About the Author Jeff “The Rosster” Ross
I am a 42-year veteran Prosecutor (television clips) , Chief Prosecutor (newspaper clips) and criminal defense lawyer – and I created this website to acknowledge the excellent efforts of my colleagues who work with felonies and misdemeanors at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center in Houston, Texas.
I publish trials in progress, trial verdicts, in-trial pleas and dismissals, trial setting dismissals, trial standings, judge standings, lawyer statistics, lawyer standings, photos and other court news and nuggets.
“My goal is to shine a light on the fine prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and other courthouse personnel who serve the interest of justice in our community. Our work is the last line of defense for those who will lose their freedom or become free. Thanks to all for your fine work!”
For additions, deletions, corrections or to send a head shot or trial victory in another county please contact me at (cell) 713-582-4462 or (email) jeffross486@gmail.com
Published: Weekly – Every Friday by 5pm – Publishing deadline is 3pm Fridays – First Publication February 2017
“TRIAL IN PROGRESS” – HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE. Trials in Progress are updated twice-a-day and the information is gathered from the Harris County District Clerk’s website – “preview docket sheet” found under the“images” tab of the case summary page
AUG 31st – updated 6a
174th Court
INDECENCY WITH A CHILD
1931387 – Prosecutors Nevin Day and Dylan Larsen – Defense Cheryl Brown and Brigida Pirra (judge Hazel Jones presiding: jury deliberated 11:28a – 5:10p August 28th – to continue deliberations 9:30a August 31st)
209th Court
CAPITAL MURDER
1862632 – Prosecutors Erandy Marquez and Brianna Perry – Defense Paul Morgan, Mike Haddad and Stephanie Morales (judge Brian Warren presiding: state’s case resumes 9:30a August 31st)
Allegedly, per indictment, while in the course of committing Burglary of a Habitation the defendant Nathaniel Sewall shot and killed the owner with a firearm.
230th Court
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD
1863311 – Prosecutor Tiffany Caudill – Defense Kandice Horsey (judge Chris Morton presiding: opening statements 9:30a August 31st)
351st Court
MURDER
1703697 – Prosecutors Ellie Fossier and Rachel Barlow – Defense Nancy Knox-Bierman and William Cheadle (judge Nata Cornelio presiding: punishment evidence continues 10:30a August 31st)
Kelly Slayton, 24, has been charged with murder after missing Houston man Joshua Pavey, 30, was found fatally shot inside her northwest Harris County apartment.
According to court records, Pavey suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. Investigators were led to Slayton after she was arrested near Fort Worth following an alleged road-rage shooting and police chase while driving Pavey’s vehicle.
Surveillance video reportedly showed Slayton and Pavey entering the apartment, but Pavey was never seen leaving. Slayton was later recorded removing items from the apartment and eventually leaving in Pavey’s vehicle.
Pavey was last seen December 19 and was reported missing after he failed to show up for work. Investigators subsequently searched Slayton’s apartment and discovered his body in a bedroom.
Slayton is charged with murder. The charge is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
497th Court
ARSON
1901532 – Prosecutors Alex Nutt and Paul Escamilla – Defense Jerome Godinich (judge Peyton Peebles presiding: jury deliberated 1:36p – 4:57p August 27th – jury deliberated 9a – 4:02p August 28th – Allen charge 10:38a – HUNG JURY)
Allegedly, per indictment, the defendant Arnold Sandoval III ignited a flammable liquid with the intent to burn down a building
ERD Court
SEXUAL ASSAULT
1797634 – Prosecutors Jay Gordon and Lisa Calligan – Defense Wilvin Carter and Teresa Lakho (visiting judge Marc Brown presiding, 4th floor Family Law Center: punishment evidence to continue 9:30a August 31st)
ERD Court
CONTINUOUS SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD
1719058 – Prosecutors Marie Defretin and Radarius Morrow – Defense Brett Podolsky and Matthew Sharp (visiting judge Lisa Burkhalter picked the jury, 4th floor Family Law Center: opening statements 9:15a August 31st)