George and 25 Other Indictments Handed Down Monday
Thirty-two (32) indictments were handed down against 26 individuals by a Hopkins County Grand Jury Monday afternoon. The Grand Jury no billed/did not indict three (3) Sulphur Springs Police Officers and three (3) Hopkins County Sheriff’s jailors were no billed/not indicted for the death of Chance Ross (see story here).
GARY CURTIS GEORGE
Gary Curtis George was indicted for an April 10th charge of online solicitation of a minor for sex. George was a Lakes Regional MHMR case worker who stated in his Linkedin account that he worked with a case load of 50 young people who struggle with ADHD. He noted he has been employed at Lakes Regional since June 2011. He is no longer employed with Lakes Regional. Educated with a Bachelors and Master’s Degree from Liberty University, a Christian university founded in 1971 by Rev. Dr. Jerry Falwell whose son is now President of the University, George of Greenville was arrested by Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County law enforcement for solicitation of a minor. George was arrested at Coleman Park when he thought he was meeting a 15-year old female instead of a 30-something officer. He had in his possession a vibrator which was intended as a gift to the minor. According to officers, he made a full confession of his online activity of solicitation. Prior to being a case worker for Lakes Regional MHMR, he was Principal at Mineral Heights Christian Academy in Greenville from December 2006 until November 2007. The Academy closed in 2012 according to their website.
In other indictments:
Crystal Leeann Allen-Campbell was indicted for abandonment and endangerment of a child on an April 6th charge.
Jeremy Don Campbell was indicted for abandonment and endangerment of a child on an April 6th charge.
Joseph Rashad Washington was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Kwadarius Sharard Timmons was indicted for theft of a firearm.
Jerry Layne Coker was indicted for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than one gram and less than four grams on January 21st.
Kerry Wayne Coker was indicted on two counts of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than one gram and less than four grams on January 14th.
Randy Lee Farmer was indicted for an April 27th charge of possession of a controlled substance less than one gram.
Denver Jacques Fender indicted on two charges of possession of a controlled substance and one count of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence on a March 26th charge.
Taylor Maxlynn Fletcher was indicted on an April 29th charge of evading arrest and/or detention with a vehicle.
Jessica Renee Ganoung was indicted on two counts (January 28 and February 4) of theft of property over $1500 and less than $20,000.
Shanna Marie Harvey was indicted for an April 8th possession of a controlled substance greater than four grams and less than 200 grams.
Alexus Rashad Harris was indicted for an April 8th unlawful delivery manufacture with intent to simulate.
Jydarius Quashaun Hawkins was indicted on one count of unlawful delivery manufacture with intent to simulate and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Also indicted for possession of a controlled substance under one gram were: Shayne Willson Lappin, Ernesto Arellano Martinez, Christopher Dale McElroy, Roy Edward Wilson, April Dawn Wrysinski, Tony Harrington, William David Campbell, Brian Matthews Hutchinson, and Anthony Del Hutchinson.
Christopher Dale McElroy was also indicted for tampering/fabricating physical evidence.
Eric Wydel Tilley was indicted for driving while intoxicated.
John Thomas Gideon Ketchum was indicted for harassment.
All Law Enforement Officers No Billed by Grand Jury
Monday afternoon, June 22, a Hopkins County Grand Jury refused to indict six (6) law enforcement officers—three Sulphur Springs Police officers and three Hopkins County Sheriff’s jailers. A special prosecutor, Collin County Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirske presented the case to the Grand Jury. Monday after the decision of the Grand Jury, Wirske told KSST News that he had given the Chance Ross family every opportunity to present their information, viewed all video, and received “an excellent thorough investigation” from Ranger John Vance. He said that in the video, he saw no crime committed. He pointed out that the ruling of homicide by the medical examiner did not carry the same definition that is commonly used for homicide. Wirske said the evidence pointed to excited delirium. Excited delirium was presented as a cause of death by the medical examiner in his autopsy.
Sulphur Springs Chief of Police, Jay Sanders, said he is “very happy for those men…thankful.” He appreciated the Grand Jury and Ranger Vance for his investigation.
The investigation of Ross’ death began in March of this year when Ross died in a Tyler hospital a few days after having been transported there from Hopkins county Jail.
Ross, 34, was arrested early Friday evening March 6 by Sulphur Springs’ police officers who responded to a call on Whitworth Street of a shirtless man acting erratically. Prior to being booked into Hopkins County Jail he was placed in the padded violence cell where he remained for 11 minutes before being found face down and unresponsive. Officers were able to find a faint pulse and called EMS. CPR was stared at the jail and his pulse was stronger but he was not breathing on his own when he arrived at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital.
According to police reports, Ross was arrested when officers encountered him and he was said to have balled his fist and charged an officer. The officer tazed Ross but Ross was able to pull the wires out and fled. The officer pursued and a fight ensued. Officers said Ross was difficult to contain and they were forced to tazed him more than once. Ross continued to resist even when taken to jail according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders.
Ross died Sunday March 8th in Trinity Mother Frances Hospital where he had been transferred from Hopkins County Memorial Hospital where he had been taken for emergency treatment following what seemed to be a cardiac arrest while in custody at Hopkins County Jail. A Tyler Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy immediately following his death. At this time, KSST News is awaiting a call from the Smith County Justice of the Peace who ordered the autopsy.
The autopsy was conducted March 9th at 12:35 p.m. at the Tyler Forensic Center. The autopsy was requested by Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Gary Alfred following Ross’ death on March 8, at 2:50 p.m. Dr. David L. Zimmerman was the forensic pathologist.
In his five page report, Dr. Zimmerman summarized his findings and opinion of the case as follows:
“The decedent was a 34-year-old man who was reportedly acting erratically and speaking nonsensically. He was taken into custody after a struggle and Taser deployment. He was taken to a jail facility where he continued to struggle with officers. A Taser was deployed in drive stun mode multiple times. After the struggle he was left in the cell alone. He was discovered unresponsive a short time later in the cell. He was transported to Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler, TX. While hospitalized he was diagnosed with hypotension, multi-organ failure, methamphetamine use, and rhabdomyolysis. His condition never improved and death was pronounced. A complete autopsy was performed.
“Significant finding at autopsy include numerous abrasions and bruises of the skin, and bruising of the mesentery of the small bowel. There is a pair of rectangular burns on the right palm of the hand. There are at least fourteen additional single and paired rectangular burns of the chest, back, and neck. Other findings at autopsy include an enlarged heart, and congestion and edema of the lungs.
“Postmortem toxicologic analysis is positive for methamphetamine.
“Given the autopsy and investigative finding, it is my opinion that the cause of death in this case is acute methamphetamine intoxication and physical restraint. The manner of death is homicide.
“This case has many features which indicate this may be a case of ‘excited delirium.’ Individuals experiencing ‘excited delirium’ express symptoms of bizarre and aggressive behavior, violence, unexpected physical strength, and hyperthermia. Most cases of ‘excited delirium’ involve stimulant drugs (methamphetamine, in this case). The sequence of events is nearly always the same in all accounts, delirium with agitation, sudden cessation of struggle, respiratory arrest, and death.”
New High School Principal Named; Other SSISD Staff Changes
In a special meeting at noon Monday, the Sulphur Springs School Board once again deferred any action on contract bids from their Construction Manager on the Civic Center Auditorium renovation project. The board also postponed action during their regular board meeting two weeks ago. The board is now somewhat under the gun if they wish to begin the renovation work on schedule. Plans called for work to begin next Monday. Asbestos abatement at the auditorium is going on as scheduled this week. Superintendent Michael Lamb hopes the board can have another meeting on the matter very soon.
Derek Driver
In other business, the board approved the hiring of Derek Driver as the new High School Principal. Driver comes to Sulphur Springs from Itasca High School where he was principal. He has also been principal at two other high school’s according to Lamb. Driver is scheduled to start at Sulphur Springs High School on July 1.
Lamb said the biggest hole to fill on the district staff for the start of school is a High School counselor. Among resignations approved by the board Monday was one for High School counselor Carol Cowley. Her husband was named superintendent of a district south of Sulphur Springs recently.
Resignations
Alejandra Lira SpEd Aide ECLC
Amanda Scott PE Teacher Douglas
Carol Cowley Counselor High School
Bonnie Grafton Math Teacher High School
Kayla Phillips Math Teacher High School
New Personnel
Derek Driver Principal High School
Kristen Downs Head Start 4 Teacher ECLC
Lucia Hickman SpEd Aide ECLC
Amber Harmon Music Teacher ECLC
Tabatha Ibarra Head Start 4 Bilingual Teacher ECLC
Amanda Nabors Head Start Teacher ECLC
Tiffany Contreras SpEd Aide Travis
Jennifer Short P.E. Teacher Travis/Lamar
Ashley Norwood SpEd Teacher SS Elementary
Colby Smith Grade 3 SS Elementary
Kathy Froneberger Nurse High School
Atlanta Knox Science Teacher High School
Patti Laeding English Teacher High School
Demetra Robinson CTE Law Teacher High School
David Stribling Math Teacher High School
Personnel Changes
New position/campus Former position/campus
Andi Hinton Ed. Diag/Dist-Wide Grade 1/Travis
Juneteenth in Sulphur Springs, 2015
A good time was had by all Saturday’s annual Juneteenth Celebration in Pacific Park. Pat Cooper was Parade Marshal.
Parade Marshal
Celebrants enjoyed a parade, free food, music, and a lot of catching up.
One of the parade floats.
Dance teams, local businesses, horses, 4-wheelers all joined in the procession.
Even Kojack made an appearance.
“Updated” Chase Announces Candidacy for Commissioner Precinct 1
Pat Chase of Hopkins County announced today his candidacy for Commissioner of Precinct 1 in the Republican primary.
In announcing his candidacy, Mr. Chase has expressed his desire to continue to serve his community by being elected Commissioner on the County Court, representing the 1st Precinct. “I have been involved with many local entities within the county and the city and I have always worked to provide a positive impact. My efforts have been to improve the well-being of our citizens, promote the benefits of living in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, and be proactive in responsible business development. The citizens of our county deserve a conservative leader that will be fiscally responsible with their tax dollars, and be an effective manager. I will be accountable to all the citizens of the Precinct, the City and the County. As Precinct 1 Commissioner I will serve with diligence to provide a strong business climate and a safe place for our citizens to live and prosper”
Chase and his wife, Patricia reside at their farm on County Road 1174(Switch Board Road) south of Sulphur Springs. They have three daughters, Menzie Chase, of Sulphur Springs, Carrie Nuckolls and her husband Steve of Sulphur Springs, and Molly and her husband Mike Ormsby of Waco, Texas. They have three grandchildren, Chase Berry, Saylor Nuckolls and Patrick Ormsby. Mr. Chase is a member of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. He has served Hopkins County in many capacities, having been a member of the Hopkins County Civic Center Board, Hopkins County Agricultural Tax Advisory Board, Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board, Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance, Sulphur Springs Rotary Club, Northeast Texas Livestock Association and served for many years as President of Shady Grove #2 Water Supply Corporation. Mr. Chase has also served as Treasurer of the Hopkins County Republican Party and was the Congressional Aide to U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall, managing the United States Congressional office in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
In addition to Pat’s Agricultural/Energy consulting business, he is a hay producer and breeds, raises, trains and works Belgian Draft Horses.
“Our community is a strong Christian community that has a great heart for service and giving. I want to help grow that culture among all entities of government within the county and city by providing strong leadership with a high degree of cooperation”.
Employee Arrested for Taking Money From Cash Register
A 19-year old Sulphur Springs man, Joseph Robert Garcia, was arrested Friday afternoon at around 1 p.m. at his home for taking money from his employer’s cash register. The teen, who worked at a convenience store on Hillcrest in Sulphur Springs, faces a charge of theft over $1,500. According to an arrest report, the man confessed to a Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputy that he was stealing money from a cash register.
Garcia was arraigned at Hopkins County Jail and is out of jail on a $15,000 bond.
SSPD Seeks Impersonator
The Sulphur Springs Police Department was alerted Saturday morning to a man flashing a badge, claiming to be a peace officer and taking money and belongings from several people as part of what he said was a criminal investigation. The incident happened at a Shannon Road veterinary clinic. When officers arrived, the man was gone.
Sidney Dietze is our New Dairy Festival Queen
Dairy Festival Queen Sidney Dietze. Photo by Cindy Roller.
Sidney Dietze Dairy Festival Queen Candidate 2015. Photo by Molly Clegg
Sidney Dietze is the 2015 Queen of the Dairy Festival. Queen Sidney is the daughter of proud parents Jason and Jill Dietze. For the talent portion she sang ‘Oceans’, made popular by Hillsong United. Taliana Bell was selected first runner up and Meichell Arnold was chosen second runner up. Dietze was crowned by outgoing queen is Madi Rater. This was the 56th annual Dairy Festival Pageant.
Check back with www.ksstradio.com for more pictures and video interviews soon. Also, see replays of the entire pageant on KSST Channel 18.
Fifty Shades of Grey… In Sulphur Springs?
With a line that literally ‘runs around the block’, people clamor to get their copy of the new book “Grey” signed by Author E.L. James Saturday morning.
Waiting inside for the Author
E.L. James signs a copy for a fan going by the name ‘Kristin’. She waited in line for 12 hours to be the first.
The wildly popular author made an appearance at ‘The Bookworm Box” here in Sulphur Springs.
At one point the line outside ran from Gilmer, to Davis, and around to Tomlison.
Tickets to the event sold out quickly. If you are thinking of running up to Celebration District for a quick signature, think again.
A Dallas TV Station (Channel 11) shoots footage of the crowd waiting to see author E.L. James.
EL James addresses the crowd inside the Bookwormbox before the signing begins.
The crowd at the door of the Bookwormbox in Sulphur Springs for E.L. James.
A fan of author E.L. James shows off her coveted ticket to be in the line for a face-to-face book signing with the author.
A group of “Grey” fans wait patiently down Main St. for their chance to have their book signed.
The crowd doesn’t dwindle quickly, but everyone was in good spirits as they await their turn.
Work toward Your Own Financial Independence Day
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It’s almost the Fourth of July — time for fireworks, picnics and a reflection on all the liberties we possess in this country. But if you’re going to enjoy the freedom to do the things you want, especially during your retirement years, you’ll want to take the steps necessary to achieve your own “Financial Independence Day.” Here are a few suggestions for helping you reach that goal:
Achieving any type of freedom, in any kind of endeavor, takes time and effort. That’s certainly the case with financial freedom— you will need to consistently make the right moves, over a period of many years, before you can finally declare your fiscal independence. But once you reach that point, you will likely conclude that your diligence and dedication were well worth it. |
Craig S Johnson, Edward Jones Financial Advisor
