Audrey Gossett Louis, 81st Judicial District Attorney

06/20/2026

We are hiring an experienced felony prosecutor.

Felony Prosecutor Interested in making an impact and helping victims? We offer flexible hours in a family-oriented office. The 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office is looking for a dedicated…

06/17/2026

ATASCOSA COUNTY JURY SENTENCES MAN TO 17 YEARS FOR ROLE IN PLEASANTON SHOOTING

On June 17, 2026, an Atascosa County jury sentenced 24-year-old Jack Dylan Martinez to 17 years in prison for his role in a shooting that occurred on North Water Street in Pleasanton on March 3, 2024.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Martinez was with two other defendants when they confronted two younger males outside a party at approximately 2:30 a.m. The victim and an eyewitness testified that all three individuals were armed with fi****ms, including a shotgun, a rifle, and a handgun. During the confrontation, one victim was shot in the back and hand with a shotgun, resulting in the loss of a portion of his hand.

Officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded quickly to the scene, developed suspects, and arrested Martinez and the two other individuals involved. All three were charged as parties to the shooting. Investigators recovered five spent shotgun shells from the crime scene.

Although Martinez was not identified as the person who fired the shotgun, he admitted to being part of the group involved in the confrontation. He denied possessing a firearm. Trial began on June 15, 2026, and concluded with the jury returning a guilty verdict and assessing punishment at 17 years' in prison.

This case demonstrates that every person who chooses to participate in violent criminal conduct will be held accountable for the consequences of those actions. A young man suffered a life-altering injury because of this senseless act of violence. We are grateful to the jury for their service and for delivering justice on behalf of the victim and our community.

The 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office could not have secured this conviction without the outstanding work of law enforcement, first responders, and our prosecution team - our investigators, legal assistants, prosecutors and victim advocate. We extend our sincere appreciation to Lt. Jordan Haren, Detectives Chris Trevino and Amelia Garza, and Sgt. Adrian Limon of the Pleasanton Police Department, as well as Atascosa County EMS Paramedic Francisco Maldonado for their professionalism and dedication throughout this investigation.

We also want to recognize Assistant District Attorneys Scott Simpson and Border Prosecution Unit ADA Kenny Lam for their hard work, preparation, and commitment to seeking justice in this case. Their efforts were instrumental in presenting the evidence and securing this conviction.

06/12/2026

Thank you to Safer Path Family Violence Shelter for hosting an important community training to raise awareness about domestic violence.

I appreciated the opportunity to participate in this meaningful event and join others committed to supporting survivors and addressing this crisis in our community.

06/03/2026

🚨 JUSTICE SERVED IN ATASCOSA COUNTY: LIFE SENTENCE IN THE MURDER OF JORGE EROSA 🚨

On June 2, 2026, an Atascosa County jury sentenced Samuel Ponce to life in prison for the murder of Jorge Erosa.

On August 21, 2023, Jorge Erosa was shot outside his home and later succumbed to his injuries despite the efforts of medical personnel at Brooke Army Medical Center. Investigators worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend the person responsible. Security camera footage captured the shooting, and additional evidence included social media communications, witness testimony, ballistic analysis, and the recovery of the murder weapon from Ponce's possession.

During the punishment phase of trial, jurors also heard evidence that Ponce committed a second murder later that same night, as well as an assault on a jailer while he was awaiting trial.

Atascosa County may be close to San Antonio, but our community has made it clear that we will not tolerate the drug and gun violence that has plagued other areas. This jury sent a powerful message that those who bring violence into our neighborhoods will be held fully accountable. The citizens of this county care deeply about the safety of their families and communities, and through their verdict, they have ensured that Samuel Ponce will never again threaten either. We are grateful for the jury's service, their courage, and their commitment to justice for Jorge Erosa and his family.

The 81st District Attorney's Office extends its sincere appreciation to Texas Ranger Lieutenant Shane Staley, Ranger Terry Snyder, former Jourdanton Police Department Officers Lt. Maricarmen Kaufman and Joshua Walker, Lt. Jordan Haren of the Pleasanton Police Department, Tim Challes and Alexis Hernandez of the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, Dr. Garrett Phillips of the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office, and Jeffrey Kelly of the Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in El Paso.
We also recognize the outstanding work of our prosecution team. Prosecutors Erika Price, Scott Simpson, and Kenny Lam, Analyst Karen Dziuk, and Victim Advocate Katie Quinney worked tirelessly to present the evidence in a clear and compelling manner.

Successful prosecutions require the dedication and collaboration of law enforcement, forensic experts, victim advocates, and prosecutors, and this conviction is a testament to that teamwork.
Most importantly, we remember Jorge Erosa. Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones as they continue to live with the loss caused by this senseless act of violence.

05/19/2026

05/11/2026

Our office is proud to partner with over 35 law enforcement agencies to see that justice is served in our district. During Police Week, we honor all those who protect and serve our communities every day. We are grateful for their dedication, courage, and service.

04/13/2026

You are the lifeline for our first responders—the calm voice in the chaos.

Thank you for being the steady presence in every storm.

This National Telecommunications Week, we appreciate all that you do. 💛

04/12/2026

K9 Shey made her Poteet Strawberry Festival Parade debut this year—and loved every minute of it, especially watching the crowd from the back window! 🍓🐾

Congratulations to the Poteet Strawberry Festival on 79 years of bringing fun and tradition to the community. We’re proud to be part of it!

04/09/2026

WILSON COUNTY - CHILD MOLESTER FOUND GUILTY BY A JURY AND GETS 55 YEARS IN PRISON

On April 8, 2026, a Wilson County jury found Fabian Garza guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, following testimony and evidence presented during trial that detailed the harm suffered by the victim.

This case moved forward because of the extraordinary courage of a child who came forward and shared their experience, despite the difficulty of doing so. Throughout the investigation and trial, the victim demonstrated remarkable strength in seeking justice.

The Floresville Police Department conducted the investigation, and the case was prosecuted by Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney, with critical support provided to the victim and their family by victim coordinator Katie Quinney.

After the jury returned a guilty verdict, the defendant elected for the Court to determine punishment. The Honorable Russell Wilson sentenced Fabian Garza to 55 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

While this sentence holds the offender accountable, it also reflects the justice sought on behalf of the victim. The District Attorney’s Office recognizes the profound impact these crimes have and commends the victim and their family for their bravery and resilience throughout this process.

If you suspect child abuse, report it to your local law enforcement.