Shepard, Swain Sentenced On Aggravated Robbery Charge In Connection
Dequenek Timothy Craig Shepard, 20, of Brashear and Zavarion Caymond Christopher Swain, 19, of Paris were sentenced this week in the 8th Judicial District Court on one aggravated robbery charge each in exchange for additional charges being dismissed.
Both men have remained in Hopkins County jail since their arrest Sept. 26, 2019, on one charge of burglary of habitation with intent to commit another felony and two aggravated robbery charges, according to arrest reports.
Shephard and Swain were among 4 people arrested in connection with a home invasion and robbery on Lee Street in Sulphur Springs, TX. They allegedly forced entry into a Lee Street residence Sept. 25, 2019. The group is accused of robbing three occupants at gunpoint. The suspects allegedly took cell phones, a rifle and cash. Three pistols were reportedly used. One round was allegedly fired from one firearm during the commission of the offenses, but no one was injured, Sulphur Springs Police Det. Sgt. David Gilmore said following the September incident.
Both Shepard and Swain were also charged March 11 with engaging in organized criminal activity, for alleged involvement in a Feb. 21 physical altercation inside the Hopkins County Jail in which 5 inmates allegedly attacked and assaulted two other inmates. One inmate was allegedly kicked in the body and had his head stomped while on the ground, causing his head to hit the concrete floor, according to March 11 news release from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Wade Sheets.
Both Swain and Shepard were scheduled May 28 for hearings in the 8th Judicial District Court. Each plead guilty to one count each of aggravated robbery and acknowledged their guilt in the other unadjudicated offenses in what is referred to as a 12.45 agreement.
This refers to Section 12.45 of Texas Penal Code which allows a defendant to admit during the sentencing hearing guilt of one or more unadjudicated offenses and request the court to take each into account in determining sentence for the offense or offenses of which he stands adjudged guilty.
Essentially, Swain and Shepard admitted guilt to the offenses, in exchange for all except for one first-degree aggravated robbery charge being dismissed. However, the judge was allowed to take those offenses into consideration when assessing punishment.
On June 22, the district attorney’s office reportedly argued for 20 years in prison for each defendant. Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt sentenced Shepard to 10 years and gave Mr. Swain 10 years of deferred probation, with 180 days in jail as a condition of his probation.
Both men remained in Hopkins County jail on the charges on June 27, 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.
6 Jailed On Felony Warrants
At least 6 people were jailed in Hopkins County on felony warrants between June 19 and June 26, 2020, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite traveled to Oklahoma City, where he took 26-year-old Misha Michelle Price into custody at 2:30 p.m. June 26 at Oklahoma County jail. Fite transported Price to Hopkins County jail, where she was booked at 6:47 p.m. June 26 on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for a July 23, 2019 unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge, according to arrest reports.
Price remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 27 on the charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Sgt. Shea Shaw and Deputy Richard Brantley acted on information that Autumn Rose Rodgers, a wanted person, could be found at a Lee Street address in Sulphur Springs.
The deputies located and took the 18-year-old Como resident into custody at 11:15 a.m. June 26, for bond revocation on an April 17 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Rogers, who is also known by the alias Adam Rogers, allegedly admitted to being intoxicated the night before on alcoholic beverages and to smoking marijuana prior to the officers’ arrival, Shaw alleged in arrest reports. Rodgers remained in Hopkins County jail June 27.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Greer and Cpl. Todd Evans located Christopher Lee Skeen at his Como residence and took the 21-year-old into custody at 10:51 am. June 24 on a forgery of financial instrument warrant, according to arrest reports.
Skeen was released from Hopkins County jail June 25 on a $5,000 bond on the felony forgery charge, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Robble Accosta and Sgt. Brandon Mayes took Meldrick Dewayne Roland, 29, of Sulphur Springs into custody at 7:58 a.m. June 23, at his residence on a parole warrant, according to arrest reports.
Roland was booked into Hopkins County jail for the second time this year on a parole violation charge; he was also jailed for the offense on March 20, 2020, according to jail reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail June 27, according to jail reports
David Joel Dean, 40, of Sulphur Springs was taken into custody by SSPD Officer Tyler Francis at 10:55 p.m. June 19, at his place of work. Francis transported Dean to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on warrants for indecency with a child by sexual contact and violation of probation, which he was on for a July 2018 possession of a controlled substance charge.
He was released from jail June 24 on $75,000 bond on the indecency charge and $25,000 bond on the other, according to jail reports.
HCSO Cpl. Todd Evans took 17-year-old Daishawn Jerome Godbolt into custody June 19 in the lobby at Hopkins County Sheriff’s office. Evans escorted the Sulphur Springs teen into the county jail, where he was booked for violation of probation on a December 2019 engaging in organized criminal activity charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
The arrest marked the third time Godbolt has been booked into Hopkins County jail in the last 6 months. He spent from Dec. 3, 2019 to March 18, 2020 in custody on the engaging in organized criminal activity charge. He also was booked and released later May 19, 2020 from custody on a $5,000 bond on an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge, according to jail reports.
Godbolt remained in Hopkins County jail June 27 on the violation of probation charge, jail records reflect.
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.
Friday Evening Crashes Resulted In DWI Arrests
A West Industrial Drive crash June 26, 2020 was one of two Friday evening crashes that resulted in DWI arrests, according to arrest reports.
Industrial Drive-Hillcrest Drive Crash
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Cameron Robinson and Sgt. Joshua Shufeldt responded just after 8 p.m. June 26 on West Industrial Drive at Hillcrest Drive to a crash in which a truck tractor reportedly collided with a passenger car.
Upon arrival, the officers contacted a 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man, who was sitting in a Chrysler Concorde involved in the crash. Steven Elliott Jonaitis Jr. was reported to be the sole occupant of the car.
While talking with Jonaitis, police reported the man to have red, glassy bloodshot eyes and thick-tongued, slurred speech while talking to police. The man also was reported to be unsteady on his feet and an alcohol odor emitted from him and his breath, police alleged in arrest reports.
Jonaitis voluntarily admitted he had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages but refused to submit to standard field sobriety tests, the SSPD officers wrote in arrest reports. Believing him to have been intoxicated while operating a vehicle, police took Jonaitis into custody for further investigation of driving while intoxicated.
Upon arrival that jail, police report Jonaitis refused to submit a blood sample for analysis, so a search warrant was sought and obtained, requiring a blood draw. The sample was taken elsewhere, then Jonaitis was returned to jail, where he allegedly became combative with staff and was placed in a “v-cell”. The “v-cell” is a cell equipped to prevent people in custody from harming themselves or others due to violent or unruly behavior.
Jonaitis was charged with driving while intoxicated, third or more offense, according to arrest and jail reports. He remained in Hopkins county jail late Saturday morning, June 27; bond on the third-degree felony charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
FM 1567 Crash
A Winnsboro man was also arrested Friday evening on a misdemeanor DWI charge following a traffic crash.
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies and firefighters were dispatched at 5:33 p.m. June 26 to FM 1567 west, where a vehicle reportedly rolled over after going off the road. The driver was reported to be out of the vehicle and appeared to be walking away from the crash site, according to sheriff’s reports.
A Texas Department of Public safety highway patrol trooper also responded to the FM 1567 crash. The trooper reported contacting a 34-year-old Winnsboro man identified by two witnesses as the driver of a Chrysler 300 at the location.
The trooper, in arrest reports, alleged the Winnsboro man had red, glassy eyes and an alcohol odor was smelled on his breath. The highway patrolman attempted to administered standard field sobriety tests. The trooper alleged the Winnsboro man had observable clues of intoxication during horizontal gaze nystagmus testing. The Winnsboro man, however, reportedly refused all other tests. As a result, the trooper placed him under arrest for DWI, according to arrest reports.
The man was reported to have voluntarily provided breath samples for testing of blood-alcohol content. He tested 0.195 and 0.188, more than twice the legal 0.08 limit on breath tests. Consequently, the 34-year-old was arrested for DWI. He was released from Hopkins County jail on a $1,000 bond on the Class B misdemeanor charge.
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.
Paris District Road Report for the week of June 29, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of June 29, 2020. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between Park Street and North Travis Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
The pedestrian bridge near Pecan St. is closed for pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will not need to be removed at this time but will be removed later in the project. Pedestrian traffic wishing to cross US 75 is recommended to cross at the Houston St. signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews are performing utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis St. intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as crews work on installing flashing beacons at the intersection.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for lane closures as workers install signals at the FM 131 intersection. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is now open to access FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to construct the new pavement section.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 289, Grayson County: between FM 121 and SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
Spur 503, Grayson County: US 69, Fannin County: Westbound from Park Avenue to Theresa Drive: Watch for nighttime and daytime lane closures as workers repair the concrete pavement.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 has been reopened to traffic as the new bridge is complete.
County Road 2250, Fannin County: at Coffee Mill Creek. County Road 2250 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 5060, Fannin County: at Lee Creek. County Road 5060 has been reopened to traffic as the new bridge is complete.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 3321, Fannin County: at Mulberry. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
FM 2456, Fannin County: in Ladonia. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
FM 897, Fannin County: North of US 82: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to apply a surface treatment to the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Traffic will be shifted to the new roadway while the existing section is being repaired. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 19 at Loop 286 – Lamar County. Watch for temporary lane closures as crews install traffic signals.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
FM 195, Red River County: from FM 410 N to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence and complete cross culvert extensions at 2 locations.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is surface-treating the roadway, striping the road and placing signs. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903, a project that begins May 27 will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor has started widening the shoulders along eastbound lanes. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 816, Hunt County: FM 816 at Spring Creek in Wolfe City. Contractors are working on erosion and riprap repairs. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors at various locations in Hunt County, including SH 34, FM 2194 and FM 903. Mowers are also working in Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crews are applying seal coating on FM 903; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this roadway.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Early Voting Kickoff Meet & Greet For District 2 Republican Candidate Bryan Slaton To Be Held June 27
Early voting begins June 29 for party primary runoff elections. In Hopkins County, that includes the runoff for the House District 2 Republican nomination.
An early voting kickoff meet and greet is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. June 27 at Coleman Park by the baseball fields for Bryan Slaton, who challenges incumbent Dan Flynn for the nomination.
Slaton is endorsed by Gun Owners of America organization.
Light refreshments will be served during the come and go kid-friendly rally.
Early Voting Begins Monday In Party Primary Runoff Elections
Early voting will begin Monday, June 29, for the party primary runoff elections in Texas.
Ballots in Hopkins County may be cast in these runoffs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 10, in Justice of Peace 2 Courtroom inside the Hopkins County Courthouse Annex Building (tax office/justice of the peace offices), 128 Jefferson St. No voting will be conducted on either July 3 or July 4 in observance of the federal/state holiday.
Primary Runoff Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 14. Voting centers will be consolidated with one polling location per precinct. Voting will be conducted as follows:
- Our Savior Lutheran Church, 100 Texas St., Sulphur Springs
- Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Fuller St., Sulphur Springs
- Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St., Sulphur Springs
- League Street Church of Christ, 1100 South League Street, Sulphur Springs
Voters may cast ballots in the Primary Runoff Election on July 14 at any of the four voting centers. Click here to learn more about requirements for voting by mail in Texas.
The last day applications for ballots by mail will be accepted is Thursday, July 2. The deadline to receive ballots by mail is July 14. County Clerk Tracy Smith serves as early voting clerk; she may be contacted at her office at 128 Jefferson St., Suite C, Sulphur Springs; by phone at 903-438-4074; fax at 903-438-4110; or email at [email protected].
According to the voting law, voters who have mobility issues that substantially impair their ability to move around may be moved to the front of the line.
A person assisting an individual with a mobility problem may also, at the
individual’s request, be given voting order priority.
Disabilities and conditions that may qualify you for voting order priority
include paralysis, lung disease, the use of portable oxygen, cardiac deficiency, severe limitation in the ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, foot disorder, the inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or use of a brace, cane, crutch, or other assistive device.
Voters who wish to be given voting order priority, and be accepted for voting before others in line to vote at that polling place, may indicate this to any election officer serving at the polling place. The presiding election judge will determine whether the voter and the voter’s assistant, if applicable, will be brought forward to the front of the line.
Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs this week issued a reminder to all eligible Texas voters to observe the recommended health care protocols released last month by her office, which are meant to help ensure the health and safety of all voters, election office personnel, polling place workers, and poll watchers in Texas.
“Despite COVID-19, the drumbeat of our democracy has marched on,” said Hughs. “I strongly encourage all eligible Texans to set aside time now so they can be prepared to cast a ballot during the early voting period or on Election Day. It is essential to our democracy that Texans are able to safely and confidently cast their vote.”
Voters who possess one of the following 7 approved forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (License is not required to be REAL ID compliant),
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS,
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS,
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS,
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph,
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph, and
- United States Passport (book or card).
Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the 7 forms of approved photo ID may execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form, available to them at each polling location, and provide a supporting form of identification.
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, the acceptable photo ID must be current or, for voters aged 18-69, have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. A voter 70 years of age or older may use a form of acceptable photo ID listed above that has expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.
Those completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form will be required to present a copy or original of 1 of the following supporting forms of identification:
- a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate
- a current utility bill
- a bank statement
- a government check
- a paycheck
- a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate
- a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document)
The address on an acceptable form of photo identification or a supporting form of identification, if applicable, does not have to match the voter’s address on the list of registered voters, according to Hughs.
For more information on voting in Texas, including candidates in each party’s runoff elections, visit www.votetexas.gov.
Man Found Naked In State Highway 11 Pasture Jailed On Methamphetamine Charge
Arrested on a control substance charge was a 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly found naked in a pasture near with several items, including a baggy with a substance that field-tested positive as methamphetamine. The man, after putting on pants, also allegedly tried to run from deputies and was tased, according deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney reported seeing a silver Mitsubishi Outlander parked at 2:50 a.m. at the entrance to a State Highway 11 west pasture near a box number listed as his home address. The SUV had not been at the location when the deputy patrolled through the area more than once during his shift. Investigating the vehicle as suspicious at that hour, Chaney reported finding it unsecured with multiple clothing items in plain view. The hood of the SUV was also still warm when he touched it, Chaney alleged.
The deputy then shined his flashlight into the pasture, where he saw an embankment to a pond. He then entered to make sure there was no one criminally trespassing on the property. While checking the area of the pond, Chaney shined his light toward the west and saw a man on his stomach under a tree, the deputy noted in arrest reports.
As he approached, Chaney noted the man to be “completely nude, unwrapping a rope like object from around his neck.” He allowed the man to put on pants as he approached. As he contacted the man, Chaney alleged seeing “several blue rubber handle like objects, a container he advised was lotion” and the man’s vehicle keys resting on a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal like substance he believed to be methamphetamine under a tree near the man. The 28-year-old allegedly became argumentative and exhibited behavior that lead the deputy to believe the man was highly intoxicated on meth.
Chaney contacted HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis on the radio and requested he respond at the location. When Davis arrived, the deputies reportedly asked to check the man for weapons. The man pulled away from Davis, turned around and started running away from deputies, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
The deputies deployed their Tasers, each striking him, according to arrest reports. However, the man allegedly continued running from them until they placed the man on the ground, where they claim he again resisted being placed into handcuffs. He was reportedly secured after a brief struggle, then escorted to Davis’ patrol unit.
EMS was contacted to evaluate the man due to concerns of methamphetamine intoxication and to have the probes removed. After being medically cleared, James Andrew Gregory was transported to Hopkins County jail.
The suspected methamphetamine, with packaging, weighed 0.4 gram, and field-tested positive for meth. Consequently, the 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and resisting arrest, search or transport.
Gregory was released from jail later June 25 on $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and $2,000 on the misdemeanor charge, 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.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Report June 26: One New Positive Case, 11 Additional Recoveries
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team on Friday evening, June 26 reported 1 new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County and several new recoveries. This makes a total of 52 positive cases since the pandemic began in MidMarch, and a total of 41 patients confirmed to have recovered from coronavirus. That leaves 11 active cases.
Judge Robert Newsom reported the Governor’s order issued today placed responsibility for determining special permission to allow large gatherings in the city with mayors and in non-incorporated areas with county judges. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom will take part in a meeting with city officials which will include Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 29, to talk about the 4th of July celebration. The decision, then, will be the mayor’s regarding the downtown Independence Day event.
“We hope it happens. That will be his decision,” Newsom said shortly after 8 p.m. June 26.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Endsley said Hopkins County restaurants will meet the terms for the exception to remain open at 75 percent occupancy.
“Since we had such a low number [of COVID cases] when Texas opened back up [May 1], that kept us ahead. We are at 75 percent because we filled out the proper DSHS paper work. Even though it’s gone up, the number of cases is s still lower her than some counties surrounding us. We are truly blessed in that,” Endsley said.
Bars will have to close per GA-28, with any enforcement regarding that to be handled at state level by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Governor Abbott in his announcement regarding GA-28 encouraged Texas to “wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
City, County Officials To Discuss Executive Order, 4th Of July Celebration Next Week
No decision has been made yet regarding the 4th of July celebration scheduled to be hosted downtown on Independence Day. City and county officials are slated to meet together at the first part of next week to discuss the local impact of Executive Order GA-28, with decisions to be made afterward.
Some groups and entities announced additional cancelations and postponement of events and activities Friday, following Governor Abbott’s announcement. All activities planned this weekend on the square by City of Sulphur Springs have been canceled.
Executive Order GA-28 issued Friday morning by the Governor again closed bars starting at 12 p.m. June 26 and reduces occupancy limitations for certain other businesses and large gatherings. Occupancy for restaurants, for example, will be reduced from 75 to 50 percent occupancy, beginning June 29.
Outdoor gatherings in excess of 100 people are also prohibited by the order, unless approved by local governments provided exceptions consistent with the order.
That brings into question whether the Independence Day Celebration will be allowed. The July 4 event planned by Hopkins County would be free to the public and include a fireworks show and musical entertainment.
Both city and county officials are expected to meet Monday to discuss the local impact of Executive Order GA-28, with any decisions to follow. The Independence Day celebration is expected to be discussed during the meeting.
Texas Transportation Commission Approves Transit Funds for Services Across the State
| NEWS RELEASE PARIS DISTRICT Tim McAlavy (903) 737-9213 [email protected] | |
| TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION APPROVES TRANSIT FUNDS FOR SERVICES ACROSS THE STATE $76 million awarded to public transit programs statewide June 26, 2020 Who, What, When, Where The Texas Transportation Commission approved approximately $76 million in transit funding at its June meeting. (Actual total: $76,119,986) State funds: $35 million Federal funds: $41 million The approval awards funds to public transportation providers in rural, small urban, and large urban areas. Funds go towards operating costs such as service and maintenance of vehicles and facilities. It’s up to each individual transit agency to determine what eligible expenses they pay for with this funding. This annual funding allocation does not come from recent Congressional Acts aimed to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background TxDOT funding provided nearly 27 million transit rides in Fiscal Year 2019. These transit services are an essential part of life for thousands of people across Texas. Nearly 70% of riders use these services to get to work, medical appointments or shopping. Transit also helps Texans get to schools, colleges and job training sites, as well as family trips, personal business and social/recreational travel. Transit funding administered by TxDOT supports programs serving 41% of the state’s population and over 96% of the state’s land area. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700. ### |
