Man sentenced to 20 years after judge finds aggravated-assault counts true in two cases

The judge in the 252nd District Court found multiple counts true against Jovi Wells and sentenced him to concurrent 20-year terms in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with affirmative findings that he used a deadly weapon and credit for time served.

The court’s decision followed sworn testimony from Officer Sean Stevenson and probation officer Rachel Lopez, and the admission of a body-worn camera recording the prosecution offered as State’s Exhibit 1. The judge announced, “Find counts 1, 2, and 5 true. Find sufficient evidence to find you guilty, and at this time, find you guilty of aggravated assault, sentence you to a term of 20 years in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Corrections. You will receive credit on these sentences for any time that you've been in custody that the law gives you the right to receive. They will run concurrently.”

Officer Sean Stevenson, who responded to a disturbance on Maynard Street, testified that he reviewed phone logs and the body camera recording and that the logs showed the defendant had made repeated calls to the alleged victim. Stevenson said, “Approximately 41, I believe,” when asked about the number of calls recorded. Probation officer Rachel Lopez testified she had spoken with Wells on April 10 and told him to have no contact with the victim; she said the April encounter at about 2:15 a.m. violated that instruction and Wells’ curfew. Prosecutor Mister Nichols argued the defendant’s behavior had escalated over time and urged the court for a significant sentence, telling the court, “I’m asking the court to put a stop to this today.”

Wells, who addressed the court, denied that the victim was frightened of him and told the judge he wanted to “start up” a job and care for his children: “She’s not scared of me ... I’m trying to start up, like, you know, start up. Because I got kids.” Defense counsel asked the court to allow Wells another chance at probation and treatment, saying he had been held for ISF (in-prison sanction facility) previously but a bed did not become available; the defense asserted treatment and a job opportunity in Midland could help him change his circumstances.

The court found sufficient evidence on several counts and accepted plea admissions for other counts. The judge ordered an affirmative deadly-weapon finding in each case. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

Less-critical procedural matters concluded the hearing: the court provided Wells with trial-court certification documents and a written admonishment about firearm possession ineligibility under Texas law, and instructed defense counsel to obtain and file relevant paperwork. Wells was returned to custody following the hearing.