GRIMES CO. JURY SENTENCES MAN CONVICTED IN HOME BURGLARY TO 75 YEARS IN PRISON

  

A Grimes County jury handed down a 75-year prison sentence on Wednesday for Burglary of a Habitation.

44-year-old William Eric Tisdale was found guilty and convicted in connection to a burglary of a residence on the morning of July 4, 2024 in Iola, where prosecutors say he broke into a home and stole packages.

According to the Grimes County District Attorney’s Office, a deputy responding to the call found that Tisdale entered the home while its occupants were still in bed.  The occupants heard noises and checked their Ring doorbell camera to discover Tisdale walking away with stolen items.

The victims confronted Tisdale after contacting law enforcement and kept him on scene until authorities arrived.

During the trial that began Tuesday in 12^th District Court, jurors learned of Tisdale’s criminal history dating back to 1997.  Tisdale is a registered sex offender with previous convictions for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Burglary of a Habitation, Burglary of a Vehicle, Assault, Deadly Conduct and various drug charges. 

The range of punishment was 5-99 years in prison.  Grimes County District Attorney Andria Bender said the jury gave Tisdale 15 years in prison over what was asked for by Assistant District Attorney Anjelica Harris during the punishment phase of the trial.  Bender said, “This speaks clearly about how Grimes County citizens feel about this type of crime in their community.”