 175th District Court.

8/31/2016 - Trio Indicted for Capital Murder of 5-year-old Girl
Posted On: August 31, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, August 31, 2016: Yesterday, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted three men suspected in the shooting death of 5-year-old Ana Garza. Abdi Abdi, age 18, Murjan Abdi, age 19, and Christian Lopez, age 19, were all indicted for Capital Murder. The indictment alleges the three men, together with an unidentified fourth suspect, approached a home in the 800 block of Pecan Valley on June 1, 2016. The suspects shot and severely injured the victim’s stepfather, before shooting into the home where other family members, including Ana Garza, congregated. The 5-year-old was sleeping on a mattress in the front room when she was struck in the head. She passed away from her injuries a week later. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle that had been stolen at gunpoint two days before this incident. Evidence in the case indicates the suspects were seeking to burglarize the home at the time of the shooting. Capital Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole or death. The cases are pending in the 226th District Court.

8/11/2016 - DA LaHood Announces Bexar County’s First Felony Pre-Trial Diversion Program
Posted On: August 11, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, August 11, 2016: Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Nico LaHood announces the launch of the county's first felony Pre-Trial Diversion Program. The new program is offered to first-time, non-violent offenders, charged with a certain felony drug offense (under Chapter 481 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act). Felony PTD is a program for qualifying defendants who demonstrate rehabilitative potential. “Our new felony Pre-Trial Diversion program is a great opportunity for low-risk, first-time offenders to get the structure and opportunity they need to help get them back on the right path to become a productive citizen,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. If accepted, a defendant will pay a program fee, complete community service hours, attend substance abuse treatment and necessary counseling to address the underlying cause of his or her drug usage. Participants will be supervised by the Bexar County Pretrial Services Department (Pretrial Services). Supervision will be a minimum of one year and may be extended up to two years. The defendant can be of any age, as long as it is their first criminal offense of any kind (excluding Class C traffic violations). A defendant can be disqualified from the program if they have a criminal conviction, deferred adjudication or previously participated in a pretrial diversion program. Additionally, the defendant is disqualified if they used or exhibited a deadly weapon during the commission - of the offense, - if evidence suggests the person is engaged in the manufacture, distribution or sale of any controlled substance; or the person is behind on court ordered child support. Participants who successfully complete the program will have their criminal case dismissed. If, however, a participant fails to complete all aspects of the program, the case will be placed back on the trial court’s docket and the defendant will face the full range of punishment for the offense. The goal of the Felony Pre-Trial Diversion Program is to educate and treat low risk first time offenders, prevent their return to the criminal justice system and provide the opportunity to continue life with a clean slate. In May 2015, the DA's Office re-designed the Misdemeanor Pre-Trial Diversion Program in the same manner. The program helps to reduce recidivism rates and the backlog of court dockets.

7/29/2016 - Trio Indicted in Case Where Children Were Found Tied Up
Posted On: July 29, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, July 29, 2016: Yesterday, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted a trio connected to a child abuse case where two children were found tied up in the backyard of a northeast Bexar County home. Porucha Phillips, age 34, is charged with three counts of Injury to a Child. Deandre Dorch, age 36, is charged with two counts of Injury to a Child. Cheryl Reed, age 30, is charged with one count of Injury to a Child. On April 28, 2016, a resident on the 8100 block of Chipping called 911 after hearing a child cry for several hours. Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the location and looked over the fence, where they discovered two young children tied up in the backyard. The children, ages 3 and 4, were tied with a dog chain and leash. One of the children was tied up by the wrists and the other by the ankles. Deputies set both children free and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. The two children had numerous injuries. Inside the home, deputies found six children, ranging in age from 10 months old to ten years old. All of the children were without adult supervision. Phillips, the mother of the six children inside the home, showed up to the home with Dorch, an hour later. Reed, the mother of the two children found outside tied up, claims she was in California. She returned to San Antonio several days later. The trio were all friends who had recently moved from California. All three defendants were questioned by Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigators. All of the children are in the care of Child Protective Services. Injury to a Child is a third degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Phillips, Dorch, and Reed are awaiting trial out of the 187th District Court. The DA’s Office Child Abuse Unit will be prosecuting the cases against the defendants.

7/21/2016 - Life Sentence for Man Who Murdered Childhood Friend
Posted On: July 21, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, July 21, 2016: Today, Bexar County jurors in the 175th District Court took just 20 minutes to sentence Jose Gutierrez, age 34, to life in prison and assessed a $10,000.00 fine. Jurors found Gutierrez guilty of the 2013 shooting murder of his childhood friend, Raul Garcia. In August 2013, Garcia’s body was found inside a vehicle doused in gasoline in Atascosa County. Garcia, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was wrapped in a comforter. Witnesses later told authorities that after shooting his friend three times, Gutierrez made other people, which included a 14-year-old girl, help clean up the crime scene. They said Garcia’s body was loaded up in the back of the defendant’s pickup truck and eventually the body was dumped in a field out in Atascosa County. The defendant also forced Garcia’s girlfriend and another man to get in the vehicle to transport the body. While out in the field, the victim’s girlfriend was able to get away and ran several miles to a convenience store to call for someone to pick her up. Witnesses said after Garcia’s body was placed in his own vehicle, it was doused with gasoline and the plan was to burn the body and vehicle. However, the plan was foiled when the defendant was spooked by vehicle lights on the road and they left without setting the fire. The defendant then drove to his mother’s house to clean up his pickup truck. Another witness, who was forced by the defendant to help dump the body, was able to run and flag down a security guard for help and to call the police. Once police arrived, the witness took officers to all three locations – where the shooting happened, where the body was dumped and where the pickup truck was cleaned. While this was happening, the defendant and family left San Antonio. Gutierrez was arrested about a month later in Jacksonville, Texas. Additionally, while out on bond and awaiting trial, Gutierrez cut off his GPS ankle monitor and fled the courthouse right before jury selection was to begin. During the punishment phase, jurors learned of Gutierrez’s prior misdemeanor and state jail felony convictions, along with his affiliation and membership with the Mexican Mafia. While awaiting trial for murder, Gutierrez also allegedly committed additional offenses. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Marilisa Janssen and Joshua Somers from the Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Gutierrez in the 175th District Court.

7/19/2016 - 40-Year Sentence for Repeat Drunk Driver Who Killed Father of Three
Posted On: July 19, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, July 19, 2016: Yesterday, 437th District Court Judge Lori Valenzuela sentenced Jose L. Hernandez, age 59, to 40 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Earlier this year, Hernandez pled no contest to Felony Murder. In August 2013, Hernandez was fleeing the scene of a minor crash on General McMullen, when he struck and killed 25-year-old Gilbert Ramos who was crossing the street. Witnesses told police Hernandez was driving at a high rate of speed and had ran two red lights before he hit Ramos. During Monday’s sentencing hearing, one witness tearfully described how she first noticed Ramos dragging a laundry basket as he approached the intersection of Wallace and General McMullen. As Ramos crossed General McMullen, she heard the sound of a car traveling at a high rate of speed and then witnessed the impact. She said that all she could see was smoke from the truck and clothes coming down like it was raining. She ran towards Ramos, held his hand, and prayed over him until he passed away. Witnesses to the deadly hit and run followed Hernandez and detained him shortly after the impact. They said Hernandez had stopped to close his hood that had been damaged by the impact. Under questioning by police, Hernandez told investigators that he didn’t realize he had hit Ramos. Toxicology results showed that Hernandez had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.24, three times the legal limit, when his blood was drawn two hours after the crash. This was the defendant’s 7th DWI conviction. He received his first DWI conviction in 1984. “Mr. Hernandez’s actions to repeatedly get behind the wheel intoxicated showed a complete disregard for public safety,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Be responsible and don’t make a game time decision, make a plan ahead of time.” Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years, or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. However, Hernandez’s punishment range was enhanced to 25 years to life in prison because he had previously been sentenced to prison in 2003 and 2010 to prison for DWI. Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Frazier and Joseph Hooker from the DWI Task Force prosecuted the case against Hernandez in the 437th District Court.

7/14/2016 - Update: Results in Hot Check Round-up
Posted On: July 14, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, July 14, 2016: Earlier this week, investigators with the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office along with the BCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit targeted 105 hot check defendants who were fugitives and had warrants out for their arrest. Of the 105 fugitives who were processed by the Check Section, none were required to be arrested and all had their cases dismissed by paying their balances in full. The total amount of restitution recovered from these individuals was $54,616.09. Hot check writing is still a big problem here in Bexar County. After the round-up, the more than $54,000 recovered in restitution will be given back to hot check writing victims. The punishment range for writing checks is anywhere from a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine) to a state-jail felony (punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine). If you have hot checks, get them paid NOW! For more information regarding payments through the Check Section of the District Attorney’s Office, go to the 1st floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower, suite 110.2, or call (210) 335-2415. Learn more about our Check Section here: http://www.bexar.org/1506/Check-Section

7/1/2016 - DWI “No Refusal” Arrests for June 2016
Posted On: July 01, 2016
San Antonio, Texas: During the No Refusal program this past month, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on 6/1/2016 through 11:59 p.m. on 6/30/2016 there were 444 persons arrested for driving while intoxicated offenses and 231 blood draws. Below is a breakdown of the arrests by offense: Driving While Intoxicated 1st: 195 Driving While Intoxicated w/BAC 0.15 or higher: 119 Driving While Intoxicated-Open Container: 20 Driving While Intoxicated-2nd: 70 Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or More: 31 Driving While Intoxicated-with Child Under 15 yrs. old: 5 Intoxication Assault: 3 Intoxication Manslaughter: 1 *The data complied reflects arrests only. It does not reflect the disposition of the cases. No Refusal Policy: Since October of 2011, Bexar County has had a “No Refusal” policy for individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated. Whenever a driver is arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the driver will be asked to voluntarily provide a specimen of the driver’s breath or blood for forensic testing to determine its alcohol concentration. If the arrested person refuses to provide a voluntary specimen, the arresting officer will obtain a search warrant from a judge to obtain a blood specimen for forensic testing. This Policy applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

6/30/2016 - DA’s Office Launches New Law Enforcement Integrity Unit
Posted On: June 30, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, June 30, 2016: Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Nicholas “Nico” LaHood announces the launch of the new Law Enforcement Integrity Unit. The Law Enforcement Integrity Unit will focus on the investigation and review of officer-involved shootings, allegations of improper use of force and other police misconduct. The Unit, which will be within the Special Crimes Division, will consist of an experienced prosecutor and investigator. Currently, the District Attorney’s Office is investigating over 60 cases involving allegations against law enforcement officers. “If a law enforcement officer breaks the law, they need to be held accountable but if they didn’t do it they need to be exonerated,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “We need to continue to build trust with the community and with law enforcement. The community needs to be assured we will prosecute anyone who breaks the law – it doesn't matter if the suspect is a police officer, a doctor, or anybody else.” Jay Norton, a well-respected criminal defense attorney, is leaving private practice to head the unit. Norton has over 30 years of experience practicing law, including more than 24 years in private practice. Additionally, Norton is a former Assistant District Attorney with the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Throughout this career as a criminal defense attorney, Norton represented numerous law enforcement officers and is very familiar with the legal issues involved in these types of cases.

6/28/2016 - 99-Year Prison Sentence in Child Starvation Death Case
Posted On: June 28, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, June 28, 2016: Today, a Bexar County jury in the 379th District Court sentenced Crystal Williams, age 31, to 99 years in prison and assessed a $10,000.00 fine in connection with the death of 5-year-old Josiah Williams. Last week, Williams pled guilty to the first degree felony charge of Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury – Omission. On December 27, 2012, emergency responders were called out to a home in the 3900 block of Gayle Avenue. Once inside, they discovered Josiah unresponsive, lying on the floor. First responders, who immediately began attempting to revive the boy, said Josiah had two black eyes, cuts, scrapes and bruising all over his body, and appeared extremely underweight. Josiah was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later revealed Josiah had been beaten and starved to death. At the time of his death, the 5-year-old weighed 38 pounds. The Medical Examiner testified Josiah died as a result of “dehydration in a battered underweight child.” During an interview with San Antonio police detectives, Williams admitted that she should have sought medical assistance for her step-son, but denied injuring the boy. During the punishment phase, Josiah’s maternal grandmother testified that prior to living with Williams, he was a “happy, go lucky child.” Josiah had been living with Williams, his biological father Charleston Williams, and his step-grandmother Gloria Proo, for six months before he died. Additionally, a family acquaintance testified that Josiah’s skin was “yellow” and appeared extremely underweight weeks before his death. At the time of his death, Josiah was not enrolled in school. The two remaining co-defendant’s in this case, Charleston Williams and Gloria Proo, are awaiting trial before the 379th District Court. Williams and Proo are also charged with Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury – Omission. Injury to a Child – Serious Bodily Injury – Omission is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Williams must serve 30 years before she’s eligible for parole. Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Boyd, Lauren Glasscock, and Clarissa Fernandez, Investigator Edgar Castro, Victim Advocate Norma Ferguson and Intern Alex Pedraza from the Child Abuse Unit handled the case against Williams in the 379th District Court.

6/17/2016 - Life Sentence for Man Who Killed Pizza Delivery Driver
Posted On: June 17, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, June 17, 2016: Yesterday, a Bexar County jury in the 187th District Court took just 20 minutes to sentence Robert Carlos Delcid, age 37, to life in prison. Earlier that day, jurors found Delcid guilty of Murder. On July 2, 2014, Jimmy O’Neill was working as a Papa John’s Pizza delivery driver, delivering a pizza to a customer at the DeZavala Oaks Apartments on De Zavala Road. Jimmy left his car running for the few minutes he ran up to deliver the pizza. As Jimmy interacted with his customer, he noticed a suspicious man near his car and finished the transaction quickly to get back to his car. The last words he said was “Thank you ma’am, have a nice day.” As he started running towards his car, the defendant, later identified as Robert Carlos Delcid, got in the car and started driving away. Jimmy caught up to the moving vehicle and tried to stop the defendant from taking it. It is unclear how, but somehow, Delcid turned the wheel of the car crushing Jimmy in between his own car and another parked car, and the defendant drove away. During the trial, evidence was presented that after Delcid took the car, he drove to Arbor Street, where a witness saw him attempting to get rid of the Papa John’s sign on the car. Detectives were called to a business on Arbor Street where an employee spotted Jimmy’s personal things inside a Papa John’s Pizza bag stuffed in a trash can. Later, Jimmy’s abandoned car was recovered in South San Antonio and crime scene investigators were able to recover the defendant’s fingerprint from a stolen license plate on the car, and the defendant’s DNA was found on a Whataburger cup located inside the car. Delcid was apprehended and arrested. Additionally, jurors heard evidence in punishment that Delcid was on probation for theft of vehicle when he committed the murder, and that he had thrown rocks at two college students who were trying to help the defendant’s girlfriend get away from him after an argument, hitting one of them with a rock in the head, requiring stitches. The jury took 40 minutes to convict the defendant of murder and 20 minutes to sentence the defendant to life in prison. Murder is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Jason Goss and Michael De Leon from the Criminal Trial Division prosecuted the case against Delcid in the 187th District Court.

6/16/2016 - Five Life Sentences Handed Down in Child Sex Abuse Case
Posted On: June 16, 2016
San Antonio, Texas, June 16, 2016: This afternoon, 290th District Court Judge Melisa Skinner sentenced Carl Bailes, age 40, to five life sentences and eight 20-year sentences. Earlier today, a Bexar County jury found Bailes guilty of 5 counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and 8 counts of Sexual Assault of a Child. In 2012, a then 16-year-old girl made an outcry to her mother that Bailes had repeatedly sexually abused her. The victim, now 19 years old, testified that Bailes began sexually assaulting her when she was just 5 years old. Based on her accusations, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating Bailes. Bailes was subsequently charged with production, receipt, possession and distribution of child pornography. FBI agents discovered numerous files depicting child pornography on his computer and discovered Bailes had deleted an additional 100 files of child pornography. In November 2015, a federal judge sentenced Bailes to 135 years as a result of those charges. During the punishment hearing today in State District Court, the victim told the judge the abuse still affects her and made a devastating impact on her childhood. The judge ordered two of the life sentences and one of the 20-year sentences be “stacked” or served consecutively with his 135-year federal prison sentence. The remaining three life sentences and seven 20-year sentences will be served concurrently. “I commend the jury’s swift verdict and Judge Skinner’s tough sentence,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Everyone can be at peace knowing that Mr. Bailes will never harm another innocent child. Our Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who harm our children.” Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Sexual Assault of a Child is a second degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Assistant District Attorneys Kristina Escalona and Alessandra Cranshaw prosecuted the case against Bailes in the 290th District Court.

Bexar County Consolidated Plan Public Notice 2021
Posted On: January 15, 2021
Bexar County will hold virtual input sessions open to the general public on the following dates: Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 PM- Precinct 1Thursday, February 4 at 6:30 PM- Precinct 2Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30 PM-Precinct 3Thursday, February 11 at 6:30 PM- Precinct 4You can join the sessions online through Zoom using: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82787323299. You can also join by phone by calling 346-248-7799 (meeting ID: 827 8732 3299). Spanish interpretation will be available at all meetings.

Public Notice - Kitty Hawk Flats Multifamily Development Project
Posted On: September 09, 2020
Public Notice - Kitty Hawk Flats Multifamily Development Project

Emergency Solutions Grant Coronavirus ESG-CV
Posted On: July 30, 2020
Follow the link to read the Emergency Solutions Grant Coronavirus ESG-CV document.

2020 Public Hearings - Housing and Urban Development
Posted On: January 09, 2020
Come give your input and help identify housing and community development needs in Bexar County.

2019 Aviso Al Público - Español
Posted On: June 04, 2018
Plan de acción de un año 2019 del condado de Bexar

2019 Public Hearings
Posted On: January 16, 2019
View Document (English / Spanish)

Notice: Home Reprogramming Action
Posted On: June 04, 2018
View Document (English / Spanish)

Alamo RMA Board of Directors Meeting
Posted On: June 11, 2020
The next meeting of the Alamo RMA Board of Directors is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. The Alamo RMA Board of Directors meeting will be held at Bexar County Public Works Board Room, 1948 Probandt St, San Antonio, TX 78214.

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The AIM Peer Mediation Program Celebrates 20 Years of Service!

Welcome to Bexar County

Bexar County River and Creeks Program Resolution

Toltec Apartments

Christ Episcopal Chruch

Marnoch Homestead

The Dawson Massacre

The Rechel Stumpf House

Maverick Carter House

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Boldtville Schoolhouse

Hangar 9 - Brooks City Base

The Battle of Salado

The Battle of Medina

The Koheler House

Old San Antonio Bank Building

The Navarro House

The Halff House

John T. Floore Country Store

The Storming of Bexar

The Woll Invasion

The Woodward House and Women's Club

Wesley Peacock House

T C Frost Wool Warehouse

Bexar County Courthouse

T.C. Frost and the Frost Bank

Erasmo Seguin

Coker Cemetery

Old St Mary's College

The Canary Islanders

4/1/2019 - Sex offender receives 8 life sentences for sexually assaulting 7-year-old girl

4/19/2018 - Guilty Verdict for Deandre Dorch, Accused of Tying up Children in Backyard

2/13/2018 - Life without Parole for Defendant who Sexually Assaulted two Young Girls

1/30/2018 - Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years for Injuring 9-week-old

Grand Jurors Return Fifth Indictment Against Genene Jones for 1981 Death of Paul Villarreal

10/16/2017 - Guilty plea for Porucha Phillips Accused of Tying up Children in Backyard results in 50

9/13/2017 - 88-Year Prison Sentence Handed Down to Step-Grandmother for Death of 5-Year-old Boy

8/24/2017 - 45-Year Sentence for Man Who Violently Assaulted Girlfriend and Three Children

7/10/2017 - 60-Year Prison Sentence for Man Convicted in Grandson’s Murder

6/29/2017 - Grand Jurors Return Two New Murder Indictments Against Genene Jones

6/21/2017 - Grand Jurors Return 2nd Indictment Against Genene Jones for 1981 Death of Rosemary Vega

5/25/2017 - Genene Jones Indicted for 1981 Death of Joshua Sawyer

3/31/2017 - Pair Indicted in Horrific Abuse Case of 21-Month-old Girl

3/8/2017 - Bill Targeting Serial Abusers of the Most Vulnerable Filed Today

9/2/2016 - Pair Indicted for Capital Murder of 7-year-old Iris Rodriguez

9/1/2016 - 99-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Sexually Abused Girl

7/29/2016 - Trio Indicted in Case Where Children Were Found Tied Up

6/28/2016 - 99-Year Prison Sentence in Child Starvation Death Case

6/16/2016 - Five Life Sentences Handed Down in Child Sex Abuse Case

05/19/2016 - Four Stacked Life Sentences in Child Sex Abuse Case

05/04/2016 - Jurors Sentence Man to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Girl

05/02/2016 - 60-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Sexually Abused Young Girl

06/03/2015 - 50-Year Sentence for Man who Injured Children in Shooting

05/29/2015 - 60-Year Sentence for Man who Sexually Abused Girl

05/28/2015 - 35-Year Sentence in Case Where Boy was Badly Burned

05/26/2015 - Life Without Parole Sentence for Man who Sexually Abused Girl

05/20/2015 - 40 Year Sentence for Man Who Badly Beat 4-year-old Girl

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down more than 300 indictments

Bexar County D.A.'s Office completes additional review into shooting death of Marquise Jones

Bexar County Commissioners approve funding for additional family violence prosecutors

Bexar County Assistant District Attorney Daryl Harris to lead Civil Rights Division

Bexar County D.A. publishes magistration, felony criminal trial data

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in 2 separate capital murder cases

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in 3 separate murder cases

Cite and Release data available on Bexar County D.A. website

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reforms death sentence in Bexar County capital murder case

Woman indicted by Bexar County Grand Jury for intoxication manslaughter

Bexar County D.A. Joe Gonzales, County Court Judges announce major change for family violence cases

Bexar County Grand Juries hand down indictments in capital murder, murder cases

Grand Juries indict men for separate murder, manslaughter cases

S.A. man receives 12 year sentence for intoxication manslaughter charge

Grand Jury indicts man for family violence-related murder

Convicted sex offender sentenced for sex attack on 64-year-old woman

Grand Jury indicts pair for capital murder

Bexar County District Attorney’s Office makes family violence data available online

Bexar County Grand Jury indicts man for capital murder

Announcing the 2020 CREATE PEACE Poster Contest! Deadline Extended