James Caleb Henson- Leon County District Attorney’s Office

04/07/2023

04/05/2023

On Monday, April 3, 2023, trial commenced in the 87th Judicial District court, Judge Amy Ward presiding, against Christopher Hopkins for Possession of Co***ne 1-4 grams. The State of Texas was represented by James Caleb Henson, the elected District Attorney for Leon County, while Mr. Hopkins was represented by John Bankhead. The State was assisted in presentation of the case by Leon Counth Attorney Keith Cook

The case was the result of an investigation initiated by Leon County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kristin Shaw. She located a vehicle sitting on the edge of the roadway not moving. She initiated contact with the driver who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel. The deputy conducted an investigation into a potential DWI once she was able to wake the driver. Deputy Shaw was assisted by Deputies Wood and Porter in conducting a search of the vehicle. That search ultimately resulted in the location of packaged ma*****na and co***ne.

The trial lasted through Monday and into Tuesday morning. After closing arguments and deliberation by the jury, the jury found Mr. Hopkins guilty of Possession of Co***ne. Mr. Hopkins was sentenced to 35 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice correction division. Mr. Hopkins was remanded to the custody of Leon County Sheriff Kevin Ellis to be transported to TDCJ.

03/24/2023

UPDATE : 03/28/2023 Suspect Brandon Yates in custody.

**Press Release**

Any information on the whereabouts of Brandon Yates please contact Leon County Sheriff’s Office @ 903-536-2749 OR Leon County Crime Stoppers @ 1-844-234-TIPS (8477)

03/03/2023

02/17/2023

State of Texas vs. Rita Lynn Evans
​On February 15, 2023, the Office of James Caleb Henson, the Leon County District Attorney, represented the State of Texas in a criminal trial against Rita Lynn Evans for two counts of Solicitation to Commit Capital Murder.
​The allegation against Rita Evans was that she had paid a third party to plan and commit the capital murder of a family as part of a child custody dispute. These charges are First Degree felonies and carry potential sentencing ranges of 5-99 years in TDCJ or Life imprisonment.
​The trial was held in the 278th District Court of Leon County with Judge Hal Ridley presiding. Trial lasted for two days. The victims in the case, the cooperating third party who had been hired to commit the murder, and Leon County Sherriff’s office investigator Wayne Sallee testified over the course of the trial.
​The jury convicted Rita Evans of both counts of Solicitation of Capital Murder. Judge Ridley remanded Rita Evans into the custody of Leon County Sherriff Kevin Ellis to be held pending sentencing. The sentence will be assessed by the presiding Judge on a later date.

11/23/2022

STATE OF TEXAS VS. MARCUS JOSHUA

On November 15, 2022, a Leon County jury convicted Marcus Joshua of capital murder for the December 6, 2020 robbery and murder of Lloyd Anderson, of Normangee, Texas.

The State was represented at trial by Leon County District Attorney James Caleb Henson and Special Prosecutor Lisa Tanner.

Joshua, of Bryan, Texas, was arrested on February 24, 2021 after an extensive investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers and Troopers of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Five other conspirators have also been charged in Anderson’s murder.

The seven day trial was held in the 87th Judicial District Court of Leon County with Judge Deborah Oakes Evans presiding.

The jury heard from a number of witnesses including Investigator Don Craft and Deputy Mike Brown of the LCSO, Trooper Rusty Moore of the Texas Highway Patrol, Investigator Mike Merchant of the Leon County District Attorney’s office, and members of the Anderson family.

The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank Normangee Tractor and Implement Company for providing surveillance video footage that proved instrumental in solving the case.

The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding the defendant guilty of capital murder. Judge Evans sentenced Joshua to a mandatory sentence of Life without Parole and he was remanded to the custody Leon County Sheriff Kevin Ellis for transportation to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

08/11/2022

07/19/2022

Please see the cases that were plead on July 15, 2022 in the 87th District Court.

20-0083CR Alex Ray Fuentes - POSS CS PG 1 >=1G5LBS

06/30/2022

The following are the defendants who were sentenced or took pleas on June 29th in the 278th District Court.

TORI NICOLE HELMICK – 22-0033CR CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE FAMILY - FIVE (5) YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION; $3,000.00 FINE, $481 COURT COSTS; $500.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT; $100.00 CRIME STOPPERS FUND FEE; $100.00 CRIME VICTIMS FUND FEE; 250 COMMUNITY SERVIC HOURS, ATTEND AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A DRUG OFFENDERS EDUCATION COURSE; ATTEND AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A BATTERERS INTERVENTION PROGRAM.

GARY MICHAEL SANDEL – 22-0063CR BURGLARY OF HABITATION - TEN (10) YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION; $2,500.00 FINE; $423.00 COURT COSTS; $500.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT FEE; $100.00 CRIME STOPPERS FUND FEE; $100.00 CRIME VICTIMS FUND FEE; 250 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS. ATTEND AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A THEFT INTERVENTION EDUCATION COURSE. ‘
GARY MICHAEL SANDEL – 22-0062CR BURGLARY OF HABITATION - TEN (10) YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION; $100.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT FEE.

HERMAN RAY HALL – 22-0015CR AGG ASSAULT W/DEADLY WEAPON - TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS CONFINEMENT TDCJ-ID; $423.00 COURT COSTS; $500.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT.

04/30/2022

Our offices goals for our page has been to keep the public informed of case dispositions, but in an effort to limit additional commentary, exposure to the victims, their families, and even the families of the defendants, we have chosen to turn the comments off the posts.

04/28/2022

The following are the defendants that took pleas or were sentenced on 4/27 and 4/28.

278th District Court:
• 22-0005CR - AUSTIN WILLIAM HENDERSON – POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PG1>=1g=4g=4g

04/26/2022

STATE OF TEXAS VS. JOHN WESLEY CASTLOW

On April 25-26, 2022, the Office of James Caleb Henson, the Leon County District Attorney, represented the State of Texas in a criminal proceeding against John Wesley Castlow. The District Attorney Caleb Henson presented the case to the Jury. Assistant District Attorney Zane Robinson sat second chair through the trial.

Mr. Castlow was arrested on August 11, 2020, for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under Six years of age by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. This arrest came following an investigation led by Deputy Don Craft of the LCSO. Deputy Craft was assisted by Deputies Kristen Shaw, Ruby Pate, and John Stubblefield at various points in the investigation.

The trial was held in the 369th Judicial District Court of Leon County with Judge Michael Davis presiding.
The trial lasted two days with the Jury hearing from a number of witnesses from the Leon County Sheriff’s office, Lt. Rebecca Salazar from DPS Criminal Investigations Division, and the victim’s family. The jury found the Defendant guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child under Six years of age and assessed a punishment of Life in TDCJ.

Judge Davis remanded Castlow to the custody Leon County Sheriff Kevin Ellis for transportation to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

**At this time, comments have been turned off for this post in order to protect the victim and family of the victim.**

04/08/2022

Members of the Scotty's House team hosted the Blue Ribbon Ceremony in Leon County recognizing the 34 confirmed victims of child abuse in 2021.

Thank you so much to all of the agencies in our county and the surrounding counties for your efforts in keeping our children safe.

💙💙💙

04/06/2022

Leon County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 4/6/2022

After a week and half long trial, Hollis Lane Willingham, age 45, of Normangee was convicted of Capital Murder in a Leon County Courtroom. The trial was the result of a 15-year investigation into the disappearance of Madison County man, Jim Craig Martin. Martin was reported missing in August of 2007. Although Martin’s remains have never been found, Willingham was convicted of his murder. Sheriff Ellis would like to thank the Leon County District Attorney’s Office, Madison County District Attorney’s Office, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office for their work on this case. Over the years numerous agencies have worked on this case, they include:
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office
The Grimes County Sheriff’s office
The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office
The Normangee Police Department
The Texas Rangers
The Texas Department of Public Safety CID Division
The Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol
The United States Secret Service
The United States Marshals

03/30/2022

Below are the pleas that took place on March 30, 2022, in the 278th District Court.

18-0171CR - STATE OF TEXAS V. GARRISON, JEREMIAH JUSTIN - SENTENCED TO FIVE (5) YEARS CONFINEMENT TDCJ-ID; $423.00 COURT COSTS.

21-0075CR - STATE OF TEXAS V. CARTER JR., CALVIN DOUGLAS - SENTENCED TO FIVE (5) YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, 250 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS, $3,000.00 FINE, $315.00 COURT COSTS, $500.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT; $100.00 CRIME STOPPERS FUND FEE, $100.00 CRIME VICTIMS FUND FEE.

03/22/2022

Our office phones are back up and running. Thank you for your patience.

03/18/2022

Plea Agreements in the 87th District Court from 3/18/2022

HOPKINS, NORMAN JERMAINE – 20-0088CR - CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE FAMILY – EIGHT ( 8 ) YEARS TDCJ-ID; $970.00 COURT COSTS.

WATSON, DANNY KIRK(x4) – 19-0155CR - POSS CS PG 1 =1G=4G=1G

03/16/2022

STATE OF TEXAS VS. RAYMOND HILLARD RANTALA

On March 7, 2022, the Office of James Caleb Henson, the Leon County District Attorney, represented the State of Texas in a criminal proceeding against Raymond Hillard Rantala. Assistant District Attorney Zane Robinson presented the case to the Jury.
Mr. Rantala was arrested on February 27, 2021, after Matt Foree from Oakwood PD was dispatched to Mr. Rantala’s residence in response to an arson/criminal mischief complaint. While on scene the officer gained information that led to a search of Mr. Rantala’s residence. A firearm was located during the search. Mr. Rantala is prohibited by State and Federal law from possessing a firearm.
After being arrested, Mr. Rantala was indicted for the felony offense of Unlawful Possession of Firearm by a Felon. During the trial, Mr. Robinson put on three witnesses, Officer Matt Foree who was an officer with Oakwood PD at the time of arrest, Chief of Oakwood PD Bobby Bishop, and Investigator Michael Merchant of the Leon County District Attorney’s Office.
Mr. Robinson presented the law applicable to this case prohibiting Mr. Rantala from having possession of a firearm. After 16 minutes of jury deliberations, the 87th District Court Judge, Judge Deborah Oakes Evans, read the Jury’s verdict finding Mr. Rantala guilty of the charged offense. The Court will be sentencing Mr. Rantala at a future hearing.

03/16/2022

Troopers are working to keep safe for all motorists.

When you see them on the side of the road with emergency lights on, please slow down or move over 🙏.

03/16/2022

Last April, Trooper Juan Tovar was shot by a murder suspect in the Bryan area who was later captured. Navasota PD Lt. Michael Mize transported Trooper Tovar for medical treatment.

We want to thank RODEOHOUSTON for recognizing Trooper Tovar & Lt. Mize as First Responders of the Year!

12/24/2021

Merry Christmas Eve from your Leon County District Attorney’s Office.

Wishing you a happy holiday season filled with love and laughter.

12/07/2021

STATE OF TEXAS VS. JEREMY WAYNE MATTHEWS

On December 6th, 2021, the Office of James Caleb Henson, the Leon County District Attorney, represented the State of Texas in a criminal proceeding against Jeremey Wayne Matthews. Assistant District Attorney Zane Robinson presented the State’s case to the Jury. Mr. Matthews was arrested on February 12, 2020, after being found using a tractor without the consent of the tractor’s owner. The defendant’s intent was to pull out a truck that was stuck in mud on a county road. The truck was discovered to be stolen by deputy’s on the scene. After being arrested, Mr. Matthews was indicted for the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, a State Jail Felony. During the trial, Mr. Robinson put on three witnesses, Lieutenant Bud Trammel with the Leon County Sherriff’s Office and two local ranchers who were witnesses to the crime. During closing argument, Mr. Robinson argued that by finding Mr. Matthews guilty of unlawfully using another’s property, the Jury would be protecting the rights of all property owners in Leon County. After 6 minutes of jury deliberation, the 87th District Court Judge, Judge Deborah Oakes Evans, read the Jury’s verdict finding Mr. Matthews guilty. The Court sentenced Mr. Matthews to 18 months in TDCJ.

11/11/2021

Veterans, we honor you today and everyday. Thank you for selfless servitude, and your sacrifice. 🇺🇸

The Leon County District Attorney’s Office would especially like to honor our own, Investigator Michael Merchant. We appreciate, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

God bless our veterans, and God bless America.

❤️🤍💙

11/01/2021

On Monday, October 25, trial commenced in the 369th Judicial District court against Danyette Goodrum for Delivery of Methamphetamine. The State of Texas was represented by James Caleb Henson, the elected District Attorney for Leon County, while Ms. Goodrum was represented by Raymond Sanders of Limestone County.

The case stemmed from a May trial where Ms. Goodrum was found guilty of Hindering Apprehension of a Fugitive. After Ms. Goodrum was taken into custody, she was found to have given methamphetamine to individuals who had watched the trial. Those individuals reported Ms. Goodrum’s action to the Leon County Sheriff’s office. Deputies investigated the actions of Ms. Goodrum and filed two counts of Delivery of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free Zone.

Trial lasted through all of Monday and Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, after approximately 15 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Ms. Goodrum guilty of both counts of Delivery of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free Zone. After arguments were presented by counsel and an additional 13 minutes of deliberation, the Jury sentenced Ms. Goodrum to 10 years in TDCJ for each count. These two sentences will be stacked on the 5 years Ms. Goodrum is currently serving.

10/15/2021

Below are the pleas that took place on October 15, 2021 in the 87th District Court.

21-0090CR – STATE OF TEXAS V. TARLUS DESHAWN DAVIS JR – SENTENCED TO FIVE (5) YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, 250 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS, $2,000.00 FINE, $320.00 COURT COSTS, $500.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT, $100.00 CRIME STOPPERS FUND FEE, $100.00 CRIME VICTIMS FUND FEE, $180.00 REIMBURSEMENT TO TXDPS CRIME LAB. ATTEND AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A DRUG OFFENDERS EDUCATION COURSE. FORFEIT THE WEAPON SEIZED AT TIME OF ARREST.

21-0093CR – STATE OF TEXAS V. MEGAN KELLY MCCUBBINS – SENTENCED TO FIVE (5) YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, 250 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS, $2,000.00 FINE, $320.00 COURT COSTS, $500.00 COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL REIMBURSEMENT, $180.00 RESTITUTION TO TXDPS CRIME LAB, $100.00 CRIME STOPPERS FUND FEE, $100.00 CRIME VICTIMS FUND FEE, ATTEND AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE DRUG OFFENDERS EDUCATION COURSE.

19-0044CR – STATE OF TEXAS V. TRESSA CHRISTINE HARRISON - ONE (1) YEAR CONFINEMENT TDCJ-SJ; $58.00 CURRENT COURT COSTS; $500.00 ACCRUED COURT COSTS.

10/15/2021

STATE OF TEXAS VS. LEVI CORNELIUS GARRETT

On October 4th, 2021, Assistant District Attorney – Zane Robinson, represented Leon County in a jury trial against Levi Cornelius Garrett. Mr. Garrett was the subject of an investigation by the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) after DPS had received numerous complaints of drug trafficking in the Buffalo area. Through their investigation, Mr. Garrett was arrested and indicted for the Felony Offense of Manufacture/Deliver of a Controlled Substance. The controlled substance in question was Methamphetamine. During trial, Mr. Robinson put on three witnesses including two DPS Special Agents and a laboratory technician with DPS’s crime lab. During closing argument, Mr. Robinson argued to the jury that by finding the Defendant guilty, they would be sending a message that Leon County does not tolerate the dealing of Methamphetamine to their citizens. After 13 minutes of jury deliberation, the 87th District Judge - Deborah Oakes Evans read the Jury’s verdict finding Mr. Garrett guilty. This was Mr. Robinson’s first jury trial since becoming an attorney and acting as the assistant to the elected District Attorney for Leon County James Caleb Henson. He zealously advocated for the State of Texas and the citizens of Leon County. Mr. Garrett will be sentenced by Judge Evans after a hearing on December 17.

09/07/2021