David Greenwood was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Wilson County jury on July 29th. Greenwood testified that he shot his unarmed brother, Alexander Byrom, in self-defense. The victim had a violent criminal history including assaulting the defendant previously. However, the jury has sent a clear message that in Wilson County everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law, and shooting an unarmed man will not be accepted or tolerated. We are grateful for the service of the jury, the investigation by Texas Rangers Terry Snyder and Shane Staley, as well as retired Chief Deputy Johnie Deagen of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. Thank you to Assistant District Attorneys Lorena Whitney and Marc Ledet in seeing that justice was done.
WILSON COUNTY JURY CONVICTS ROGER MOEHRIG
Wilson County jury convicts Roger Moehrig of Assault on a Public Servant. Moehrig’s extensive criminal history, including multiple prior prison trips enhanced his punishment range to 25 years to life in prison. The Honorable 218th District Judge Russell Wilson sentenced the defendant to 37 years in prison. Moehrig’s record spanned 35 years and included trips to the penitentiary for prior felonies including Burglary of a Habitation, DWI – 3rd Offense, and Indecency with a Child. We are grateful for the service of our jury. By participating in jury service, our jurors send a message not only to the defendant, but to others that choose to violate the law in our jurisdiction that such conduct will not be tolerated. I am proud of the work of ADAs Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney for ensuring justice was served, and appreciate the hard work of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, particularly Deputies Samuel Emerson and Joseph Martinez, who went above and beyond.
Wilson County man with extensive criminal history convicted and sentenced
With an extensive criminal history in Wilson County spanning back to 2011, Bradley Sweeney, was convicted by the Honorable 81st Judicial District Judge Lynn Ellison and sentenced to 45 and 20 years in prison for Evading Arrest with a Vehicle and Possession of a Controlled Substance <1 gram of methamphetamine. Proud of the work of my ADAs Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and DPS Troopers for ending the crime spree of this menace to our county.
Jury convicted Atascosa man of two counts of Indecency with a Child, and one count of Indecency with a Child by Exposure.
The jury sentenced Talamantez to 99 years on each count, and the Honorable 218th District Judge Russell Wilson “stacked” those sentences, meaning the sentences run consecutively. I’m so proud of our victim for having the courage to outcry about the abuse. A special thank you to the Children’s Alliance of South Texas, Pleasanton Police Department, my prosecution team, Asst. DAs Adriana Biggs, Leslie Carranza, Investigator Roland Trevino, and Victim Advocate Katie Quinney. We are grateful to the Atascosa County jurors, as their sentence ensures Mr. Talamantez will never have the opportunity to hurt another child.
WILSON COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON
Steven Dotson was sentenced to 15 years on 3 counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Burglary of a Habitation, 10 years for Possession of Firearm by a Felon, and 18 months State Jail for Criminal Mischief and Theft of a Firearm, these sentences will run concurrently. Charges stemmed from Dotson breaking into an unoccupied home through a window, stealing and shooting a firearm inside the home, and then shooting the firearm in a Stockdale rv park across from the home. Special thanks to Wilson County Sheriff's Office and ADAs Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney for handling the case.
ATASCOSA WOMAN ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR TAKING MONEY FROM PLEASANTON LITTLE LEAGUE
Brandy Jupe Kubish was sentenced on April 14, 2021 by the Honorable District Judge Lynn Ellison. Kubish pled no contest, and there was no plea agreement from the District Attorney. Kubish was charged with a State Jail Felony of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property in an amount of more than $2500 < $30,000 and faced between 6 months and 2 years in a State Jail Facility. During the 2-hour hearing, Kubish pleaded with the court for deferred adjudication (a form of probation), and the judge granted it, ordering to serve 5 years of deferred adjudication. Kubish agreed to pay full restitution up front. Kubish was serving as the league’s treasurer when she took money. The missing funds were discovered by another staff member of the Little League and it was reported to and investigated by the Pleasanton Police Department. Kubish cooperated with the investigation and admitted responsibility.
FRIO COUNTY: AVEL TREVINO SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON
Avel Trevino was sentenced to 18 years in prison for Manufacture and Delivery of Methamphetamine 4<200 grams. On May 3, 2019, Trevino was pulled over by Pearsall Police Department. After an investigation and search of the Defendant, he was found to be in possession of scales and two large clear bags containing methamphetamine. Our office will continue to fight to keep drugs off the streets of our district. Thank you, Assistant District Attorney Kenny Lam, and Pearsall Police Department for your professional investigation and arrest of this individual!
ATASCOSA SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS TDCJ.
On October 23, 2020, Adan Huereca was sentenced to 20 years in TDCJ for Indecency with a Child. Less than a year after Mr. Huereca was placed on 10 years deferred adjudication (probation) for this offense, he violated his conditions of probation by failing to comply with the terms of his sex offender counseling, and being around his girlfriend's two underage daughters. This sentence protects any future child victims at least during his incarceration. Huereca must serve half his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Thank you to Assistant District Attorney, Adriana Biggs for her continued efforts to protect our most vulnerable from predators.
81st District Attorney's K9 Awarded Grant
Thank you to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for awarding Gerben the “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” Grant!! Aside from a $100 deductible, they will cover all his medical expenses. They also provided “Gerbs” his bulletproof vest!
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, MA, whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit is pleased to continue their “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” medical insurance program for 2020 which covers annual policy premiums. Since 2016, the charity has donated over $146,000 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.
Selected as 2020 recipients to date are: 81st Judicial District Attorney, TX, K9 Gerben, Marysville Police Department, MI, K9 Heiko, Armstrong County Sheriff Office, PA, K9 Blak, DuBois City Police Department, PA, K9 Ace, Menasha Police Department, WI, K9 Cami, Stevens Point Police Department, WI, K9 Barry, Singing River Police Department, MS, K9 Jester, Alquippa Police Department, PA, K9 Stella, South Tom’s River Police Department, NJ, K9 Loki, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, WA, K9 Hawk, Jasper Police Department, IN, K9 Mack, Lone Oak Police Department, TX, K9 Basa, Clark County SO, IL, K9 Xena, Gloucester County SO, VA, K9 Zeus, Chelsea Police Department, OK, K9 Eli, Allen Hospital-Unity Point, IA, K9 Kaya, Wood County Constable, TX, K9 Juma, Maywood Police Department, NJ, K9 Ryker, Beebe Police Department, AR, K9 Crank, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office, IN, K9 Zeus, Lewiston Police Department, NY, K9 Shadow, Limestone County Constable, Precinct 3, TX, K9 Teddy, Blytheville Police Department, AR, K9 Niko, Richmond Police Department, RI, K9 Bico, Kenosha City Police Department, WI, K9 Mani,Villa Hills Police Department, KY, K9 Onexx, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, IN, K9 Finn, Canisteo Village Police Department, NY, K9 Dex, and Cumberland Police Department, PA, K9 Finn.
The “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant is awarded to departments who have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K9 unit, who have no more than three K9s, and who have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages two through seven are eligible. The annual medical reimbursement insurance policy, administered by Trupanion, will cover illnesses, injuries—including those sustained in the line of duty—diagnostic testing and therapies. The plan allows the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian, specialty center, or emergency hospital in the United States.
Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers injury and illnesses coverage for working and service dogs— both on and off duty. For nearly two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners and working dog owners peace of mind so they can focus on their dog’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is honored to support these brave K9 heroes and is committed to providing the highest value in medical insurance to help them receive the best veterinary care.
In addition to the healthcare reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,070 law enforcement dogs with U.S. made, custom-fitted, NIJ certified bullet and stab-protective vests in 50 states, at a value of over $6.9 million dollars. For more information, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.
Convicted child molester gets 120 years
KARNES CITY – A 44-year-old man convicted last month on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child is now sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.
District Judge Russell Wilson of 218th Judicial slapped Ignacio Salas with three consecutive 40-year sentences. Because the sentences are consecutive, Salas was essentially given a 120-year prison sentence.
“It’s the only way you can keep him from hurting another child,” said District Attorney Audrey Louis of the 81st Judicial District, who prosecuted the case with Assistant District Attorney Raneca Henson.
Salas already has filed an appeal, Louis said.
His victim, who is his biological daughter, is now 17. She was 9 when the abuse started and was 11 when her outcry was made, Louis said.
However, Louis said the previous district attorney’s administration took no action on the case. Salas was not indicted until December 2017.
“The system failed her,” Louis said.
Even worse, the district attorney added, the victim’s family has sided with her attacker, maintaining that she fabricated her story.
“Her entire family testified against her,” Louis said. “What child would want to go through six years of foster care for something they made up?”
The victim since was able to graduate early from high school and wants to work as a phlebotomist so that she might support her 3-year-old son.
Courtesy of Karnes Countywide
