TEXARKANA, Texas - A criminal charge of retaliation has been filed against a woman accused of threatening a victim who testified last month in a jury trial for a Texarkana pastor now serving multiple life sentences for child sexual abuse.
Porsche Chenique Owens, 29, allegedly shouted threats to beat up one of the victims of Logan Wesley III on the final day of trial in the parking lot of the New Boston, Texas, High School shortly after Wesley was sentenced to five life sentences plus 220 years. The trial was held in the high school's auditorium because the large space allowed for social distancing not possible in a courtroom at the Bowie County Courthouse.
A probable cause affidavit prepared by Texas Department of Public Safety Investigator Lance Kline notes that he, Bowie County Sheriff's Office Deputy Nick Moses and Bowie County District Attorney Investigator Aaron Ragland were tasked with escorting prosecution witnesses to their cars following the trial.
Kline states in the affidavit that while waiting for the victim witnesses to get in their cars, he met bailiff Richard Greer in the corner of the parking lot having a "stern conversation" with the occupants of a gray Dodge Charger.
"I inquired if everything was alright and Bailiff Greer stated he had just been trying to get some belligerent attendees to vacate the premises," the affidavit states.
While Kline spoke with Greer, the Charger's driver drove toward the victims. Owens allegedly began shouting from the car's passenger side, "I'm gonna beat your ass," at one of Wesley's victims.
Owens was removed from the courtroom earlier in the day by Texarkana, Texas, Detective Tabitha Smith for allegedly making similar threats, peppered with profanity, toward the same victim. Kline acquired still and video footage of the incident from New Boston High School with the help of New Boston Police Department Lt. Johnny Millwood.
Wesley was sentenced for sexual misconduct with three different women he abused when they were children. Wesley used his position as pastor of the Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ to manipulate his victims.
Owens testified that she is Wesley's stepdaughter. She was arrested July 19 and released Tuesday on a $25,000 bond. If found guilty, she faces two to 10 years in prison. Her case is assigned to 202nd District Judge John Tidwell.