by | Published
New Braunfels, TX — Two San Antonio residents have been sentenced in separate criminal cases prosecuted in Comal County courts.
James Michael Faubion, 35, pleaded guilty to burglary of a habitation and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Judge Tracie Wright-Reneau of the 207th District Court sentenced Faubion to eight years in prison for burglary and two years in the State Jail Division for unauthorized use of a vehicle.
According to investigators, Comal County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Canyon Lake residence after a suspicious circumstances call. The homeowner reported the property had been broken into, a fire had been started in the front yard, lights were on in the house and his vehicle was missing.
The victim also told deputies the gate to the property had been broken and that no one had permission to be at the residence.
Deputies discovered the back door of the home open while clearing the house for the victim’s safety. During the search, the homeowner noticed his vehicle driving down the street and alerted deputies.
Officers quickly located the vehicle and stopped the driver, who was identified as Faubion. Investigators found that the vehicle’s ignition had been “punched out,” and a flathead screwdriver was located next to him.
Faubion initially claimed that a friend had paid him to clean out the property and admitted to starting the fire in the front yard. He later gave inconsistent statements about who allegedly gave him permission to enter the property and drive the vehicle.
The homeowner told investigators he did not know Faubion and had not given him permission to enter the property or take the vehicle.
Authorities later determined that Faubion had burglarized the residence and three sheds on the property, including a studio used by the homeowner. Items stolen included coin books, three firearms and various tools.
Investigators also discovered Faubion had two outstanding warrants, including one from Pennsylvania for receiving stolen property involving a firearm.
In a separate case, Kimber Lee Gonzales, 29, of San Antonio, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Comal County.
Judge Gary Steel of the 274th District Court sentenced Gonzales to 14 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The court made an affirmative finding that a deadly weapon was used during the offense.
Gonzales also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled substance under one gram and was sentenced to two years in the State Jail Division for those charges.
She also received a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to evading arrest or detention causing serious bodily injury and 12 counts of bail jumping or failure to appear.
All of Gonzales’ sentences will run concurrently.
The Faubion case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Guajardo following an investigation by the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
The Gonzales case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher Griffith and investigated by the New Braunfels Police Department.
