SH 11 Traffic Stop Results In Location Of Alleged Ecstasy Tablets, Felony Arrest
A routine traffic stop on State Highway 11 Wednesday afternoon resulted in a 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest on a felony controlled substance charge after a couple of suspected Ecstasy tablets were found on him, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputies Aaron Chaney and E. Jaime reportedly initiated a traffic stop at 1:56 p.m. March 11 on a Dodge 2500, after radar showed the pickup to be traveling at 76 miles per hour in a 60 mph speed zone. The truck stopped on SH 11 at County Road 4710.
Upon contact, deputies alleged the driver, identified in arrest reports as 29-year-old Keenan Lonche Wells, would not make eye contact when speaking with them. Wells’ hands were also reported to be shaking. The deputies asked Wells and a female passenger to step out of the truck.
Wells gave the deputies permission to search his pockets. In the man’s back pocket, deputies found a plastic bag with a pink tablet with the word “WIFI” printed on the pill, Chaney and Jaime alleged in arrest reports. When asked what the tablet was, Wells allegedly admitted it was Ecstasy.
Both Wells and the female were secured into handcuffs. Chaney reportedly removed the man’s wallet from his left cargo pocket and handed it to Jaime to search. An additional tablet, suspected to also be Ecstasy as it was identical to the pill found in the man’s pocket, was located in the wallet, Chaney alleged in reports.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper William Gillentine arrived and stood with Wells and the female passenger while deputies searched the pickup. No additional contraband was found, deputies reported. Wells was taken to jail on a controlled substance charge and the truck was released to the female passenger, Chaney and Jaime alleged in arrest reports.
The tablets weighed approximately 0.5 grams, according to arrest reports. Wells was booked into Hopkins County jail, where he remained Thursday morning, march 12, 2020, in lieu of $5,000 bond on the felony possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies’ patrol trucks 
Texas Department of Public Safety highway patrol trooper’s vehicle
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Chamber Connection- March 12
I wanted to let you know about our upcoming Lunch & Learn on Friday, March 27, at Clarion Pointe in Sulphur Springs. Cost is $15 for Chamber members, and $20 for non-Chamber members. Cost includes lunch and an educational session presented by Bethany Ferrall, Assistant Director, Career Development Center at Texas A&M Commerce. This session will focus on increasing the effectiveness of your hiring process, how to do salary research to offer competitive salaries to employees, and developing a job description that entices and retains quality applicants. We would love for you to attend! Please RSVP by calling the Chamber at (903) 885-6515 or by emailing [email protected].
The Chamber is offering something brand new for the business community of Hopkins County. We are currently accepting individuals to participate in the Chamber Book Club: A Leadership Journey. This book club will focus on six different business-influenced books to provide an intentional path for leadership growth. Topics studied will include what to look for in establishing a team, performance habits, leadership styles, and how to have crucial conversations with your team. There will be no cost except for price of the books, and the capacity for the club is 20. If you have even a tiny bit of interest, call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515! We can tell you all about it, and we would love to welcome you on this leadership journey!
Guess what time of the year it is? Oh yes! It’s Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament time!Letters have gone in the mail for the 31st Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Save the Date for Friday, April 10, at Sulphur Springs Country Club, and let us know right away if you would like to have a team. It’s a wonderful tournament to be shared with friends and family!
Cypress Basin Hospice is hosting a Cornhole Tournament
Cypress Basis Hospice is hosting a Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, March 14, at Caps & Flasks in Sulphur Springs. The tourney begins with a warm-up at 10 a.m. and a start time at 11 a.m. There is a $50 entry fee per team, and the first-place team takes home a $500 cash prize. For more information and to register, visit www.cbhospics.org or [email protected].
HC Health Care Foundation Hosting Spring Fashion Show
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation and Lou Nell’s are hosting their Spring Fashion Show on Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs. The show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Lou Nell’s or by calling the Foundation at (903) 438-4799.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office hosting Reintegration Informational Meeting
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Reintegration Program for Hopkins County. They will be having an informational session about the Reintegration Program to explain the benefits of hiring an ex-offender through the Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas. This session will be held on Thursday, March 19, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Lunch will be provided.
Jettribe will have a Launch Banquet event
Jettribe will have a Launch Banquet on Thursday, March 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cedar Canyon in Sulphur Springs. This event will serve as the new release of the 2020 sport wear line with a fashion show, prize giveaway, food, and DJ music. RSVP is requested by March 12. For more information contact [email protected] or by calling (21) 709-3523.
Wynar Unique Senior Living is hosting their ribbon cutting
Wynar Unique Senior Living is hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, March 20, at noon. Their location is 143 Lee Street in Sulphur Springs.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for March 12, Farm Country.
Wildcats Tennis Team Gets Some Good Results at Pleasant Grove and Sulphur Springs Tournaments
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez liked what he saw from several of his players at recent tournaments at Pleasant Grove (March 6) and at Sulphur Springs (February 28).
At Pleasant Grove, with great weather, Coach Martinez said a girls’ doubles team of Mykylie Meador and Trynity Luckett, both freshmen, got third place. He said both players have been progressing all season. Coach Martinez said his #2 boys’ doubles team of Alex Romero and Tate Smith, two sophomores, are also getting better every week. He said he can see the improvement. The #1 boys’ doubles team of Aaron Lucas and Logan Schumacher took first in a three set match against some talented freshmen from Pleasant Grove. The Wildcats mixed doubles team of Jeauxleigh Cantu and Jonah Kirkpatrick continued to roll at Pleasant Grove.
The week before at the Sulphur Springs Tournament, Coach Martinez said his team did really well. He said if points would have been passed out, he felt the Wildcats would have finished #1 or #2. He said the Wildcats got good competition from Denison, Sherman and John Tyler. Coach Martinez said his #2 mixed doubles team of Katie Beth Herd and Waylon Matlock finished second. In girls’ singles, Harleigh Stegient was second. Sophomore Paige Miesse took first in girls singles. Carlos Lopez was first in boys singles. The #1 boys’ doubles team of Lucas and Schumacher took first place as did the #1 mixed doubles team of Cantu and Kirkpatrick.
Next week the Wildcats Tennis Team will play at a Van Tournament on March 20.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
5 Inmates Accused Of Violent Assault Of 2 Other Inmates At Hopkins County Jail
March 11, 2020 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Wade Sheets released the following statement regarding an alleged violent fight on Feb. 21 between inmates at Hopkins County jail:
On February 21, 2020 several inmates were involved in a physical altercation inside the Hopkins County Jail. During that confrontation five subjects attacked and assaulted two other inmates. During the assault, one inmate was on the ground being kicked in the body and head. At one point, while the inmate was on the ground, inmates were stomping on the head of the inmate causing it to hit the concrete floor. The five inmates involved in the assault were Zavarion Swain, Dequenek Shepard, Mario Cozine, Raymond Larry, and Jakwaviane Goodson. These five inmates have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity as they all five willingly participated in the violent assault of another inmate. Inmates inside the Hopkins County Jail can receive additional charges, including felony charges, while they are confined within the jail.
Jakwaviane Kentrail Goodson, 22, has been in custody at Hopkins County jail since his arrest July 20, 2019, on sexual assault of a child, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence charges, and obstruction or retaliation charges, according to jail reports. He was indicted on the sexual assault and tampering with evidence charge in October 2019, according to court reports.
On Feb. Feb. 27, 2020, Goodson was charged on two counts of obstruction or retaliation and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was accused of making death threats to jail staff and Sheriff’s officers sought and obtained warrants for Goodson’s arrest on two charges of obstruction or retaliation. The threats were directed toward two individuals, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford. The offenses were reported around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, according to sheriff’s reports.
Zavarion Swain and Dequenek Shepard have been in custody at Hopkins County jail since their arrest Sept. 26, 2019, on two aggravated robbery charges and one burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony charge each.
They were among four men accused of entering a Lee Street property of two residences and forcing entry to the second residence, located behind the first, police reported following their arrests Sept. 25, 2019. The men then allegedly robbed the three occupants at gunpoint, taking cell phones, a rifle and cash. Three pistols were reportedly used. One round was allegedly fired from one firearm during the commission of the offenses, but no one was injured, Sulphur Springs Police Det. Sgt. David Gilmore said following the incident.
Police patrol officers located three men on Main Street and took them into custody as suspects. Recovered were three pistols, the stolen cell phones, a rifle and about half of the amount cash reportedly stolen from the Lee Street residence; one of the pistols recovered had been reported stolen during an earlier break-in at an address across town, according to the police detective.
Zavarion Caymond Christopher Swain, 19, of Paris, Dequenek Timothy Craig Shephard, 20, of Brashear and a third man were all taken into custody on Main Street just after 11:40 pm. Sept. 25, and booked into the county jail Sept. 26 on two aggravated robbery charges and one burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony charge each.
Mario Ladane Cozine was taken in custody Oct. 25, 2019. A Hopkins County Jury convicted the 29-year-old alleged gang member of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and sentenced him to the maximum allowable punishment of 20 years on the charge Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
The firearm charge stemmed from a State Highway 11 traffic stop by Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Rebekah Saathoff on Feb. 16, 2018. Cozine was reportedly the passenger in the vehicle. Saathoff, in 2018 arrest reports, reported a strong marijuana odor was detectable in the car. During a probable cause search, a loaded .45-caliber handgun was allegedly located under Cozine’s seat. After learning he was a convicted felon, he was arrested for being in possession of the firearm, Saathoff noted on arrest reports.
The maximum sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm was reportedly sought by prosecutors based on the defendant’s criminal history. Prosecutors reportedly called several witnesses during the March 3 sentencing phase of the trial to testify regarding “the defendant’s extensive, violent criminal history.” Cozine remained in Hopkins County jail until March 5, 2020.
Raymond Antywan Larry III, 19, of Idabel, Oklahoma was booked into Hopkins County jail Dec. 10, 2019, on a warrant alleging trafficking of a person, a female runaway, across the state line into Oklahoma, according to sheriff’s and arrest reports.
The child was located in Oklahoma. Raymond Larry was alleged to have communicated with the child and arranged her transport to his location in Oklahoma. Information was found of alleged acts that occurred outside of the State of Texas. Thus, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office pursued charges of human trafficking for the transportation of a minor out of Hopkins County for those specific acts, according to a HCSO release issued following Larry’s arrest.
Larry was arrested in Oklahoma. Larry was contacted and transported at 7 a.m. Dec. 10 from McCurtain County jail in Oklahoma to Hopkins County jail, where Larry has remained since. according to arrest and jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Church Offers Place For Youth Grieving Local Teen Killed In ATV Crash
Scholarship Fund Established In Memory of Sam Kopal
The Way Bible Church will open their doors at 6 p.m. Wednesday night, March 11, to provide a safe place for youth to gather together and grieve the death of Sam Kopal. The Sulphpur Springs youth died Tuesday afternoon as a result of an all terrain vehicle crash in Oklahoma.
In response to the outpouring of concern and desire of community members to do something for the family, the Sam Kopal Scholarship Fund has been established. In lieu of flowers or plants, donations may be made electronically to the Sam Kopal Scholarship Fund on the Sulphur Springs ISD Education Foundation website, or a check may be made out to SS Education Foundation, SSISD, 631 Connally St., Sulphur Springs TX 75482.
A visitation is planned Thursday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs for Sam Kopal. A funeral service is scheduled at 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, in the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium, 1200 Connally St. (at the Civic Center). The graveside service will be a private family service, The Way Bible Church reported Wednesday morning.
The Kopal offered to “friends and family, and the community of Hopkins County” on Chad’s business page “deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that each of you have shown over the last 24 hours in response to the loss of our Sam Kopal. The Kopal family wants you to know that your messages, phone calls, and texts have been greatly appreciated. The strength this community shows during times of sorrow is a testament of the love we have for each other.”
Woman Jailed On Violation Of Probation Warrant
A 32-year-old woman was reportedly arrested in Rockwall County on a Hopkins County warrant.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted Laci Marie Aguilar was in custody. She was transported to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked at noon Tuesday for violation of probation, which she was on for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Aguilar remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning, March 11, in lieu of $1 million bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
According to jail reports, Aguilar was first arrested on the injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge in June of 2016.
Aguilar, who is also known as Laci Marie Earl and Lacie Marie Reichel, was reportedly indicted on the charge and arrested on Nov 16, 2017; she remained in jail on the indictment as well as a charge for bond forfeiture on injury to child charge until Dec. 23, 2017, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Mount Pleasant Man Arrested In Sulphur Springs On Cass County Warrant
A traffic stop Tuesday morning in Sulphur Springs resulted in a 21-year-old Mount Pleasant man’s arrested on a felony Cass County warrant, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Tyler Francis reported stopping an Infiniti G37 around 9 a.m. March 10 on Posey Lane at Mockingbird Lane for a traffic violation.
A records check by dispatchers showed the Cass County warrant for Bradley Glen Crocker’s arrest at 9:09 a.m. on the credit/debit card abuse charge, so Francis took him into custody on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Crocker remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning. Bond was set at $15,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Sulphur Springs Woman Jailed After Allegedly Being Caught By Deputy Selling Ecstasy
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Colt Patterson arrested an 18-year-old Sulphur Springs woman Tuesday night on two controlled substance charges after she allegedly arranged to sell Ecstasy online via a social media platform, then delivered it, according to sheriff’s reports.
“Deputy Colt Patterson did a an outstanding job on this from start to finish, taking the initiative and putting the case together,” Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Wade Sheets said Wednesday morning.
Patterson allegedly began investigating a report of online drug delivery. A female was alleged to have been selling Ecstasy via a social media platform. During the course of the investigation, Patterson contacted the female and who allegedly admitted to having MDMA (Ecstasy) for sale and stated a price for the narcotics. Another amount was also given for a smaller amount during the investigation. Arrangements were made for purchase and exchange of the substance, according to arrest reports.
Upon arrival at the Fuller Street address, the woman allegedly approached the vehicle described to be the buyers with intent to receive money in exchange for the narcotics. Sarah Michelle Cline allegedly had a substance in her hand, according to arrest reports. A male also fled the location when they went to arrest Cline, according to sheriff’s reports.
She was arrested at 8:32 p.m. March 10 and officers allegedly received permission to search. Additional suspected MDMA was reportedly located. The substances allegedly field tested positive as MDMA, a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
The MDMA she allegedly attempted to deliver was reported to weigh 8.5 grams, resulting in a charge of manufacture or deliver of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. The additional MDMA weighed 3.6 grams resulting in an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance.
She remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday morning. Bond was set at $40,000 on the manufacture or delivery charge and $25,000 on the possession charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
DBA Meets New Business People, Discusses 2020 Plans
During the regular March meeting for members of the Downtown Business Alliance, upcoming projects and plans were discussed. Also, a couple of new business people attended to introduce themselves and their business ventures. In the absence of President Jason Tulley, VP Linda Galligher presided over the meeting.
Longtime member Billie Ruth Standbridge provided a map of downtown public parking spaces for her discussion about a signage project. DBA would like to see parking signs placed near the public parking lots located in the downtown area for the benefit of visitors and newcomers. “There are probably a lot of visitors to town who can’t find a place to park because the curb parking may be taken, and they don’t know where the public lots are. These signs would be beneficial to point out where they can park and walk in to all the exciting things in our downtown district. This is even more important when there are large public events going on downtown and vehicle traffic is blocked off”. The appearance as well as placement of the signs is still being discussed to comply with City of Sulphur Springs standards.
Angela Price, Administrative Assistant for the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department, acquainted everyone with the Sheriff’s Reintegration Program, which through a Texas Workforce Solutions grant, will assist ex-offenders in finding jobs. She stated that a number of ex-offenders possess skills and valuable trades. A luncheon meeting is planned for potential employers on Thursday March 19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center, from 12 noon til 1:30pm. A presentation will show the benefits of hiring an ex-offender who has completed the program. Benefits for potential employers will be explained, such as on-the-job training contracts, fidelity bonding and work opportunity tax credits. To help them become qualified employees, benefits for ex-offenders will include vocational training, support services, resume writing workshops and job search assistance. According to Price, in the near future, there may also be opportunities for individuals to donate good used clothing to ex-offenders, which may be needed for job interviews or on the job.
Julia Wilhite, a local insurance agent, spoke about the “Main Street Uncorked” event held annually in mid-October. Although she has been a volunteer in the past, Wilhite will help sponsor and organize this year’s popular downtown wine and music festival.
Members met Mike Allen, owner of Silver Moon Carriage Rides. Allen visited the meeting and explained about his family business new to town, and that horse-and-carriage rides have begun during weekends in the downtown district.
Other DBA projects which were discussed included:
The Spring Ladies Night Out, a downtown shopping event tentatively set for Thursday April 2 from 5:30 til 7:30pm, offering a huge Grand Prize Basket for a lucky winner.
The November Heritage Square Car Show was also discussed as planning details continue to be finalized. The popular Car Show will be held on November 7, the first Saturday in November, with a patriotic theme.
Persons interested in finding out more about the work of the Downtown Business Alliance are welcome to visit during a meeting, held monthly at 5:30pm on the second Tuesday in the showroom of Hope Smith Interior Designs, 115 Gilmer Street downtown. Or contact DBA online at sulphurspringsdba.com.
