Grand jury indicts violent crime suspect

March 07-- Mar. 7--A man who police say robbed, kidnapped and sexually assaulted a local student has been indicted by a Walker County grand jury.

Degerrick Deon Sandles, 24, is expected to face trial on four felony charges in the first degree in connection with offenses that occurred during the evening hours of Feb. 3 in the 1300 block of Smither Drive.

Sandles was arrested a week later when DNA evidence recovered from the scene gave authorities a match in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System.

Authorities say that Sandles forced entry into a female's apartment and threatened to kill the victim, before sexually assaulting and kidnapping her a gunpoint.

"The victim was forced to accompany the suspect to several locations in an attempt to withdraw cash," Lt. Curt Landrum said during the investigation. "During the ordeal, the suspect repeatedly threatened to kill the victim if she tried to flee."

According to HPD, detectives were able to develop Sandles as a suspect in the offenses that occurred through evidence located at the scene. Once identified, a warrant was issued for Sandles arrest on the felony charges. During their investigation, detectives and officers found Sandles' vehicle in the 1200 block of Josey St. Authorities say that officers conducted surveillance on the vehicle until Sandles returned. Officers were able to keep Sandles from fleeing the scene and took him into custody. During their investigation at the scene, the arresting officers found marijuana and counterfeit money.

Prosecutors are charging Sandles with two counts of aggravated sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Sandles remains in custody at the Walker County Jail on a $804,000 bond.

A first-degree felony carries a punishment range from 5 to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a possible fine up to $10,000.

Other indictments by the grand jury includes:

--Walter Adams -- Driving while intoxicated (3rd or more).

--Mikerel Bookman -- Tampering with physical evidence.

--Moises Bustos -- Continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years old.

--James Davis -- Theft of property (More than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions).

--Tyrell Dennis -- Evading arrest detention with previous convictions.

--Quinton Dosia -- Assault family/ household member with previous convictions/ Burglary of habitation.

--Devon Hammock -- Assault of a peace officer.

--Justin Hosea -- Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

--Rachael Humphrey -- Assault of a peace officer.

--Raymond Johnson -- Theft of property ($2,500 -- $30,000).

--Konnor Key -- Injury to a child/ elderly/ disabled with intent of bodily injury.

--Dennis Malone -- Harassment of a public servant.

--Isaiah Moses -- Credit or debit card abuse.

--Frazier Obryant -- Arson.

--Daniel O'Conner -- Robbery.

--Brandon Reece -- Attempt to commit robbery.

--Jaysea Rhodes -- Injury to a child/ elderly/ disabled with intent of bodily injury.

--Megan Roch -- Forgery of a financial instrument.

--Stacey Scott -- Tampering with physical evidence.

--Matthew Biscamp -- Aggravated assault of family/ household member with weapon causing serious bodily injury.

--Ezra Gene -- Indecency with a child by sexual contact.

--JB McBride -- Unauthorized use of a vehicle.

--Joshua McMillian -- Aggravated sexual assault of a child (2 counts).

--Jason Manuel -- Forgery of a financial instrument.

--John Murphy -- Assault of a family/ household member with previous convictions.

--Kirk Paulsel -- Continuous violence against a family member.

--Matthew Shoemaker -- Burglary of a habitation.

--Shannon Tolbert -- Assault of family/ household member impeding breath/ circulation.

--Lee Lightfoot -- Driving while intoxicated (3rd or more).

--Daniel White -- Accident involving injury.

--Michelle Williams -- Driving while intoxicated (3rd or more).

--Lance Wilson -- Driving while intoxicated (3rd or more).

--Cristian Garcia -- Aggravated assault of a public servant (2 counts).

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