GILMER, Texas — Two defendants pleaded guilty on Monday before their set trial in Upshur County.
According to Upshur County Criminal District Attorney's Office, about 150 potential jurors were called to hear cases set for trial. While the jury panel waited, two defendants changed their pleas to guilty and were sentenced to prison.
The district attorney's office says the first case involved Ryan Hollinsworth, 20, of Gilmer, who pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child, who was 12 at the time.
Hollinsworth has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
In the second case, Lasandra Peoples, 40, of Gladewater, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery.
Officials say on December 6, 2017, Peoples, armed with a knife, entered the home of an elderly woman in Gladewater. She then stole money and jewelry from the victim before forcing her into a bathroom and throwing away her landline telephone.
The victim who was 75 at the time, was able to grab her cell phone and crawled through the bathroom window to safety before calling 911.
Peoples has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Both Hollinsworth and Peoples must serve half of their respective sentences before they will be eligible for parole.
