Thursday Game Day: Softball, Baseball, Track
The Lady Cats’ softball team continues their season and the Wildcats’ baseball team and the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track teams open their seasons on this Thursday game day.
The Wildcats’ baseball team will open the regular season with back to back games Thursday in the 26th annual Rose City Classic sponsored by Tyler Lee. The Wildcats will face a tough Forney team at 3 p.m. and then will play Lindale at 5 p.m. Both of those games will be at Tyler’s Mike Carter Field.
The Lady Cats’ softball will also play back to back games Thursday in an Allen tournament. The Lady Cats face Frisco Liberty at 5 p.m. and then McKinney North at 7 p.m. The Lady Cats enter the tournament with a season record of 4-1. They played all five of those games in their Sulphur Springs Varsity Softball Tournament last week.
Finally the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track teams open their season at a Denison meet. Events get underway at 4 p.m.
Chamber Connection February 23, 2017
THANK YOU to all of you attended the Chamber Banquet last Thursday. It was a beautiful night full of wonderful food and loving surprises! I am thankful to all of you for making that night such a success. The honorees of the evening included: The Hopkins County Military Coalition (Citizens of the Year), Linda Galligher (Woman of the Year), Christine Morris (Caregiver of the Year), Sandi Wallace (Growth and Renewal), Shining Star Productions (Community Pride), Kim Beck (Ambassador of the Year), Pat Chase (Agriculturalist of the Year), Rowena Johnson (Educator of the Year), Channel 18 News (Small Business of the Year), Saputo (Large Business of the Year), Bobby McDonald (Vision Award), and Chuck Sickles (Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Year). The Chamber also recognized our outgoing Directors: Neva Mohesky, Penney Hemby, Carolyn McKinney, and Stephanie Stephens. It was a GREAT night!!
In the spirit of moving forward… It’s time for the Spring Fever Bike Rally!!! Saturday, March 11th is the date for the Spring Fever Bike Rally. Hopkins County will be expecting 500-600 cyclists who will ride in either a 10 mile, 25 mile, 38 mile, or 58 mile ride. Matt Dunn will be providing entertainment on Celebration Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so either sign up to ride in the rally, or come out and cheer on these athletes!! It’s an entertaining day in Hopkins County!
Finally, check out the Chamber of Commerce’s new website… hopkinschamber.org. The site was custom designed by Lonestar Web Group of Sulphur Springs. We are very proud of our new site and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it!
SS Public Library presents a Cooking Tips Class on Thursday, February 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Sulphur Springs Public Library is offering a Cooking Tips & Skills Class by Lyndsay Palmer on Thursday, February 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Library, 611 North Davis Street. Attend this class to learn tips and tricks of the kitchen with Chef Lyndsay Palmer. She will demonstrate several ways to help strengthen your kitchen skills and help answer any of your cooking questions. The class is free to the public, and refreshments will be served. Each attendee will have a chance to win a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the 2017 Season of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. For more information call the Library at (903) 885-4926 or visit the website at www.sslibrary.org.
Baseball Registration is Happening Now through Monday, February 27th!
The Sulphur Springs Boys Baseball Association is accepting registrations through February 27th at Fieldhouse Sports. The registration fee for ages three to four is $55, and all other ages is $80. For more information, visit www.ssbba.org, or www.facebook.com/ssboysbaseball.
St. Phillips Episcopal Church is Hosting a Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 28th
St. Phillips Episcopal Church is hosting their annual pancake supper on Tuesday, February 28th from5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. They are located at 1209 College Street in Sulphur Springs, and donations will be accepted. They are also holding their Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m.
SS Public Library presents Why Do I Need a Will on Thursday, March 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Sulphur Springs Public Library is offering a class called Why Do I Need a Will by local lawyer Joel Sheffield on Thursday, March 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Library, 611 North Davis Street. Attend this class hear discussion about wills, probates, power of attorney, and relationships affecting wills such as children, step children, and exes. The class is free to the public, and refreshments will be served. Each attendee will have a chance to win a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the 2017 Season of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. For more information call the Library at (903) 885-4926 or visit the website at www.sslibrary.org
Plain & Fancy will host their 20 Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting on Friday, March 3rd
Plain and Fancy will host their 20 Year Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House on Friday, March 3rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They will offer a free dessert bar that night! Come by and celebrate 20 years of success with Plain & Fancy!
Building 429, Josh Wilson, and Chris August are coming to Sulphur Springs, Friday, March 3rd
Building 429, Josh Wilson, and Chris August are coming to Sulphur Springs for their “Worship in the Round Tour” Presented by The Way Radio Group, and 99.7 & 100.9 The Way on Friday, March 3rd, at 7p.m. in the SSHS Auditorium. Tickets are available at my997theway.com and at The Way Radio Station at 616 N. Hillcrest Drive in Sulphur Springs. VIP, General Admission, as well as discounted Youth Group tickets are available! For more info call (903)885-7639.
| Hunt County Regional is offering March Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on March 23rd in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21.To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested. |
Master Wellness Volunteer Training Begins January 30th and Goes Through February 27th
This training takes place every two years, and 2017 is the year! Individuals learn about food safety, nutrition, working with diverse audiences, finding reliable resources on the web and much more. The training will be held on five consecutive Mondays, January 30, February 6, 13, 20, and 27, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Upon completing the training and passing a
certification exam, volunteers agree to give 40 hours of service by assisting the Extension Agent with programs, day camps, program preparations, health fairs, and other services. Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 for more details.
Wesley United Methodist Church will host Free AARP Tax Aid on Saturdays until April 8th
Wesley United Methodist Church will host free AARP Tax Aide starting this Saturday, February 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will complete your taxes for free every Saturday and Tuesday until April 8th. Each tax preparation day will last from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County Fall Festival is Hosting the Circus!
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is hosting the Kelly Miller Circus on Tuesday, March 21st at 4:30pm and 7:30pm, and Wednesday, March 22nd, at 7:30pm. The Big Top performances will be on the Civic Center grounds. Ticket information coming soon!
Ribbon Cuttings:
A Brush of Class hosted an Open House on Tuesday, February 21st at noon
A Brush of Class, located at 212 N. Davis Street in Sulphur Springs, hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Tuesday, February 21st. They offer painting classes, painting parties for all ages, and even sculpture and textile opportunities.
Lowe’s Hosted an Open House on Wednesday, February 22nd at noon
Lowe’s hosted an Open House on Wednesday, February 22nd at noon to launch their newest business development. Lowe’s now offers Design Professionals and a triple bonded contractor to help with your kitchen and bath building and remodeling needs.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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
Sulphur Springs Man Charged With Theft of Property
Noel Brent Bain, 48, of Sulphur Springs was arrested and charged with Theft of Property more than $2,500 but less than $30,000 on Wednesday. Bain was contacted in reference to a theft case. He admitted accepting money in April, 2016 but did not do the work promised nor returned any of the money. He did admit receiving a certified letter regarding the money but did not respond.
Bain was booked into Hopkins County Jail on the State Jail Felony Charge. His bail was set at $5,000.
Accident on I-30 Reveals 6.4 Pounds of Meth
An accident on I-30 Eastbound at the 116-mile marker involving a Semi-truck-trailer and a vehicle driven by Lizette Ibarra, 20 of Charlotte North Carolina, and the passenger Isak Carrillo, 26 of El Paso, became more than an investigation of the accident when the DPS Trooper discovered the oversized battery on the auto. The interior of the battery was hollowed out and contained a motorcycle battery to start the vehicle and 6.4 U. S. pounds of a crystal like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Ibarra
The passenger became suspicious through questions asked by the trooper and the answers given. Consent to search followed and that is when the false aftermarket compartment located within the battery was found.
Carrillo
Ibarra and Carrillo are in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 400-grams and are being held on a $75,000 bond each.
FEMA’s CERT Certification is Free Community Emergency Response Training
Hopkins County Fire Station #20 located on South Texas Street will be the site of three complete sessions of CERT training for citizens who want to learn lifesaving and disaster response skills for readiness in their community and neighborhoods. CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team and Hopkins County is hoping to form a large team of about 100 trained volunteers. CERT certification will be offered through FEMA, sponsored by the Ark-Tex Council of Governments. Out of the ATCOG counties, most teams average about 30 members. If you’d like to be part of the growing local team of men, women and adult-supervised youth, contact the office of Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley at 903-919-8096 or attend the first training session to find out more. Three consecutive Saturday sessions will be held from 8:30 am until 4 pm on February 25, March 4 and March 11 at Fire Station #20 in the upstairs classroom. Following a skills test at the Fire Academy later in March, trainees will become certified. Following certification, team members can be mobilized during times of need such as weather, fire or other local incident to supplement local emergency responders. CERT skills to be taught include lifesaving techniques, basic disaster response, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, team organization and triage assistance with other community disaster responses.
Garland Man Receives Two Years in Plea Agreement
Wednesday in Eighth Judicial Court during a docket call, Corey James Butler, 28 of Garland, plead guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 4-grams but less than 200-grams and was sentenced to two year in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
In November, 2016, Hopkins County Deputies were called to County Road 3502 to check out a suspicious vehicle and a suspicious person. There they found Butler and one other who failed to identify themselves correctly on the first try. They also found 42-grams of a suspected quantity of methamphetamine and securities and benefits obtained under false names.
Butler first identified himself as Christopher Butler but later at Hopkins County Jail admitted to using a wrong name and gave the correct information. Also as he was booked into jail, he was found to have a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine on his person. At the time of his arrest on CR 3502, he was found to have an expandable baton on his person.
Wildcats Face Carrollton Creekview Friday at Rockwall High Gym
Carrollton Creekview, a fourth place team in a tough district, is next for the Wildcats’ basketball team in area competition. The teams will play at Rockwall High School at 7 p.m. Friday night.
The Wildcats won their bi-district game against North Forney, 55-50 Tuesday night. After the win, Wildcats Basketball Coach Cipoletta said he appreciated his guys for how they played and for the way they mentally prepared for the game. He added they did a good job of executing the game plan to limit what North Forney wanted to do. Coach Cipoletta also praised the Wildcats’ fans who traveled to the game in large numbers. He said the fans gave the team extra momentum when they needed it.
Coach Cipoletta said his players stepped up when they were needed. Freshman Michael Jefferson deflected a pass leading to a late steal and then hit clutch free throws at the end. Before the game, Coach Cipoletta showed his team a clip of a player hustling after a ball and he said they might have to sacrifice their bodies to get a loose ball. In the games final seconds, senior Ke’Ontae Dunn seem to slide ten feet across the floor to corral a loose ball to make Coach Cipoletta’s point happen.
The win also gave this Wildcats’ team the school record for wins in a season. The Wildcats are now 26-6 for the season.
Sixty-one Indictments Handed Down by February Grand Jury
Sixty-one indictments were handed down by a Hopkins County Grand Jury Tuesday afternoon, February 22, 2017. Most of the indictments were related to drug charges or charges associated with drugs. A few were not.
Nelson Mitchell Privette
Nelson Mitchell Privette, 20, was indicted on two counts Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon. A driver weaving in and out of traffic on State Highway 11E Wednesday night stopped his antics near the Highway 11E/FM 3019 intersection when his vehicle hit another head-on. The accident resulted in a man and wife being flown to an area hospital with fractured bones and other injuries, one vehicle on fire, and Privette being arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He admitted to the DPS Trooper that he was driving erratically.
Steven Dwayne Johnson, 50, was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. The child was under six years of age.
Robert Alan Hawkins, 51, was indicted for Obstruction or Retaliation. Threats against a member of the judicial system in Hopkins County landed Hawkins, of Dallas, in Hopkins County Jail charged with Obstruction or Retaliation. When threats were made the local judge contacted Lewis Tatum, Hopkins County Sheriff. Tatum called on the Texas Rangers and the U S Marshalls to locate Hawkins. He was found by the Rangers and Marshalls working on a construction site in Plano, where he was a carpenter’s helper.
Manuel Betello-Zapeda was indicted for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or more.
Jamie Kay Sartin Sobert, 48, was indicted for Theft of Property more than $2500 but less than $30,000 as was Jeffery Wayne Horton, 54. Tatum reported the recovery of 10 stolen saddles. The saddles were stolen in Hopkins County, the City of Sulphur Springs, Yantis, Cooksville, and near Buffalo, Texas. Based on previous experience with stolen saddles in the area, Tatum along with Bo Fox with the Sulphur Springs Police Department, and Tony Hurley, Special Ranger with the Southwest Cattlemen’s Association, began their search for a suspect that now lives in the Lubbock area. Monday, the woman and a male companion were stopped in that area. In their possession at that time were the 10 stolen saddles. Jamie Shobert and Jeffrey Wayne Horton of Mineola were arrested and warrants have been issued locally. At the time of their arrest, the pair was attempting to sell the saddles. The saddles were stolen from residences and some were stolen at a cutting-horse show at the Equine Center at the Civic Center. The saddles have been returned to the owner.
Jeffery Wayne Horton, 54, was indicted for Theft of Property more than $2500 but less than $30,000. He partnered with Sobert.
L. C. Outlaw, Jr was indicted for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. A traffic stop on I-30 by Cumby Police for following too close led to the arrest of a husband and wife from Phoenix, Arizona. Following the stop, the Cumby officer utilized his K-9 officer around the vehicle and found a small amount of marijuana in the passenger floor board. A gun was located in the glove box. L C Outlaw, Jr, identified as a felon, was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a felon. His wife was charged with possession of marijuana under 2 oz.
Justin Pendergraft, 33, was indicted for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Pendergraft, Sumner, Texas was speeding on South Loop 301 when DPS Trooper King made the traffic stop. King noted that Pendergraft was noticeably shaking even though the temperature was 68. Trooper King also noted a knife just above Pendergraft’s head in the auto. Pendergraft was invited to step out of the auto and asked if he had anything illegal in the vehicle. With his head down, he replied, “Yes.” Trooper King found a black pistol between the driver’s seat and console, which he considered within easy grasp of Pendergraft, when in the vehicle, and in the passenger’s seat, he found methamphetamine. It was also found that Pendergraft had been previously convicted of more than one felony.
Indicted on three counts of Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 in a Drug Free Zone was Glenn Anthony Epps, 37. Epps and his wife, Tiffany, were arrested at the Child Protective Services Office in Sulphur Springs regarding two felony warrants for injury to a child. Epps and her husband were involved in a lengthy investigation by the Special Crimes Unit and CPS Agents regarding the sale and use of cocaine from their residence, 525 South Locust Street in Sulphur Springs. During the completion of the case the two youngest kids of nine living in the home tested positive for cocaine. Warrants were issued for both the mother and the father. The first arrest of the pair occurred on November 23 at their residence. During the search at that time by the Special Crimes Unit, a rectangular mirror containing a quantity of suspected crack cocaine weighing over 1-gram was in plain sight on top of the inside AC unit. Another clear bag containing over 1-gram of suspected crack cocaine was observed on the end table next to the bed. The Epps’ residence was within 1000 feet of a daycare center, a drug free zone, enhancing the charges. Child Protective Services was also involved in the arrest. There were nine (9) children living in the residence and present during the possession and delivery of the controlled substance.
Tiffany Nicole Epps, 29, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. Both Tiffany Epps and her husband, Glenn, were indicted in January of this year for two counts each of Injury to a Child.
Anthony Bernard Sanders was indicted for Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone.
Lajerrius Exaviyon Jackson was indicted for Evading Arrest Detention with Previous Conviction and for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 4-gram but less than 200-grams.
Arthur Willis Spain was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Evidence with Intent to Impair and also for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Linnea Colynn Brown, 33, was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair. Brown removed methamphetamine from her person in a holding cell and prepared the meth in a line (see story here). A sister inmate tore a piece of paper and made a make-shift straw. Both inmates used the straw.
Calise Maurice Frazier, 23, was indicted for Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair and also indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram. Frazier was one of two Paris men were arrested in a traffic stop that occurred on Church Street just south of Loop 301. The traffic stop resulted in a positive field test for DWI and an open container was found in the vehicle. Along with the open container was promethazine, a marijuana cigar, and a torn baggy used for packaging narcotics. During the process of the arrest, a white rock-like substance that field tested to be cocaine as also found.
Quadrea Quinton Dillard, 23, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram. Dillard was arrested with Frazier on Loop 301.
Larry Tyrone Goodson, 46, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone. He was walking on the wrong side of the street in the 300 block of Beckham Street and that drew the attention of Sulphur Springs police. The officer stopped and noted that Goodson threw an item of contraband on the ground. The contraband was suspected cocaine. As the officer began the arrest, Goodson resisted arrest. After a short foot pursuit, Goodson was in custody.
Darla Denette Rittenour, 47 was indicted Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone. Sulphur Springs Police were called to a reported burglary in a room at Royal Inn on South Broadway in Sulphur Springs. There they found a Greenville woman alone in the room. In plain view was less than 1-gram of methamphetamine. Rittenour was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone, a Felony 3.
Monique Devries, 35, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 less than 28-grams in a Drug Free Zone. An Arkansas man had escaped from the McGehee Police Department in that state. He was living at the residence also occupied by Devries of Sulphur Springs. During the arrest of the escapee, in plain view on the night stand in the bedroom was a prescription pill bottle containing several pills later identified as a controlled substance, penalty group 3, weighing approximately 20-grams.
Molly Michelle Collier, 27, was indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 4 oz. but less than 5 pounds. A man and woman from Fort Worth were arrested in Hopkins County on I-30 Wednesday after marijuana, a large amount of cash and some cannabis oil were found in the vehicle they were in. A DPS trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding at the 135 mile marker of I-30 just before 1 p.m. Wednesday. In an arrest report, the trooper said he detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to discovery of some 2 pounds of marijuana, over $2500 in cash and 6 grams of cannabis oil. 30-year old Daniel Scott Pagano of Fort Worth was charged with possession of marijuana over 4 grams, money laundering and possession of a controlled substance over 4 grams.
Daniel Scott Pagano, 30, was indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 4 oz. but less than 5 pounds.
Rodney Jerome Clayton, 45, was indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 4 oz. but less than 5 pounds. Following a traffic stop, Clayton was nervous when speaking with the officer. Given consent to search the Chevrolet pickup, the officer found a clear plastic bag of green leafy substance believed to be marijuana under the hood of the vehicle. The stop was made within 1000 feet of the Early Childhood Learning Center, a Drug Free Zone.
Tommy Glen Camp was indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 4 oz but less than 5 pounds.
Jerrod Ross McElhaney, 31, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 400-grams. McElhaney of Texarkana, was arrested on I-30 just before 1 a.m. Friday after three bundles of cocaine more than or equal to 400-grams were found in the car he was driving. Corporal Todd Evans with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office stopped a driver for a traffic violation at the 126 mile marker eastbound. The man had no ID but he did produce proof of insurance. An arrest report indicated the man seemed nervous and his account of his trip was suspicious. The man offered that he was on probation for a drug offense and he gave consent for a search of his car. Officers found three bundles of cocaine along with some baggies, a pipe often used for drug smoking, a rock of crack cocaine and some marijuana. The man’s vehicle was impounded by the Sheriff’s Office.
Rachel Dawn Gregory, 33, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 4-grams but less than 200 grams. At 9:43 p.m. on I-30 at the 131 mile marker, DPS Trooper Hale made a traffic stop for an equipment violation. He found more than just a problem with the vehicle. Gregory of Talco, TX provided a false name and date of birth. She was placed under arrest for Failure to Identify Fugitive Intent to Give False Information. On her way to Hopkins County Jail, she stated to the trooper that she believed she had methamphetamine on her person. At the jail, a search found 15.3-grams of crystal methamphetamine, a clear plastic baggie containing less than 2 oz. of marijuana and a syringe on her person.
Karen Deborah Adkins, 40, was one of two women stopped by a Hopkins County deputy on Posey Ln at Wal Mart. There the officer located an item in the vehicle that field tested for methamphetamine. She admitted having meth and removed it from her person. The meth weighed 1.10 grams. She is on parole.
Roy Freeman Burkham, 59, was nervous during a traffic stop and that led officers to perform a pat down search. During the search Burkham gave the deputy permission to search his pockets. There they found several clear plastic baggies that contained a white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine. As deputies searched the vehicle, they found a clear syringe that contained methamphetamine. During the Miranda warning, Burkham stated that all the contraband belonged to him.
Individually indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams were:
Charles Wayne Spence, 58, was one of three arrested in a traffic stop after midnight on State Highway 11E at FM 269 in Pickton.
Alice Anne Blunt, 32, was found at a local truck stop sitting in a pickup truck and moving her jaw uncontrollably with sores on her face attracted attention to a possible need. Noting a green pouch and what appeared to be a syringe in the driver’s seat, the officer sought consent to search the vehicle. She told the officer that she used the syringe to shoot up methamphetamine. In his search he found two syringes in the green pouch along with a clear baggie of crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Eduardo Austin Torres, 17, (two counts) was arrested in a traffic stop Monday at 10:45 p.m. Torres was a passenger in the auto. When the 2008 GMC was stopped, the officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana and noticed Torres holding a small black bag against the floorboard with his foot. Torres was also carrying in his left pocket acigarette box containing several pill capsules containing suspected methamphetamine weighing 2.31-grams. The black bag contained a small wax paper with marijuana wax weighting approximately 1.7-grams. Also several suspected Alprozolam, Clonazepam, and Hydrocodone pills, along with a jar of green leafy substance believed to be marijuana was also located. Torres claimed ownership to all the narcotics.
Robert John Henson, 26 (two counts) was indicted.
Individually indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram:
Irene Maldonado, 25, (two counts) refused to give her address to the Hopkins County Deputy that stopped her at the 135 mile marker on I-30 eastbound. She did not have a driver’s license but did have state issued ID and is a US citizen. She also refused emergency contact information. However, drug paraphernalia was in plain view in the 2002 Ford Focus she was driving and .29-gram of methamphetamine was found. At Hopkins County jail the jail staff located .44-gram of black tar heroin on her person.
Jeremy Morgan Davis, 27, was in the auto with Maldonaldo.
Donald Shane Douglas, 52, was found to have under 1-gram of methamphetamine in the back of a cellphone case. After being read his rights, Douglas claimed possession of the meth. The cellphone number was identified as belonging to Douglas.
Waylon Wade Underwood, 38, of Cumby was stopped for a minor traffic and seemed to be nervous to the observant Cumby police officer. Underwood was asked to exit the auto and during a pat down for a weapon, a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine fell from his left boot. A clear plastic baggy with a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine was found in his right front pants pocket.
Also indicted for less than 1-gram: Ryan O’Neal Smith; Tiffany Dawn Boykin; David Jason Creech; and Clayton Ryan Hanson.
Alliance Bank Robber Captured in Arizona
The man who robbed Sulphur Springs Alliance Bank has been captured in Arizona according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders. At this time Sanders has little information available other than the man has confessed to the local robbery and several others.
Sulphur Springs Police, the FBI, Texas Rangers, and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office along with other agencies in areas where he committed robberies had been seeking the white male that left the Southtown Branch of Alliance Bank on foot but had a car parked nearby. The local robbery was committed in the branch lobby.
The Texas Bankers Foundation (TBF) that administers a Robbery Rewards program to prevent and discourage robberies and other crimes against Texas banks and their employees had offered a reward along with other funds. The program provides funds for rewards, thereby assisting law enforcement agencies in obtaining information to assist in the arrest and conviction of perpetrators.
The man that robbed the Alliance Bank Southtown Branch Wednesday, November 3, 2016 is suspected to have robbed a bank in Longview in August and also a bank in Arizona, according to Chief Sanders.
The man left the local bank area on foot but had a white, four-door small sedan near-by according to video footage available to law enforcement. He committed the robbery in the lobby of the bank building that is located with entrance on South Broadway and an exit to Mockingbird. The Southtown Branch offers drive-thru, lobby, and ATM services to Alliance Bank customers.
The Southtown Branch was closed for the afternoon following the robbery but was opened the following day with business as usual. Alliance Bank President Tom Sellers said all law enforcement agencies responded quickly with expert help as the investigation and search began.
