To plant trees in memory, please visit the. As prosecutors in the case, the Ponzi scheme cannot be ignored, said prosecutor Tate-Jenkins. Villegas was sentenced to life in prison. It was a profession to which he was passionate and loved. The waterways run through the backyards of Floridian homes, not far from where Melissa Lewis lived.The 39-year-old lawyer relocated to the Sunshine State when a job opportunity presented itself at the prestigious Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm, where her best friend, Debra Coffey, worked. A viewing for Thomas will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 . Share a memory. Left to share his wonderful legacy are: his loving and devoted wife of 35 years Sabrina, sons Johnny Villegas, David Villegas and Antonio Villegas, III. Once you find the obituary you are looking for, you can get important information about upcoming services, share a favorite photo or memory, and send flowers or gifts to the family. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. One witness saw his car, a silver Corvette, at the same parking lot where the victims car was later discovered. It was found in her car. At the firm, one of Melissas closest friends was Debra Villegas, who was the COO. Tony worked at Parker High School as a maintenance engineer and retired in 2008. Find Tony Villegas obituaries and memorials at Legacy.com. Tony has worked various jobs and several careers allthrough his life but the job He enjoyed most was ministering and bringing lost souls into the Kingdom of God.Tony gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 20 and faithfully, tirelessly served the Lord for over 60 years.Tony, succeeding His Father, began Pastoring "Move of God Church" in Monterey Park, Ca where He pastored for 17 years. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Debra Villegas, who has been released following a federal prison term for her role in the Ponzi scheme, took the stand during the trial. That set off alarm bells.. A jury found Tony Villegas guilty of first-degree murder of his ex-wifes best friend, Melissa Lewis, in March 2008, after deliberating for less than two hours. A South Florida man accused of killing a former law partner of notorious Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein was found guilty Monday. The Dignity Memorial online obituary search tool gives you access to obituaries from thousands of locations across North America. Search Corpus Christi obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. When Tony Villegas' roommate confirmed that he returned home late on the night of the murder and asked him questions about pepper spray and how to get rid of it if sprayed on one's body, it raised suspicions about Tony Villegas' involvement in the murder. The next morning, the cell phone traveled again, this time on a direct and straight path up to Palm Beach County. He fought a long, hard and very courageous battle for well over a decade against Cancer. Lewis, 39, and Coffey were both employees of the Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm, which imploded in 2009 after managing partner Scott Rothstein was exposed as the ringleader of a $1.6 billion Ponzi scheme. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. A worried Coffey called Homberg and local police, asking authorities to do a welfare check on Lewis. ANTONIO VILLEGAS OBITUARY Antonio aka (Tony) J. Villegas, Jr. Was born on May 19, 1941 to Antonio Villegas and Phyllis Puerto in Los Angeles, Ca. Be Truthful. In the past, Tony has also been known as Tony C Villegas, Tony Jrj, Antonio Jrj Villegas, Antonio Jose Villegas and Antonio J Villegas. Albert C. Villegas <p>Albert "Peanut" Calderon Villegas, 54, of Odessa Texas passed away on July 16, 2021 in Odessa, Texas. The children were blessed to grow up with Tony as their loving "Dad," and he gave them a wealth of happy memories. He is survived by his 4 children, Norma, Mike, Rick and Rosemarie; and his sister, Josie, all of whom were with him at his bedside. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; daughters Sherri, Robin and Tina; grandchildren Roberto Jr., Rafael, Marcos, Shanetta, Vanessa, and Jessica; great grandchildren Ezekiel, Chyanne, Jaiden, Sierra, and Matthew Jr. Pepper spray was all over the crime scene the garage of Lewis Plantation home. Lately, weve seen some expulsions of state legislators in Tennessee and Arizona. The evidence against Villegas was overwhelming. It was just horrible, said a crying Debra Coffey. Published by Orange County Register on Dec. 2, 2013. They kept in close touch with their daughters and grandchildren and always enjoyed their visits. Villegas DNA was found on the jacket Lewis was wearing when she died the jacket was left in Lewis car and discovered by investigators. He attended Canyon High School, played football and developed lifelong friendships, graduating in 1971. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Eight years after he strangled Lewis to death on the floor of her garage and dumped her in the canal, Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder. Scott Rothstein is serving 50 years for racketeering, money laundering, and mail and wire fraud. As patriarch to his extended family, he is responsible for sponsoring the new US lives of many Filipino relatives, to which they and their families are forever grateful. He is survived by: his Sister Ofelia Bautista (Ben) of North Bellmore, NY; nephews Benedict and Reginald Bautista (Aurora, CO), and niece Ryna Bautista (N. Bellmore); Daughter Mary Ellen Villegas Rudel (Theodore), Morristown, NJ and Lake George, NY; Son Ray Villegas and wife Megan Slate Villegas, Clermont; Grandchildren Holly Rudel, New Haven CT; Christopher Rudel, Alpharetta, GA; Grace Villegas, and Alexander Villegas, Clermont. A tearful Coffey said that she lives in regret. To help the family He began working at a local Market at age 16, shortly after He was hired at a factory in East L.A. where he was promoted to Foreman, running the entire factory. He then went on to attended College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, CA during which time he married Sue Ebersole. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Melissa returned from work sometime in the evening on March 5, 2008, but she didnt show up the next day. Fleischer said he expected an appeal to focus on evidence and theories the jury never got to hear. Arnold Villegas unexpectedly passed away due to heart complications on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ. Here Arnold followed his heart and went to work for Tylers Taste of Texas which lead to an opportunity to open his own restaurant, Arnies Caf. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Villegas, 52, was arrested in 2008 and charged with the death of Lewis, the best friend of Villegas now ex-wife Debra, who was the COO of the now defunct law firm. Family and friends could always rely on Tony's prayers and his laying of the hands. Tribute Wall Obituary & Events. He worked in the Oilfield in Midland/Odessa until he made his way to Las Vegas, Nevada in the new . Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Here's What You Actually Saw, Check Your Change! Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Thomas Ray Villegas, age 77, of Commerce, California passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022. 6410 Obituaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When he was 18 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a Citizen of the United States. Pointing to Tony Villegas, prosecutor Shari Tate said: Villegas was sentenced to life in prison and remains behind bars at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. Tony stood trial in 2016 after initially being ruled incompetent in 2010. The theory didnt hold up, said Kendall. Investigators looked into the theory that Lewis could have learned about the Ponzi scheme and threatened to alert authorities or was herself directly involved in it. I remembered Missy was an advocate for domestic violence because of Debra [Coffey], said Homberg. The Sun Sentinel reported that Tony Villegas was sentenced . He is survived by his parents and loving companion, Virginia Zaragosa, daughters, Daisy and Toni Villegas of Victorville, California. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Nine Grands, 12 great grands. Antonio Villegas is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, his younger sister, and his parents. You have permission to edit this article. Tony's relatives from the Philippines had moved to California, and there were many enjoyable family visits. The defense didnt provide an alternative motive for the murder but stressed reasonable doubt. Melissa was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in November 1968. Mass was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parker. Police now subpoena Villegas phone records. He is survived by his sons, Jerry Tony Villegas and Felix James Villegas. Mr. Villegas passed away on August 9, 2008 at the age of 61. Funeral and Mass is being celebrated in Clermont, FL on Saturday October 29th, 2022. She also revealed that Villegas worked as a train conductor on the same direct path where Lewis' phone moved into Palm Beach County the morning after the murder. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. There was speculation of the murder being related to Scott Rothsteins Ponzi scheme, but Melissa was never implicated in that case. accounts, the history behind an article. Tony Villegas is serving a life sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Tony Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder Monday in the 2008 death of Melissa Britt Lewis, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who was, at the time of her death, the best friend of Villegas estranged wife. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He is survived by 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. She also spoke after the verdict. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. David Anthony Villegas was born on December 5th 1990 to loving parents Manuel and Margarita, their second child. Because it was then that I realized that shes gone because of me.. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. When she failed to appear for work the following day, her coworkers called the cops, who discovered evidence of a fight in her open garage. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! </p> <p></p> <p>Born in Eastland, Texas to RL Nelon and Gladye Wendiline Carley</p> <p>Raised in Robstown, Texas off of Violet Road and Russ Nelon Dr.</p> <p>Joan . They then looked to Hombergs ex-husband and Lewis' former brother-in-law, Anthony Godinez, who had a criminal history of drug use and armed robbery. On the night that Melissa Lewis was killed, wherever Melissa Lewiss phone was, so was Tony Villegas phone.. He was born in the Philippines on May 22, 1946, into a family of five sons and one daughter. Public Records for Tony Villegas Found. But on the morning of March 6, 1998, friends and colleagues grew concerned when Lewis failed to show up for a morning meeting at the firm, where she was made partner. Filter by State in . Coffey was implicated in that scheme and served less than half of a 10-year federal prison term. His firm even offered a $250,000 reward for information in Lewis' case and paid for her funeral. It was just the worst. RIParadise Mr. Villegas. Tony's hard working nature remained steadfast as he provided for his family. Anthony Villegas, 88 of Moreno Valley, California Passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. To plant trees in memory, please visit the, I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Tony but i was fortunate to meet his son Rick and his wonderful family. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, sisters Della Meehan, Gloria Anderson and Alice Villegas. He was the 2nd eldest of 8 . (Rafael Olmeda, Dylan Bouscher/South . You can search by first or last name, state and publication date. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. They found the car within walking distance of Lewis' home, but there was no sign of the missing woman. I just want to send my love and condolences to the family at this time. Billie Joan Villegas <p>On the Day You were Born 02-21-1932 5 Angels got together and decided that you would be Our Mom so we sprinkled Stardust in your eyes and waited for our Dreams to Come True. FRANK VILLEGAS OBITUARY FRANK VILLEGAS, 79, lifetime resident of Las Cruces passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center. Search Las Vegas obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. A witness stated that she saw a car similar to Tonys in the parking lot where Melissas car was eventually found. Thank You. Born on August 31, 1928 as the son of Eugenia and Sancho Villegas and older sibling to sisters Socoro & Ofelia Villegas (Bautista) in Teresa, Rizal, Philippines, Tony grew up in a rural small-town setting, lived through the Japanese occupation of his town during WWII, and was highly motivated to become a physician due to Socoros succumbing to smallpox at a pre-school age. Create a password that only you will remember. It took jurors less than two hours to convict him. His big smile, unbelievable sense of humor, and his big reassuring bear hugs! Threats of harming another Michael Villegas was called home to be with his heavenly father on February 20, 2019. If she set her mind towards something, she accomplished the goal.. View the profiles of people named Tony Villegas. As one of their friends mentioned, It didn't take long after that your Dad proudly shared how sure he was about his love for your Mom; he didn't waste time to propose to her. Investigators said a struggle took place inside her garage, using DNA and pings from her cell phone to allegedly connect Villegas to the crime. Arnold always found the time to pursue the things he loved to do, fishing, softball (pitcher), travel, ride his motorcycle, cook for family and friends and hang out with the Samoans. Then the signal was lost. Another said he saw Villegas scrubbing pepper spray off his arms the day after Lewis disappeared.