Law Enforcement Lauded for Collaborative Efforts in Saenz Case

LUFKIN – A guilty verdict recently handed down by an Angelina County jury was the result of coordinated investigative efforts of numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. That’s according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales and Angelina County District Attorney Clyde Herrington. On Mar. 30, Kimberly Saenz, a 38-year-old Lufkin dialysis nurse, was found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault and one count of capital murder following an 18-day trial in state court. Saenz was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for the murder conviction and received an additional 20 years in prison for each of the assault convictions. According to KETK, she’s planning an appeal.

According to a press statement from the U.S. attorney’s office, “This case is yet another excellent example of the cooperation of multiple agencies of federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecution teams in bringing justice to the Lufkin community.” Bales noted, “The jury’s verdict of guilty, is of course, a bittersweet one. I am pleased that justice has been done, but we all know that a criminal trial is a poor substitute for the losses experienced by the friends and family members. We continue to pray for God’s peace and healing for all involved.”

“There are no winners in this case,” said HHS/OIG Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows. “Many families still grieve the loss of their loved ones. Rest assured that HHS/OIG is dedicated not only to protecting the financial integrity of the Medicare Trust Fund, but also to ensuring the physical safety of Medicare beneficiaries. Together, with local and State law enforcement as was displayed in this case, we’ll do exactly that.”