A convicted felon who was released from prison and returned to San Antonio to commit a string of armed robberies was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday.
John Casarez, also known as Pete Rojas, was found guilty of aggravated robbery. Evidence showed Casarez, 47, was armed with a gun when he robbed a woman and her husband in front of their 3 children. Casarez was also linked to other armed robberies and shootings. Casarez was charged as a repeat offender, having been previously convicted of attempted capital murder of a police officer. He served approximately 24 years of a 37-year sentence in prison on that charge before he was released on parole in November 2017.
Today, two weeks after a jury found the defendant guilty of aggravated robbery, Judge Raymond Angellini sentenced Casarez to life in prison. Casarez must serve at least 30 years of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.
“This defendant has proven to be a danger to our community. This jury has sent a message: Bexar County does not tolerate people who terrorize families with firearms and steal their hard-earned belongings,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
Assistant District Attorneys Alicia Lovett and Sade Mitchell of the Criminal Trial Division prosecuted this case in the 290th District Court. The case was investigated by the San Antonio Police Department.