Upshur County Sheriff's Report - Feb. 16th to Feb. 22nd

The Sheriff's Office handled 129 calls this week, resulting in 43 arrests.

GILMER, TX, Feb. 23, 2009 -- Sheriff Anthony Betterton reported today that 129 calls for service were reported to the Upshur County Sheriff's Office between the dates of 2-16-09 and 2-22-09.

Sheriff Betterton also reported that 43 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Driving while license invalid, Theft, Resisting Arrest, Federal Detainer, Burglary of a Habitation, Assault, Possession of Marijuana, Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Revocation of Probation, DWI, Criminal Mischief, Sexual Assault to a Child, Stolen Vehicle, Fail to Identify as a Fugitive, Burglary of a Building, Harassment, Criminal Trespass, Issuance of a bad check, Disorderly Conduct and traffic.

There were also 46 people released from the Upshur county jail.


Sheriff's Service Calls by the Numbers:
Thefts 9
Assault 8
Burglary 4
Criminal Mischief 8
Disturbance 16
Traffic 10
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 10
Civil Matters 7
Assist other agency 2
Drug cases 2
Unwanted Guest 2
Deaths 3
Shots Fired 2
Juvenile 10
Harassment 1
Other 35

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Devance Convicted, Sentenced To 15 Years

Jury finds evidence in car theft case compelling

GILMER, TX, Feb. 19, 2009 -- A jury Tuesday found evidence and testimony presented in the felony Theft trial of Jimmy Michael 'Big Country' Devance convincing enough to return a verdict of guilty.

Today, Devance, 34, of Gladewater, was sentenced by Judge Lauren Parish in the 115th District Court to 15 years in the Texas Department of Corrections for the enhanced offense of felony Theft following that trial.

Assistant District Attorney, Edward Choy, prosecuted Devance, who stole an automobile from Mike Craig Ford in Gilmer on March 21, 2008. Devance took a 2O07 Chrysler 300 without paying under the ruse of wishing to purchase it and failed to return it. The car was eventually recovered in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Choy was pleased with the verdict. " The Jury paid close attention to all the evidence and sent a message that those who prey upon our citizens and businesses in Upshur County will be dealt with severely," he said.


Devance had a lengthy criminal history which included a prior felony conviction in Gregg County in 1995. Choy found other victims, including a 85 year old war veteran, Gerald French of Lufkin, who Devance defrauded in a roofing fraud scheme. French testified that Devance posed as a legitimate contractor who preyed upon victims whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Ike in Angelina County.

No word was released by Byrd on charges awaiting Devance in Lufkin relating to the alleged roofing fraud.

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Crime Stoppers Looking To Roll Up Tire Thief

Reward offered for information on Gilmer tire theft

GILMER, TX, Feb. 18, 2009 -- The Upshur Crime Stoppers are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of tires and wheels from the Yazell Chevrolet lot on Tuesday, Feb. 10th.

Announcement:

During the early morning hours of February 10, 2009 unknown actor(s) entered the Yazell Chevrolet Dealership lot and removed four wheels and tires from two new pickups. If anyone has information about this crime please contact the Gilmer Police Department at (903) 843-5545.

Upshur County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this crime. If you have any information please contact us at 903-843-3131 or toll-free 1-800-396-3351.

Remember all calls or contacts are completely anonymous. We want your information, not your name. Thank you.

Readers with information on this crime can offer tips online at
http://upshurcounty.crimestoppersweb.com/crimeoftheweek.aspx. by clicking on the 'Give Tip' button.

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Alleged Lufkin Roofing Scammer Goes On Trial In Gilmer

Jimmy Michael Devance, facing charges in Gilmer, also wanted in Lufkin

GILMER, TX, Feb. 16, 2009 -- The jury trial of 34 year old Jimmy Michael Devance, AKA 'Big Country', begins Tuesday in the 115th District Court in Gilmer.

He was indicted by an Upshur County Grand Jury in September of last year on a third degree felony charge of Theft of Property in excess of $20,000.

Regardless of the outcome, he will likely face charges in Lufkin relating to his alleged involvement in a roofing repair scam that left several elderly Lufkin residents out thousands of dollars after Hurricane Ike.

At least one of the scam victims from Lufkin has been scheduled to testify against Devance in the trial here in Gilmer.

Devance is currently free on $30,000 bond.

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115th District Court Hearings Put Five Behind Bars

Stubbert, Baker convictions highlight latest 115th District Court actions

GILMER, TX, Feb. 12, 2009 -- In two days of hearings in the 115th District Court, Judge Lauren Parish heard 13 Guilty pleas, resulting in five jail sentences, one probation and five deferred adjudications, according to the latest Hearings Report from Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd.

Besides the previously reported sentencings of Matthew Stubbert and Kerry Baker on charges of sexual assaults on children, Judge Parish also handed down jail terms for various drug charges, burglary and credit card abuse.


Feb. 6, 2009 Hearing Results
* JAMES SENTRELL CHISM, 29, of AVINGER, pled GUILTY to POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, a State Jail Felony (FS) and was sentenced to TWO YEARS in the STATE JAIL.

* MATTHEW ALBERT STUBBERT, 35, of GILMER, pled GUILTY to two counts of SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD, 2nd Degree Felonies (F2), and was sentenced to TWENTY YEARS in prison.

* JOSHUA DARK, 27, of GILMER, pled GUILTY to CREDIT CARD ABUSE (FS), and received THREE YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, along with $4253.08 in fines and restitution and 200 Community Work Service Hours. He must also attend Theft and Life Skills classes.

* KERRY SCOTT BAKER, 33, of GILMER, pled GUILTY to two counts of AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD, a First Degree Felony (F1), and was sentenced to LIFE In prison, with a consecutive TWENTY-FIVE YEAR prison sentence.

* DONOVAN LYNN BROUSSARD, 28, of GILMER, pled GUILTY to DEADLY CONDUCT, a Class 'A' Misdemeanor (MA), and was sentenced to NINETY DAYS in the Upshur County Jail.

* CHAD DALE WALLS, 24, of ORE CITY, pled GUILTY to INDECENCY WITH A CHILD (F2), and received SEVEN YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION along with $1561.00 in fines and 300 Community Work Service Hours. He must also register as a Sex Offender, and is barred from Residing in a Home with a Child Under 18.

* COLTON SHANE GUTHRIE, 19, of WHITE OAK, pled GUILTY to BURGLARY OF A HABITATION (F2), and received to FOUR YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, along with $776.00 in fines and 300 Community Work Service Hours.

* DAVID TANKERSLEY, 18, of GLADEWATER, pled GUILTY to INJURY TO A CHILD (FS), and received FIVE YEARS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, along with $766.00 in fines and 300 Community Work Service Hours.

* JESSIE LEE PHILLIPS, 39, of GILMER, pled GUILTY to ATTEMPT POSSESSION OF A
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (MA), and received NINE MONTHS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION along with $466.00 in fines and 80 Hours of Community Work Service Hours.

Feb. 9, 2009 Hearing Results
* KIMA SKINNER, 31, of GLADEWATER, pled GUILTY to SECURING EXECUTION OF
DOCUMENT BY DECEPTION (FS), and received FIVE YEARS probation along with $6714.00 in fines and 300 Community Work Service Hours. If she pays restitution to the Texas Health and Human Services, her probation will be reduced to two years.

* LARRY GENE HASKINS, 49, of GILMER, pled GUILTY to POSSESSION OR TRANSPORT OF CERTAIN CHEMICALS WITH INTENT TO MANUFACTURE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (F2), and was sentenced to EIGHT YEARS in prison.

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Upshur County Sheriff's Report - Feb. 2nd to Feb. 8th, 2009

152 Calls for service result in 53 arrest this week

GILMER, TX, Feb. 9, 2009 -- Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 152 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE between the dates of 2-2-09 and 2-8-09.

Sheriff Betterton also reports that 53 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Motion to Revoke Probation, Forgery, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Burglary of a Vehicle, Evading Arrest, Cruelty to Animals, Terroristic Threats, Stolen Vehicle, Child Support, Theft, Engaging in Criminal Activity, Credit Card Abuse, Possession of Marijuana, Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Abandon and Endangering a Child, Assault, Deadly Conduct, Sexual Assault of a Child, Issuance of Bad Check, DWI and traffic.

The week also saw 58 people released from the Upshur county jail.


Sheriff's Service Calls by the Numbers:
Thefts 12
Assault 9
Burglary 6
Criminal Mischief 3
Disturbance 13
Traffic 25
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 10
Civil Matters 2
Assist other agency 6
Drug cases 1
Unwanted Guest 3
Deaths 0
Shots Fired 1
Juvenile 7
Harassment 5
Other 49

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Four Guilty Pleas Last Week Result In Jail Time

Sentences handed down for Theft and DWI charges in the 115th

GILMER, TX, Feb. 5, 2009 -- Upshur District Attorney Billy Byrd reported that Judge Lauren Parish, 115th District Court, heard four guilty pleas on a variety of charges including Theft last Friday, and revoked the parole of two felons.

Pleas were heard and sentences handed down for the following:

Mary M. Hill, 41, of Gladewater, pled guilty and was sentenced to 15 months in state jail for Theft of Property.

John Allen Hubbard, 51, of Gilmer, pled guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison for a subsequent offense of Driving While Intoxicated.

Brent Banks, 19, of Hawkins, pled guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in the Upshur County Jail for Theft.

Andrew Latham Clark, 29, of Gilmer, pled guilty and received one year probation and was fined $726.00 for Fleeing.

The court also revoked the probations of Brenda Lee Chisum and Cruz Antonio Davis.

Chisum, 47, of Lone Star, was previously convicted of Forgery of Financial Instrument and will serve 18 months in state jail.

Davis, 22, of Ore City, will serve five years of prison time for Burglary of a Habitation.

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Crime Stoppers After Ore City Burglars

Information on the Newsom's Grocery Store robbery could be worth $1000.00

GILMER, TX, Feb. 3, 2009 -- On Friday, the 30th of January 2009, sometime between the hours of 1:30 am and 6:30 am, Newsom`s Grocery Store in Ore City was burglarized. The actor and/or actors entered from the rear of the building.

The A.T.M. machine was burglarized and approximately $5,800.00 in twenty dollar bills was taken. The store office was also broken into and approximately $1,400.00 in bills and coins were removed, as well as approximately 20 packs of Black and Mild cigars valued at $51.80.

Upshur County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this crime.

If you have any information please contact us at 903-843-3131 or toll-free 1-800-396-3351. You can also use the "Give a Tip" link from their website at http://upshurcounty.crimestoppersweb.com/index.aspx.

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Gilmer Man Arrested For Longview Vehicle Burglary

Longview PD arrests Logan Vincent Fowler on 911 tip

LONGVIEW, TX, Jan. 28, 2009 -- Even icy, cold weather and poor driving conditions didn’t slow two suspects intent on burglarizing a car in Longview. They were rewarded for their efforts by being arrested and booked into the Gregg County Jail.

At approximately 3:40 a.m., a woman heard a car alarm sound outside of her
home in the 600 block of Little Street. As she looked out her window, she
observed a subject burglarizing a car and she then called Longview Police. The
witness was able to provide 9-1-1 dispatchers with a description of a vehicle that
picked the suspect up.

As Longview Officers responded to the scene, other officers circulated the area
and were able to locate the suspects driving in the 1300 block of Reel Road. The
suspects were stopped and officers located burglary tools and other evidence
that linked them to the vehicle burglary on Little Street.

Arrested were Logan Vincent Fowler, date of birth 12-03-1989 of 6492 Nichols
Trail in Gilmer, and Oscar Gomez Soto, date of birth 4-02-1990 with no address
given.

Both Fowler and Soto have been charged with burglary of a motor vehicle
(class A misdemeanor) and tampering with identification numbers (class A
misdemeanor).

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Gilmer Man Sentenced To 14 Years On Drug Charges

James Earl Robertson pled guilty Thursday to Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

GILMER, TX, Jan. 29, 2009 -- Judge Lauren Parish presided over nine criminal plea trials Thursday, hearing seven guilty pleas and revoking probation on two men previously convicted of unrelated forgeries.

The harshest penalty handed down was to Robertson, 41, of Gilmer. Facing a maximum of 99 years for his 1st degree felony, Parish sentenced him to 14 years in prison on the drug trafficking charge. Upshur D.A. Billy Byrd prosecuted the case. Robertson was defended by Ryan Hill.

Parish revoked probation on Taylor Justin Dawson, 28, of Gilmer. Dawson, who pled true to the state's allegations, was sentenced to one year in prison for the crime of Forgery of a Financial Instrument, a State Jail felony. Byrd prosecuted.

Likewise, probation was revoked for Nicholas Damon Woods, 30, of Gladewater. Pleading true, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for Forgery of a Government Instrument, also a State Jail felony. Byrd prosecuted.

Other pleas heard, and sentences handed down, were:
* Damion Webb, 24, of Longview. Pled guilty to Assault, a class "A" misdemeanor. Sentenced to 60 days in the Upshur County Jail. Upshur Assistant District Attorney Edward Choy prosecuted the case.

* Charles Albert Beall, 19, of Ore City. Pled guilty to Burglary of a Building, a state jail felony. Sentenced to nine months in prison. Choy prosecuted.

* Gwendolyn Denise Pearce, 48, of Winona. Pled guilty to a subsequent offense of Driving While Intoxicated, a third degree felony. Sentenced to ten years in prison. Byrd prosecuted.

* Jimmy Keith Barber, 30, of Gilmer. Pled guilty to Robbery, a second degree felony. Sentenced to eight years in prison. Byrd prosecuted.

* Torchie Renee Pepper, 52, of Arlington. Pled guilty to a subsequent offense of Driving While Intoxicated. Sentenced to five years probation, and fined $1376.00. Byrd prosecuted.

*Decorian Timmons, 35, of Gladewater. Pled guilty to Theft, a class "A" misdemeanor. Sentenced to 18 months probation and fined $821.00. Byrd prosecuted.

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Upshur Grand Jury Indicts 20

Considering 21 cases, the Grand Jury handed down indictments on 20, seven of which were sealed.

GILMER, TX, Jan. 29, 2009 -- Billy Byrd, Upshur County District Attorney, reported today that the Upshur County Grand Jurors handed down 21 indictments Tuesday, ranging in seriousness from Evading with a Vehicle to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

Sealed indictments were for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Theft of a Firearm, three counts of Evading with a Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and Bail Jumping/Failure to Appear.

Those indicted were:

Robert Harris Kimball, 37, of Pittsburg. Charged with Indecency with a Child, a 3rd degree felony. Kimball is currently free on a $5000.00 bond.

Jennifer Brown, 27, of Pittsburg. She is charged with Aggravated Assault, Threat with a Deadly Weapon, a 2nd degree felony. She is currently free on a $5000.00 bond.

John Manuel Thadeus, 48, of Gladewater. Charged with Aggravated Assault, he is currently free on a $10,000.00 bond.

James Leonard Berry, 34, of Gilmer. Charged with Retaliation, a 3rd degree felony, he is currently free on a $10,000.00 bond.

David Earl Gordy, 62, of Winnsboro. Charged with two counts of Deadly Conduct, he is currently free on a $50,000.00 bond.

Deanna Peleaz, 25, of Gilmer. Charged with Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility, a 3rd degree felony, she is jailed at the Upshur County Jail with bail set at $25,000.00.

James Matthew Robinson, 27, of White Oak. Charged with Burglary of a Building, a State Jail Felony, he is jailed at the Upshur County Jail.

Earl Henry Parker, 61, of Gilmer. Charged with Evading with a Vehicle, a State Jail felony, he is currently free on a $2000.00 bond.

Johnny Edward Gordon, 56, of Gladewater. Charged with Assault/Family Violence (enhanced), a 3rd degree felony, he is currently free on a $10,000.00 bond.

Karen Behan Wilson, 51, of Diana. Charged with a subsequent offense of Driving While Intoxicated, a 3rd degree felony, she is jailed in the Upshur County jail with bail set at $20,000.00.

Russell Craig Turner, 39, of Gilmer. Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, a 1st degree felony, he is jailed in the Upshur County Jail. Bail has not been set.

Perry Gene McCoy Sr., 50, of Gilmer. Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, he is currently free on a $75,000.00 bond.

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Local Man Sought In Connection With Car Burglaries

The Gilmer Police Department is asking the public for help in locating Keir Jaques Harris.

GILMER, TX., Jan. 29, 2009 -- Investigator Roxanne Warren of the Gilmer PD today named Keir Harris, 40, of Gilmer as a 'Person of Interest' in two car burglaries that occurred January 18, 2009 at the First Baptist Church parking lot and Gilmer Care Center parking lot.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding Harris’s whereabouts to contact the Gilmer Police Department at (903) 843-5545 or provide online tips at the Upshur County Crime Stoppers Website at http://upshurcounty.crimestoppersweb.com.

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Sheriff's Office Intercepts Drug Shipment To Jail Inmate

Local woman charged with sending drugs to the Upshur County Jail.

GILMER, TX., Jan. 26, 2009 -- In a press release today, the Upshur County Sheriff's Office said it had arrested and jailed Deanna Michelle Pelaez, 25, of Gilmer, on a charge of Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility.

The arrest happened last Wednesday, after Pelaez allegedly attempted to send four grams of marijuana to a friend of hers who is jailed on an unrelated charge.

The investigation is ongoing, and Pelaez remains in jail tonight, her bond is set at $25,000.00.

Sheriff Betterton wishes to remind anyone who attempts to send contraband into the jail that they can face serious felony charges.

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Sheriff's Report 01-19-09 to 01-25-09

Calls regarding 13 Thefts, 10 assaults and 2 burglaries keep the Sheriff's Office busy last week.

GILMER, TX., Jan. 26, 2009 -- Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 135 calls for service were reported to the Upshur County Sheriff's Office between the dates of 1-19-09 and 1-25-09.

Sheriff Betterton also reports that 33 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Assault, DWI, Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Stolen Vehicle, Evading Arrest, Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility, Burglary of Habitation, Aggravated Sexual Assault to a Child, Enticing a Child, Parole Violation, Federal Detainer, Terroristic Threats, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Mischief, Assault Family Violence and traffic.

There were also 40 people released from the Upshur county jail.

Thefts 13
Assault 10
Burglary 2
Criminal Mischief 7
Disturbance 9
Traffic 11
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 9
Civil Matters 2
Assist other agency 5
Drug cases 2
Unwanted Guest 6
Deaths 1
Shots Fired 2
Juvenile 3
Harassment 2
Other 51

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Ex Diana Teacher To Be Arraigned For Sexual Assault

John Tiger's arraignment scheduled for Jan. 29th

GILMER, TX., Jan. 23, 2009 -- John Cotcha Tiger, the former New Diana coach charged with a number of crimes stemming from his alleged misconduct with a former student, will be arraigned Thursday, Jan. 29th, in the 115th District Court.

Judge Lauren parish will preside.

Tiger is charged, in four sealed Grand Jury indictments, with four felonies:
* Multiple counts of Improper Relationship Between a Student and Teacher
* Multiple counts of Indecency with a Child
* Multiple counts of Sexual Assault of a Child
* Online Solicitation of a Minor

According to Upshur District Attorney Billy Byrd, each crime Tiger is charged with is a second degree felony, and each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

Byrd, who will be prosecuting the case, declined to comment on particulars of the case.

In addition to arraigning the Tiger case, Judge Parish has a full calendar on the 29th. Other arraignments scheduled for that day follow:

Willie Joe Gilmore, charged with Assault on a Public Servant.

Deverous Shjuan Davis, charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Brady Dwayne Alsup, charged with two counts of Possessing a Prohibited Weapon.

Natasha Diana Hagler, charged with Forgery of a Financial Instrument.

Jimmy Wayne Black II, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Randall Oneal Mathis, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Evading Arrest with a Vehicle.

Gwendolyn Denise Pearce, charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

David Fitzgerald Gunter, charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Shaun Christopher Abron, charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Obstruction of Justice or Retaliation.

Matthew Jason Comer, charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

David Floyd McWhorter III, charged with Burglary.

April Michelle Gordon, charged with Theft of a Firearm.

Christopher Michael, charged with Theft of Property.

James D. Winrich, charged with Burglary.

Michael Wyatt Ebnetter, charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

Robert Glen Jackson, charged with Assault of a Public Servant.

George Washington Sharper, charged with Possession of Marijuana.

Bobby Joe Crain, charged with Delivery of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone.

Lonnie Ren Carr II, charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

Thomas Wayne Gibson, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Eric Lavon Quinn, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Donavan Lynn Brousard, charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Melba Lilly, charged with Arson.

Colton Shane Guthrie, charged with Burglary of a Habitation.

Earl Henry Parker, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Dusty Diann Fussell, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Otis Ray Johnson Jr., charged with Burglary of a Habitation.

Jason William Lee, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Lakeevin Akeem Jones, charged with Aggravated Robery.

Brandon Burkett, charged with Deadly Conduct / Discharge of a Firearm.

John George McGuire III, charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

Willie Lee Skinner, charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Carrie Lynn Wilcox, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Randy Shane Ogletree, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Brandon Lynn Coulter, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Chad Edward Wade, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Demarcrist Lopez Shepherd, charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Roy Edward Thompson, Jr., charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Kyle Zachary Jones, charged with Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle.

Amanda Ruth Hunt, charged with Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle.

James Jones Dupree, charged with Burglary of a Habitation.

Ralph Bradley Sustaire, charged with Burglary of a Habitation.

Ronald Wayne Smith II, charged with Forgery of a Financial Instrument.

Amber Gage, charged with Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse.

Monty Shane Gage, charged with Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse.

Amanda Gore, charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Kathy Lynn Jester, charged with Theft of Property.

Waldolf Manchester, charged with Indecency with a Child.

Devin Ray Matthews, charged with Burglary of a Habitation.

Todd Henry Pearson, charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a Child.

Marsha Anne Price, charged with Burglary of a Habitation.

Russell C. Turner, charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Chad Dale Walls, charged with Indecency with a Child.

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Judge Parish Hears 14 Guilty Pleas Last Week

Busy week at the 115th sees 8 jailed, 6 probated or defered.

GILMER, TX, Jan. 23, 2009 -- Upshur District Attorney Billy Byrd reports that Judge Lauren Parish, 115th District Court, heard the pleas on a variety of charges including drug possession, DWI and assault.

Pleas heard, and sentences were handed down for the following:

Michael E. Pouncy, 51, of Sulphur Springs. Sentenced to four years in prison for Robbery.

Paul Richard Lyle, 27, of Longview. Sentenced to six years in prison for Assault Against a Public Servant.

Glenda Gail Carr, 27, of Dumas, TX. Fined $2321.00 and sentenced to two years deferred adjudication for Criminal Mischief.

Donny Charles Evans, 18, of Duncanville, TX. Fined $1276.00 and sentenced to four years defered adjudication for Burglary of a Building.

Jeramy Josh Vickery, 23, of Longview. Fined $1466.00 and sentenced to two years deferred adjudication for Possession of Methamphetamine.

Michael Roger Newman, 48, of Diana. Fined $966.00, sentenced to five years probation for Possession of Methamphetamine.

Tony Dewayne Kemp, 31, of Diana. Fined $1321.00 and ten years probation for Attempted Aggravated Kidnapping.

Richard Albert Adams Jr., 35, of Big Sandy. Fined $1516.00 and sentenced to seven years probation for Driving While Intoxicated.

Glen Edward Bishop, 32, of Gilmer. Sentenced to ten months in jail for Theft.

Aloysius Dewayne Reliford, 37, of Gilmer. Sentenced to eight years in prison for Robbery.

Adam Cohagen Clamp, 25, of Gilmer. Sentenced to eight years in prison for Possession of Phencyclidine.

Charles Franklin Miller, 47, of Gilmer. Sentenced to ten years in prison for Driving While Intoxicated.

Eric Jeffrey Bradshaw, 31, of Diana. Sentenced to one year in jail for Possession of Methamphetamine.

Carly Nicole Thornbrough, 25, of Gilmer. Sentenced to ten months in jail for Possession of Cocaine.

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Crime Stoppers Target Pharmacy Thieves

Hoping to take thieves and some dangerous drugs off the street, the Crime Stoppers will pay $1000 for information leading to arrests and convictions of people involved in the Gilmer Drug Company robbery.

GILMER, TX, Jan. 20, 2009 -- The Upshur County Crime Stoppers posted the following reward notice late this evening, aimed at putting the person or persons responsible for this morning's theft of dangerous pain-killers from the pharmacy behind bars.

On 01/20/09 at about 4:00 am Gilmer Police Officers responded to an alarm call at the Gilmer Drug Company located on the West side of the square in Gilmer.

Upon arrival, Officer`s discovered the business had been burglarized. Unknown actor(s) shattered the glass in the front door to gain entry into the pharmacy. An undetermined amount of Hydrocodone pills were taken from the business.

If you have any information regarding this crime please contact the Gilmer Police Department at 903-843-5545 or Crime Stoppers at our Hotline 903-843-3131 or toll-free 1-800-396-3351. You can also use the "Give a Tip" link from this website. Remember all calls or contacts are completely anonymous. We want your information, not your name. Thank you.

Upshur County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this crime.

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Reward Offered For Information On Two Related Vehicle Burglaries

$1000 Reward offered for information leading to arrest of smash-and-grab car burglars.

GILMER, TX, Jan. 20, 2009 -- A pair of car burglaries Sunday has drawn offers of rewards from the Upshur County Crime Stoppers.

On Sunday, Jan. 18th, Gilmer Police were dispatched to the Gilmer Care Center in reference to a burglary of a vehicle. Upon arrival, Officers observed that unknown actor(s) had broken a window of a parked vehicle in order to gain access to the interior. A purse and contents were stolen.

At about the same time, Police were also summoned to the burglary of a vehicle at the First Baptist Church parking lot. Again, perpetrators had broken the window of a parked vehicle, making off with a purse and contents from that car as well.

While Officers were on scene at the church, witnesses located a purse in a nearby dumpster. That purse was later discovered to belong to the victim of the burglary at Gilmer Care Center.

These two burglaries are believed to be related and information regarding those involved can be reported to the Gilmer Police Department at 903-843-5545, or to the Crime Stoppers.

Upshur County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this crime. If you have any information please contact us at 903-843-3131 or toll-free 1-800-396-3351. You can also use the "Give a Tip" link from this website. Remember all calls or contacts are completely anonymous.

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Gilmer Drug Company Burglarized

Police estimate robbers made away with 3000 - 4000 pain killers.

GILMER, TX Jan. 20, 2009 -- Responding to a 4:00 a.m. alarm call, Gilmer Police officers found the glass front door of the business, located at 112 Davis Street in Gilmer, smashed, and the perpatrators nowhere in sight.

The investigation is ongoing, but Investigator Roxanne Warren believes the theives made off with 3000 to 4000 hydrocodone pills, a powerful pain killer. The street value of the drugs was not immediately known.

Commonly marketed under the Vicodin, Zydone or Anexia brands, the pills can be round and white, with a scored center, or they can be football shaped in many colors, including white and blue.

Warren says they can be used in illegal drug manufacture, but are commonly sold on the street in pill or capsule form.

She asked that anyone with information on the theft to contact the Police at 903-843-5545, or go online to the Upshur County Crime Stoppers, where they can leave tips anonymously.

She said the crime would be featured on Crime Stoppers as the Crime Of The Week.

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Two Pittsburg Men Enter Guilty Pleas In Cocaine Cases

In separate cases, Billy Joe Butler and Damien Donte Porter, both of Pittsburg, pled guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine before United States Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham.

MARSHALL, TX, Jan. 14, 2009 -– United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that two Texas men have pleaded guilty to federal drug crimes in separate cases in the Eastern District of Texas.

Billy Joe Butler 44, of Pittsburg, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine today before United States Magistrate Judge Chad Everingham.

In a separate case, Damien Donte Porter 31, also of Pittsburg, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and felony possession of a firearm. He also stood before Judge Everingham.

According to information presented in court, Butler admitted that up until April 16, 2008, he conspired with others to distribute at least 5 kilograms of cocaine in Camp County, Texas.

Butler was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2008. He faces up to Life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. The case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise Simpson.

In Porter's case, he admitted that up until March 28, 2008, he conspired with others to distribute at least 5 kilograms of cocaine in Camp County, Texas.

Porter, a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of felony distribution of drugs in federal court in 2001, also acknowledged that he was in possession of a firearm on Jan. 24, 2008. As a convicted felon, Porter is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Porter was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2008. He faces up to Life in federal prison on the drug charge and up to 10 years in federal prison for the firearms charge. Porter has also agreed to the forfeiture of two firearms. A sentencing date has not been set. The case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise Simpson.

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