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Likewise, probation was revoked for Nicholas Damon Woods, 30, of Gladewater.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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Sen. Hutchison Introduces Border Law Enforcement Legislation

Bill would Establish Dept. Of Justice Grant Program with Focus on Border Communities

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 28, 2009 -- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), today filed The Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2009, S. 339, which would create a grant program at the U.S. Department of Justice to help border communities combat narcoterrorism.

“Our border law enforcement personnel are under assault. Powerful Mexican drug cartels threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officials who protect us,” said Sen. Hutchison. “Congress must provide funding to combat narcotics trafficking and safeguard families and neighborhoods along the border that are on the frontlines. This legislation is an important step toward securing our borders and preventing violence in Mexico from spreading into our country.”


“Border violence places a financial burden on the taxpayers with law enforcement struggling to meet the personnel and the equipment needed to keep up with the combat against drugs. Our local police are outnumbered, outgunned, and do not have the financial resources to match the cartel’s unlimited financial budget. I appreciate Senator Hutchison’s leadership role in this endeavor of obtaining funds for the law enforcement in the border areas and looking out for the best interest of the United States,” said Sheriff Omar Lucio, Cameron County.

"Border security continues to be one of Laredo's top priorities. The City of Laredo would strongly benefit from this important legislation. Border communities are in dire need of additional resources to ensure the protection of their citizens. I applaud the efforts of Senator Hutchison to safeguard our borders,” said Raul Salinas, Mayor of Laredo.

"I fully support and appreciate Senator Hutchison's legislative initiative,” said Houston Police Department Chief Harold Hurtt. “The proposed Border Law Enforcement Relief Act is desperately needed to combat the growing violence along our southern border. It also recognizes that the major interior cities and urban areas are experiencing some of the same problems facing the border cities and provides funds necessary for large cities to combat the resulting drug and gang violence along with human trafficking, which is not restricted to border cities. A partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is crucial to addressing these issues."

The Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2009, which was cosponsored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D- N.M.), will create and authorize $100 million in federal grant funding for each fiscal year from 2009 – 2013. Two-thirds of the funding will be designated for border communities within 100 miles of the northern and southern borders. The remaining one-third will go to law enforcement agencies nationwide that are affected by border-related criminal activity.

This grant funding may be used to obtain equipment, upgrade technology, hire additional personnel, and cover overtime and transportation costs associated with criminal activity along the border.

The National Sheriff’s Association pledged its support of the Border Law Enforcement Relief Act.

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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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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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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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Upshur County Hearing Results Jan. 5 - Jan. 9, 2009

Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd reports that the 115th Judicial District Court heard 11 guilty pleas for the period.

GILMER, Tx, Jan. 13 -- With Judge Lauren Parrish presiding, the court heard eleven criminal cases, all resulting in guilty pleas.

Michael Decco, 44, White Oak, TX
Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
Pled guilty.

James Allen Bell, 32, Gladewater, TX
Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
Pled guilty.

Daniel Wayne Porter, 21, Gilmer, TX
Theft
Pled guilty.

Shawn Heim, 17, Ore City, TX
Burglary
Pled guilty.

Dale Edwin Johnson, 52, Dallas, TX
Driving while intoxicated
Pled guilty.

David Lester Mcalhany, 49, Longview, TX
False statement to obtain credit
Pled guilty.

Gary Don Elliott, 42, Mt. Pleasant, TX
Theft
Pled guilty.

Louis Franklin Gilmore, 65, Pittsburg, TX
Aggravated sexual assault of a child, Indecency with a child
Pled guilty.

Josiah Andrew Mitchell, 18, Longview, TX
Burglary
Pled guilty.

Kimberly Bunch, 44, Big Sandy, TX
Theft
Pled guilty.

Sarina Danner, 21, Gilmer, TX
Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
Pled guilty.

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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Gilmer Man On Drug And Firearm Charges

Mitchell Glenn Aills indicted for possession of methamphetamine and illegal handguns.

TYLER, TX Jan. 6, 2009 -— United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced that a federal grand jury returned indictments today charging multiple individuals in separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

MITCHELL GLENN AILLS, 27, of Gilmer, Texas, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and firearms during a drug trafficking crime.

According to the indictment, DEA Task Force Officers and Upshur County authorities executed a search warrant in Upshur County, Texas and recovered approximately 1 oz. of methamphetamine and 2 handguns.

If convicted, Aills faces up to five years in federal prison for each charge.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Middleton.

ANSELMO ESPINOZA-GONZALEZ, 35, of Longview, Texas, is charged with being an illegal alien present in the U.S. after deportation.

According to the indictment, Gonzalez, a Mexican national, was originally deported to Mexico in 1998 after driving while intoxicated. He reentered the United States on an unknown date and was convicted of the felony offense of Injury to a Child in Anderson County in 2001. He was arrested again in Anderson County in November and ordered detained pending these charges.

If convicted the defendant faces up to 2 years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Customs and Immigration Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.

MICHAEL SHANE TALLEY, 24, is being charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to the indictment, Talley was previously convicted in Anderson County of felony charges of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, and was subsequently found in possession of a weapon made from a shotgun in Anderson County after a traffic stop.

If convicted, Talley faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Moore is prosecuting the case.

EMILIO MARTINEZ-MAGDALENA, of Gregg County, has been charged with illegally being in the United States after having been previously deported.

According to the indictment, the defendant, a Mexican national, was originally deported to Mexico back in 2000 after an aggravated felony conviction for Injury to a Child out of Upshur County, Texas. He reentered the United States on an unknown date, and was charged with driving while intoxicated in Gregg County, Texas in early 2007. Immigration authorities physically found Martinez at the Bradshaw State Jail facility in Rusk County, Texas, on May 21, 2007. He was released from TDC to ICE custody in December of 2008.

If convicted, t he Defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Immigration Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.

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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

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