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
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.
Shaun Puente found guilty of capital murder
During a five week trial, Shaun Puente was found guilty of capital murder for the death of San Antonio Police Officer Robert Deckard by an Atascosa County jury. After the punishment portion of the trial, the jury deadlocked and was unable to reach a verdict to determine if Puente should receive the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole. Once the jury notified the court, Honorable 81st District Judge Donna Rayes declared a mistrial, and sentenced Shaun Puente to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In Texas, to receive the death penalty, a jury must reach a unanimous verdict. The District Attorney’s Office strongly believed the death penalty was appropriate for the killing of Officer Deckard, and Puente’s extensive, violent, criminal past. The case was prosecuted by 81st District Attorney Audrey Louis, Assistant DA Marc Ledet, and Texas Assistant Attorney General William Turner. Special thanks to Paralegals Jeanette Whitehead, Carly Rakowitz, and Investigators Mike Kelly and Ray Talamantez for assisting in Puente’s prosecution.
Perez sentenced to 35 years in prison
convicted Ariel’s then boyfriend, Joe Anthony Perez, in the December 2015 fatal stabbing, as well as the stabbing of Ariel’s brother, Richard Luebano. The Honorable Judge Phillip Kazan then sentenced Perez to 35 years in prison for Ariel’s death, and 10 years for the stabbing of Luebano. Thank you to Texas Ranger Terry Synder, Poteet Police Department Lt. Frank Leal, prosecutors April Ayers-Perez and Brad Thornton for their dedication to ensuring justice for Ariel. We are grateful for the service of the jury.
Mr. Daniel Laque, Sr. was convicted and sentenced in Atascosa County to 60 years in prison
After going to trial before the court for sexually assaulting his step-granddaughter beginning when she was 6 and continuing until she was 14, Mr. Daniel Laque, Sr. was convicted and sentenced in Atascosa County to 60 years in prison today by the Honorable Judge Donna Rayes.
Because his step-granddaughter had the courage to tell, Mr. Laque can never harm another child. Thank you to Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office Investigator, Albert Garza, Assistant DA Marc Ledet, and Crime’s Against Children Prosecutor, Leslie Carranza for fighting for justice for our children.
Jose Juarez sentenced to 20 years in prison
Yesterday, an Atascosa County jury sentenced Jose Juarez to 20 years in prison for shaking his three month old son so hard that he later died at the hospital. We appreciate the hard work of the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office in conducting the investigation, and we respect and thank the jurors for their service.