Tim Powers
Law Offices of Tim Powers, Denton, Texas
940.483.8000
A couple of months ago, we wrote a blog about the Ellis County Volunteer Firefighter Department. This morning, eight people from the sexual assault were indicted by the grand jury.
The volunteer firefighters were arrested back in April due to a sexual harassment/hazing incident having to do with a chorizo sausage and a broomstick. According to records, the hazing was recorded by one of the suspect's girlfriends on her cell phone and the firefighter chiefs told them to keep quiet and delete the video.
Today, five of the ex-firefighters Keith Edward Wisakowsky, Casey Joe Stafford, Preston Thomas Peyrot, Alec Chase Miller and Blake Jerold Tucker were all indicted on the charges of aggravated sexual assault or attempted aggravated sexual assault based on who participated and who was just there and didn't report it. Wisakowsky's girlfriend was indicted with the same charges for allegedly filming the assault. In addition, the two men in charge of the firefighter station at the time of the incident (Chief Gavin Satterfiled and Assistant Chief Billy Getzendaner) were indicted today as well with first-degree felony charges for tampering with a witness. According to reports, the two men knew about the hazing and the video but urged the men to delete the video and not say anything to authorities.
If convicted the men facing aggravated sexual assault charges, which is a second-degree felony, could face two to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with a fine not to exceed $10,000. Moreover, if the men convicted of attempted aggravated sexual assault, which is a third-degree felony, could face two to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with a fine not to exceed $10,000. If the two chiefs are convicted, they could face five to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (which is a first-degree felony) with a fine not to exceed $10,000.
This is an interesting case and will be interesting to see if it goes to trial. What do you think?
If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.483.8000
*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney. Criminal Defense Lawyers with Unparalleled Passion for Success Providing Quality Representation for your Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Corinth, Highland Village Dallas, Plano, McKinney, Denton County, Tarrant County, Collin County, or Dallas County criminal case
http://www.timpowers.com/Blog/2015/April/Ellis-County-Firemen-Charged-with-Aggravated-Sex.aspx