Atascosa County - Woman Sentenced to 9 Years for Drug Offense

April Marie Segura, 41, has been sentenced to nine years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice–Institutional Division for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

Segura entered a guilty plea on October 7, 2025.

The charges stem from an incident on June 13, 2024, in Pleasanton. Officer Villa with the Pleasanton Police Department was conducting routine traffic checks when he observed a vehicle commit an unsafe turn. The vehicle was familiar to Officer Villa from a previous narcotics-related stop. Upon stopping the car and engaging with the occupants, officers discovered narcotics inside the vehicle. Further investigation and information provided by the individuals led law enforcement to a room at the Super 8 Motel, where a search warrant was executed. April Segura was found inside the room in possession of approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine.

Drug trafficking poses a serious threat to the safety and health of our communities. Many of our property and violent crimes stem from drug use. Thanks to the diligence of the Pleasanton Police Department and the efforts of our Border Prosecution Unit prosecutor, Kenny Lam, a significant quantity of methamphetamine was removed from the streets, and a another drug dealer is held accountable. This sentence reflects our ongoing commitment to holding drug offenders accountable.

Wilson County - Man Sentenced to 60 years in Prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

On June 24, 2025, Alejandro Valdez entered a guilty plea to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and elected to have the Court determine the appropriate punishment. With the consent and support of the victim and her family (and to protect her from having to testify), the State recommended a maximum sentence of 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for each count.

Following the presentation of evidence and testimony, on September 29, 2025, the Honorable Judge Russell Wilson sentenced the defendant to 30 years in TDCJ for each count. Judge Wilson ordered the sentences to run consecutively—meaning the defendant must serve the full term of the first sentence before beginning the second. As a result, the defendant received a total sentence of 60 years.

We are so proud of the victim for her extraordinary courage in coming forward and speaking out. We also extend our appreciation to Investigator Jack Derby of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Taylor Harbour of the Wilson County Adult Supervision Department for their dedicated work. Ms. Harbour’s thorough pre-sentencing investigation was instrumental to the case, complemented by the tireless efforts of prosecutors Lorena Whitney and Marc Ledet, who remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice for our victim.

This outcome underscores the importance of reporting suspected abuse and our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

Frio County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Murder of Severo San Miguel

On September 10, 2025, District Judge Jennifer Dillingham sentenced Aaron Joel Plaza, 30, to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice–Institutional Division for the murder of Severo San Miguel, which occurred on October 31, 2023, in Dilley.

Plaza pled guilty to murder on April 28, 2025, under a plea agreement that capped the possible punishment at 30 years. A contested sentencing hearing was held, during which the Defendant asked for the minimum of 5 years in prison. The State argued for the maximum sentence allowed under the agreement — 30 years — which the Court ultimately imposed.

According to evidence presented in court, on the night of October 31, 2023, Plaza entered the Mi Cabana restaurant in Dilley, where the victim, Severo San Miguel, was dining with family. Plaza sat directly across from San Miguel and initiated a verbal altercation. When San Miguel stood up from his seat, Plaza also stood and shot him once in the abdomen.

San Miguel was rushed to Frio Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Plaza fled the scene immediately but was apprehended shortly thereafter by law enforcement.

This case was prosecuted by First Assistant Leslie Carranza, with the investigation and support from the Dilley Police Department and Frio County Sheriff’s Office.

This case represents a heartbreaking loss for a family. Mr. San Miguel was taken from his loved ones in a senseless act of violence that occurred in front of those who cared about him most. While no sentence can undo the pain they’ve endured, we hope this outcome brings a measure of justice and peace as they continue to grieve his loss.

Severo San Miguel

Aaron Plaza

Frio County - Cotulla Man Sentenced to 10 Years in TDCJ Following Traffic Stop Leading to Human Smuggling Discovery

On September 10, 2025, Guadalupe Rodriguez III was sentenced to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to human smuggling.

The case began on March 25, 2024, when Deputy Aguilar of the Frio County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle impeding traffic and disregarding posted signage. When stopping the vehicle, the front passenger fled the vehicle on foot, wearing camouflage clothing. Deputy Aguilar secured the scene and discovered two undocumented individuals inside the vehicle.

An investigation followed, leading to the prosecution of the defendant, who ultimately pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. A Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) report prepared by Andrew Flores of the 81st/218th Community Supervision and Corrections Department outlined the defendant’s extensive criminal background, including a prior Federal conviction for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and documented history of narcotics use.

"This case highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement and our office to address organized criminal activity, including human smuggling,” said District Attorney Audrey Louis. “The defendant’s prior drug trafficking conviction and continued disregard for the law made this sentence both necessary and appropriate for the safety of our communities.” Thank you to Assistant DA Kenny Lam, Border Prosecution Unit, for successfully bringing this defendant to justice.

The sentence reinforces the 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office’s commitment to prosecuting crimes that threaten public safety and violate both state and federal law.

Frio County- 31-year-old Houston man sentenced to 10 years in prison after being caught smuggling people in a vehicle near Pearsall

Andre Albert Coronado-Vigil, a 31-year-old Houston man, pleaded guilty on August 5th and asked the court to decide his sentence. On September 10, 2025, the Defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being caught smuggling people in a vehicle near Pearsall.

The incident happened on April 19, 2024, when Frio County Sheriff's Deputy Torres stopped Coronado-Vigil for speeding—going 81 mph in a 70 mph zone. When the vehicle pulled over, several passengers jumped out and ran into nearby brush. One more person was later found hiding in the back of the SUV. Coronado-Vigil was arrested on the spot.

During sentencing, the court reviewed his criminal history, which included a pending Sexual Assault of a Child charge from Harris County. A report also showed that Coronado-Vigil had made statements minimizing his actions, saying “this is not illegal in Houston, this is just a border scam.”

We’re grateful to the Frio County Sheriff’s Office for their ongoing efforts to stop human smuggling. This crime puts lives at risk—including law enforcement—and we’re committed to holding offenders accountable. Prosecutor Kenny Lam of our Border Prosecution Unit led this case and helped bring the defendant to justice.

Karnes County Jury Convicts Baldomero “Bodie” Farias of Murder and Sentences Him to Life

KARNES COUNTY — A Karnes County jury has found Baldomero “Bodie” Farias guilty of murder in the death of Zach Decas. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Zach Decas had been missing for nearly a month when two witnesses came forward with crucial information that led investigators to his remains. The investigation revealed that Bode Farias shot Decas in the back of the head and then enlisted others to help remove and burn the body in an attempt to conceal the crime.

This verdict sends a powerful message: violence and brutality will not be tolerated in Karnes County. We remain committed to seeking justice for victims and their families, and today, that commitment was honored.

Our office extends its deepest appreciation to Assistant District Attorney Ryan Wright and First Assistant DA Leslie Carranza for their tireless work on this case. Special thanks also go to Texas Rangers Shane Staley, Justin Cuellar, and Terry Snyder; Detective Pham of the Kenedy Police Department; and all law enforcement personnel who pursued the truth with determination.

Finally, we thank the jurors for their service. Their verdict reflects the values of this community and reinforces that acts of violence will face the full force of justice.

La Salle County — Cody Canion, 47, has been sentenced to prison following the revocation of probation for Assault on a Peace Officer.

On August 7, 2025, the Honorable Judge Russell Wilson of the 81st/218th District Court granted the State’s motion to revoke probation after the defendant was found to have violated the conditions of his supervision. The Court imposed a sentence of 5 years in custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division, effective immediately.

The original offense occurred on February 11, 2020, when Canion assaulted a LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputy while the deputy was trying to assist EMS in providing medical treatment to Canion’s mother. The defendant was given an opportunity to rehabilitate and was placed on deferred adjudication probation on October 15, 2020.

The motion to revoke was filed after the defendant was alleged to have assaulted another family member and failed to successfully complete an outpatient drug treatment program. The Court found sufficient evidence that Canion failed to comply with the terms and conditions of probation.

This sentence reflects the seriousness of assaulting a law enforcement officer and the importance of accountability during probation. We are committed to protecting those who serve and enforcing the consequences when probation terms are violated.

Karnes County- Repeat DWI Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison Following Fourth Conviction

On July 31, 2025, James Michael Franklin pled guilty to his fourth offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The charge stems from an incident in which law enforcement was dispatched to a local hospital following a single-vehicle crash involving Franklin. According to responding deputies, Franklin was found at the crash site holding an empty can of Keystone beer and attempting to drink from it.

Upon arrival at the hospital, troopers made contact with Franklin, who made several incriminating statements, including, "You're the one going to take me for my 4th DWI," and, "I knew I was f**d so I started slamming beers." Officers noted that Franklin was slurring his speech, his eyes appeared watery, and there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.

Subsequent testing revealed Franklin’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be .17, more than twice the legal limit of .08.

This case is another clear reminder of the serious and ongoing threat repeat DWI offenders pose to public safety. We are grateful no one else was injured or killed, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to protect our community.

We are grateful for the investigation of DPS Troopers Jesus Barajas and Joseph Lerma, as well as Karnes County Sheriff Deputy Pedro Reyna. This case was prosecuted by Asst. District Attorney Ryan Wright.

Franklin’s 12-year sentence reflects the severity of the offense and his history of prior DWI convictions.

KARNES COUNTY - David Lee Diaz Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Arson

On July 31, 2025, David Lee Diaz pleaded and was sentenced to 8 years in prison for the offense of Arson, stemming from the January 26, 2024 fire at a residence located in Runge, Texas.

The investigation began on March 11, 2024, a resident of the home, reported receiving a threatening text message stating, "Ima about to lite this house up." A written statement and photograph of the text message were provided to law enforcement.

Law enforcement received additional information indicating that David Diaz had been bragging to others that he was responsible for setting the fire at the residence, specifically claiming he started the fire in her bedroom using gasoline. Investigators noted that this detail — the point of origin of the fire — had not been publicly disclosed.

Diaz was interviewed and after being read his Miranda rights by Karnes County Sheriff's Office Investigator Chad Adams, Diaz admitted to setting the fire.

Thank you to Karnes County Sheriff's Office for their investigation which led to getting justice for the homeowners. This case was prosecuted by Asst. District Attorney Ryan Wright.

WILSON COUNTY JURY SENTENCES DANIEL LUIS RANGEL TO THREE LIFE TERMS AND A 20-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

On July 23, 2025, a jury in the 218th District Court, presided over by Judge Russell Wilson, found Daniel Luis Rangel guilty of multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child. The jury convicted Rangel on the following charges:

• Two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (punishable from 5 -99 years or Life in prison)

• One count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14 (punishable with a minimum of 25 years up to Life in prison with no parole)

• One count of Indecency with a Child (punishable from 2 to 20 years in prison)

The jury sentenced Rangel to life imprisonment on each of the three most serious charges. For the Indecency with a Child conviction, the jury imposed the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. All sentences will be served concurrently.

The courage shown by each victim in coming forward and testifying in open court cannot be overstated. Their strength and honesty were instrumental in achieving justice. As prosecutors, we are continually inspired by the bravery of child survivors who find the strength to speak their truth, even in the face of immense trauma. Their voices are powerful—and justice is only possible because of them. Because Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child is a day-for-day sentence, this defendant is not eligible for parole and must serve a full life sentence.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Poth Chief of Police Gerald Sanchez for his leadership and dedication throughout the investigation and trial testimony. His work was essential in bringing this case to prosecution and securing these convictions. I am grateful for the hard work of Assistant District Attorneys Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney, along with our behind the scenes team of legal assistants, investigators, and victim assistance coordinator. Their work can be challenging, but they are unwavering In their dedicatation, particularly to our child victims.

Finally, we thank the jurors who served in this case with wisdom, discernment, and unwavering commitment to justice. Because of their decision, Daniel Luis Rangel will never harm another child again.

Justice was served.

- Audrey Louis, 81st Judicial District Attorney