Kaleb Mickens, who once went by the nickname "Cash Cartier," was sentenced yesterday to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree aggravated assault-family violence in connection with the death of his partner, Sheila Cuevas. Her body was found on Oct. 8, 2023. In a packed courtroom, several women and family members described years of alleged torment, manipulation and sexual assault, and prosecutors said Mickens’ conduct reflected a pattern of violence that went far beyond the single fatal incident.
Sentence and related counts
According to a press release from the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, Mickens pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated assault-family violence and received a 40-year sentence in Tarrant County. The release also states he was given a 20-year term tied to a probation revocation for an aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. In addition, he had previously been sentenced to 15 years in Dallas County for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors credited investigators and victim advocates who worked the case and said the combined penalties reflected the severity of the offenses.
Kaleb Mickens was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
— Tarrant County DA (@TarrantCountyDA) April 7, 2026
Several women delivered impact statements that included details of torment, torture, manipulation, and sexual assault. pic.twitter.com/LwsU3y9ubn
Victim impact in court
Several women delivered impact statements in the full courtroom, describing torment, torture, manipulation, and sexual assault, according to prosecutors. Cuevas' family addressed Mickens directly, telling him, there can be no justice that brings Sheila back, but there can be outcomes, and there can be accountability and you deserve this. Prosecutors said that testimony, along with other evidence, formed the core of their presentation in court, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office.
How investigators built the case
Prosecutors say the investigation began after Mickens called 911 on Oct. 8, 2023, and reported that his dog, named Soldier, had attacked Cuevas and that she was not breathing. Animal control later euthanized Soldier. Testing that followed determined the dog had nothing to do with Cuevas' injuries or death, investigators said. Tarrant County DA investigator Timothy Pinckney and victim advocate Carma Anderson worked the case alongside Detective Tracy Dixon and the Arlington Police Department, while Assistant District Attorneys Allenna Bangs and Peter Gieseking handled the prosecution.
Context and next steps
The DA's release also notes that Mickens used the nickname "Cash Cartier" and was involved with IM Academy, where prosecutors allege he lured people into a training team with promises of making thousands of dollars. With the sentence now entered, any appeals or additional scheduling will move forward under standard Texas procedures, and the DA's office did not provide immediate details about further filings. Victim-service organizations and county resources remain available for people experiencing domestic violence.
