Verdict Reached in Trial of San Angelo Financial Planner

ABILENE, TX — In a late-night verdict that has sent shockwaves through the Big Country and Concho Valley, San Angelo financial advisor Gregory Frank Estes was found guilty of two first-degree felony counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a child. The jury, after nearly 11 hours of deliberation, delivered their decision at 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday night, concluding the intense eight-day trial.

Estes faced a total of 10 charges, including seven First Degree Felony counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, one count of Second Degree Felony of Sexual Assault of a Child, and two counts of Second Degree Felonies of Indecency of a Child by Contact. However, two charges were dropped during the trial after the victim recanted specific dates.

The prosecution, led by Taylor County Assistant District Attorney Bryan Hall with assistance from ADA Erin Stamey, built their case on demonstrating Estes' pattern of criminal behavior. This included dominating and traumatizing his victim, leading to her submission. The case involved a single female victim, abused from the age of 8 into adulthood over nine years. Significantly, the prosecution brought in testimony from five additional women claiming they were also assaulted by Estes, to establish a pattern of behavior.

The defense, led by attorney Frank Sellers, countered with credit card receipts and other evidence to suggest Estes was not present at the alleged times of abuse. Sellers also criticized the prosecution's motives and argued against considering the testimony of the other women, as Estes was only on trial for the allegations of one victim.

ADA Hall acknowledged the victim's difficulty in recalling specific dates but emphasized the credibility of her testimony, contrasting it with Estes' lies. Estes, now 59, was in his late 30s when the first assault occurred. Hall also pointed out the irony in Estes' inability to remember specific dates of his own childhood abuse, which he disclosed during therapy.

The emotionally charged courtroom, divided between supporters of Estes and the victim, was cautioned by the judge to maintain decorum. Following the verdict, Judge Jeff Propst of the 104th Judicial District revoked Estes' bond, and he was taken to the Taylor County Jail. The sentencing phase is set to begin at 10 a.m., where Estes faces 5-99 years in state prison for each count, along with a potential $10,000 fine for each.

Estes, a prominent figure in the San Angelo community and a leader in the Life Church, has been a financial planner for over 30 years. His case has garnered significant attention due to his community standing and the serious nature of the charges. According to testimony, the incidents occurred in Abilene and elsewhere which is why the charges originated in Taylor County.