Thomas Jacinto Lopez is headed to state prison for 25 years after admitting he ripped off a widowed El Paso woman, prosecutors say. On Thursday, a judge handed down the sentence after Lopez pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, including exploitation of an elderly person and theft of property, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors say Lopez promised home‑maintenance work, then took tens of thousands of dollars from the woman and never delivered.
Guilty Plea, 25 Year Sentence
According to KVIA, Lopez pleaded guilty to three felony counts. Lopez was sentenced to 25 years in state prison. A spokesperson for the El Paso District Attorney's Office told the station the scheme began in 2017 and that the victim reported the crimes in 2023. District Attorney James Montoya called the conduct "absolutely reprehensible."
Prior Record In Midland
Court documents show Lopez was previously convicted in Midland in a home‑remodeling theft case, according to court records published on Justia. Those records indicate the earlier case involved theft of more than $100,000.
Separate County Case Alleges Multiple Victims
The El Paso County Attorney's Office also pursued a separate theft case, accusing Lopez of victimizing 13 people with deceptive business practices, taking money for construction projects like pool installations and then abandoning the work, according to KVIA. Officials said that the county case alleged stolen property valued between $150,000 and $300,000 during 2020 to 2022. The station also reported Lopez had a prior felony record in Midland, which prosecutors said allowed them to seek an enhanced punishment range in the El Paso case.
What This Means Legally
Under Texas law, exploitation of an elderly person is its own offense and is generally a third-degree felony, according to Texas Public Law. State habitual offender rules allow qualifying prior felony convictions to raise the applicable punishment range to 25 years or more under the enhancement statute.
Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the alleged scheme and that authorities will continue pursuing cases of elder exploitation. Lopez remains in custody pending transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
