Former Fort Worth Officer Gets 20 Years for Fatal DWI

A former Forth Worth police narcotics officer has pled guilty to charges of intoxication manslaughter, in which his police cruiser collided with another vehicle, operated by 27-year-old Sonia Baker, a local mother.

Sources say that Jesus Cisneros initially pleaded “not guilty,” but then changed his mind by entering a “guilty” plea at the beginning of the defense’s case. He has also received a punishment of 20 years imprisonment for the charges.

Authorities learned that the officer, who was on duty at the time, was under the influence of alcohol after he left a birthday party (that took place in a bar) just a few moments before the crash. The victim died at the scene.

The incident occurred December 11, 2009.

When Cisneros pled guilty, he acknowledged his wrongdoings to the jury and others.

Sometime during the beginning of the trial, prosecutors exhibited evidence revealing that Cisneros had consumed 12 alcoholic drinks prior to the wreck. In addition, it was confirmed through blood alcohol analysis that Cisneros was extremely drunk. In other words, his BAC level was “more than twice the legal limit” and had driven his cruiser at 76 mph in a 35 mph zone during the time of the wreck.

Sonia Baker was portrayed as a joyful, high-spirited wife and mother of two little boys, according to the victim’s mother, Stella Lopez.

Lopez also alleged that the bar, known as The Pour House, where the officer was attending the party moments prior to the crash, had over-served the officer with alcoholic beverages. This led her and her family to file a lawsuit against the bar. The family is represented by attorney Mike Freden of the Noteboom Law Firm.

Even though Cisneros requested leniency while he was on the stand, the jury recommended he should serve up to 20 years in prison.