State vs. Edward Thomas
Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance PG 1-B>=200G (fentanyl)
Lead: William Davidson
2nd Chair: Michael Chang
DA Investigators: Tom Naulty, Bonita Morgan
Investigating Agency: Dallas Police Department
On May 5, 2024, the Dallas Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment where the defendant was found in be. Pants with keys to the front door were found next to the defendant. A firearm was also found within arm’s reach of the defendant. More than 140 grams of fentanyl was found inside of the apartment along with other controlled substances, and an additional firearm.
After finding him guilty with the finding of a deadly weapon, the jury heard of the defendant’s prior criminal history that included an Assault Family Violence and Burglary of a Habitation for which he was sentenced to four years in prison. They also heard about a federal sentence for an unlawful care of a firearm by a felon in 2018.
GUILTY and sentenced to 30 years in prison with a deadly weapon finding.
State vs. Dennis Garcia
Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1<1G
Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B<1G
Theft of Property >$2k<$30k
Prohibited Substance/Item in a Correctional Facility
Lead: Haley Pratt
2nd Chair: Klarissa Diaz
DA Investigator: Jon Wakefield, Lee Thompson, Angie Barnes
DA Victim Advocate: Mackenzie Kile, ShaLisa Carrier
Investigating Agency: SAKI Cold Case Team
The defendant pleaded guilty on four pending drug cases and went open for punishment. As part of punishment, the Court heard about the defendant’s sexual assault charge.
In 2016, the victim was with a friend one night when she met the defendant. Later in the night, the defendant and another man and the victim ended up at the victim’s house, and both men sexually assaulted her. After the assault, the victim got a sexual assault exam, but her kit was not tested for several years. Once her kit was tested, Investigator Wakefield with the DA’s SAKI Cold Case Team got an investigative lead that allowed him to solve the case.
GUILTY plea and sentenced to 25 years in prison on the third-degree felony charge; 8 years on state jail charges.
State vs. Alberto Villa
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Lead: Delayna Griffin
2nd Chair: Ward Weber
DA Investigator: Crystal Gregan, Lorraine Resendez
DA Victim Advocate: Flor De La Fuente
Investigating Agency: Dallas Police Department
This was a 24-year delayed outcry.
The defendant was convicted of committing an aggravated sex abuse act against a child under 14.
GUILTY and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
State vs. Derrick Lockett
Possession of Fentanyl 4-200g with a deadly weapon
Lead: William Davidson
2nd Chair: Jui Kothare
DA Investigator: Bonita Morgan
Investigating Agency: Dallas Police Department
The defendant had been harassing a gas station for months. He was stealing from the gas station and selling drugs in the parking lot. The gas station attendant had tried to trespass him, but the defendant would run before police showed up.
On the night of March 5, 2024, the defendant came into the gas station and stole a Red Bull, and when confronted by the gas station attendant, the defendant threatened him and punched him in the face.
Officers were waived down and stopped the defendant who provided a false name, tried to evade officers and resisted officers for two minutes. After getting the defendant restrained, a search of the defendant’s bag and jacket revealed fentanyl, a handgun, stolen shirts from the store and a lot of marijuana.
The defendant had previously been tor prison multiple times for Aggravated Robbery and Assault Family Violence.
GUILTY Plea and sentenced to 10 years in prison with a deadly weapon finding.
State vs. Munson Powell
Indecency with a Child Involving Sexual Contact
Lead: Joel Abraham
2nd Chair: Ward Weber
DA Investigator: Barry Maxwell
DA Victim Advocate: Nathaly Mendez
Investigating Agency: DeSoto Police Department
The defendant was convicted of Indecency with a Child Involving Sexual Contact.
GUILTY and sentenced to 2 years in prison.
State vs. Lori Price
State vs. Brian Price
Theft Over $150k from an Elderly Individual
Prosecutor: Alicia Patterson
DA Victim Advocate: Franchesca Zarate
Investigating Agency: Carrollton Police Department
The defendants, a married couple, were allowed by an 80-year-old man to live in his house after they asked to for a place to stay for a couple of days. They wouldn’t move out after that. They took the man’s bank card, added themselves to his accounts, and applied for loans using the elderly man’s credit. Eventually they refused to allow the man back into the house. When police were called, they stated that it was their home. They manipulated the elderly man who was illiterate, into signing a deed granting them the house for the sum of $100. The elderly man was unaware that he had signed a deed giving up the home he lived in for more than 30 years. In a plea bargain agreement, the defendants signed a deed granting the house back to its rightful owner before being placed on probation.
