Montgomery County District Attorney's Office

10/31/2026

Here’s to a Halloween filled with creative costumes, overflowing candy buckets, spooky surprises and memories worth making!

As families head out to celebrate, remember to slow down, stay alert, watch for trick-or-treaters and NEVER drive impaired.

Have fun. Be safe.

From all of us at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Happy Halloween!

10/31/2026

A little friendly competition, some incredible homemade chili and desserts, and a whole lot of laughter. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up the week!

Our lunchtime Chili & Dessert Cookoff gave our team a chance to step away from their desks, share a meal and simply enjoy being together.

The work of a District Attorney’s Office isn’t always easy. Our employees face difficult cases, heartbreaking circumstances and enormous responsibilities every single day. Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, and the weight of that work doesn’t always disappear when the workday ends.

That’s why moments like today mean so much.

For a little while, the conversations weren’t about cases, deadlines or courtrooms. They were about whose chili had the most kick, which dessert deserved bragging rights and enjoying a few laughs with the people who stand beside us through the challenging days.

We’re so grateful for the people who make up this office, for the work they do in service to Montgomery County and for the opportunity to enjoy a little lighthearted fun together.

To everyone who cooked, baked, participated and helped bring today together, thank you for making it such a special day!

Sometimes the best part of a busy week is simply being reminded how fortunate we are to work alongside such genuinely good people.

10/29/2026

Imagine someone you care about tells you they’re experiencing domestic violence.

Would you know what to say?

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Women and men can both experience abuse, and every survivor deserves to be heard, believed and supported.

Sometimes, the most meaningful response isn’t having all the answers. It’s making sure that person knows they’re not alone.

Listen without judgment. Allow them to share what they’re comfortable sharing.

Don’t ask why they haven’t left. Leaving an abusive relationship can be complicated and dangerous.

Respect their decisions. Support their safety without pressuring them to take steps they aren’t ready to take.

Help them find resources. Trained advocates can provide confidential guidance, safety planning and information about available options.

Here in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Women’s Center provides crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and other support services for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, including male and female survivors.

Domestic Violence does not discriminate, and neither should compassion.

You don’t have to know exactly what to say to make a difference. Sometimes, simply being someone they can safely turn to is where it begins.

HELP IS AVAILABLE.

Montgomery County Women’s Center
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 936-441-7273
www.mcwctx.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support for survivors, 24/7.
Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
www.thehotline.org

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

10/28/2026

Statement from MCDAO:

Today’s ruling denying A.J. Armstrong’s motion for a new trial reinforces an important principle: allegations are not evidence, and accusations do not become facts simply because they are repeated.

The hearing centered on whether a previously dismissed complaint involving Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Investigator Cele Rossi constituted information that should have been disclosed to Armstrong’s defense. After considering the testimony and evidence presented, Judge Kelli Johnson denied the motion, determining that the complaint did not constitute information prosecutors
were required to disclose. The court also emphasized the overwhelming evidence supporting Armstrong’s conviction.

The integrity and credibility of law enforcement professionals are matters of the utmost importance. Allegations warrant appropriate scrutiny, but the mere existence of an accusation does not establish wrongdoing. A reputation built through years of dedicated public service deserves to be evaluated on facts, evidence, and demonstrated professional conduct, not speculation or unsubstantiated claims.

Investigator Cele Rossi represents the very best of law enforcement. Her exceptional investigative skill, sound judgment, professionalism, and uncompromising commitment to her work have earned her the respect and confidence of those who have had the privilege of working alongside her. She is a formidable investigator, a highly respected professional, and an invaluable member of our team.

Our confidence in Investigator Rossi is unequivocal. Her reputation has been earned through years of exceptional service, and her contributions to law enforcement speak far louder than any unsubstantiated allegation ever could.

We are extraordinarily proud to stand beside Investigator Rossi, and even prouder to call her one of our own.

10/27/2026

In the wake of this weekend’s tragic wrong-way crashes in Conroe and Houston, our thoughts remain with the families whose lives have been forever changed.

Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley spoke with FOX 26 Houston reporter Karys Belger about these devastating collisions and the critical importance of roadway safety.

Recent DWI incidents in our own community serve as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be put at risk, including those of the law enforcement officers working to keep our roads safe.

Please, never drive impaired. One decision can change countless lives forever.

Two wrong-way crashes Sunday morning killed a woman on I-45 in Conroe and a driver on Houston’s 610 South Loop. In interviews with FOX 26, Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson Danny Perez and Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley described the work that happens before and afte...

10/25/2026

As we look back on this past week, one of the highlights was celebrating the conclusion of our 2026 Citizens Prosecutor Academy. What a wonderful six weeks it was!

Throughout the academy, we had the privilege of welcoming an incredible group of community members into our world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work of our office and the criminal justice system.

Participants followed a criminal case through the justice process, gaining insight into the decisions, challenges and responsibilities involved in seeking justice. They also experienced important parts of our criminal justice system firsthand, learning more about the people and processes that play a role in the work we do.

But perhaps the most rewarding part was the connections we made along the way. We enjoyed meaningful conversations, shared experiences and the opportunity to build wonderful new friendships within our community.

We are especially grateful to the members of our team who helped bring this academy to life. Their time, knowledge, preparation and commitment made these six weeks an engaging and memorable experience for everyone involved.

To our 2026 graduates, thank you for spending your Tuesday evenings with us, for your thoughtful questions and for your genuine interest in understanding the work we do. We hope you took away as much from this experience as we did from getting to know each of you!

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 👏

10/23/2026

This week, Admin Manager Melody Pena helped instruct a Basic Certification Course for Evidence Technicians through the Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (T.A.P.E.I.T.).

The training focused on the important responsibilities of evidence technicians and the procedures that help maintain the integrity of evidence throughout the criminal justice process.

Melody’s participation reflects our office’s commitment to professional development, collaboration, and sharing knowledge with law enforcement professionals across Texas.

Melody’s willingness to share her knowledge and experience speaks to the dedication of the professionals behind the scenes who play a vital role in the criminal justice system. We’re proud to see her expertise making an impact beyond our office and helping strengthen evidence practices across Texas.

10/22/2026

DV THURSDAYS | ABUSE DOESN’T ALWAYS LEAVE A BRUISE.

When people think about domestic violence, physical injuries often come to mind.

But some of the most concerning warning signs may not be visible at all.

Domestic violence can involve controlling behaviors that leave someone feeling isolated, intimidated, dependent or afraid.

A partner who monitors every move. Controls access to money. Threatens consequences for leaving. Isolates someone from friends and family. Constantly humiliates or intimidates them.

These behaviors should not be dismissed simply because there are no visible injuries.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Abuse against men is often overlooked, but every survivor deserves to be heard, supported and protected.

Recognizing abuse is not always about what you can see. Sometimes, it’s about understanding what someone is experiencing.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re encouraging our Montgomery County community to learn the warning signs and recognize when someone may need support.

If something concerns you, approach the person privately, listen without judgment and help them connect with trained advocates.

Support is available for all survivors.

Montgomery County Women’s Center
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 936-441-7273

National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 Support for All Genders: 800-799-7233
Text START to 88788

10/21/2026

Judge Lisa Michalk of the 221st District Court sentenced Justin Cottrell, 42, to 50 years in prison after finding him guilty of Deadly Conduct and Unlawful Possession of a Fi***rm by a Felon following a bench trial.

The case began when Cottrell’s own mother barricaded herself inside her bedroom and called 911 out of fear for her safety.

With 17 prior convictions, Cottrell’s extensive criminal history resulted in his classification as a habitual felony offender, increasing the punishment range he faced.

Assistant District Attorney James Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Texas.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and the consequences of repeatedly disregarding the law,” Roberts said.

“Your home should be a place of safety, not a place where you fear for your life,” District Attorney Mike Holley said. “When someone repeatedly chooses criminal behavior and continues to put others in danger, accountability is not optional.”

Read the full press release:https://www.mctxdao.org/s/MCDAO-Press-Release-Justin-Cottrell-102126.pdf