Multiple defendants enter pleas and receive sentences in 187th District Court docket

The court called a full docket of plea and sentencing matters in the 187th District Court. The presiding judge moved through hearings that included guilty findings, deferred adjudications and scheduling orders.

In cause 2026 CR0000669, defendant Michael Peina waived formal reading of the indictment, waived a jury and pled no contest to possession of a controlled substance. Defense attorney Christian Vega and the state stipulated to documentary exhibits; the court found sufficient evidence and accepted the plea. The judge pronounced a sentence of 10 years in prison suspended and probated for six years. Conditions the court ordered included a $1,000 fine probated, roughly 200 hours of community service/restitution, weekly sober‑support meetings (with one hour deducted from community service for each meeting completed), field visits once per month, proof of employment within 45 days of release, and prohibitions on employment as a home‑health provider or working with minors. The court also referred Peina for felony drug court consideration and ordered TAP evaluation and follow recommendations.

Roland Deagarza, in cause 2025 CR012016‑02, likewise waived formalities and pled no contest. After the state presented exhibits and defense counsel had opportunity to speak, the court accepted the plea and sentenced Deagarza to eight years in prison (with credit for time served noted at sentencing).

In cause 2025 CR014219, Kenneth Renee Mendes applied for community supervision/deferred adjudication after pleading to possession. Counsel Steve Martin acknowledged defenses and the court deferred a finding of guilt while imposing a sentence of three years suspended and probated for three years, with conditions including random urine analyses, a TAP evaluation and follow‑through on treatment recommendations, a prohibition on residing in households with minors unless the court later revisits that restriction, and community service hours tied to program completion.

Other docket items included scheduling and discovery resets. The court set a 45‑day reset and an April 30 return date for an 18‑year‑old defendant, Aiden Luhan, so counsel could obtain discovery on newly filed matters. For Carl Robinson (2025 CR012572‑02) the court scheduled a PSI and TAP evaluation with sentencing continued to an April 27 hearing. Mark Parsons appeared on two causes (2026 CR0000443 and CR0000444); the state recommended concurrent community supervision, a $1,000 probated fine, and restitution of $2,500 in one cause. The judge accepted pleas and imposed terms that included parenting classes, restrictions on contact with the complainant, limits on residing with minors unless the defendant later demonstrates suitability, and monthly field visits; the court left some conditions subject to later reconsideration upon evidence of rehabilitation.

The judge at one point addressed courtroom reputation and enforcement, noting, "I have been accused of being too lenient by some," and warned defendants that violations could result in revocation and incarceration. Most matters proceeded on stipulated documentary evidence rather than live testimony; several cases were referred for TAP or felony‑drug‑court evaluation and will return for later proceedings.

Next steps: several defendants have return dates or evaluation deadlines scheduled (PSI/TAP dates and plea deadlines were set in individual causes). Where the court deferred adjudication or recommended treatment, case progress will depend on program acceptance and completion.