Holding Violent Offenders Accountable: Life Sentence in Assault on Texarkana Officer
Protecting the people who protect our community is a responsibility the justice system must take seriously. In a recent Bowie County case, that responsibility was upheld when a jury sentenced a repeat violent offender to life in prison plus 50 years for assaulting a Texarkana police officer.
The defendant, Jeffrey Dale Troxel, pleaded guilty to assault on a peace officer and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon after a violent encounter with Texarkana Police Sergeant Nick Tirone during a weapons pat-down. Troxel had an extensive criminal history, including 15 prior felony convictions, documented gang affiliation, and multiple pending felony charges at the time of sentencing.
During the punishment phase, the jury considered Troxel’s long pattern of violent behavior and disregard for the law. After deliberation, they returned a sentence of life imprisonment for the assault charge and 50 years for the firearm charge, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and the risk posed to public safety.
Kelley Crisp played a key role in the prosecution of this case, including successfully seeking a bond increase from $260,000 to $800,000 prior to trial to ensure the defendant remained in custody. The outcome demonstrates a commitment to holding violent offenders accountable while supporting the men and women who serve on the front lines of law enforcement.
Cases like this reinforce a clear principle: Bowie County will not tolerate violence against peace officers, and repeat offenders who endanger lives will face serious consequences under the law. Public safety, accountability, and respect for the rule of law remain central to the work of the district attorney’s office.
