Pecan Grove man accused of punching deputy in nose sentenced

24-year-old man sentenced to 25 years in prison

PECAN GROVE, Texas – A man convicted of aggravated assault against a public servant has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Billy Monroe Regenhard, 24, was also sentenced to five years for assault family violence and the maximum 10 years for robbery after the court revoked the four-year probation awarded in 2011, the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office said.

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The district attorney's office said Regenhard was scheduled for trial this week, and pleaded guilty at the last minute. He requested 434th District Court Presiding Judge James H. Shoemake to determine his fate after the prosecution presented evidence at a full punishment hearing.

According to Assistant District Attorney Zahra Jivani Fenelon, the Pecan Grove man assaulted his girlfriend on March 27, 2012.

Regenhard also assaulted a neighbor who came to the young woman's aid, at which time the police were called. Authorities said when sheriff's deputies arrived, Regenhard ran from the scene and was only arrested after deputies subdued him with a Taser.

Deputy Mary Gremen drove Regenhard to Oakbend Hospital in Richmond for a medical evaluation before going to jail.

Medical staff instructed Gremen to move Regenhard's handcuffs from behind his back to the front of his body so an EKG could be performed. Once Gremen released one handcuff, authorities said, Regenhard spun around and punched her in the face -- breaking her nose and chipping her teeth.

The District Attorney's Office said the 23-year police veteran relied on her training and protected her weapon and radioed that her prisoner had escaped. Another deputy gave chase from the parking lot as officers from multiple law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene.

A third deputy eventually detained Regenhard with his Taser drawn as other officers turned Regenhard in his direction. Regenhard was arrested and taken to jail without incident.

It was not until Regenhard was arrested that authorities discovered Gremen's injuries -- several teeth chipped and a nose that was broken in three places. Authorities say Gremen has already endured nasal surgery and will continue to have dental work for years.

"The defendant made his choices," said Fenelon. "Not drugged, not drunk, just mean, and officers like Mary Gremen put themselves in harm's way every day to keep the rest of us safe. Law enforcement can be a thankless job, but today I say, 'thank you.' I encourage you to do the same."