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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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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Commissioners will discuss renovating the jail to add a Jail Administrator's office.
GILMER, TX., Jan. 29, 2009 -- The Upshur County Commissioners Court will hold their regular meeting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. on the third floor of the courthouse.
Besides the routine matters of payrolls, budgets and accounts payable, commissioners will consider renovating the county jail building to include new office space for the Jail Administrators office.
They will also receive a report from the Sheriff's Office on Racial Profiling.
Other items on the agenda:
* Discuss and take action on filing the plat for the Eagle Ranch Subdivision.
* Consider reappointing David Stevenson to the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
* Consider and take action on an agreement between the Sheriff's Office and the City of Gilmer concerning shared use of a vehicle.
* Consider accepting two private roads, PR1198 and PR199, into the county maintenance inventory.
* Discuss possible action on Lantanna Road.
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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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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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Sheriff, Deputies, Tax Assessor and County Commissioners sworn in Wednesday.
GILMER, Dec. 31, 2008 -- County Judge Dean Fowler swore in a room full of Upshur County elected officials, deputies and staff workers Wednesday.
In a ceremony attended by approximately 70 people, Fowler administered the oath of office for the county officials elected in November.
Standing in the jury box of the 115th District courtroom, they all raised their right hands and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and to uphold the duties of their office faithfully.
Officials sworn in were:
* Sheriff Anthony Betterton and Deputies of the Upshur County Sheriff's Department.
* Tax Assessor Mike Smith and his staff.
* Constable Russel Harris, Pct. 1.
* Constable Jason Weeks, Pct. 2.
* Constable Jerry Kuhn, Pct. 3.
* Constable Phillip Hill, Pct. 4.
* County Commissioner James Crittenden, Pct. 1.
* County Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree, Pct. 3.
The Advocate congratulates all of our fine public servants, and wishes them well in the discharge of their duties
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Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 177 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE between the dates of 12-15-08 and 12-21-08
Sheriff Betterton also reports that 48 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Driving while license suspended, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Child Support, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Parole Violation, Evading Arrest, DWI, Permitting Unlicensed person to drive, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Theft, Burglary of a Habitation, Possession of Marijuana, Theft by Check, Interfer with emergency call, Terroristic Threats, Stolen Vehicle, Harassment, Injury to a Child or Elderly and traffic. There were also 69 people released from the Upshur county jail.
Thefts 11
Assault 15
Burglary 8
Criminal Mischief 7
Disturbance 11
Traffic 37
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 12
Civil Matters 2
Assist other agency 17
Drug cases 5
Unwanted Guest 4
Deaths 0
Shots Fired 2
Juvenile 3
Harassment 2
Other 41
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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.
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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
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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
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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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Sheriff Anthony Betterton reports that 156 calls for service were reported to the UPSHUR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE between the dates of 11-10-08 and 11-16-08.
Sheriff Betterton also reports that 40 people were booked into the Upshur County Jail on a variety of charges which include Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Aggravated Assault, Theft, Issuance of a bad check, Driving while license invalid, Stolen vehicle, Burglary of a Habitation, Burglary of a Vehicle, Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Federal Detainer, Criminal Mischief, DWI and traffic. There were also 58 people released from the Upshur county jail.
Thefts 12
Assault 13
Burglary 8
Criminal Mischief 5
Disturbance 12
Traffic 15
Suspicious Vehicle/Person 8
Civil Matters 6
Assist other agency 8
Drug cases 3
Unwanted Guest 3
Deaths 0
Shots Fired 3
Juvenile 8
Harassment 4
Other 48
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First year Diana teacher and coach John Tiger was arrested and charged early Saturday with online solicitation of a minor.
According to a story broken by the Longview News-Journal, Tiger, who previously coached and taught at Union Hill, maintained contact with a Union Hill student.
Text messages he sent Friday concerned the mother and the student, and they reported them to the Upshur Sheriff's department. Text messages continued while the Sheriff's Department monitored, and a sting was set-up.
Tiger arranged to meet the student after Friday's football game, and Deputies arrested him at the pre-arranged location.
The Sheriff's Department refused comment in a call this afternoon as to Tiger's status. Emails to Union Hill and New Diana school administration and staff have also not been answered.
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