ARANSAS PASS, Texas — After receiving some negative feedback regarding the sentencing of Eloy Davila to 75 years in prison for selling heroin, Aransas Pass Police Chief Eric Blanchard released a statement online to clear the air.
It was Tuesday when news of Davila's sentencing was posted on the APPD Facebook page, stating that Davila was found guilty of "peddling his poison (heroin) as a habitual criminal offender" and that jurors "kindly rewarded his life of crime with a 75 year all-expense-paid trip to prison."
Most of the comments on the post were congratulating the police department for a job well done, but some noted the long prison sentence -- comparing it to that of other kinds of offenders like murderers and rapists -- and others stated that Davila was the addict and not the dealer.
Chief Blanchard posted a response to those comments Wednesday night.
Blanchard first responded to the claim that Davila was an addict and not a dealer, saying that claim is "baseless and false."
"In fact, my officers arrested him during this latest case as he was about to deliver heroin again," Blanchard wrote. "How do I know? Because we ordered the heroin from him in an undercover operation."
He also noted that Davila was wanted by the State on a parole violation, and had a chance to return to society.
"Mr. Davila chose to deal in Heroin, one of the most destructive opioids our community, state, and country has faced," Blanchard wrote.
Next, Blanchard addressed comments that Davila's 75-year prison sentence is disproportionate to the crime, something he said he agrees on.
"I do think the longer sentences should be reserved for child abusers and those who commit senseless crimes of violence," Blanchard wrote. "Contrary to some's belief, I too feel that drug addiction and possession could be better addressed if we started treating the addict, not simply tossing them away."
That being said, Blanchard went on to explain that he does not believe Davila is someone who can be rehabilitated, and also noted that the decision is not up to him. He did say, however, that Davila could have avoided the 75-year sentence had he taken a plea deal that had been offered to him.
"Rather, Mr. Davila chose to roll the dice and play on the emotions of a jury," Blanchard said.
Blanchard also addressed the fact that Davila was a heavy user of the drugs, saying that it is not uncommon for dealers to deal to support their own habit. However, he said Davila preyed on others' addictions, including a female who testified in court.
According to Blanchard, the female told jurors she had been struggling with addiction and Davila exploited her sexually by providing her with heroin that she could not afford.
"I believe in this situation, there could have been no greater evil than how Mr. Davila preyed on her through her vulnerabilities and addiction," Blanchard wrote.
Blanchard finished by pointing out that the APPD are passionate about their duty, and that drugs dealing in Aransas Pass will not be tolerated. He said that by sentencing Davila to 75 years in prison, jurors sent a message that they are sick of the drug dealing in their community too.
"I thank my men and women within the PD, those with the San Patricio County District Attorney's Office, and the members of this jury for helping send out this clear and resounding message," Blanchard wrote.
You can view Chief Blanchard's entire response here.
Blanchard also included in his post information for those who are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, saying there are resources in Aransas Pass to help them. Those resources are listed below:
Care Detox: 361-533-9021
Ask for Frank Valley
OSAR: 361-886-1097
Ask for Gloria Hernandez
