FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former Helotes Councilman Enters Guilty Plea To Sexual Assault of a Child

San Antonio, Texas: August 2, 2010

Bexar County District Attorney Susan D. Reed announced today that former Helotes Councilman Jeffrey Ellis, age 44, entered a plea of guilty to a second degree felony Sexual Assault.

This charge arises from the events of April 23, 2009 when the 14-year-old girl, a family friend, was at Ellis’s home visiting overnight. Ellis escorted the 14 year old, who had been drinking, to a guest bedroom and sexually assaulted her. Ellis’s wife and young daughter had already gone to sleep in another part of the house.

The agreement calls for a term of confinement of 10 years in prison. Because Ellis has never been convicted of a felony, it is within the court’s discretion to grant his application for Deferred Adjudication. Ellis is not eligible for probation. 290th District Court Judge Sharon MacRae will determine Ellis’s punishment. The punishment hearing is set for September 28, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Sexual Assault is a second degree felony with a range of punishment of 2 years to 20 years confinement in the Texas Department of Corrections and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Ellis will also be required to register as a sex offender.

For more information contact Cliff Herberg, First Assistant District Attorney, at (210)335-2342 or Adriana Biggs, White Collar Crime Division Chief at (210)335-2404.