Well-Known San Angelo Financial Advisor Awaits Jury's Verdict

ABILENE, TX — In a high-profile case that has gripped San Angelo, Gregory Frank Estes, a well-known financial advisor, is currently standing trial facing multiple felony charges. The trial, which saw both the defense and prosecution rest this afternoon, involves serious allegations against Estes, including 10 counts of sexual assault of a child.

Of these charges, eight are aggravated first-degree felonies, while two are classified as second-degree felonies. These charges have arisen from several alleged incidents involving a female victim, who is a distant relative of Estes, spanning from 2001 to 2010.

Estes is 59 years old.

The defense has challenged the credibility of the allegations, pointing out inconsistencies in the timeline. They highlighted that the victim's testimony on the dates of the assaults does not align with Estes' whereabouts, asserting that he was not in the same location or city when the alleged incidents occurred. In contrast, the prosecution emphasized the difficulty for the victim, who was 8, 10, and 16 years old at the times of the alleged assaults, to recall exact dates.

A pivotal moment in the trial occurred when two of the charges were dropped. This decision came after the victim acknowledged a photograph, where Estes was wearing a distinctive western-style shirt, was taken when she was 17, thus no longer a minor.

The jury is deliberating on the remaining charges: seven first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one second-degree felony count of indecency with a child. The first-degree felonies carry a severe maximum penalty ranging from 5 to 99 years in state prison, while the second-degree charge could result in a prison term of two to 20 years. Each charge also includes a potential fine of up to $10,000.

The jury has been deliberating since 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. As I write this, it is 8:30 p.m. and the jury is still out. Apparently, the jury is hung on 2 of the charges. We do not know which one. The judge instructed the jury to returned to the jury room and reach a decision Wednesday night. The courtroom is tense.

Estes, a financial planner with over 30 years of experience at Sidener Estes Bowden, is a prominent figure in the community. His involvement in Life Church, formerly known as Tree of Life Church (TLC), has added to the notoriety of the case.