“Update” Jury Finds Sosa-Pintor Guilty of Child Porn Distribution
According to Lewis Tatum, Chief Criminal Investigator and Sheriff-elect for Hopkins County, Fernando Sosa-Pintor was found guilty of one count of possession of child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography. Sosa-Pintor will remain in the custody of U S Marshall’s until he is sentenced at a later date.
Under federal statutes, Sosa-Pintor faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each charge. This is the maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted as part 
of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. [external link]
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Lesley Brooks.
Thursday morning a Federal Court Jury in Sherman began determining the guilt or innocence of Sosa-Pintor, 52. Sosa-Pintor, of Sulphur Springs, is being tried for possession and promotion of child pornography. He was arrested twice for possession of child pornography. Corley Weatherford with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office gave testimony prior to the jury beginning deliberation.
First arrested by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the second arrest was initiated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sosa-Pintor had been held in Hopkins County Jail until Tuesday, August 04, 2015, when he was taken to Plano for a hearing in federal court. The Sulphur Springs man was arrested by Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies Tuesday evening, September 23, 2014 for possession of and promotion of child pornography. Then Investigator Daniel Winn and Sgt. Corley Weatherford executed a search warrant at the residence above a Mexican food restaurant on West Industrial in Sulphur Springs. Computers and electronics containing images of child pornography were seized.
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.
Chicks for Charity Donation Welcomed by Heritage Counseling Center
CHICKS FOR CHARITY made a $6,000 donation to Heritage Counseling Center Thursday morning. The donation is one of many that keep open the doors of the Christian counseling ministry, according to Dr. Mary Leshe, Counselor. The money will be designated to assist young, single moms in their mental health struggles.
Vickie Hathcoat, left, Dr. Mary Leshe, center, and Marketa Fisher, right, discuss the Chicks for Charity donation received Thursday.
Marketa Fisher, Board member, said that the counseling ministry fills a need with reduced rate and free counseling that seeks to stop the cycle of mental health needs that created physical and spiritual needs.
Opened June 1st nineteen years ago, the center opened because insurance for mental health had not caught up with the need. Churches and other organizations as well as individuals contributed to the start and have continued to assist in the financial needs for the center.
Donations in any amount may be made to the center by stopping by Heritage Christian Counseling Center on Connally Street, by mail to 212 Connally Street, or to a board member. The center is a recipient of United Way Funds as well.
Runaway Found in Abandoned House
Ashlyn Wood, 14, has been returned home after a less-than-a-month search for the runaway. She disappeared August 16, 2016 and was reported to be traveling with Matthew Cady, 19. She was found in an abandoned house at 1 a.m. Friday morning. Cady is reported to have fled the scene.
Posters and social media were utilized by the family in their search for the child. It was thought they were in the Dallas or surrounding area. It is thought that she was saying she is 19-years old, that she and Cady were married.
Aggravated Assault of Ex-Wife Lands Hopkins County Man in Jail
She told the ER medical staff that she had fallen down stairs but Thursday she told Hopkins County Deputies that she had lied to the medical staff in fear of her life. Charles Don Williams, Jr. was arrested for Aggravated Assault Causes Serious Bodily Injury and Criminal Trespass when he drove his vehicle onto the driveway of his ex-wife’s residence on State Highway 11W.
The ex-wife had produced paperwork from the hospital stating she suffered a compression fracture to lower vertebrae which she said she suffered during a physical altercation with Williams. She also said that Williams was now staying at the property even though there was a restraint against him being at the location. The ex-wife told the deputies that Williams had intimidated her into letting him stay. She said she had not reported the criminal trespass, again, for fear of her life.
Williams is in Hopkins County jail being held on $30,000 bond for the assault and $3,000 bond for the criminal trespass charge.
Miller Grove News
by Brandon Darrow
I hope everyone had a fun and safe Labor Day. My brother’s family, my parents, and I celebrated by having supper together Monday night. We had steaks on the grill, sides, and desserts to snack on.
I wanted to pass along my condolences to the family of Gloria Mullins. She lived just down the road from the school and Methodist Church where she was raising her 3 granddaughters (Jessica, Jasmine, and Audrey Mullins). She passed Sept. 1 and was born Jul. 15, 1943, in Dallas to George and Audrey (Attaway) Collander. She worked for the United States Postal Service and was a member of Faith Outreach Church in Greenville. She is survived by 4 sons, 5 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Visitation was held Sept. 5 at Quinlan Funeral Home with graveside services being Sept. 6, at 10 am in the Donelton Cemetery, with pastor Rance Moore officiating.
Miller Grove Junior High Cross Country team competed Thursday at North Hopkins. I haven’t heard the results yet but I’m sure they did well.
Construction on the new school continues. Interior walls are going up and things are starting to look more like a school rather than a metal warehouse.
Happy Birthday to Frank Weaver on Sept. 12; Jayden Arledge, Braxton Purser & James Weaver on Sept. 13; Truman Renshaw & Bro. Robert Burns on Sept. 14; Kaili Sink & Emily Davenport on Sept. 15; and Cody Marler on Sept. 16.
Just a reminder about the Glow Run coordinated by the PTO and don’t forget the Fall Carnival will be here before we know it – a little over a month away.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Tira News
by Jan Vaughn
A good group gathered at the Tira Community Center on Tuesday evening, September 6th, to honor Floyd Payton, former Mayor of Tira, who resigned just prior to the last quarterly Tira City Council meeting, due to health issues. Current Mayor Powell Vickery presented a gavel plaque to Mr. Payton from the Council, in recognition of his dedicated service. Floyd and his wife, Martha, have given much to the community through their volunteer activities. Andy and Mary Lou Wright catered the reception and served delicious cake, cookies, nuts, and punch to the guests.
Floyd posed for a picture with council members – Tami Joslin, Joyce Dodd, Jan Vaughn (City Secretary), Powell Vickery (Mayor), and Sherry Smiddy. JR Durst recently announced that he would not be running for another term on the City Council. Yvonne Weir has filed an application for a place on the council, as well as incumbents, Tami Joslin and Sherry Smiddy. The three are unopposed, so no election will be necessary.
Yvonne Weir and Brenda Allen have returned from their trip to Glacier Park, Coeur d’Alene Idaho, the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and South Dakota (Yvonne‘s home place). They report that the weather was cool and the scenery was beautiful. Yvonne got to visit with several cousins. She says, “It was a great trip.”
Morgan Joslin left for college on Labor Day. He is attending Louisiana Tech and is pursuing a degree in Aviation. He will be involved with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and hopes to be a pilot in the Air Force, upon completion of his studies. Morgan’s dad, Malcolm Joslin, and his friend Tanya, followed Morgan to the campus and helped him get settled into the dorm. Morgan’s girlfriend, Alexis, of Texarkana, Arkansas, accompanied them on the trip.
Brailon Joslin, son of Landon and Laiken Joslin, was treated to a 3rd birthday party, with a Bubble Guppies theme, on Saturday afternoon, at the home of Laiken’s mom, Leigh Ann. Several family members and friends were there to help him celebrate. Brailon and his brothers, Rylan and Slaiden, and their aunt Jaidyn, spent Sunday afternoon through Monday morning with us and enjoyed playing with their riding toys on the driveway and splashing in the cool hot tub.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Airport Terminal Roof Being Replaced
Repair to the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (Aerodrome) Terminal is underway. The $16,000 repair/replacement is a response to damage caused by high wind and tornado like activity in May, 2015.
When the storm occurred city crews reacted quickly in restoring the roof with a temporary fix. The complete repair has been delayed by insurance and other issues. The original cupola has been replaced and took some time due to a different type of cap used, according to Joey Baker Airport Manager and Tourism Director for the city. While the roof is being repaired a renovation and repair is being made to restrooms at the building. Those issues were not related to the storm.
Other work at the aerodrome includes the removal of one underground fuel tank accomplished while work is underway on the removal of the second underground tank. The self-serve fuel farm is expected to be completed Friday, September 9.
Airport personnel are also preparing the grounds for November’s Wannagofast event. (see story here and here)
SSHS Cross Country Competes in Tyler Saturday
The Wildcats and Lady Cats’ cross country teams will compete in their first major meet this Saturday in Tyler on the campus of UT-Tyler. New Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks, a former Wildcat and Texas A&M-Commerce cross country runner, says his team is ready mentally and physically. He says they have been working hard the past few weeks and during the summer.Coach Hicks looks forward to seeing competitors from all over the east Texas area. He says he has put the team through some hard workouts and notes signs of improvement.
Coach Hicks says the Lady Cats’ team is led by senior Lauren Helm. She was the team’s top finisher during the Sulphur Springs Jace Jog 5K run on August 27 that was used to seed the top seven finishers for the Tyler meet this Saturday.
Coach Hicks says he is enjoying the battle going on for the number one Wildcats’ seed between Peyton Vickery and Landon Thornton. Vickery led the team at the Jace Jog and finished just four seconds ahead of Thornton, who was the team’s number two finisher.
Coach Hicks says the Tyler course is a true 5K or 3.1 miles, all of it on grass or dirt. He says the course has several sharp turns including one only about 150 meters into the race. His says the course also has some small hills.
cross country
Chamber Connection: Stew Contest is October 22
Chamber Connection-September 8th
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, of course. That’s been our motto around here lately! Planning a World Famous Stew Cook-off has many layers to it, but it certainly is fun! The time to enter your world famous stew is HERE!
Stew Cook-off updates:
The Chamber has already mailed out Stew Cook letters and Sponsor letters. If you have not received your letter, please call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515. If you would like to cook or sponsor a stew pot for the first time, please don’t hesitate. Give us a call and we will get you signed up!
Deadline to enter and KEEP YOUR STEW SITE from last year is Friday, September 16th. On Monday, September 19th, you may come by the Chamber and choose a new site based on availability. The 47th Annual Stew Cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd, and that will be here before you know it!!
Meal-A-Day in Sulphur Springs is needing volunteers
Karon Weatherman, Program and Marketing Director for the Senior Citizen’s Center, is needing some volunteers for the Meal-A Day Program. She is currently needing Cook Helpers on Mondays and Thursdays. The cooks come in at 7:00 a.m. to start cooking. They will have the food ready to pack up by 9:30 a.m. for the drivers to pick up for delivery. Karon reported that the cook volunteers do NOT need to come up with recipes or be in charge of getting things done. She has HEAD cooks to do that part. She is looking for helpers that can stir, cut, chop, and pack. If you are interested in helping, please call Karon at (903) 885-1661.
Reed’s Auto Detail hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Wednesday, September 7th at noon
The Chamber welcomed a brand new business to Hopkins County this week. Reed’s Auto Detail hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, September 7th at noon. Reed’s is located at 200 Fuller Street, Suite A, in Sulphur Springs. Dylan Reed has been working toward this dream of his for many years; and family, friends, and Chamber members came out to support him. They are open for business, and appointments can be made by calling (903) 439-7664.
Fall Festival is selling tickets for the October 22nd Hometown Sounds Concert featuring Hannah Kirby
Tickets went on sale Thursday, September 1st for the Hannah Kirby and Mansion Family Hometown Sounds Concert on October 22nd. Tickets are on sale online at www.outhousetickets.com and cost $17.50 each. The concert will be held in the Civic Center Auditorium.
Careerify will host a ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, September 14th at noon
One of Hopkins County’s newest businesses will host its ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, September 14th at noon at the Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to welcome Careerify and learn about all the things they offer. Careerify is a company that helps individuals discover their career paths and locate internships. Please plans to meet to be there!
First United Methodist Church will host Divorce Care every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Divorce Care continues every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through September 13th in the administration building at First United Methodist Church. All who are dealing with separation or divorce are invited to attend.
Lone Star Quilt Guild currently selling raffle tickets for the 17th Annual Quilt Show
The Lone Star Quilt Guild is currently selling raffle tickets for the 2016 Raffle Quilt called Autumn Stars. Autumn Stars was designed by Joy Gregory, made by guild members, and quilted by Debra Hager. Tickets are 1 for $1 or 6 for $5. The 17th Annual Quilt Show will be held September 16th and 17th at The ROC, First Baptist Church Outreach Center at 115 Putman Street in Sulphur Springs. We have tickets available here at the Chamber of Commerce, or you may purchase tickets from Quilt Guild members.
The Lights of Life Style Show is scheduled for Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m.
The HC Health Care Foundation is hosting its annual Lights of Life Style Show on Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Entry fee is a $25 donation and there will be door prizes and a raffle. Dinner and Fashions will be provided by Lou Nells. For ticket information contact the Foundation office at (903)438-4799 or Lou Nell’s at (903)885-0664.
The Fall Festival Carnival will be in town September 14th through the 17th
There has been a change this year regarding the Fall Festival Carnival. The carnival will be in town for SSHS’s Homecoming weekend! The carnival will be located in the Sulphur Springs High School parking lot and will begin on Wednesday, September 14th and go through Saturday evening, September 17th. Tickets are for sale at all Super Handy stores and Sulphur Springs Dodge.
Ribbon Cutting for Access Physicians on Tuesday, September 20th at 5 p.m.
Access Physicians Multispecialty Clinic of Sulphur Springs will be hosting their ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, September 20th at 5 p.m. They are located at 107 Medical Circle. Access Physicians Multispecialty Clinic serves the traditional brick-and-mortar clinic with telemedicine, connecting rural patients and staff to urban specialties. They provide Pulmonology, Endocrinology, Neurology, and Psychiatry services.
Yesterday Once More will host a ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, September 22nd at noon
Yesterday Once More is a new retail store located downtown at 211 ½ Main Street in Sulphur Springs. They specialize in vintage home décor and accessories. Please join us as we welcome Yesterday Once More to Hopkins County!
Workforce Solutions will host its annual LEAP Conference on September 23rd 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 23rd. 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. 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.
Lights of Life 3rd Annual Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, October 1st from 7:30 a.m. to noon
The Lights of Life 3rd Annual Half Marathon benefitting the HC Health Care Foundation is scheduled for Saturday, October 1st from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Celebration Plaza. Registration fees are $75 for individuals (13.1 miles), $80 2 Person Partner Relay ($40 per participant, 6.5 miles each), and $100 for a 4 Person Team Relay ($25 per participant, 3.28 miles each). You may register online at www.getmeregistered.com/lightsoflifehalf or by dropping off an entry form at Fieldhouse Sports or the Health Care Foundation. Checks should be made out to the HC Foundation.
Welcome to the Chamber:
We are so excited to welcome P-31 Fitness owned by Krista Morrill to the Chamber. We are thankful you joined the Chamber family!
Celebration Plaza’s Yoga on the Square will be offered from 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Heritage Park is hosting “A Yard Sale with Friends at the Park” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Celebration Market will be held on Celebration Plaza from 6-10 p.m. and Hannah Kirby and Kirby Brown will provide your entertainment starting at 6 p.m.
