Wilson County, TX — Following a bench trial where Ferman Chavez was previously found guilty of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child Under 14 Years of Age, on October 16, 2025, the Honorable Judge Jennifer Dillingham sentenced Chavez to 99 years in prison. Under Texas law, this sentence must be served day-for-day without the possibility of parole.
This conviction was the result of a thorough investigation led by the Floresville Police Department, with particular recognition to former Investigator Perry Hyden. The Children’s Alliance of South Texas also played a critical role, with forensic interviewer Andrea Regalado providing expert testimony on behalf of the child victim.
Most importantly, this outcome would not have been possible without the incredible courage of two children who came forward to testify. Their bravery in the face of trauma helped ensure Chavez was held accountable and that others will be protected from future harm.
It takes unimaginable strength for children to come forward in cases like this. Their voices made all the difference, and because of their courage, justice was done. We are grateful for their strength and for the tireless work of our law enforcement partners.
During the punishment hearing of the Wilson County case, Probation Officer Andrew Flores testified that Chavez was arrested for murder in Karnes County while out on bond for the sexual assault charges. In June 2022, family members reported Menerva "Mickey" Rodriguez missing after she had not been seen for several weeks. A witness later came forward alleging that Chavez was responsible for her death, prompting a murder investigation in Karnes County. As investigators gathered additional evidence, they determined that Chavez had fatally shot Rodriguez in Karnes County. This sentence, while for the continuous sexual abuse of two child victims, also brings some closure to the family of Mickey Rodriguez, as Chavez will never be free again.
This is a dangerous individual who posed a grave threat to our communities. Thanks to the brave victims, investigators, and prosecution team of Lorena Whitney and Marc Ledet, Ferman Chavez will never harm another innocent person again. Our office remains committed to prosecuting crimes against the most vulnerable and ensuring that justice is served
Atascosa County: Jerry Dudley pled guilty to 38 years on Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child charges
Defendant, Jerry Dudley, pled guilty to 38 year in prison for Aggravated Sexual Assault of Child on October 16, 2025. The case came to light when the defendant’s wife found inappropriate child photos on her Google Photo account, photos taken by her husband, Jerry Dudley. The wife called her sister and brother-in-law and they notified local law enforcement.
Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office began their Investigation. Investigators Albert Garza and Gavin Lidsay confiscated the defendant’s electronics. After discovering the photos, the 5-year-old victim was identified and taken to the Children’s Alliance of South Texas, completed a Forensic Interview and had a SANE exam done. In the interview, the child stated, he had “touched” her over a “million times”.
Due to the nature of the offense, the defendant will have to serve at least half of his 38-year prison sentence before he becomes eligible for parole and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. This plea delivers justice while protecting a very brave young victim from further harm by having to relive the trauma and testify before a jury.
Our office remains committed to holding offenders accountable and keeping the children of Atascosa County safe. Thank you to Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office for pursuing this case to bring darkness to light. Our Victim Advocate, Katie Quinney, and ADA Audrey Vasquez are commended for fighting for justice for this courageous victim and keeping this child predator from harming another innocent child.
Atascosa County Man Sentenced to 20-Year Term for Sexual Assault of a Child
On October 14, 2025, Faustino Ruiz pleaded guilty to 20 years in prison for Sexual Assault of a Child.
Ruiz was arrested in 2021 following a report that he had been sexually abusing a child over the course of several years. The investigation revealed that the abuse began when the child was just 9 years old and continued until the victim disclosed the abuse at age 16.
In January 2025, Ruiz was initially tried on multiple counts of sexual abuse. The jury returned a not guilty verdict on one charge and was unable to reach a decision on the remaining five, resulting in a mistrial. The case was subsequently placed back on the trial docket to be re-tried. After continued legal proceedings and discussions with defense counsel, Ruiz agreed to a 20-year prison sentence.
Because of the severity of the offense, Ruiz must serve at least half of the sentence—10 years—before becoming eligible for parole, and will be a registered sex offender for life.
The victim’s courage in coming forward will prevent Ruiz from hurting another child, and give her some form of justice. She will not have to relive the trauma again on the witness stand, and we hope this resolution brings her a measure of healing.
The District Attorney’s Office extends sincere gratitude to Sgt. Albert Garza of the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, Devyn Woodruff, forensic interviewer formerly with CAST, and Dr. Lora Spiller for their critical roles in the investigation and trial. A special thanks goes to my Atascosa County prosecutors, Erika Price and Audrey Vasquez, for never giving up on fighting for our victim, as well as the entire team at CAST for their unwavering support of the victim throughout the process.
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.