Latest KSST News

Kerry Craig Calls 52 Years in Journalism “Fun to Do”

Posted by on 10:28 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Kerry Craig Calls 52 Years in Journalism “Fun to Do”

Kerry Craig Calls 52 Years in Journalism “Fun to Do”

In 52 years as a journalist, Kerry Craig said the high point in his career was March 14, 2001. That Wednesday in March was the day he moved to Sulphur Springs to work for the local newspaper. Craig, who has reported news in radio and print media, said journalists often move from place to place and they evaluate and choose communities where they will exercise their life’s passion. He noted the welcome and reception he received locally made Sulphur Springs his home town. “It just took me a while to get here,” he said. On Tuesday, at the invitation of KSST News, Craig reviewed his 52 years as a journalist.

Craig has enjoyed the close working relationship that existed over the years between KSST and the local newspaper. He stated that one of the most fun news stories to report happened several years ago when he and the late Bill Bradford of KSST covered a story regarding a woman that planned to purchase a local residence and surrounding property to establish an internet movie studio. The woman stated that she would employee thousands of people in the endeavor. Craig and Bradford both had their doubts. Craig’s story appeared in the weekend paper. On the cold December Monday that followed, he said the then publisher of the local newspaper, Scott Keys, asked him to focus on that story and find out everything he could about the woman and the project. Two weeks of deep digging resulted in discovering the woman who said she would pay more than the value of the residence and property had been recently evicted from her rented home in Florida, according to Craig. The story of the woman’s attempted con continues to live through the internet. Craig stated he is contacted from time to time regarding the story as others seek information on the woman.

His relationship with law enforcement and EMS is deeply rooted. Having been first on scene at accidents on several occasions in the beginning of his career, Craig determined to become involved in what became the early days of Emergency Medical Services. He began going on calls with the local funeral home that doubled as an ambulance service. From that came his becoming certified through training in EMS. That work gave additional insight into covering stories related to law enforcement.

Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum told KSST News that Craig’s coverage of law enforcement has assisted the various departments in maintaining communication with the community. Criminal Investigator Dennis Findley said Craig’s integrity in coverage assisted in holding the department to high standards and gave the public a true view of their work.

Craig began his career in journalism in Abilene, Texas in the spring of 1966. After a couple of years out of school, he had no idea what he wanted to do. A family friend offered him a job at the only 24 hour FM radio station in Abilene at that time. FM radio was new. He worked midnight until 6 a.m. That’s where he got into the news business. The radio newsman on staff would read the news from the Abilene Reporter News in the morning. Craig decided there was more to radio news so he sought permission to dig deeper. With permission, Craig added more content to the stories reported by the station news director and from there his work in journalism began.  

Gene Turney (left), Joe Cole (Center), Kerry Craig (right), represent 150 yrs of journalism experience.
Gene Turney (left), Joe Cole (Center), Kerry Craig (right), represent 150 yrs of journalism experience.

In the ‘70’s Craig worked in Brownwood with an old friend, Dave Fair. Mobile news cruisers were gaining momentum as on the scene reports became more common. The news team won numerous awards including a best in state newscast. The top award came when Craig was in the control room and his two news partners were introducing the top stories of the day. He remembered that just as they went on the air a tornado was hitting Sweetwater, over 100 miles away. He scribbled a note. Held the note to the window between him and the other two and with a tease regarding a tornado hitting Sweetwater and a few commercials properly placed, and a phone call or two, they went on air with an actuality that included Sweetwater residents who had endured the storm.

Craig said journalism is fun to do. He noted telling the story of people’s lives and stories of what is going on in the community that affect people’s lives creates the environment that makes work fun. It also adds to the sense of community that can be experienced as people share life.

He entered print media 38 years ago when he married his wife, Kelley. He had been at a radio station in San Angelo but moved back to Abilene. In Abilene he was working as news director and broadcast operations manager for two radio stations with four newscasts per station per hour.  With eight deadlines per hour, burnout didn’t take long. On a visit to family friends, he found that Kelley had recently moved to Abilene. Her dad owned a weekly newspaper in Winters, Texas. Three months later, he became a reporter and then editor of the weekly paper. He found that a weekly newspaper deadline was much more accommodating than radio deadlines. His father-in-law died a few months later. Working in newspaper allowed more opportunity for the creative and inclusive style that Craig brings to his reporting.

In all the changes from one radio station or newspaper to another, Craig has always planned to use his first day of unemployment to smoke a brisket.  In most instances, he has not had the time. With the number of friends in media and the reputation he has established his phone keeps ringing with opportunities. His career has taken him to radio stations and newspapers of various sizes. He moved to Sulphur Springs as News Editor and Assistant Managing Editor from Decatur where he had worked with the award winning Wise County Messenger. That move was brought about by a friendship established with the managing editor of the local paper.

What does his future hold? He is not sure but one thing he says he knows is that he is staying in Sulphur Springs, reporting news, and serving as a proponent of the local community. Retirement and smoking a brisket will have to wait.

Delta County Man Arrested When He and Child Test Positive for Meth

Posted by on 10:13 am in Headlines, News | Comments Off on Delta County Man Arrested When He and Child Test Positive for Meth

Delta County Man Arrested When He and Child Test Positive for Meth

What began as a CPS investigation in Delta County ended in the arrest of Justin Scott Crawford, 33, of Commerce. Crawford and his one year old child tested positive for methamphetamine. Crawford tests showed a level that reflected constant use. The child tested in the moderate use range.

During the investigation, CPS contacted Special Crimes Unit officers, who also began an investigation. Crawford’s residence is a Commerce address in Delta County. The investigation led to a Delta County warrant for Abandon/Endangering a Child, a State Jail Felony.

Crawford is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $20,000 bond.

Chamber Connection August 30, 2018

Posted by on 6:30 am in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Chamber Connection August 30, 2018

Chamber Connection August 30, 2018

Tomorrow is the last day for the 3rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest!  Let me review the basics.  Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category.  The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st.  There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected].  Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website.  I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!

The 49th Stew Contest will be held on Saturday, October 27th, in Buford Park in Sulphur Springs.  Stew sponsorship letters and cook letters have been mailed. Friday, September 14th is the deadline to keep your stew site from last year.  On Monday, September 17th, all unclaimed sites will become available to new cooks. If you would like to sponsor stew or cook stew this year, please give us a call at (903) 885-6515, and we will get you an entry form.  If you are interested in judging stew, please call the Chamber or email me at [email protected] with your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Clayton Homes is hosting a Football Kick-off Event

Clayton Homes is hosting a Football Kick-off Event on Saturday, September 1st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be located at Clayton Homes, 2600 Industrial Road in Sulphur Springs.  Come meet the team that can make your dream a reality!  There will are offering thousands off new homes, free pizza, and a chance to win a family 4 pack to the State Fair of Texas.  Make plans to stop by and check out this great opportunity!

Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild hosting their annual quilt show

The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their annual quilt show on Friday, September 14th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 15th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The show will be held at The ROC which is located at 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs. This year the Quilt Guild is celebrating their 20th anniversary and is having a special feature called the “Supper Quilt” by Donald E. Locke.  This is a quilt that depicts “The Last Supper” inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Dr. Locke will be speaking about the quilt on Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and again on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Seating for the presentation is limited. Quilt show admission is $5.00, and children under 12 are free.  In addition, raffle tickets are available at $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00 for the 2018 Raffle Quilt called “Something Blue”.  For more information, visit www.SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.

Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 15th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 15th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets.  Many local and out of town vendors and businesses will be here participating as wineries, galleries, antiques, fashion boutiques, homemade ice cream, kitchen items, restaurants, and even more.  You don’t want to miss this!

Workforce Solutions will host its annual LEAP Conference on September 21st from 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas is hosting its annual LEAP (Learning Endorsements and Professions) Youth Expo on Friday, September 21st.  This event is very much like a job fair except that it is geared to educate eighth graders and help guide them as they make their endorsement selections heading into high school.  Workforce Solutions is seeking a wide variety of companies and businesses to attend the LEAP Youth Expo to describe your business and expose eighth graders to all career avenues after graduation. Since students now choose their high school endorsements while in eighth grade, the Expo is perfect for them.  Over the past two years, they’ve had difficulty getting a veterinarian, doctor, dentist, orthodontist, pilot, author, artist, musician, architect, and sports/personal trainer.  Please consider attending this Expo and taking visuals and information to give away.  They will be so thankful to have you there!  Please call Bart Spivy at (903)794-9490 ext. 513 with any questions.

Walk Like MADD event is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th

The annual Walk Like MADD event is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th at Shannon Oaks Church in Sulphur Springs at 6 p.m.  MADD would like to encourage businesses, individuals, and community groups to participate by forming a team and coming out to the walk on September 29th.  The event is a glow walk and is a great activity for family and friends.

Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market and Swap on October 11-13

Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a flea market and swap event on October 11, 12 & 13 beginning at 8:00 a.m.  They are currently looking for vendors as well as shoppers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat.  Expect to experience eclectic finds, shabby chic, rustic, western/urban, Victorian traditional, backyard or barn sale items, tools, guns, vintage antiques and homemade items.  Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.

Lezley Brown President/CEO Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce 300 Connally Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 903-885-6515-office 903-885-6516-fax www.sulphursprings-tx.com

Channel 18 News Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Posted by on 3:17 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Channel 18 News Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Channel 18 News Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Saltillo’s Collins Placed First at Tiger Invitational

Posted by on 3:15 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sports | Comments Off on Saltillo’s Collins Placed First at Tiger Invitational

Saltillo’s Collins Placed First at Tiger Invitational

Saltillo’s Sienna Collins has been magnificent as a runner for the Lady Lions. Collins added to her cross country resume with a first place finish at the Commerce Tiger Invitational at Commerce High School last Saturday (August 25). Collins covered the 3200-meter course in a time of 12:40. The Lady Lions, coached by Colton Smith, finished ninth as a team.

Other Lady Lions finishers included Raegan Speir in twenty-fourth place at 14:38, Kristina Wade in forty-eighth at 15:24, Ofelia Cabrera in seventy-fifth at 16:28 and Chandler Bain in ninty-fourth at 17:37. Coach Smith said the

Lady Lions would compete next at an Avery cross country event on Thursday (August 30).

Wildcat Band Ready for First Game of 2018 Football Season

Posted by on 3:11 pm in Headlines, News, School News | Comments Off on Wildcat Band Ready for First Game of 2018 Football Season

Wildcat Band Ready for First Game of 2018 Football Season

The Wildcats Marching Band is a big part of any Wildcats’ football game. The band will hit the field for the first time this season during the Wildcats and Frisco Wakeland football game Friday night (August 31) at Frisco Memorial Stadium. New Wildcats Band Director Spencer Emmert says it will be an exciting time for band students, especially for the freshmen who have never performed before on Friday night.

Emmert recalls his first Friday night performance as a freshman with the Quitman High School back in 1994. He says the band did an Aaron Copland show that included Hoe Down (the beef it’s what’s for dinner song) and also Appalachian Spring. Emmert says he was the only snare drum performer in that band. He says tapping the band on and off the field were very big moments for a freshman.

Emmert says the Wildcats Marching Band is ahead of schedule and will be marching and playing their entire first number of their electronic music show at halftime. They will also march and play quite a bit of their second number. At some point they will stand and play the end of the second tune. The band will also be playing in the stands during the game.

Emmert says during the band’s performance at the first home game at Prim Stadium on September 7, the band will be adding props and perhaps even a grid that will be go on top of the Prim field.

Wildcat Marching Band 2018

PJC Board of Regents Approve 2018-2019 Budget

Posted by on 2:40 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on PJC Board of Regents Approve 2018-2019 Budget

PJC Board of Regents Approve 2018-2019 Budget

The 2018-2019 Paris Junior College budget approved this week by the Board of Regents reflects an increase from the previous year due to a projected increase in the federal financial aid pass-through.

After learning of the financial aid increase, the Board of Regents gave final approval to a budget totaling $34,543,871.

“We anticipate more Pell grants to students, and that is the major increase over last year’s budget,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. 

Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center Education Opportunity Center Advisor Tanya Armstrong, left, helps Breanna Ramos-Locey prepare for enrollment in fall classes that began this week. Ramos-Locey, a resident of Sulphur Springs, is a new student.

Prior to the regular board meeting, the Regents held a hearing on the proposed tax rate of $0.085, unchanged from the previous year. No public comment was received. A second public hearing will be held at noon on September 10.

In other business, the Regents: 

  • Approved a policy requiring a property deposit fee of zero. Procedures to collect damages for destruction of property continue to work well.
  • Received formal introductions to new Vice President of Academic Studies Stanton Gartin, who came from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., and Dean of Health Occupations Dr. Gregory Ferenchak, who came from Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Accepted the Certified Tax Rolls of $3.4 billion for property taxable by Paris Junior College, as presented by the Lamar County Chief Appraiser.
  • Approved the transfer of up to $1.5 million to the Facilities Renewals and Replacements Fund, depending on the amount remaining at the fiscal year end.
  • Approved an updated Emergency Response Plan. The changes were largely updates to personnel.
  • Accepted the employment of English and Developmental Writing Instructor Donald Bates, Student Activities Coordinator Taylor Cooper, Criminal Justice Instructor Howard Day III, Licensed Vocational Nursing Instructors Casey Escobedo and Rebecca Swanstrom, Cosmetology Instructor Shelby Mazerolle, and Payroll and Benefits Coordinator Ashley Turk.
  • The board also accepted the resignations of Computer Information Systems Instructor Ryan Jarrell, Art Instructor Melinda Laszczynski, Cosmetology Instructor Necah Posey, Radiology Instructor /Coordinator Karen Powers, and History Instructor Ty Welborn. 

ICE Raids Load Trail in Sumner; Construction Continues on Sulphur Springs Facility

Posted by on 11:58 am in Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on ICE Raids Load Trail in Sumner; Construction Continues on Sulphur Springs Facility

ICE Raids Load Trail in Sumner; Construction Continues on Sulphur Springs Facility

ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raided the Load Trail facility in Sumner, Texas near Paris Tuesday. Over 160 individuals were detained. According to reports, more than 100 people detained were suspected of using fraudulent identification. The Sumner, Tx facility raided manufactures small trailers.  It is a separate manufacturing line than the one being built in Sulphur Springs.  The Sulphur Springs facility will build 53-foot dump trailers.

According to the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County EDC, the local facility under construction is a separate entity within the parent Load Trail Company. Construction work at the local facility continues as of Wednesday morning, August 29th 2018.

The company has paid just under one half million dollars in fines for hiring undocumented workers.

Load Trail has faced penalties in the past for hiring undocumented workers. The company has paid just under one half million dollars in fines for hiring undocumented workers.

The ICE raid included 300 agents transported by helicopter and other means. Local law enforcement in Lamar County were not notified prior to the raid. According to local law enforcement, law enforcement will always be unaware of any ICE raid until the raid begins. According to reports, this is the largest raid by ICE in the past 10 years.

Load Trail is known world-wide for the manufacture of trailers and dump trailers. It is considered one of the fastest growing companies in trailer manufacturing. The facility being built in Sulphur Springs will be located in Heritage Business Park, off Loop 301 near Raven Industries and Armorock Polymer Concrete. The local facility will be housed in a 150,000 square feet building and new jobs at the facility will total 150 once it is in full production.

Current site in Sulphur Springs, TX during construction. July 2018

Fascinating Local History Characterization of Henry Stout…Catch Part Two on September 27 at Heritage Park

Posted by on 11:45 am in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Fascinating Local History Characterization of Henry Stout…Catch Part Two on September 27 at Heritage Park

Fascinating Local History Characterization of Henry Stout…Catch Part Two on September 27 at Heritage Park

The annual joint meeting of the Hopkins County Historical and Genealogical Societies was held August 23rd at the Genealogy Library inside the Sulphur Springs Public Library. Paula Altenbaumer, a member of both societies, presented an entertaining & informative life history of Henry Stout, an early Texas and Hopkins County pioneer, as seen through the eyes of his first wife, Sarah Mary Talbot Stout. Local historian John Sellers introduced the program. More than 50 persons attended the lively presentation which was Part One of the local tale.

Paula Altenbaumer as Sarah Mary Talbot Stout

“Henry Stout; the Wandering Man, Part Two”  will be presented on Thursday September 27th in the Chapel at Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park, an 11-acre living history park located inside Sulphur Springs at 468 South Jackson Street.  The historical presentation will be told through the eyes of another family member, so you will not want to miss this to see what happens with Henry and Sarah. Attendance is free. Light refreshments will be served inside the Atkins House.

Membership in the Hopkins County Historical Society is open to interested adults. Dues are $15 per year. The next time Heritage Park and Museum will be open to the public will be Saturday October 6 for Indian Summer Day and Dutch Oven Cookoff. Heritage Park is also available for family reunions, school tours and company picnics. Volunteers are welcome for upkeep in the park. For details, contact 903-885-2387 or 903-945-3308 or  Facebook:hopkins county museum and heritage park

Grand Jury Indictments August, 2018

Posted by on 11:19 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Grand Jury Indictments August, 2018

Grand Jury Indictments August, 2018

A Hopkins County Grand Jury handed up 43 indictments late Tuesday afternoon, August 28, 2018. The names of the 32 who have been arrested for the charge have been released.

Christopher Shane Freeman was indicted for Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant.

Terance Raymon Beachem was indicted for Aggravated Assault Date/Family/Home with Weapon and for Criminal Mischief more than $2500 but less than $30,000.

Jeremy Kenyaan Gibson, 26

Jeremy Kenyaan Gipson was indicted for Aggravated Assault Date/Family/Home with Weapon and for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair. Hopkins County Deputies responded to a disturbance on County Road 2437 where Gipson, 26, of Dallas, had brandished a firearm and had discharged it. While in route, deputies were advised that Gipson had fled the residence in a white SUV. Deputies located him on FM 2966. The vehicle came to a slow stop and deputies initiated a felony take-down. Gipson was detained and the driver of the SUV gave consent to search the vehicle. A box of .380  ammo was located under the passenger seat and several rounds were missing from the box. On the side of the roadway where the vehicle had begun the slow roll before stopping, deputies found a .380 handgun and magazine.

John Ralph Stark, 35, $25K
John Ralph Stark, 35

John Ralph Stark was indicted for Assault Family/House Member Impede Breath/Circulation. Officers at the scene of the assault reported Stark’s wife showed signs of the assault that included choking and restricting her airway until she blacked out. The victim had visible injuries. When Sulphur Springs police were called to an altercation in the 1000 block of North Davis Street, the aggressor in an assault had left the scene. However, one officer soon found Stark, 35, of Sulphur Springs, westbound on Houston Street. When found, Stark exhibited sign of intoxication on alcohol and it was obvious he had been in an altercation.

Alvin Virgil Ward, III was indicted for Injury Child/Elderly/Disable with Intent SBI/Mental.

Michael Shane McCormick, 27

Michael Shane McCormick was indicted for Burglary of a Habitation. Sulphur Springs Police arrested McCormick, 27, of Dike, for burglary of a habitation on Martin Luther King Drive in Sulphur Springs. The burglary occurred sometime or August 13 or 14, 2018. The resident was not at home at the time of the burglary. When McCormick gained entry into the residence, he took keys and money. He also left personal items behind that identified him as the suspect in the case, according to Sulphur Springs Criminal Investigator David Gilmore. Gilmore stated that at the time of the arrest, McCormick, who was at work in the 1300 block of Mockingbird Ln., had some of the stolen items in his pocket. Those items included a Dallas Cowboy lanyard with numerous keys and accessories.

Johnny Lyle Bench, 18

Johnny Lyle Bench was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair and Criminal Mischief Damage/Destroy Worship/School. Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said his Criminal Investigators received leads from members of the community that have also been working vigilantly trying to solve the destruction of the Weaver Cemetery. Davis, 17, of Saltillo, and Bench, 18, of Saltillo, were arrested for Tampering with Evidence and Davis was also arrested for Criminal Mischief. Davis additional charge relates to damage done to a church building in the Pine Forest/ Pickton, area and damage to mail boxes.  The two were arrested and charged stemming from their throwing an item, a cross, taken from the cemetery into a local pond after they learned authorities were looking for them, according to Tatum.

Canyon Ray Davis, 17

Canyon Ray Davis was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair and Criminal Mischief Damage/Destroy Worship/School.

Jerry Dale Farquhar was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair.

Adonna Janelle Upchurch was indicted for Theft Property less than $2500 two or more previous convictions.

Archie Jackson, 69

Archie Ray Jackson was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams and for Fraud/Use/Possession Identify Information less than 5 items, elderly. Failure to show proof of insurance and a hesitation to locate his driver’s license in his wallet were only the first signs of his nervous reaction that raised questions for the Hopkins County Deputy that made a traffic stop on Hillcrest Drive just South of Main St early Monday morning, June 4, 2018. Jackson, 69, of Jefferson, Texas, also refused consent to search the vehicle. A K-9 unit was called. When Jackson presented his driver’s license, it showed the name, not Jackson’s, on the Divers License to be his older brother, who is deceased. Identified by his Social Security number, it was found that Jackson also had an active parole warrant out of Gregg County. He was arrested on the parole warrant and a K-9 search of the vehicle revealed a pill bottle that contained suspected methamphetamine weighing 4.1-grams.

Chadwick Jaquane Anderson, 36,

Chadwick Jaquane Anderson was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. While speaking with the driver of a 1993 Lexus stopped for a traffic violation, the Hopkins County Deputy noted a yellow plastic baggie containing alcoholic beverages near a passenger, Anderson. Anderson, 36, of Sulphur Springs picked up the bag and revealed a small plastic baggie containing a white powder like substance. Anderson admitted it was cocaine. He also admitted to having another baggie of cocaine in his right sock.

Jeffery Allen Coplin was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.

Angel Hernandez, Jr. 35

Angel Hernandez, Jr. was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. A tip to Crime Stoppers initiated the investigation and subsequent arrests. The tip identified a female, wanted on a felony warrant, and her location at 420 West Park Street in Sulphur Springs. A Hopkins County deputy arrested the female, Strawn, 23, (see below).  Hernandez, Jr, 25, of Sulphur Springs, then showed the deputy the room in which she was staying. After searching the room, a small case with a lock was found. The key was located and when opened, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia was located inside. When deputies arrived at the scene, Hernandez was located attempting to exit the rear of the residence. He confirmed that Strawn was inside. Deputies waited until the homeowner arrived before entering the residence.

Maegan Deleyn Strawn, 23

Maegan Deleyn Strawn was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.

Matthew Scott Munden, 30

Matthew Scott Munden was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. A Hopkins County Deputy responding to a person acting suspiciously on County Road 4649 where contact was made with Munden, 30, of Sulphur Springs. When the deputy noted an open container in the center console, Munden said he knew better and that he did not have his driver’s license with him. That was just the beginning. Munden was asked to pour out the alcoholic beverage and when he opened the door to do so, the deputy noted a loaded syringe and metal container in the driver’s side door. In the syringe and the plastic baggie in the metal container was a total of 1.01-grams of a controlled substance.

Dorinda Marshall Ochoa was indicted Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.

Samuel Colten Stidham, 30

Samuel Colten Stidham was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram. Stidham, 30, of Sulphur Springs admitted that the contraband was his when he and others were stopped for a traffic violation. The stop occurred 10:44 p.m Tuesday night, May 29, 2018, at the intersection of College Street and Industrial Drive. Stidham had appeared nervous during the stop and a records check was conducted. Stidham was wanted on one speeding warrant and one failure to maintain financial responsibility warrant. The suspected methamphetamine was found in a small pink plastic baggie in the vehicle.

Elijah Don King, 22

Elijah Don King was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram. Following a traffic stop on Highway 11 West at County Road 4786, King, 22, of Brashear was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams, and other charges. When King appeared nervous, the Hopkins County Deputy asked him to exit the vehicle and for consent to search. A pat down revealed a pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine in a black pouch along with two clear baggies containing a crystal like substance believed to be meth.

Jonathan Tyler Lee was indicted for two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.

Joshua Kenny Mandell, 33

Joshua Kenny Mandell was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram. A Hopkins County Deputy responded to a possible assault in the 1500 block of Shannon Road Sunday evening. When the deputy arrived, he ensured the individuals were separated and asked Mandell, 33, of Dallas, to empty his pockets. A baggie containing a clear chrystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine fell from his left pocket. He also removed a black container from the same pocket. A search of the container revealed another baggie containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. A K9 officer performed an open air sniff of Mandell’s vehicle and the K9 gave a positive alert on the vehicle. A pill bottle with Mandell’s name on it was found. However, inside the bottle was a baggie containing a white powder like substance believed to be cocaine and a baggie containing possible methamphetamine .

Brian Lynn McPike was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.

Alisha Jean Parker, 38

Alisha Jean Parker was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram. Parker, 38, and a Bullard, TX resident, was a passenger in a 2003 Ford Focus.  The driver and passenger denied consent to search the vehicle when stopped at Brookshire’s in Sulphur Springs. Parker showed signs of bruxism, which is consistent with methamphetamine use. A K9 unit was contacted and during a free air search, the K9 to alert on the vehicle. Various drug paraphernalia including used syringes, a cut pen used to ingest narcotics, a small amount of marijuana and methamphetamine were found in the auto. The methamphetamine was found in a small glass bowl in Parker’s bag. Parker claimed ownership of all the narcotics.

Brenda Raley Davis, 63

Brenda Raley Davis was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram. When the 2005 Chrysler 300 was stopped by the Hopkins County Deputy on FM 69 south of the Black Oak Church Davis, 63, of Como, showed signs of involuntary jaw movement. The movement appeared to be the caused by the influence of a narcotic. Consent to search the vehicle was given, and the officer located a black zippered sunglasses case on the passenger side floorboard. Inside the case was a clear glass pipe commonly used for smoking methamphetamine. A usable amount of the substance was located in the stem and bowl of the pipe. After her Miranda warning, Davis told the officer she had smoked meth as recently as the previous day and that the passenger in the vehicle had no involvement with the suspected meth.

Rigoberto Juarez, 51

Rigoberto Juarez was indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 50lbs. but less than 2,000lbs. A traffic stop by Sulphur Springs Police at the 130 mile-marker on I-30 found Juarez, 51, of Laredo in possession of 95lbs of Marijuana. While being booked into jail, a $1 bill with suspected cocaine residue and a clear plastic bag of suspected cocaine was also found in his possession.

Darrel Wayne Box was indicted for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More.