Latest news with #MarioGarza
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nearly 30,000 defendants were granted PR bonds since 2022, many with extensive criminal records
The Brief Personal recognizance or PR bonds are meant to be for first-time offenders. However, some defendants have received five or even six PR bonds. Since 2022, magistrates have given PR bonds to more than 28,000 defendants charged with felonies. A bill the governor is expected to sign into law will stop magistrates from granting PR bonds. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Personal recognizance bonds are meant for first-time offenders and low-level misdemeanors. But we've found career criminals, and even a registered sex offender, being granted numerous PR bonds. 62-year-old Nathaniel Cornell Barnes' lengthy criminal history dates to 1989. But that didn't stop a magistrate from granting him five personal recognizance bonds. "You've already been given five PR bonds. Guess what? He didn't show up for court. Now, he's a wanted fugitive. This is absurd," said Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers. In just the month of March, Mario Garza, President of Professional Bondsmen of Harris County Association, says magistrates granted more than 1,500 defendants PR bonds. "Some of them with extensive records that you would think by now, they wouldn't qualify, but they are," Garza said. Dig deeper Since 2022, magistrates have given PR bonds to more than 28,000 defendants charged with felonies. "What's even more disturbing was a list I got showing some of them have six PR bonds," said Kahan. Like 61-year-old Troy Carter. He's been in and out of prison since 1985. Yet he's now free from jail on his sixth felony PR bond. His lengthy criminal history for being a registered sex offender didn't stop 57-year-old Lewis Abney from getting six PR bonds. "He was given two more PR bonds. So he's right back out and this was the actual district court judge that gave him the PR bond, not the magistrate, which is even more disturbing," Kahan said. The judge who granted Abney PR bonds is 232nd Judge Josh Hill. What's next A bill the governor is expected to sign into law will stop magistrates from granting PR bonds. That can only be done by elected judges. The Source FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace spoke with Andy Kahan from Houston Crime Stoppers and Mario Garza, President of Professional Bondsmen of Harris County Association.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Friend who was with man fatally shot by Boise police in 2023 is sentenced
Two summers ago, Boise police officers approached Mario Garza and Payton Wasson as part of an investigation involving possible drug crimes and gang activity, and Wasson took off running while holding a gun. Police fatally shot him, sparking protests and questions about lethal force policies. Garza was arrested for alleged possession of fentanyl pills, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. On Friday, just blocks away from the site of the shooting, Garza was sentenced to four years fixed and six years indeterminate for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, meaning he could be eligible for parole after 48 months. The prosecution sought to paint Garza as a gang member with a troubling history, while the defense said Garza has shown remorse and been working in the kitchen as a jail inmate. 'I've never been able to see my part in things I've done in life,' Garza said, sitting with his lawyers and wearing a white Ada County Jail sweatshirt. 'I've made excuses to justify my actions.' Garza, 28, of Kuna, was initially charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver and an enhancement charge, according to court records. He was acquitted of the second possession charge and the enhancement was dropped. The defense asked for a seven-year sentence with just two years fixed, and for Garza to be placed in a rider program. The prosecution asked for at least 10 years fixed, with 20 years indeterminate. Judge James Cawthon said Garza expressed similar sentiments about his behavior at past sentencings. 'You're young and can do a lot of good in life,' Cawthon said. 'Getting to a point where you're ready to talk about what your issues are and reach out to other people about your issues and get help for your issues … that's real strength.' Cawthon also ordered Garza to pay over $200 in restitution and court costs.
