News Summary
In College Station’s Brazos County district court, recent plea agreements have stirred considerable attention. William Tyler Noonan, guilty of family violence incidents, received a 20-year sentence. Brandon Fisher was sentenced to 17 years for sexually assaulting a relative. Additionally, a key ruling approved the competency of Larry Bollin ahead of his trial for a mass shooting, while local officials discussed an employee compensation study and approved funding for a new roundabout project.
College Station Courtrooms Buzz with Recent Plea Agreements
In a bustling College Station, the Brazos County district court has recently seen a flurry of activity as two defendants opted for plea agreements instead of facing jury trials, a choice that certainly drew attention given the serious nature of their cases. Let’s dive into what happened!
Case of Domestic Violence Takes a Heavy Toll
On February 10, 2025, William Tyler Noonan, a 30-year-old resident of College Station, pled guilty to multiple felonies that highlight alarming patterns of family violence. Noonan admitted his guilt in disturbing cases that included family violence strangulation and several prior incidents from June 2023. In a significant turn of events, he was sentenced to a lengthy 20 years in prison, marking his third stint behind bars. So, what brought him to this point?
A serious incident was reported to the authorities on June 29, 2023, when the victim’s family stepped in after noticing visible bruises and signs of severe distress. Noonan’s behavior was described as not just alarming but downright frightening, involving strangulation and multiple assaults leading up to his arrest while he was actively searching for the victim in their apartment complex. The plea deal enabled the victim to avoid the pressure of testifying, a decision that many victims might find comforting, considering the circumstances.
While preparing for trial, prosecutors uncovered evidence of a third victim who had suffered from Noonan’s previous abusive actions, showcasing a disturbing pattern of behavior. Assistant District Attorney Ryan Golden emphasized the tenacity and resilience of domestic violence victims, underlining how important their experiences are in the judicial process.
Another Plea: A Case of Predatory Behavior
In a separate case, 39-year-old Brandon Fisher made headlines when he pled guilty to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old relative in May 2019. Just prior to jury selection on February 18, 2025, he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, a result driven by compelling evidence that included DNA confirmation from a sexual assault examination.
The victim bravely reported the incident to the Bryan Police, which initiated a detailed investigation. Fisher’s defense attempted to argue for probation; however, the state presented critical evidence of Fisher’s longstanding predatory behavior and the victim’s ongoing trauma. During sentencing, Judge John Brick made it clear that he stood firmly with the victim, emphasizing that the assault was entirely the fault of the perpetrator.
Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Escue and David Kaldas have pledged their commitment to safeguard vulnerable individuals within the community, a sentiment echoed in the courtroom’s heightened emotions during the proceedings.
Competency Ruling in High-Profile Case
In another significant development, Larry Bollin, who faces multiple charges stemming from a mass shooting incident at a Bryan manufacturing plant in April 2021, was declared mentally competent to stand trial. This decision came after a thorough treatment period at a state hospital, a ruling delivered on February 21, 2025. A jury trial date for Bollin has been set for this upcoming July, raising community concern and interest in how the case will unfold.
County Moves Forward with Employee Compensation Study
In local government news, the Brazos County commissioners engaged in a lively discussion concerning employee compensation. They voted 3-2 to solicit proposals for an employee compensation and benefits study. This study aims to closely examine job classifications, pay scales, and benefits, focusing on performance-based versus longevity-based raises, which sparked a debate among the commissioners.
Improvements on the Road Ahead
Meanwhile, College Station city council members gave the green light for a new roundabout at the intersection of Jones-Butler and Holleman. A contract was awarded for a total exceeding $741,000, with additional contingency funds of $74,000 added to the project budget, bringing the total to nearly $816,000. This leaves an impressive $152,000 still in the project’s budget, indicating positive financial management for the city!
As these cases develop and projects progress, the pulse of College Station remains vibrant and engaged in important local matters. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on these and more happenings in our community!
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Additional Resources
- WTAW – District Court Jury Trials Cancelled
- Wikipedia: Plea Agreement
- KBTX – Lawsuit Over Online Court Records Access
- Google Search: Brazos County Court Records
- KBTX – Special Prosecutor Uvalde Criminal Proceedings
- Google Scholar: Special Prosecutor Uvalde
- WTAW – Bryan Woman Facing Human Smuggling Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Smuggling
- KBTX – New Mental Health Court in Brazos County
- Google News: Mental Health Court Brazos County
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
