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Burglar sentenced to 20 years for Allen break-in
Courtesy of Collin County jail - Christopher John Cortez, 38, of McKinney, on Tuesday was sentenced to 20 years in prison for breaking into an Allen home in November.
From STAFF REPORTS
A McKinney man on Tuesday was sentenced to 20 years in prison for breaking into an Allen home last November, announced Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.
The sentence puts an end to 38-year-old Christopher John Cortez's violent criminal history, which includes prior penitentiary sentences for burglary of a habitation, aggravated robbery of an elderly person, and possession of a deadly weapon in a penal institution.
Allen police arrested Cortez after officers were dispatched to a residence off Quail Run Drive for a burglary in progress the morning of Nov. 2, 2011. At around 10 a.m., the homeowner's son-in-law -- who was staying at the residence with his pregnant wife and her family -- saw Cortez knocking on the front door. Moments later, he began knocking on the back door of the home. Cortez then returned to the front door and forced his way into the home using a pry bar.
The homeowner's daughter gave dispatchers a description of the car and its license plate number. Officers spotted the vehicle on Stacy Road shortly after and arrested Cortez, charging him with burglary of a habitation, a second-degree felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Cortez pleaded guilty Tuesday without an agreement on punishment. Both sides presented several witnesses, and state District Judge Ray Wheless sentenced Cortez to 20 years.
The case was investigated by Detective Mike Such of the Allen Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Paul Anfosso.
"This was an egregious crime, considering the defendant's criminal history and that he broke through the door in broad daylight while people were at home," Anfosso said. "I join District Attorney Willis in commending the Allen Police Department on their swift actions in apprehending the defendant."
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