Police Officer Jose Pargas' use of deadly force was justified

A Frio County grand jury has found Dilley Police Department Officer Jose Pargas' use of deadly force to be justified in the July 13, 2018 shooting of Juan Luna at the Dilley City Park. Texas Ranger Tony Leal conducted the investigation, with the full cooperation of Officer Pargas and the Dilley Police Department. As the DA, I have a policy of reviewing all officer involved shootings, and all officer involved shootings are presented to the grand jury. The DA's Office agreed with the findings of the Ranger and grand jury, and found the actions of Officer Pargas to be justified in response to the actions of Mr. Luna.  

We would like to commend Officer Pargas for his quick response, and recognize that this scenario is never a good one. Our hearts go out to both Officer Pargas and the Luna family.

50 Years in prison for sexual assault

“You did this over and over…”
FLORES FACES 50 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEX ASSAULT

This story is shared from LaSalle County Sheriff’s Facebook Page.

By Marc Robertson
A Cotulla man was sentenced by District Judge Russell Wilson in La Salle County on Thursday, October 18, to serve a maximum of fifty years in prison for the first-degree felony aggravated sexual assault of a young girl.

Prosecuting on behalf of the state of Texas, District Attorney Audrey Louis showed during the sentencing phase of the case Thursday that Daniel Flores, 39, had at least twice molested a family member who was under the age of 14 in July 2016.

Court testimony showed that the child reported the offenses to her father and that a criminal investigation ensued.

Flores had recently successfully completed a probation sentence from a 2009 conviction for the possession of child pornography and was registered as a sex offender living in La Salle County.

“You’re not sorry about this,” the district attorney said while confronting Flores in court Thursday. “You did this over and over. You’re just sorry that you got caught.”

Judge Wilson ordered that two 25-year sentences be served consecutively, pointing out to the convicted felon that the first sentence must be served before the second begins, meaning Flores must spend at least a quarter century behind bars before he may seek a reduction of his prison term.

“My staff and I want to extend our thanks to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and to Investigator Homar Olivarez for the in-depth and exhaustive investigation that led to this conviction and sentencing,” DA Louis said Thursday. “Together, we have helped ensure that justice was served for the benefit of the child victim in this case.”

Joe-Ricky DeLeon pled guilty to twenty years in prison

Due to the hard work of both the La Vernia Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, defendant Joe-Ricky DeLeon pled guilty to twenty years in prison for two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant and ten years in prison for evading with a vehicle in Wilson County today. DeLeon had stolen a Dodge 3500 pickup truck and fled from law enforcement, including ramming the stolen vehicle into four separate police vehicles. While two officers sustained injuries, they were still able to get him off the road and apprehended while protecting the public from harm.

Our streets and communities are safer due to their skill, training, and dedication. Special thanks to Assistant District Attorneys Lorena Whitney and Marc Ledet for their role in representing our office in bringing Deleon to justice.

Atascosa County man sentenced to 20 years in prison

An Atascosa County man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Aggravated Robbery after a contested sentencing hearing before the Honorable 81st District Judge Donna Rayes. Armando Guerra, 26, was shoplifting lawn equipment from the Walmart in Pleasanton, when he pulled out a handgun, and fired it at a Walmart employee who tried to stop him. Guerra must serve at least half his sentence before he will be parole eligible. Our community is safer with Armando Guerra behind bars. Special thanks to prosecutor, Marc Ledet, for handling the case.

Irving Hernandez sentenced to 8 years in prison for sexual assault

After a contested sentencing hearing on August 24th, the Honorable 218th District Judge Russell Wilson sentenced Defendant, Irving Hernandez, 24, to 8 years in prison for the 2016 sexual assault of his co-worker while working at Wendy’s in Cotulla, Texas. We are proud that our victim had the courage to report and ultimately testify about the attack, thankful to the court for bringing justice and closure to our victim, and grateful for the dedication of the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant District Attorney Raneca Henson.

Matthew Serna sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder

After a week long trial, Atascosa County jury sentenced Matthew Serna to 30 years in prison for the murder of Lawrence Cole, Jr. (pictured), and 5 years probation for the non-fatal shooting of Selena Ramon. Thank you to the jury for their dedicated service, and to Assistant District Attorneys Marc Ledet and Bradlee Thornton for fighting for justice for our victims and their families.

Rangers arrest Gary Clark for wife’s murder

Read about it in the Lavernia News.

John Finch guilty and sentenced to 72 years and 6 months in prison

Tonight, the family of Lindsey Wadkins finally received justice. Nearly four years after Lindsey’s murder, an Atascosa County jury found the John Finch guilty and sentenced him to 72 years and 6 months in prison, and a $10,000 fine. Thank you to everyone at the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, particularly lead Investigator Wayne Stratton, and the Texas Ranger, for their untiring effort in the investigation. Thank you to the jury for their dedicated service, and giving Lindsey’s family some much needed closure. Justice served.

Orlando Ortiz, guilty of felony Assault Family Violence, sentenced to 40 years in prison

Orlando Ortiz, whom a jury found guilty of felony Assault Family Violence, was sentenced to 40 years in prison by the Honorable Judge Rayes on May 25, 2018. Ortiz choked his former girlfriend with his hands, and stepped on her neck with his boot. Thank you to the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department for their dedication to the pursuit of justice, and the LaSalle County jurors for their service. Without jurors willing to serve, our system does not work, and our community cannot be protected.

Caleb Griego guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

On May 29, 2018, the Honorable Judge Rayes found Caleb Griego guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after hearing testimony that Griego took a homeowner’s gun, and threatened to shoot her with it. Griego was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He must serve half that sentence before he is parole eligible.