How Best to Handle Invasive Insects, by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Many insects can be managed without using pesticides, but this cultural control requires extra time and effort.
It may also result in slight damage to your plants.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, some of the cultural methods you can use to prevent or control insect damage are:
- Keep weeds and grass pulled out of the garden. Mow the area around the garden.
- Plant varieties that grow well in your area.
- Apply the correct amount of fertilizer and water when needed.
- When you have picked all the fruit, destroy the old plants by removing them or plowing them under.
- You can wash off some insects, such as aphids and spider mites, with a water hose.
- You may hand-pick some insects or egg masses from the plant to prevent damage.
- Chemical control of insects often may be necessary. For best results, treat insects before large numbers build up in the garden. Dusts or sprays provide good control.
Before you buy a pesticide, read the label to see if it is recommended for the pest and plants you want to treat.
Before you use a pesticide, read the label to see how much you should use. Read all information on the label and follow all directions.
All insecticides are poisonous, so handle them with care and keep them away from children and pets.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Winnsboro Police Report For June 28-July 4, 2021: Kilgore Woman Jailed On 8 Charges
The Winnnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for June 28-July 4, 2021, included the following:
Arrests
Amanda Torres, 31 years of age, of Kilgore, was arrested on July 1, 2021, on eight charges:
- Possession of 2 ounces or Less of Marijuana,
- Possession of the Dangerous Drug Methocarbamol,
- Possession of less than 28 grams of the Penalty Group 3 Controlled Substance PG 3 Alprazolam,
- Possession of less than 28 grams of the Penalty Group 3 Controlled Substance Clonazepam,
- Possession of less than 1 gram of the the Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance Oxycodone,
- Possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of the Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance Cocaine,
- Possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of the Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance Heroin, and
- Possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine.
Torres remained in Wood County jail Tuesday morning, July 6, 2021. Her bonds on the charges totaled $61,000, according to Wood County jail records.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 168 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 46 citations and 64 warnings during this reporting period.
Woman Accused Of Stealing A Lizard, Game Console During Home Burglary
A 19-year-old Sulphur Springs woman accused of stealing a lizard and game console during a home burglary was arrested early Saturday morning, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson responded to a disturbance on South Locust Street. Upon arrival, he contacted Laura Elaine Ybanez. She admitted she had entered the residence through a window, and that she was not supposed to be on the property. She admitted she had previously signed a criminal trespass warning prohibiting her from returning to the property. Dispatchers confirmed there was indeed an active criminal trespass warning on file for Ybanez for the location.
A person at the location told police the woman and four males took a PS3 and put it in a bag, but he was able to recover it. The woman was taken into custody for criminal trespassing. Later, police were advised a bearded dragon lizard was stolen from the residence. While at the jail, the woman told Robinson that she had taken the lizard. Ybanez was charged with burglary of a habitation based on her admission to gaining entry to the residence through a window and to stealing a lizard and PS3.
Ybanez remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, July 5, 2021, in lieu of $5,000 bond on the criminal trespass charge and $20,000 bond on the burglary of a habitation charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
3 Controlled Substance Arrests Reported Over the Weekend
Three men were arrested over the weekend on felony controlled substance charges, according to arrest reports.
SH 11 East Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported stopping a Honda Accord at 11:09 p.m. July 3, 2021, for an obscured temporary license tag. The driver said the passenger, 53-year-old John Coleman of Celeste, is the owner of the car and intoxicated, so the other man was driving home.
Wilkerson reported seeing an open alcohol container in the car, and had both men get out. Coleman had an open container of an alcoholic beverage in his possession. He patted both men down as a safety measure, then searched the car. Wilkerson found more than one open alcoholic beverage container in the vehicle. While removing a container from under the passenger’s seat, the deputy found an open cigarette box with what appeared to be the bulb of a pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and a small black container wrapped in black tape with a bag of suspected meth. Both denied ownership of the substance.
The driver was released with the vehicle, but passenger Coleman was taken into custody at 11:53 p.m. July 3. The substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 0.79 gram, including packaging. Consequently, the Celeste man was booked into the county jail at 1:52 a.m. Sunday, July 4, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. He remained in the county jail Monday, July 5, 2021, in lieu of a $5,000 bond.
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Chris Baumann were credited in arrest reports with assisting on the SH 11 east traffic stop.
Cooper Lake Park Arrest
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Park Police Officer Timothy King, around 7:44 p.m. Saturday, reported seeing a green Mercury turn onto FM 3505 headed toward Cooper Lake State Park. He contacted the occupant of the vehicle at the park headquarters to explain to the driver how to complete an entry permit. While talking to the 37-year-old Commerce man, King reported smelling a marijuana odor.
He informed driver Carlos Sonchz Aubrey that he would be searching the car and asked if he had anything in his pockets. The man showed King a marijuana joint and later a bag of marijuana. When asked if there was anything additional, he showed the park officer a bag of substance identified as ecstasy under the driver’s side floor mat. A paper bag with another baggy of marijuana was located as well.
King arrested Aubrey for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance for having the alleged ecstasy, released the cart to King’s spouse, who was camping in the park. Two children who were also in the car were released to the spouse as well.
Aubrey was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, July 4, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge.
Additional Arrest
A 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man was seen walking on the wrong side of Como Street and detained by police at 7:21 a.m. July 3, 2021. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro contacted, then patted down the man as a safety precaution.
Castro reported finding a pipe of the kind used to smoke methamphetamine in Jose Valladares-Pineda’ shorts pocket; the pipe contained what appeared to be meth residue as well. Further searching allegedly revealed a bag of substance that tested positive for meth and weighed more than 1 gram, Castro noted in arrest reports.
Valladares-Pineda was arrested on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He was released from the county jail July 4, 2021, on a $5,000 bond, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
New Wildcats Basketball Coach Brandon Shaver Applauds Buy-Ins From His Athletes
New Wildcats basketball coach Brandon Shaver applauded his athletes for what he’s seen so far through three weeks of Edge.
When the Edge for basketball concluded last Thursday, July 1, it marked the halfway point for the summer strength and conditioning program.
Coach Shaver said the Edge has been going really well and numbers have been great.
The Wildcats played in a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, or TABC event last weekend, and went 2-1 against stiff competition.
Shaver and his Wildcats beat San Antonio Cole, a tough District 26-3A school, and also bested the Woodlands Christian, a top TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) program, before falling to Prosper.
Coach Shaver said playing tough competition early before the season gives the coach and his staff an excellent gauge for how well his team has progressed thus far, especially considering the coaching change for the Wildcats.
Coach Clark Cipoletta, former head coach of the Wildcats basketball team, accepted the head coaching position at Allen High School on May 11, about a month before the Edge was set to commence.
“Losing Cip is a hard thing,” Coach Shaver said about his predecessor’s departure. “He’s been here [a long time and] he’s done a great job,” Coach Shaver said.
The new Wildcats basketball coach said he has known Coach Cip the last couple of years while Coach Shaver was at Pine Tree, and that he and the former Wildcats basketball coach do a lot of things similarly. This is an added bonus to Wildcats athletes so that they do not have a major learning curve in play style.
Due to the fact that there is not a colossal change in philosophies of play, Coach Shaver said his athletes have picked up the new system incredibly well.
The Wildcats coach applauded his student-athletes for being coachable kids.
Coach Shaver said all that his staff needed to do now was put a little bit of a different spin on what they already know, but the new Wildcats coach applauded his student-athletes.
“The kids have been great,” Coach Shaver said. “They’re buying in, they’re talking, they’re communicating, they’re doing [all of] the things we’re asking them to,” the Wildcats coach said.
A large part of the buy-in must be given credit to the incoming senior class who has provided an invaluable leadership to this team.
One player he mentioned for his value not just in regards to leadership was Justin Haire, a Wildcat Coach Shaver has received calls from college coaches about.
Coach Shaver said that Haire is a coach’s dream not just from on the floor, but his leadership off the court and everything has been great.
The new Wildcats basketball coach cited Haire’s buy-in as a big reason for other players buying-in to the new coaching staff.
“Change is always tough, but these guys are locked in,” Coach Shaver said.
The new Wildcats basketball coach said it has been a bit of culture change, going from Pine Tree in Longview to Sulphur Springs, in that at Pine Tree he was building a program.
Coach Cipoletta, Coach Shaver said, has already done that here and some, so him and his staff must do what they can to sustain the success and the expectation of such that his predecessor started and put his own twist on it.
The notable advantage, Coach Shaver said, is that he has guys that already love to be in the gym.
The new Wildcats basketball coach said that when he was a player he was the same way, and to have a roster and community already fostered under previous Coach Cipoletta, coaching these Wildcats should be a lot of fun, Coach Shaver said.
The Edge runs from 8-10 A.M. Mondays through Thursday for students entering the seventh through ninth grades and 10 A.M. until noon for students entering the tenth through twelfth grades. The Edge takes place in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School until July 22.
The Boys Basketball camp will also be held next week, July 12-15, also in the SSHS Main Gym, and will take place from 5-6 P.M. for students entering kindergarten through fourth grade, and shortly thereafter the camp for students entering the fifth through eighth grades will take place from 6:30 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.
The cost of the camp is $50.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Independence Day Celebration A Big Hit
Following more than a year sans regular observances and events, the 29th Annual Independence Day Celebration held appropriately on Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs was a big hit. Many brought lawn chairs and blankets for family and friends to enjoy the military march, concert and fireworks. Others enjoyed their meals al fresco at downtown restaurants, soaking in the festive spirit and music performed by Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra.
Officials began assembling the stage the day before, then completed it Saturday. A sound crew also worked in advance to provide a quality experience for those listening.
By the start of the fireworks event the square was filled with folks happy to be able to get together celebrate the freedom afford to United States residents. Even the water cooperated, with temperatures and humidity a bit lower by 8 p.m., and a slight breeze too.
The evening of wholesome entertainment was produced by Northeast Texas Symphony League, and dedicated in memory to the late Tom Stewart, an avid supporter of the symphony who passed away Dec. 11, 2020. NETSL Board member Adam Teer served as master of ceremony for the event. Tom Sellers, president of Alliance Bank, welcomed everyone to the event.
Hopkins County Military Coalition lead a small gathering of other veterans from Connally Street onto the square, recognizing those men and women who have ensured our freedom through their service and sacrifices. The Military Coalition then posted the colors, with the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag lead by Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers. Paul Harvey, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs CEO, offered a prayer of thanks for all to be able to meet and gather together this year to celebrate Independence Day.
KSST Radio had a booth where staff members encouraged those in attendance to register for a chance to win one of eight US flags, with winners announced during the concert by KSST Sports Director Ross Labenske and Savannah Everett, host of the morning show on KSST’s sister station KRVA Radio 107.1 Each of the eight winners received a flag, pole and mounting brackets. CMFH-SS also had a tent set up and gave away items such as hand sanitizer keyrings and information.
The Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra, with Douglas Bakenhus as conductor, then performed a selection of patriotic music including The Star Spangled Banner, National Emblem March, Egmont Overture, We Shall Overcome, Lift Every Voice and Sing, A new Birth of Freedom, Ashokan Farewell, Joplin 2 Ragtime Dance, Sing-Along America, God Bless the USA, America the Beautiful and Start and Stripes Forever. Lending vocal talents to two of the songs were Sydnee Hawkins, and Della Cleveland and Trelandra Miles. David Woody also served as a narrator for one song.
Aria Kay Potts served as an enthusiastic guest for one song during the event; the spot is auctioned every year during the KSST/Channel 18 live Symphony League Auction. Similarly, Brayden Moreland was excited to serve as honorary fireworks detonator, pushing the lever to officially start the fireworks show which followed the concert.
While some would have liked a longer fireworks show, the overall feeling of most as they departed downtown was enjoyment of a good wholesome evening they were able to spend together as a community – something appreciated just a little bit more in 2021 after so many canceled events in 2020.
The event would not have been possible without support of several businesses, financial institutions and individuals. Hopkins County EMS had two ambulances staged just off the square to respond if needed and local firefighters also were in attendance at the event. Sulphur Springs Police Department provided officers who walked the grounds on and around downtown as a safety measure.
The next Symphony League event will be the annual auction which will be broadcast live this fall on KSST 1230 AM.
I-30 Vehicle Pursuit Ends In Chili’s Parking Lot
An Interstate 30 vehicle pursuit from Hunt into Hopkins County ended in Chili’s parking lot Sunday.
According to law enforcement reports, local authorities were alerted just before 12:30 p.m. July 4, 2021, that Texas Department of Public Safety deputies out of Hunt County were pursuing an eastbound vehicle on I-30. The pursuit reportedly continued east along I-30 east alternately on the highway and service road as it continued at a high rate of speed through Cumby toward Sulphur Springs, with officers from multiple agencies joining the chase.
The fleeing motorist reportedly crossed South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs and drove into Chili’s parking lot. The car was parked in the mostly filled lot, facing east. Several local officers pulled in behind the vehicle and made contact with the two adults inside.
The Hunt County DPS officers reportedly detained at least one person upon taking over the investigation. At least one person was reported to have been placed in DPS custody. No one was jailed in Hopkins County following the incident. No additional information was available Monday morning regarding the pursuit.
Texas Ranger Ticket Giveaway #9
KSST has Texas Ranger Baseball tickets available this weekend’s Friday, Saturday and Sunday games against the Oakland Athletics. Winners will get to chose from available tickets, first come first served.
This years tickets will be offered in a digital format. To be a winner, you will need to download and install the Offical MLB Ball Park App for your smart device. Think of the app as a digital wallet for your tickets.
How to Win
Like KSST and like this post on Facebook to enter. Winners will be chosen at random. Winners will be notified via Facebook. Remember, you will need to provide a valid email address, and that email must be linked to your MLB Ballpark app.
The Process
Once you win, KSST will forward the digital ticket information to your email. Your MLB Ballpark app will accept the ticket information and store them until you need them. You will need to take your device to the ballpark to display the QR code at the gate. Get all the details at MLB.COM
Just to be clear, KSST and KRVA did not receive paper tickets, so we can not furnish paper tickets to our winners.
Grand Jury Indictments For May And June 2021
The indictment list released by the District Clerk’s Office for the June 30, 2021 Hopkins County Grand Jury session was relatively short compared to those released for May 2021. Seven people were named in 10 indictments last month compared to approximately 80 people named in 90 indictments in May 2021.
June 2021 Indictments
The 10 offenses pushed forward for prosecution included evading arrest with a vehicle, felony DWI, sexual assault and indecency with a child, criminal mischief and stalking, as well as marijuana, felony DWI and marijuana offenses. Three individuals were named in two indictments each.
Shannon Bryan Quinn was indicted on a sexual assault of a child charge and an indecency with a child by sexual contact charge.
The 33-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested April 19, 2021, at the sheriff’s office and booked into jail on warrants accusing him of the offenses. He was later charged on a Franklin County warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact as well.
Quinn remained in Hopkins County jail until June 24, 2021. His bonds totaled $175,000 – $100,000 on the Hopkins County sexual assault of a child charge, $50,000 on the Hopkins County indecency charge and $25,000 on the Franklin County indecency warrant, according to jail reports.
Indicted during the June 30, 2021, session for stalking and criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth off damage was Christopher James “CJ” Timmons.
The 41-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused April 26, 2021, of stalking a woman he used to date by following her from work to her residence, where he rammed a Kia Rio into a Hyundai Elantra and Ford F150 pickup parked off the street at the residence around 2:10 p.m. When the woman stepped out of the house, she reportedly recognized the man who got out of the Kia and took off running as CJ Timmons. Police responded, noted about $1,200 worth damage to the truck and he car to be totaled, but were unable to find Timmons in the area.
Timmons was found later that evening, allegedly intoxicated, in the middle of the road with a knife. He admitted to consuming Xanax and alcohol and was arrested for public intoxication, according to police reports.
Police filed a report for stalking, noting that Timmons had followed his ex-girlfriend from her place of work to her residence, the address where he is accused of crashing the Kia into two other vehicles. Police were aware of at least three instances in which Timmons walked back and forth in front of the woman’s residence, after law enforcement warned him to discontinue doing so and not to trespass on the property.
A felony warrant was obtained for the alleged stalking offenses. Timmons was served with the stalking warrant at 12:15 p.m. April 27, 2021 at Hopkins County jail. He was served April 29 with a warrant for criminal mischief for the damages he allegedly caused to the two cars at the residence of the woman he was accused of stalking, according to jail and arrest reports.
Timmons remained in Hopkins County jail July 2, 2021, on lieu of $115,000 bond – $100,000 on the stalking charge and $15,000 on the criminal mischief charge, according to jail reports.
Keegan Thomas Rees was indicted on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
The 31-year-old Greenville man was arrested April 21, 2021, following a Hillcrest Drive vehicle crash. Upon approach, officers alleged the man appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant. He had a glass pipe on him and two baggies with a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine were found in a Chevrolet Tahoe, resulting in his arrest on the controlled substance charge, police alleged in arrest reports.
Rees remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 2, 2021, in lieu of $30,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Mohammedali Ahmedin and Rodgrick Jermaine Nix were each indicted on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle charge.
Ahmedin, who is also known by Mohammedali Suleman Ahmedin, was accused April 9, 2021, of striking an Arkansas State police patrol vehicle while fleeing a hit and run crash, then leading authorities from two states on a slow Interstate 30 pursuit (staying consistently at speeds between 50 and 60 miles per hour) from Hope, Arkansas to Cumby, Texas. He has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest April 9, 2021 on the evading arrest charge; he also has a charge pending in Miller County, Arkansas for aggravated assault.
The 31-year-old Louisville, Kentucky resident allegedly continued in the Freightliner semi after two front tires and six of the flat bed trailer’s eight rear tires were deflated by spike strips put out by Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies at mile markers 131 and 138 in an attempt to stop the truck. Ahmedin was accused of driving “very aggressively” toward other vehicles on the road as well as patrol units that attempted to block exits and deploy additional stop sticks. The truck stopped when the semi crashed into the center median at mile marker 113 on I-30 west. around 9 p.m. April 9. He allegedly told police that “Allah instructed him to complete the criminal acts,” Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Baumann alleged in arrest reports. His bond was set at $200,000 on both the evading arrst charge and the Arkansas aggravated assault charge, according to jail reports.
Nix was accused April 19, 2021, of leading police on a 10-mile vehicle pursuit along I-30 from the 125 mile marker to the 135 mile marker. When police tried to stop him for driving a Nissan Murano 12 miles over the 75 mile per hour posted speed limit, he continued east to the 131 mile marker, where it exited onto the service road, according to police reports.
The 40-year-old Dallas man then allegedly ran the stop sign at FM 69, and continued on the service road to mile marker 135, where he failed to make a turn. The vehicle hit the ditch and continued into a post, went airborne and continued to the I-30 entrance ramp at mile marker 135. He then allegedly tried to run from officers, but was caught a short distance away and taken into custody at 9:22 a.m. April 19 and jailed.
Nix, who is also known by Jermain Rodgrick, has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest in lieu of the $25,000 bond set on the third-degree felony evading arrest charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for Samuel Dan Cochran was indicted on a driving while intoxicated, third or more offense, charge.
Cochran, who is also known as Sammy Cochran, was arrested April 25, 2021, by HCSO Deputy Chris Baumann, for driving while intoxicated and on a warrant for bond revocation on a DWI-third or more offense charge, according to jail reports.
The 41-year-old Reno, Texas man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, July 2, 2021. His bond on the DWI charge for which he was indicted was set at $50,000, according to arrest reports.
Courtney Derel Daniel-Fields was indicted June 30, 2021, on manufacture or delivery of 400 grams or more of a Penalty Group 2 or 2-A controlled substance and possession of four ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charges.
The 32-year-old Killeen man was arrested on both charges on April 30, 2021, following a traffic stop by troopers at mile marker 113 on Interstate 30. A marijuana odor emitting from the car when the state trooper approached, resulted in the highway patrol asking Daniel-Fields to step out to talk to him further. A records check showed the man to be wanted in Bell County. He was taken into custody on the charge. During a search, the passenger was found to be in possession of THC edibles and marijuana; he was arrested, the state trooper alleged in arrest reports
A search of the car allegedly revealed numerous containers with suspect marijuana, multiple bags with suspected THC gummies inside of them, as well as numerous empty packages with suspected marijuana leaves. Daniel Fields claimed the marijuana and gummies in the car belonged to him. The marijuana weighed 4.51 ounces and the gummies 447 grams. Three containers found in the vehicle also held suspected THC wax which weighed 73 grams. The passenger claimed the gummies weren’t infused with THC, but all of the packaging was labeled with THC and marijuana leaves, which the trooper noted in arrest reports, is consistent with THC edibles he’s located during previous arrests.
Daniel-Fields, who is also known by C Dereil Fields, has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest April 30, 2021. His bonds totaled $75,000, including $30,000 on the manufacture or delivery charge and $10,000 on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
May 2021 Indictments
The charges in the May 2021 indictments signed by the Hopkins County Grand Jury ranged from aggravated kidnapping, possession with intent to promote child pornography, aggravated sexual assault of a child, assault impeding breathing, evading arrest or detention, accident involving injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle, to forgery, illegal dumping, obstruction or retaliation, controlled substance, marijuana and felony drunk driving. At least eight individuals were named in more than one indictments, and in some cases more than one person was accused of involvement in an offense.
Elizabeth Ann Karst, Deborah Ann Troutt and Edward Faris Troutt Jr. were indicted for aggravated kidnapping. Edward Faris Troutt Jr. was also indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child. The trio was arrested Feb. 24, 2021,for allegedly locking a child in a closet, causing injuries. The offenses are alleged to have occurred in 2018, when they were responsible for the care of an elementary-aged child; an outcry regarding the allegations was made in 2021. Following an investigation by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was obtained for a rural Sulphur Springs residence and arrest warrants reported finding “locking devices on the closet,” As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained and served Feb. 24 for the three adults’ arrests.
(HCSO jail photo)
Lamont Lankeen Mitchell was indicted on three counts of assault on a public servant. The offenses were alleged to have occurred on Jan. 21, 2021, while he was in custody at Hopkins County jail on two aggravated assault with deadly weapon warrants issued in connection with the shooting of two teens around 1 a.m. June 14, 2020. In January. Mitchell was accused of assaulting three jailers. A sheriff’s deputy responded in the jail to assist in getting Mitchell, who was alleged to have been actively resisting and fighting with jailers in a jail cell. He was taken into custody with “the least amount of force necessary” to get the Pittsburg man into handcuffs and moved to a padded cell. Mitchell was released from the county jail on March 9, 2021, on $30,000 bond per charge, according to jail reports
Norma Lilia Nunez was indicted for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a weapon. The 42-year-old Cumby woman was arrested March 7, after for allegedly displaying two knives and throwing one of them during an altercation with her stepdaughter. She was released the next day on bond on a $30,000 bond, according to arrest and jail reports.
Indicted during the May 19. 2021 grand jury session on an assault of a public servant charge was Jacob Wyatt Burgess. The 29-year-old Yantis man was accused April 14, 2021, of striking a jail officer in the face multiple times with a broken cup handle, while already in custody at Hopkins County jail on one March 22, 2020, assault of public servant charge and three Dec. 3, 2020 assault of a public servant charges. He remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 3, 2021, on those as well as other charges.
Mark Fitzgerald Cooper was indicted in May for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, possession of less than gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair.
The 55-year-old Dallas man was accused of leading officers on a high speed pursuit that wound through Hopkins County from just east of Como on State Highway 11 at 1:30 a.m. March 5, 2021, to Sulphur Springs and eventually concluded in Winnsboro. He was stopped by a deputy, then fled when asked to step out of his vehicle. He allegedly exceeded 120 miles per hour after turning onto FM 69 in Como, then discarding items out the vehicle window. He continued to the I-30 service road, slid across a ditch and continue to the service road west, then onto I-30 west. He allegedly slammed on his brakes several times.
e exited I-30 at College Street, crossing the ditch to Industrial Drive in Sulphur Springs. He continued to South Broadway Street, drove through Taco Bell parking lot to Duckworth, then to Mockingbird Lane before getting on SH 11 east. He continued on 11 east to FM 3019, where the car tires began losing air after hitting stop sticks. The car stopped on Chestnut Street in Winnsboro.
After Cooper was taken into custody, a substance that field-tested positive as 0.17 gram of cocaine was found in the car he was driving, deputies alleged in the March 5, 2021 arrest reports.
Cooper remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 3, 2021, in lieu of $45,000 on the three charges, according to jail reports.
Also indicted during the May 19, 2021, grand jury session on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft charge included Michael Oneal Harrison, Aaron Kristopher Huddleston and Celecia Nicole Jeffery.
Indicted for evading arrest or detention with previous conviction was Christopher James Timmons.
Hugo Enrique Menchaca was indicted for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession with intent to promote child pornography.
He was allegedly identified by sheriff’s officers during an ongoing investigation into another child pornography allegation. He was hard to track down, according to investigators, because he’d been living out of a vehicle. His vehicle was spotted at his new place of work. Search warrants were obtained for the car and executed March 18, 2021. They reported finding more than one item of evidence and electronics. The investigation showed Menchaca to be involved in “the downloading, access and transfer child porn” online. While patting him down, officers reported finding a glass pipe with a crystal-like substance that later tested positive as 1.78 grams of methamphetamine.
Indicted on an obstruction or retaliation charge was Brandon Darel Roach. The 39-year-old man, while in custody at Hopkins County jail, was accused of threatening to retaliate against his father for reporting him to police. He was jailed Jan. 16 following a disturbance in which he allegedly threatened to burn down a residence with his nephew and family were inside if he didn’t leave it, and threatened to kill his father before he left. He allegedly admitted to making threats against both family members and was charged on two terroristic threat of a family member charges on Jan. 16, 2021. A sheriff’s investigator, while listening to jail calls on Jan. 18, heard Roach tell him mother he would kill his father for calling police on him, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Roach remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 3, 2021, in lieu of $5,000 bond on each terroristic threat charge and a $250,000 bond on the obstruction or retaliation charge, according to jail reports.
Jose Ismael Cuevas was indicted on an assault of family or household member that impedes breathing or circulation charge.
Cuevas was accused on April 11 of twice choking a man with whom he was reported to have been in a dating relationship, restricting the 28-year-old’s breathing. The younger man had apparent injuries to his head and neck, according to arrest reports.
The 30-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 2, 2021, in lieu of a $35,000 in bonds, including the $15,000 bond set on the assault charge, according to jail reports.
Indicted for unauthorized use of a vehicle were Blake Allan Gagliardi and Brayden Lynn Brown.
Gagliardi was accused Jan. 11, 2021, of leading a state trooper on a chase in a stolen truck on Interstate 30 from Hunt County to Sulphur Springs, before being apprehended.
The 26-year-old Denton man has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest in lieu of a total of $110,0000 in bonds, including the $20,000 bond set on the stolen truck charge, according to arrest jail reports.
Brown has also remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest on an unauthorized use of a vehicle charge as well as a burglary of habitation charge on March 29, 2021.
The 19-year-old Sulphur Springs resident was found on County Road 4714 in a truck allegedly stolen using keys taken during a North Jackson Street burglary about an hour before, according to police reports. He was served June 9 at the county jail with a warrant for the home burglary.
Brown’s bond was set at $20,000 on the stolen truck charge and $50,000 on the burglary charge, according to jail reports.
Lajuana Lanell Minty Chester and Victor Miranda-Cervantes were indicted on felony driving while intoxicated charges.
Chester reportedly admitted to consuming her prescribed valium mediation and alcoholic beverages on March 18. She was alleged to have been involved in a vehicle crash on Brinker Street that evening. She was unable to follow directions when an officer attempted to administer standard field sobriety tests.
The 72-year-old Sulphur Springs woman has remained in custody since her arrest in lieu of a $10,000 bond on the charge. She also was held on a parole warrant, according to jail reports.
Miranda-Cervantes was accused on March 20, 2021, of driving drunk with 3 children under 10 years of age in the SUV with him at the time. He was stopped for a traffic violation and had red eyes, and alcohol was smelled on his breath. Beer cans were visible in his SUV, including one can between a child’s feet in the center of the back road of seats in the truck. He was arrested and the children were released to Miranda-Cervantes’ son.
The 60-year-old man, who is also known by Victor M. Miranda-Sirvantes, was released from the county jail March 21, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the driving while intoxicated with children under 15 years of age charge, according to jail reports.
Justen Blake Saffel was indicted for illegal dumping of commercial materials.
The 26-year-old man was accused of dumping debris and trash near Sulphur Springs Lake, at the dead end of County Road 4703 on Jan. 4, 2021. The debris, hauled away Tuesday in a dump truck, weighed more than 4,000 pounds. He was arrested Jan. 6 in Morris County on a warrant for the charge and transferred to Hopkins County jail Jan. 7, 2021.
Saffel was released from the county jail Jan. 9, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the illegal dumping charges as well as a $5,000 bond on a charge for discharge of debris, according to jail reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Christopher Andrew Stachel was indicted for forgery of a financial instrument.
The 40-year-old Carrollton man allegedy attempting to pass a forged check at a South Broadway Street bank during the noon hour on Feb. 25, 2021. He then reportedly compounded his troubles by taking off running when police arrived and called for him to stop inside of the bank. After a short chase he was arrested, and found to have a meth pipe in his pocket.
Stachel has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest Feb. 25, 2021, on the forgery charge as well as for evading arrest or detention and public intoxication (police believed him to be impaired by means of meth), according to arrest and jail reports.
Indicted for accident involving injury was Samuel Tanner Earle.
The remainder of the May 2021 indictments were for marijuana and controlled substance offenses.
Three people were indicted for manufacture or delivery of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance: Christopher Roy Mosher, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams; David Salvador Luna, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams; and Edith Taylor Styles, less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone.
Among the individuals indicted in May for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana were: Isaiah Deonte Bryant-Lacey, Gary Lee Childers, Angela Knous Weaver, Andrew McKenzie Golston, James Dean Smith and Lorie Kessler Smith.
Devonta Qukashawn Brown was indicted for possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance in a drug-free zone.
Those indicted in May on possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges included:
- Joe Dale Cohorst – less than 1 gram;
- Chad Dean – less than 1 gram;
- De Shaun Keith Denmark – less than 1 gram;
- Nelson Douglas Driver – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone;
- Keyra Leanne Dunham – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone;
- Michael Lynn Emery – 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams in a drug-free zone;
- Kelly Wayne Gathright – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Robert Harold George – less than 1 gram;
- Scott Arthur Gorton – less than 1 gram;
- Mary Katherine Gross – less than 1 gram;
- Jason Wayne Hutson – less than 1 gram;
- Michael Glenn Taylor – less than 1 gram;
- Margaret Gunter – less than 11 gram;
- Jennifer Lynn Howell – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Markus Lee Bassham Jr. – less than 1 gram;
- Stephanie Bean – less than 1 gram;
- Kayln Dawn Bell – less than 1 gram;
- Gerardo Berrones-Gamez – less than 1 gram;
- Orenthal Clifton Brown – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone;
- Elizabeth Louise Willis – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone;
- Gary Lee Childrers – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Angela Knous Weaver – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Jarrett Dakota Hughes – two counts for less than 1 gram;
- Jiles McNatt Jaco – less than 1 gram;
- Robert Bradley Shehane – less than 1 gram;
- Earnest Miller Johnson – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone;
- Kathy Denise Johnson – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone;
- Tiffany Dawn McCary – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone and less than 1 gram;
- Timothy Cole August Kelsey – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Amberli Nicole King – 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams;
- Michail Germann King – 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams with intent to deliver;
- Jeffrey Bryant Knutson – less than 1 gram;
- Colton Jacob Logan – less than 1 gram;
- Paula Maria Lucero – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Belinda Jean Nash – less than 1 gram;
- Kristie Elaine Morton – less than 1 gram;
- Haley Alexis Nichols – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Marcus Dewayne Poole – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Mark Allan Potts – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Nicholas Anthony Reynolds – less than 1 gram;
- Sonny Doyle Richardson – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams;
- Christopher H. Robinson – less than 1 gram;
- Aldis Marivel Rosewell – 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams;
- Kyle Ray Rosewell – 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams;
- Diego Servin-Chavez – 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams;
- Constantino Santiago-Perez – less than 1 gram;
- Shanna Kay Segleski – less than 1 gram;
- Jessica Smith – 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams, less than 1 gram;
- Hillary Kay Spigner – less than 1 gram; and
- Kristina Lenea Ullman – less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone.
Texas Transportation Commission Approves Most Funding Ever For Transit
| AUSTIN – With help from federal COVID-19 relief funding, the Texas Transportation Commission has approved $89 million in transit funding at its June meeting. It’s the largest amount of funding at one time for transit agencies across the state. This funding supports equitable, reliable transit services that are an essential part of life for many people across Texas. These funds support rural and urban transit services in over 96% of the state’s land area, serving 41% of the state’s population. State funds: $35 million Federal funds: $54 million The funding includes over $10 million from the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act to help transit agencies manage the impacts of COVID-19. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas transit agencies have worked diligently to maintain safe and reliable transit services throughout the state. TxDOT funding contributed to the nearly 20 million transit rides provided in Fiscal Year 2020, even during the pandemic. “When most services shut down during the pandemic, these transit agencies continued serving thousands of Texans across the state,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “In a time when they were needed most, these agencies helped people get to jobs, groceries or the medical care they needed. This additional funding will continue to improve access for Texans, enabling TxDOT to fulfill our mission of ‘Connecting You with Texas.’” “During the pandemic we saw how important these transit agencies are for many Texans, especially in the more rural regions of the state,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New said. “Transit can be a lifeline for many people, and I’m happy to see this amount of funding go to these communities.” These funds also include over $7 million for selected public transportation projects that address the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. There were 39 projects across the state selected in a competitive process to receive funding, including: Valley Metro in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which will be able to expand its transit service offerings with on-demand microtransit, increasing its flexibility in scheduling and routes, and offering advance reservations to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Spartan Public Transportation in the Levelland area, which will be able to fill existing service gaps, maintain vehicles, pay mobility managers who help plan and manage trips, and purchase four accessible replacement vehicles. South East Texas Regional Planning Commission in the Beaumont area, which will use these funds to continue and expand its collaborative work with local transit agencies that provide seniors with curb-to-curb paratransit service to nutrition centers, Area Agency on Aging programs, and foster grandparent programs. The approved awards fund public transportation providers in rural, small urban, and large urban areas. Funds can be used to support a combination of service and capital program expenses. Each transit agency determines specifically what they pay for with the funds they receive. Visit here for a list of the agencies and communities that received funds. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700. |
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