Ellis County and District Attorney's Office

05/25/2026

Memorial Day!

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage, service, and dedication to our country will never be forgotten.

May we always remember the true meaning of this day and keep the families of our fallen heroes in our prayers. ❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 In observance of Memorial Day, the Ellis County & District Attorney's office will be closed Monday, May 25th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

As we enjoy the holiday weekend, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial weekend.

05/18/2026

JAMES GREGORY LONG:

Ellis County and District Attorney Lindy Beaty announced that a jury found James Gregory Long (63) of Waxahachie guilty of Assault Causing Bodily Injury following a two-day trial on April 14–15, 2026.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Long aggressively confronted the victim in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Waxahachie regarding her driving. Despite the victim’s repeated attempts to stop and separate herself from the confrontation, Long blocked her path inside the store and spat in her face. The victim struck Long, and Long responded by repeatedly striking the victim, causing pain and injury.

The defense argued self-defense, but the jury rejected that claim and returned a guilty verdict.

The case was prosecuted by Joshua Atilano and Valerie Berger. Following the verdict, the parties reached an agreed punishment recommendation of 24 months probation, 30 days jail as a condition of probation, and completion of the Thinking for a Change program — a multi-session cognitive behavioral intervention designed to address impulsivity, aggression, and antisocial behavior.

Prosecutor Joshua Atilano stated:
“Self-defense is a sacred right in Texas, and the jury’s swift verdict made one thing clear: provoking a confrontation does not justify assaulting another person.”

The Ellis County & District Attorney’s Office appreciates the work of the jury and the Waxahachie Police Department who helped ensure accountability in this case.

05/18/2026

JELACIO BANDA JR.

Ellis County and District Attorney Lindy Beaty announced that on May 12, 2026 Jelacio Banda Jr. (40) of Dallas, Texas was convicted by a jury of Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transport.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Banda became intoxicated during a family gathering and attempted to leave the location. Officers with the Red Oak Police Department responded to the ongoing disturbance and repeatedly attempted to help Banda secure a safe ride home to prevent him from driving while intoxicated. Banda refused those efforts and ultimately told officers to take him to jail. However, he resisted arrest for public intoxication by twisting and turning his shoulders, bringing his arms from behind his back and locking them in front of his chest, and pushing his back against an emergency vehicle to prevent officers from securing his arms behind his back. Officers struggled against Banda’s active resistance before the deployment of a taser. An officer was injured as Banda fell to the ground.

The case was prosecuted by Joshua Atilano and Mitchell Dolenz with assistance from the Red Oak Police Department.

Following the verdict, the parties reached an agreed punishment recommendation of 24 months probation and completion of the Thinking for a Change program — a multi-session cognitive behavioral intervention designed to address impulsivity, aggression, and antisocial behavior.

Prosecutor Joshua Atilano stated:
“The Red Oak Police Department worked to protect both Mr. Banda and the public from a potentially intoxicated driver. Mr. Banda refused their efforts to help and an officer was injured during the encounter. The jury’s verdict made clear that such conduct carries consequences in Ellis County.”

The Ellis County & District Attorney’s Office appreciates the work of the jury, the Red Oak Police Department, and DA Investigator Steve Adams in helping ensure accountability in this case.

05/18/2026

05/15/2026

Today, May 15th, we honor the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Today we remember their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting Ellis County.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to the officers who continue to serve with honor everyday. Their sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.

05/12/2026

💚May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚

Your mental health matters. No matter what you are facing, please remember- YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
It's okay to ask for help, take a break, and prioritize your well being.

Together, we can end the stigma, support one another, and build a stronger community. 💚

05/11/2026

🚔Police Week 🚔

Thank you to all the brave men and women of Ellis County who put their lives on the line everyday to protect and serve the citizens of Ellis County and our community. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication do not go unnoticed.

We are grateful for your service and commitment to keeping Ellis County safe. Thank you for all that you do for Ellis County! 🖤💙🖤

05/10/2026

💐 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there! 💐

Today we celebrate your strength, love, sacrifice and countless ways you make life brighter for those around you. We hope you have an amazing, blessed, and joy filled day surrounded by love and appreciation! 💐🌷🌹💐

05/07/2026

The Jury has Spoken, Not Guilty on Sexual Assault and Assault Family Violence Impeding Breath.

Ellis County and District Attorney Lindy Beaty would like to announce that on May 5, 2026, a jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. The case involved an allegation of Sexual Assault and Assault Family Violence Impeding Breath. The adult victim in this case went to the hospital a month after the incident and complained of neck pain. After hearing her account, a registered nurse asked to call the police so the victim could make a report. The victim reported that a verbal argument turned physical and the defendant placed his hands around her neck and choked her. The defendant then sexually assaulted her while she repeatedly told him no. The following morning, the defendant again turned the altercation physical and choked the victim when she attempted to leave.

An issue that arose in this case is the fact that the victim stayed with the defendant after the assaults. The victim stated that she feared for her life and was planning her escape and only left after the defendant was arrested for the crimes. As she was the only person there during the assaults, she was the only witness who could testify about what happened. The jury also heard testimony from a couple’s counselor that gave her a safety plan for her exit strategy two years prior to the assaults. Additionally, the victim and a concerned family member testified to the nature of the tumultuous relationship. Two registered nurses described to the jury the process of reporting the assaults and the dangers of strangulation cases. Finally, an expert of Intimate Partner violence testified to the common myths and misconceptions the public believes about Intimate Partner Violence and the power and control of abusers.

Since this verdict was a Not Guilty, the accused is now eligible for an expunction. Therefore, we will not be providing a name or picture of the Defendant. We would like to thank the time and attention given to his case by the members of the jury, Mansfield Police Department, and medical professionals who work to ensure the safety of our community. We believe it is our obligation to the citizens of Ellis County to not only report on cases in which we obtain convictions, but also on the cases that a jury acquits.