A Smith County judge on Friday denied a request to reduce the $3 million bond for Alicia Sanchez, who is accused of allowing a child to be sexually assaulted by former physician Dr. Kenneth Donald Haygood in exchange for Adderall and other medications. Judge Austin Reeve Jackson cited concerns about Sanchez’s previous response to efforts to subpoena her in the Haygood case, indicating a belief that if she did not show for a subpoena, she would also not appear for court hearings.
During a hearing, Sanchez's defense attorneys argued for a bond reduction, stating that she voluntarily surrendered in Collin County and has ties to the Smith County area. The defense noted that Sanchez is going through a divorce and has a family court hearing scheduled for next month. Her attorneys also stated that Sanchez has been living in Lindale, but if released, planned to stay with a friend in the Dallas-Plano area because she did not feel comfortable returning home. Sanchez testified that she had about $530 in her bank account and did not personally have access to significant funds. The defense indicated they were not seeking a bond lower than $500,000.
Prosecutors countered by raising concerns about Sanchez's alleged history of avoiding a subpoena. An investigator who worked on the Haygood case testified that authorities previously needed Sanchez as a witness but had difficulty getting her to respond to efforts to subpoena her. According to the investigator, Sanchez avoided attempts to serve her because she believed she might be in trouble herself. Prosecutors argued that this history of avoiding a subpoena raised serious concerns about whether she would appear for future court proceedings if released.
The state also argued against a bond reduction based on the seriousness of the allegations Sanchez faces and the potential punishment. Prosecutors alleged Sanchez knowingly allowed her daughter to be sexually assaulted and maintained that the existing $3 million bond was reasonable. They also expressed concerns about community safety and the possibility that Sanchez could flee if released from jail.
Testimony during the hearing also touched on Sanchez's financial situation and resources available to secure her release. Sanchez's partner, who testified they have been in a relationship for about two months, stated that they pay Sanchez’s rent and car expenses. The partner also testified about owning properties in Austin, Dallas, and Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and having significant funds in bank and trust accounts. Prosecutors played recordings of jail phone calls between Sanchez and her partner, noting that the two had spoken more than 30 times since Sanchez was jailed. In one of these calls, her partner suggested one of their properties could be used as collateral to secure Sanchez’s bond, saying, "We’re doing whatever we can.” In another recording, Sanchez told her partner she would "pay you back every dime" and "get a second job."
Judge Jackson ultimately declined to reduce the bond. He emphasized his concerns regarding Sanchez’s past conduct concerning legal summons, noting that if she did not show up for a subpoena, she might not return for her hearings. The court also denied a separate defense motion to quash.
Alicia Sanchez remains jailed on her $3 million bond.
