SAN ANGELO, TX – The final sentencing hearing for Ray Zapata was at 9 a.m. this morning. The jury already recommended probation in lieu of confinement for the first degree felony, but recommended Zapata serve in jail for forgery. Judge Brock Jones decided the terms of Zapata's probation.
Last week, druing the punishment phase, the jury had suggested 180 days confinement for each forgery count, five years for the first degree felony of theft, and 2 years for money laundering. For the two counts of forgery, the jury added probation as an option during sentencing which meant that Zapata would likely only serve six months in confinement, served concurrently. The rest of his punishment was eligible for probation.
The judge ordered probation for 10 years for theft and money laundering. The forgery charges, which called for six months in state jail, are eligible for appeal.
Court documents show that Zapata is appealing his case, and will need to post a $40,000 appeal bond to be released. His next hearing is June 15.
Editors Note: LIVE reported that Ray Zapata posted bail earlier this morning due to a confusion in court documents. As of 8:00 p.m. jail records indicate the bond had not been posted and Zapata has not been released
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