Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments In The Eastern District Of Texas

Kerry Scott Baker indicted on six counts of child pornography.

TYLER, TX—United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced that a federal grand jury returned indictments late yesterday charging multiple individuals in separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

KERRY SCOTT BAKER, 33, of Gilmer, Texas, is charged with 6 counts of child pornography. The defendant is charged with production, distribution and receipt of child pornography.

If convicted, Baker faces up to 30 years in federal prison on Counts 1, 2, and 3. On Counts 4 and 5, the defendant faces imprisonment of up to 20 years and on Count 6, up to 10 years in federal prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Baldwin is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

JAMES EARL FAY, 26, of Longview, is charged with 5 counts of firearms violations which include unlawful making of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

If convicted, Fay faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Coan.

BRITT BOYD, 51, of Tyler, and PHILLIP NEWLAND, 58, of Lindale, Texas were charged with manufacturing and dealing, and conspiring with one another to manufacture and deal, in firearms without a license to either deal or manufacture firearms.

If convicted, they each face up to 5 years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.



SHERA BUCKELEW DUNCAN, 65, and RONDELL EDWARD DUNCAN, 66, of Tyler, are charged with aiding and abetting. The indictment alleges that from August 1, 2007 through April 28, 2008 Rondell Edward Duncan aided and abetted Britt Boyd in manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. Shera Duncan, aided and abetted by her husband, Rondell, violated numerous federal statutes pertaining to Mrs. Duncan's status as a Federal Firearms Licensee.

The Duncans each face up to 5 years in federal prison if convicted. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

GARRETT MICHAEL UNDERWOOD, 19, of Texarkana, Texas is charged with possessing a firearm while being subject to a protection order. He is also charges with traveling in interstate commerce to violate the protection order.

If convicted, Underwood faces up to 10 years in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and up to 5 years in federal prison on the charge of interstate violation of a protection order. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Simpson.

Read More...

Summary only...

ETMC Gilmer Welcomes Three Physicians To Staff Positions

Three physicians have joined the staff at ETMC Gilmer, one in the ETMC First Physicians Clinic and two as hospitalists to care for hospitalized patients.

All three staff physicians are board certified internal medicine physicians.

Board-certified internal medicine physician Hernan Miranda, MD, is accepting new patients at the ETMC First Physicians Clinic, located behind the hospital at 711 N. Titus. Dr. Miranda, who recently became a naturalized U.S. citizen, was born in Peru and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Seeking to relocate to a warmer climate, he moved to Gilmer a couple of months ago, after practicing medicine in the Philadelphia area for the past 15 years.

The son of a doctor and the father of two daughters studying medicine, Dr. Miranda is dedicated to his family and considers being a physician a privilege. “I take a lot of pride when my patient tells me, ‘I feel much better. Thank you, doctor.’”
Dr. Miranda accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and welcomes new patients. Appointments can be made with Dr. Miranda by calling 903-841-7300.

Ilanko Upendran, MD, is a board certified internal medicine physician who worked at ETMC Gilmer until earlier this year as a hospitalist – a doctor who takes care of patients who are hospitalized. Since then, Dr. Upendran has been working in other ETMC hospitals across the region, but has now returned to work full-time as a hospitalist at ETMC Gilmer. He is joined by Gregory W. DuQuella, MD, who is a new hospitalist at ETMC Gilmer.

“We check on our patients multiple times a day, according to the patient’s needs. In other facilities, doctors often just check on them once, but we come back to make sure they are comfortable and all their needs are taken care of. If they have any issues, we address them right away. That’s the difference that ETMC Gilmer provides,” explained Dr. Upendran. “I am very excited about returning to ETMC Gilmer, and look forward to seeing my friends and former patients in Gilmer.”

Like Drs. Miranda and Upendran, Dr. DuQuella is also a board certified internal medicine physician. He has worked as a hospitalist in Longview since 2005. Prior to that, he worked as a hospitalist in Chicago. He is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, and completed his residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.


--- BYLINE

Read More...

Summary only...

Gilmer Man Sentenced on Child Pornography Charges

William Allen Pipes sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for child pornography.

TYLER, TX – United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that a 33-year-old Gilmer, Texas man has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

WILLIAM ALLEN PIPES pleaded guilty on June 26, 2008 to Possession of Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael Schneider. Pipes was also ordered to forfeit all interest in a Blackberry and personal computer seized in this case.

According to information presented in court, on January 10, 2008, a federal search warrant was executed at Pipes' residence. During the search, Pipes' personal computer was seized. Forensic analysis revealed the computer contained digital images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Pipes admitted to possessing more than 300 images of child pornography.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bill Baldwin.

Background via Tyler Paper

Read More...

Summary only...

Upshur Sales Tax Revenues Increase in 2008

Countywide, 2008 tax allocations totaled $2,609,000, increasing $205,000 over 2007

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said Friday that Texas collected $1.98 billion in sales tax in November, up 4.7 percent compared to November 2007.

“For the first three months of the state’s 2009 fiscal year, state sales tax collections have continued to grow,” Combs said. “However, the increase is less than in the past three years, and collections from important sectors such as retail trade and construction have declined slightly.”

The Comptroller sent cities, counties, special purpose districts and transit systems their final sales tax allocations of 2008 — $488 million, up 9.2 percent compared to last December. Despite the economic slowdown, Combs said local governments collected $5.9 billion in sales tax this year, 6.3 percent more than in 2007.

Upshur County, as well as the cities of Big Sandy, East Mountain, Gilmer, Ore City, and Union Grove, all receive separate monthly allocations from the state.

When combined, the December allocations of $213,573.50, which comes from sales taxes collected in October of this year, grew over $23,000 from December 2007, which was $190,357.64.

For the calendar year, 2007 combined allocations were $2,404,349, increasing this year to $2,609,958. This is a healthy 8.5% increase.

Calendar Years 2008 and 2007 Allocations

Recipient	2008	2007	% Change
Big Sandy	$280,782	$261,890	7.21%
East Mountain	$23,474	$19,077	23.05%
Gilmer	$1,282,214	$1,204,491	6.45%
Ore City	$131,454	$112,058	17.31%
Union Grove	$5,752	$5,313	8.27%
Upshur County	$886,279	$801,517	10.58%
Combined	$2,609,958	$2,404,349	8.55%

Not all the news was rosy, however. Big Sandy, East Mountain and Union Grove all saw individual decreases from December of last year. Union Grove tumbled 64%.

December 2008 and 2007 Allocations

Recipient	Dec 2008	Dec 2007	% Change
Big Sandy	$23,984	$24,569	-2.38%
East Mountain	$2, 111	$2,395	-11.83%
Gilmer	$103,912	$92,936	11.81%
Ore City	$10,527	$9,759	7.87%
Union Grove	$303	$862	-64.82%
Upshur County	$72,734	$59,835	21.56%
Combined	$213,573	$190,357	12.20%

Read More...

Summary only...

New Diana Middle School Places Five On The All-Region Middle School Band

Ross Langdon, Middle School Band Director, announced the names of the five young musicians today.

The text of his announcement follows:

I would like to recognize these students that made the All-Region Middle School Band on Friday last week.

1. Jessica Cochran- Flute
2. Garrett Mayeaux- Bari Saxophone
3. Andrew Mulanax- Trombone
4. Caitlin Ross (Alternate)- Alto Saxophone
5. Christian Gouldie (Alternate) – Bass Clarinet

These students have showed tremendous leadership and playing ability on their instrument and have done an amazing job representing New Diana. I would like to thank the NDISD Staff, Pam Martin, and Greg Pope. I Would also like to recognize the amazing work that High School Band Director George Little has provided for our program.
Sincerely ,
Ross Langdon

The Advocate joins in congratulating the talents and efforts of the five, as well.

Well Done!

Read More...

Summary only...

New Diana Middle School Begins Using Sex Offender ID System

New Diana joins ISD's across Texas with installation of drivers license scanning equipment, linked to an online sex offender registry.

In an effort to tighten campus security, and identify known predators before they are allowed access, New Diana Middle School announced it has installed and is using the Raptor V-Soft system.

The announcement, in the school newsletter this week, follows:

When you come to pick up your child at NDMS, you will experience a system designed to make our school safer by scanning licenses for the sole purpose of checking for sex offenders only. We will ask you or any other visitors to our campus to allow us to scan your license. If staying on campus, you will receive a sticker with your photo and destination while you are on our campus. While this can take a little more of your time, please realize that this is for the safety of your child and all students in our schools. Thank you!

The Raptor system has been in the news lately, due to a lawsuit in Lake Travis over it's use, alleging violations of parents constitutional rights, including freedom to associate with their children at school, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. The case has yet to be tried.

Responding to that suit, Houston based Raptor Systems said it was unaware of other similar lawsuits.

On it's website, Raptor claims to have the system installed in 5000 schools, including Southside, McKinney, Tyler, Kilgore and Athens ISD's in Texas.

Read More...

Summary only...

Big Sandy Police Arrest Fugitive Listed On America's Most Wanted

Assisted by the Upshur Sheriff's Office, Hawkins Police Department, the Texas DPS and the Longview SWAT Team, Big Sandy officers nabbed Duane Beard, a fugitive from a murder charge in Kansas, Tuesday.

According to the AMW website, Beard is wanted for first-degree murder, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action and 1st Degree Assault

The News-Journal has the story of the capture.

America's Most Wanted list the following details of the crimes Beard is accused of:

According to authorities investigating the case, roommates Sherry Stewart and Samantha Curlee were hurting for cash. The end of the month was just around the corner, and bills, rent, and utilities would be coming due.

The roommates thought they had stumbled upon good fortune when their friend, Duane Beard, gladly agreed to lend them some of the necessary funds.

Police say the roommates left Kansas City for the weekend. Samantha had family that lived in Clinton, a small, rural town 77 miles outside of Kansas City, and they often visited to get away from the bustling city.

Meanwhile, vexed by Sherry and Samantha's unexpected absence from town, Beard's temper churned. Prosecutors say that Beard had money on his mind and did not take at all kindly to the girls' unforeseen getaway, especially without receiving repayment or prior notification.

Upon their return home, police say Sherry and Samantha didn't have to wait long before receiving an unexpected visit from Beard. Beard's animosity accumulated with the arousal of his foul temper. He wanted his money. According to police, Beard felt he was being dealt a short hand.

When he arrived at Sherry and Samantha's apartment, Beard was let right in. The girls were not aware of his horrifying potential. Tempers flared, according to authorities, and angry words were exchanged between Sherry and Beard. Samantha, an innocent bystander, was on the coach, unaware of the developing situation.

Police say Sherry tried to run from the argument by heading towards the bathroom. Beard, by now, they say, had become dangerous and irrational.

Prosecutors say Beard, furious at this point, shot Sherry. He immediately turned towards Samantha and shot her as she lay on the coach.

According to police, Sherry was dead on arrival, and Samantha was suffering from a serious wound to the abdomen. She was taken to a nearby hospital, and survived the devastating assault.
Duane Beard, a very small man weighing in at just 127 lbs. and standing a mere 5'7" tall, faces four colossal charges: first-degree murder, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action and 1st Degree Assault.

Police say Beard was due in court, but posted a $300,000 bond and bailed out of jail.

Read More...

Summary only...

Report Finds Motor Vehicles, Falls are Causes of Most Child and Teen Injuries and Deaths in the U.S.

An estimated 55 million children and teens from birth to age 19 were treated in emergency departments for unintentional injuries from 2001 to 2006, according to a new report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report also notes that between 2000 and 2005, unintentional injuries resulted in 73,052 deaths among children and teens. Falls caused most non-fatal injuries (about 2.8 million each year), while most deaths were transportation-related (about 8,000 deaths each year involved a motor vehicle occupant, pedestrian or pedal cyclist).

According to the report, every year, an estimated 9.2 million children visited emergency departments for unintentional injuries. Falls were associated with over half of the nonfatal injuries involving children less than one year, while transportation-related injuries and deaths were highest among children 15 to 19 years of age. Overall, males were almost twice as likely to die as a result of unintentional injuries than females.

To help parents and other adults prevent child injuries, CDC is also launching the “Protect the Ones You Love” initiative. More about this initiative can be found at www.cdc.gov/safechild.

“Injury risks change as our children grow and we want them to be appropriately protected as they develop,” said Dr. Ileana Arias, Director of CDC′s Injury Center. “We encourage parents to be vigilant and to understand that there are proven ways to help reduce injuries at each life stage.”

Other notable findings in the CDC report include:

* The highest fatality rates were among occupants of motor vehicles;
* Drowning was the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages one to four. For those ages 5 to 19, most injury deaths were due to being an occupant in a motor vehicle crash; and
* Children ages one to four also had the highest nonfatal injury rates due to poisoning and falls.

CDC′s report of national and state information on the leading causes of childhood injury is being released to coincide with the World Health Organization′s (WHO) and the United Nations Children′s Fund′s (UNICEF) launch of the 2008 World Report on Child Injury Prevention. The World Report provides a global perspective of child injury and prevention.

The full report, “CDC Childhood Injury Report: Patterns of Unintentional Injuries among 0-19 Year Olds in the United States, 2000-2006,” is available at www.cdc.gov/safechild/Child_Injury_Data.htm.

Read More...

Summary only...

Gohmert Pushes For Taxpayer Bailout

Proposing an alternate means of jump starting the nation's economy, Rep. Louis Gohmert is advocating a two month tax holiday.

His plan would use the remaining 350 billion of the $750 billion bailout fund to grant a two month period in which no federal taxes would be collected. Fiscal conservatives are climbing on the band wagon, but the plan faces opposition in the democratically controlled House of Representatives.

Gohmert faced tough questions today about his plan from conservative bloggers who met with him today at the Heritage Foundation.

Most wanted to know why Gohmert was pushing a short-term tax holiday rather than a long-term solution such as cutting capital gains or reducing corporate taxes. Gohmert said it boiled down to political reality. With Democrats controlling 256 seats in the House, there’s little Republicans can do to enact long-term tax relief.

Heritage.org has the story.

Read More...

Summary only...

Sheriff's Dept. Report 12-01-08 to 12-07-08

Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 160 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE between the dates of 12-1-08 and 12-07-08

Sheriff Betterton also reports that 49 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Driving while license suspended, Assault, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Federal Detainer, Theft by Check, Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Mischief, Credit Card Abuse, Criminal Negligent Homicide, Criminal Trespass, DWI, Evading Arrest, Arson, Stolen Vehicle, Bench Warrant, Child Support and traffic. There were also 59 people released from the Upshur county jail.

Thefts 10
Assault 9
Burglary 3
Criminal Mischief 5
Disturbance 17
Traffic 24
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 9
Civil Matters 4
Assist other agency 14
Drug cases 1
Unwanted Guest 7
Deaths 1
Shots Fired 3
Juvenile 5
Harassment 5
Other 43

Read More...

Summary only...

New Diana High School Receives 2008 College Readiness Award

The Longview News-Journal has the story.

Read More...

Summary only...

Sheriff's Dept. Report 11-24-08 to 11-30-08

Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 144 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE between the dates of 11-24-08 and 11-30-08

Sheriff Betterton also reports that 39 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Forgery, Delivery of Marijuana, Theft, Interfere with police services, Assault, Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Tampering or Fabricate with Physical Evidence, Resisting Arrest, Burglary of Habitation, Aggravated Assault, Child Support, Fail to Identify as a Fugitive, Aggravated Sexual Assault to a Child, Cruelty to Animals, DWI, Burglary of a Vehicle, Parole Violation, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and traffic. There were also 46 people released from the Upshur county jail.

Thefts 13
Assault 12
Burglary 6
Criminal Mischief 5
Disturbance 4
Traffic 28
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 11
Civil Matters 3
Assist other agency 4
Drug cases 0
Unwanted Guest 4
Deaths 2
Shots Fired 4
Juvenile 7
Harassment 2
Other 39

Read More...

Summary only...

Sen. Cornyn Applauds Obama's Promise To Cut Wasteful Spending

In a statement Tuesday, Senator Cornyn said he looked forward to working with the new President to cut Washington waste.

Cornyn also noted that the Office of Management and Budget had recently said 25% of government were either inefficient, or their efficiency could not be determined. He went on to restate his support for a "Sunset Commission" to end programs that don't work.

The Senator's statement follows:

"I welcome the President-elect's commitment to reform the federal budget process and rein in wasteful government spending. For my part, I look forward to working with President-elect Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress on quickly identifying and eliminating inefficient, ineffective and outdated federal programs.

"Families across Texas, and across the country, are forced to make tough decisions with their own budgets every day, particularly in the current economic climate. It should be no different for the federal government.

"Yet, year after year, too many government programs are funded because there are small—but vocal—special interest groups backing them with little Congressional oversight to determine when ideas have run their course. Already, in an initial analysis of 1,000 federal programs the Office of Management and Budget recently concluded that nearly 25 percent of them were either inefficient, or their efficiency could not be determined.

"That is why I have been a strong advocate for the creation of a Federal Sunset Commission to review federal spending programs. Modeled after Texas' own Sunset Commission, this bipartisan group would be tasked with reviewing federal programs, determining their efficiency, and making recommendations on whether they need reform or should be eliminated all together.

"While I have repeatedly pushed my colleagues in the Senate for this commission, it has never garnered the support it needs from the Democratic leadership. As the new session of Congress begins and President-elect Obama takes office, I will once again introduce my bill for a Federal Sunset Commission.

"If President-elect Obama is sincere in his pledge to work in a bipartisan manner and reform Washington spending habits, he will find a willing partner. I look forward to working with the President-elect, his economic team, and my colleagues in Congress to start tackling wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars."

Read More...

Summary only...

Disaster Aid Tops One Billion Dollars for Texans

Housing Assistance tops the list of FEMA funding for Hurricane Ike recovery in Texas

FEMA's latest report, issued today, shows the agency has disbursed $310 million dollars to Texans for housing needs, and $77 million for transportation, medical expenses and personal property repair and replacement.

Excerpts from the complete statement follow:

AUSTIN, Texas -- More than one billion dollars in federal and state disaster assistance has gone to help Texans recover from Hurricane Ike. From the recovering residents in disaster-affected neighborhoods who are rebuilding their lives, to the local city governments that are repairing damages to their infrastructure, progress is being made because of hard work and substantial funding.

Included in the billion dollar's worth of recovery funds are:

* $310 million disbursed for Housing Assistance grants to rent temporary housing
* $77 million disbursed for Other Needs Assistance such as transportation, medical expenses and personal property repair and replacement
* $2.8 million disbursed in FEMA-funded disaster unemployment
* $345 million approved in SBA low-interest loans for renters, homeowners, and business owners
* $215 million billed to FEMA for hotel stays for displaced Texans
* $122 million obligated in Public Assistance, the first of many cost-share and state administered PA reimbursements. These funds go to local governments for debris removal, emergency protective measures taken before and after the storm, and infrastructure repair on a cost-share basis.

"Surpassing the billion dollar mark is a great stride in disaster recovery," said Stephen DeBlasio who heads up the federal recovery effort. "But many more steps are needed; as state, private, voluntary, and federal partners continue to put those in need on the road to recovery."

Read More...

Summary only...

Johnathan Packer Resigns As Upshur Economic Development Corp. Director

Resigning Thursday, Packer says he has accepted a post with the Killeen Chamber of Commerce

The News-Journal has the story.

Read More...

Summary only...

Charges May Be Filed In Pit Bull Attack

The attack last Friday of a young Diana boy by a pit bull may lead to criminal charges.

Sources in the Upshur Sheriff's Department confirm that a case has been submitted to the District Attorney's office.

Gilmer --- Lt. Gary Roberts, who heads the Patrol Division of the Upshur Sheriff's Department, said the dog involved in the attack had been confiscated, and is currently quarantined at Spencer's Veterinary Clinic in Gilmer. The dog will be observed for 10 days for symptoms of rabies or other illness.

Lt. Roberts said the department had assembled and submitted the case to the District Attorney's office.

D.A. Billy Byrd said today he had not reviewed the case, and could not comment on a ongoing investigation. He did, however, say that if charges are filed, they could be either felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on the factors of the case.

According to the website DOG BITE LAW, Texas led the nation in the number of fatalities attributed to dog attacks in 2007. The site also quotes some other interesting statistics:

The most recent official survey, conducted more than a decade ago, determined there were 4.7 million dog bite victims annually in the USA. A more recent study showed that 1,000 Americans per day are treated in emergency rooms as a result of dog bites. In 2007 there were 32 fatal dog attacks in the USA. Most of the victims who receive medical attention are children, half of whom are bitten in the face. Dog bite losses exceed $1 billion per year, with over $300 million paid by homeowners insurance.

The site also notes that Texas is a "One Bite State", saying

A "one-bite state" (also referred to as a "one free bite" state) adheres to the ancient "one-bite rule." This rule acts as both a shield and a sword, in that it shields dog owners from liability for some dog bites, while it imposes liability (acts like a sword) for other dog bites. Specifically, it provides that:

* The dog owner (and everyone else who is connected with the dog) is protected from liability as to the first injury caused by the dog, unless liability can be based upon other grounds.

* The dog owner, harborers and keepers will be held strictly liable for dog bites and other harm caused by a known dangerous propensity of the dog. For example, if the dog previously bit someone, and the owner knew about it, then the owner will be responsible every time the dog bites anyone else. Liability results from keeping a dog that was known to hurt people. The key to this type of liability is knowledge

Read More...

Summary only...

Upshur Deputy Arrests Two Local Men On Drugs And Weapon Offenses

Nov 22nd traffic stop nets two arrests.

One man attempted escape after the traffic stop, and marijuana and methamphetamine were found.

Sheriff's press release follows.

SHERIFF BETTERTON SAID THAT SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY THE 22ND OFFICER CHAD LANIER RAN A LICENSE PLATE ON A VEHICLE WHILE TRAVLEING NORTH BOUND ON HWY 300. THE DISPATCHER ADVISED THAT THE REGISTERED OWNER WAS POSSIBLY WANTED. OFFICER LANIER THEN REQUESTED ASSISTANCE BY A PATROL UNIT FOR A TRAFFIC STOP.

MARC NICHOLS ASSISTED IN THE STOP AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON BORDER ST. OFF OF HWY 300 WHERE HE WAS ASSISTED BY GILMER POLICE OFFICERS JAMES CASEY AND ALBERT CABERRA. AFTER DEPUTY NICHOLS APPROACHED THE VEHICLE HE IDENTIFIED THE DRIVER AS KENNETH F. LEWIS AND THE PASSENGER AS JOHN P. WALKER. DEPUTY NICHOLS RAN BOTH SUBJECTS THROUGH THE UPSHUR COUNTY DISPATCH AND WHILE WAITING ON THE RETURNS JOHN WALKER RAN EAST OF THE TRAFFIC STOP. BOTH DEPUTY NICHOLS AND LANIER CHASED THE SUSPECT ON FOOT AND APPREHENDED HIM A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY. JOHN WALKER WAS FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF A 40. CAL. HANDGUN AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA.

OFFICERS THEN FOUND A SMALL AMOUNT OF METH. IN KENNETH LEWIS POCKET. BOTH SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE UPSHUR COUNTY JAIL.

KENNETH F. LEWIS 34 YEAR OLD GILMER MAN BONDS TOTAL $ 10,000

JOHN PATRICK LEWIS 36 YEAR OLD GILMER MAN BONDS TOTAL $ 18,000

Read More...

Summary only...

Sheriff's Department Report 11-17-08 to11-23-08

Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 170 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE between the dates of 11-17-08 and 11-23-08.

Sheriff Betterton also reports that 69 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Assault Family Violence, Burglary of a Habitation, Theft, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, Burglary of a Building, Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Evading Arrest, Theft by Check, Abandon or endangering a child, Possession of Marijuana, Parole Violation, Aggravated Assault, DWI, Federal Detainer, Unlawful Possession of a firearm by Felon, Robbery, Credit Card Abuse, Child Support, Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant and traffic. There were also 60 people released from the Upshur county jail.

Thefts 7
Assault 9
Burglary 4
Criminal Mischief 9
Disturbance 12
Traffic 29
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 11
Civil Matters 7
Assist other agency 5
Drug cases 14
Unwanted Guest 4
Deaths 1
Shots Fired 5
Juvenile 2
Harassment 0
Other 51

Read More...

Summary only...

7 year old left with 80 stitches after pit bull attack

Diana 7 year old left with 80 stitches after pit bull attack
After more than two hours of surgery, a seven year old East Texas boy is back home tonight, recovering from a pit bull attack. The boy was attacked Friday evening near his home in Diana, which is north of Longview on Highway 259.

KLTV has the full story.

Read More...

Summary only...

White Oak High School Bomb Threat

Type your summary here
Type your lead paragraph here.

White Oak - Text from Mike Gilbert, superintendent at White Oak Schools blog follows:

he following is a copy of the message sent via our automatic phone system to our parents at 9:45 AM.


November 24, 2008

This is Mike Gilbert, superintendent at White Oak Schools. This message is being sent to inform you of a situation that occurred at the High School this morning, Monday, November 24.

At approximately 6:45 AM, White Oak Police informed the district that a 911 call had been received by an anonymous caller stating that someone was bringing a bomb to school. No other information was given to police. At this time the process of starting the school day was well underway.


After consulting with police, the decision was made to continue the school day with very strict procedures in place to insure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. I am pleased to tell you that by 8:45 AM the caller had been identified and the matter will be turned over to the White Oak Police Department for investigation. Let me assure you that White Oak ISD intends to prosecute this matter to the fullest extent of the law when the responsible parties have been charged.


Many of you may have seen the police in front of the High School today. The procedures that were put in place this morning were:


1. All access to the high school was restricted to the East and West doors.
2. All items carried into the school were searched by White Oak Police officers.
3. Campus Principals at the Primary, Intermediate, and Middle School were informed of the situation and secured their campuses. Backpacks and materials were checked by faculty and staff.
4. High School classes began on time and students experienced no delays getting to class.
5. White Oak Police continued to search the belongings of those entering the school until well after the start of school and police were on campus until the caller was identified.

It is my firm belief that your students are safe and that all necessary precautions were taken to insure that they remain safe. If you have any additional questions, please call 903-291-2001 and speak with High School Principal Dan Noll.

Thank you.


Michael E. Gilbert

--- BYLINE

Read More...

Summary only...