AAA Texas: Statewide Gas Price Average Continues Fall Tumble; Down Eight Cents This Week

triple a texas logo

 

(Irving, TX) – The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in Texas is now $3.09, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is eight cents less than one week ago and two cents less than one year ago.  Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Texarkana are paying the most at $3.11 per gallon while drivers in Beaumont are paying the least at $3.03 per gallon.  Texans are paying 16 cents less than the national average of $3.25.

As the national average continues to decline, a few states are registering averages approaching the three dollar mark. Drivers in Missouri are paying the lowest average per gallon. No state has registered a daily average of less than $3.00 per gallon since January 23 when Missouri was last below this threshold.

Global oil prices have continued to slide as supplies have outpaced demand and markets remain relatively unmoved by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Given relatively inexpensive crude prices, adequate supplies and cheaper winter-blend fuel, and barring any unexpected market-moving news, drivers in as many as 20 states could enjoy an average price of less than three dollars per gallon before the end of the year.

“Overall, drivers are continuing to pay less per gallon today in many states than one week and one year ago,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Representative Doug Shupe. “We hope the fuel savings will benefit those who are planning road trips this fall to enjoy all the best that autumn has to offer.  AAA Texas travel agents are available at all branch offices to provide travelers with ideas on fall destinations and offer free guidance on ways to save money on those trips.”

To help members and non-members identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service. AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair <http://www.aaa.com/Repair> .  AAA Texas can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com <http://www.aaa.com/> .  Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas <http://www.facebook.com/AAATexas> .

Area

 

Current 10/09/14

 

10/02/14

 

Difference

 

Year Ago 10/09/13

 

Difference

 

Record High Date

 

Record High Price

 

National

 

$3.25

 

$3.33

 

-0.08

 

$3.35

 

-0.10

 

07/17/08

 

$4.11

 

State

 

$3.09

 

$3.17

 

-0.08

 

$3.11

 

-0.02

 

07/17/08

 

$3.98

 

Amarillo

 

$3.06

 

$3.16

 

-0.10

 

$3.15

 

-0.09

 

07/16/08

 

$3.98

 

Austin-San Marcos

 

$3.08

 

$3.14

 

-0.06

 

$3.16

 

-0.08

 

07/17/08

 

$3.97

 

Beaumont

 

$3.03

 

$3.09

 

-0.06

 

$3.10

 

-0.07

 

07/16/08

 

$4.00

 

Corpus Christi

 

$3.10

 

$3.16

 

-0.06

 

$3.11

 

-0.01

 

07/15/08

 

$3.96

 

Dallas

 

$3.11

 

$3.23

 

-0.12

 

$3.07

 

+0.04

 

07/16/08

 

$3.98

 

El Paso

 

$3.10

 

$3.16

 

-0.06

 

$3.09

 

+0.01

 

07/17/08

 

$3.97

 

Ft. Worth

 

$3.11

 

$3.23

 

-0.12

 

$3.06

 

+0.05

 

07/16/08

 

$3.97

 

Galveston

 

$3.06

 

$3.10

 

-0.04

 

$3.08

 

-0.02

 

07/14/08

 

$3.97

 

Houston

 

$3.06

 

$3.11

 

-0.05

 

$3.08

 

-0.02

 

07/17/08

 

$3.96

 

San Antonio

 

$3.04

 

$3.11

 

-0.07

 

$3.13

 

-0.09

 

07/16/08

 

$3.96

 

Texarkana

 

$3.11

 

$3.17

 

-0.06

 

$3.09

 

+0.02

 

07/17/08

 

$3.98

 

 

High School Football and College Football Schedules

High School Football Friday night:

 Conroe takes on Summer Creek, The Woodlands is at College Park, Oak Ridge is at Atascocita, Montgomery plays Klein Forest, Caney Creek is at Huntsville, Willis is at Rudder, Magnolia plays Tomball, Magnolia West plays Spring Woods, Splendora plays Hargrave, New Caney plays Galena Park, Porter Hosts Humble, and New Waverly plays Buffalo

College Football Action:

It’s Homecoming Weekend for Sam Houston State University-they take on McNeese State at three p.m. Saturday

Texas A&M takes on Ole Miss at eight p.m. Saturday night

University of Texas plays Oklahoma at eleven a.m. Saturday morning.

 For a complete rundown of college games happening this weekend, log onto:

 https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=college+football+schedule

 

Gov. Perry Visits Troops Deploying to West Africa in Fight against Ebola

FORT HOOD – Gov. Rick Perry today visited U.S. Army troops preparing to deploy to the West African nation of Liberia to help combat the spread of Ebola. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control calls this epidemic in West Africa the largest Ebola outbreak in history.

“In a closely interconnected world what affects people in one part of the globe, if left unchecked, will eventually affect those elsewhere,” Gov. Perry said. “Therefore, we must deal with this threat where the epidemic is at its worst. The efforts our troops will undertake to end this outbreak will mean greater safety and security for those in West Africa as well as all of us back at home.”

 More than 500 troops from the 36th Engineer Brigade, 1st Medical Brigade and 85th Civil Affairs Brigade stationed at Ft. Hood are expected to deploy to Liberia by the end of this month. Approximately 200 troops stationed at Ft. Bliss, but assigned to aviation units at Ft. Hood, will also deploy. Their mission will be constructing facilities to be used in the housing and care of Ebola patients. The troops will not have contact with Ebola patients. The servicemen and women from Ft. Hood are part of a larger deployment recently announced by the Department of Defense that will send more than 3,000 troops to West Africa.

Earlier this week, Gov. Perry announced the creation of the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response, aimed at assessing and enhancing the state’s existing capabilities to prepare for and respond to infectious disease, including the Ebola virus. The task force, made up of experts from around Texas, will develop a strategic emergency management plan for incident command teams and their partners at the state and local levels of government. Gov. Perry has also called on the federal government to implement enhanced screenings of travelers coming into the United States.

 

Montgomery County Sheriff Office’s Weekly Arrest and Activity Report

Weekly Media Summary & “BLOTTER” Review

District 1 – Lt. Jim Fleming (North County)

 On September 29, Deputy J. Davidson was investigating suspicious activity at a location on White Cedar. The deputy met with a male and during the investigation the deputy located 5.6 grams of methamphetamine. The 44 year old male from Willis was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

A 36 year old male from Willis was arrested at 6:38pm, September 29, and taken to jail from a residence on Shadow Bay by Deputy Z. Winford for a felony violation of probation warrant.

On October 1, Deputy J. Henson was dispatched to a residence on Magnolia Park to a disturbance. The deputy met with a female who was loading items into a vehicle and attempting to leave. The deputy learned the female had been residing at the home but was taking property that did not belong to her.  The 61 year old from Conroe was arrested for theft and taken to jail.

On October 4, Deputy R. Stein was dispatched to Twin Pines to an assault. The deputy met with a male who told the deputy that he and his wife had been at a bar and when they returned home the female threw things at him and he was struck on the head with a burner from the stove. The 47 year old female from Conroe was arrested at 4:12am and taken to jail.

District 2 – Lt. Bill Bucks (South County)

 On September 29, 2014, Deputy Zavorski arrested an 18 year old male from Magnolia on an active warrant; the suspect was arrested and transported to Montgomery County jail.

On October 1, 2014, Deputy Macias was dispatched near the 8540 block of Highway 242 in reference to a suspicious person. A 24 year old female from Conroe was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence.

On October 1, 2014, Deputy Dowell was dispatched near the intersection of Burnham Woods and Water Bend Cove road in reference to a disturbance. A 23 year old male from Spring was arrested for public intoxication.

On October 3, 2014 at approximately 1255 hours, Deputy Bible was dispatched near the 25400 block of Borough Park Drive in reference to a theft. A 27 year old male from Conroe was arrested for theft and possession of a prohibited weapon.

On October 3, 2014, Deputy Vercher was dispatched near the intersection of Riley Fuzzel and Spring Trails in reference to a wrong way driver. A 33 year old male from Spring was arrested for driving on the wrong side of the road.

On October 4, 2014, Deputy Lowery was dispatched near the intersection of IH-45 and Rayford road in reference to a welfare check. A 26 year old male from Spring was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to Montgomery County jail.

On October 4, 2014, Deputy Mayes while on patrol near the 300 block of Sawdust road observed an intoxicated person. A 36 year male was arrested and charged with public intoxication.

On October 5, 2014, Deputy Logan responded to an attempt to locate a possible intoxicated person near the 6700 block of FM 1488. A 44 year old male from Conroe was arrested for driving while intoxicated; the suspect was transported to Montgomery County jail.

District 3 – Lt. Joe Senn (East County)

 On September 29, 2014, Deputy Stone was dispatched to a Porter address for a criminal trespass. A 35 year old male was found sleeping in the resident’s cabin. The man did not have permission to be in the cabin and had been arrested previously for staying in the same cabin without the owner’s consent.

On October 03, 2014, Deputy Durrenberger was dispatched to a New Caney address for a 911 hang up. He spoke to a female and determined that there was no emergency. When the deputy was driving away he saw a vehicle approaching driving erratically. The deputy stopping the vehicle and learned the driver was who called 911. The female driver was intoxicated on an illegal substance and was arrested for DUI.

On October 04, 2014, Deputy Gallagher was dispatched to a Porter intersection for the report of a man passed out behind the wheel of a truck. The 52 year old man was found sleeping in his truck with the truck in reverse and parked on the wrong side of the road. The driver was arrested for DWI.

On October 05, 2014, Deputy Gallagher was dispatched to a New Caney restaurant to check the welfare of a customer who was asleep in the lobby. The 24 year old male was arrested and taken to jail for Public Intoxication.

Seven other persons were arrested clearing twelve warrants.

 

 District 4 – Lt. Allison Amundson (West County)

On October 5th Deputy Mittag was dispatched to the Ranch Crest subdivision in reference to an intoxicated male.  The 24 year old said he had lost his phone and had been digging a hole in the yard looking for it and he was also was attempting to flag down cars that drove.  The male was taken into custody for Public Intoxication.

On October 3rd Deputy Crandell was dispatched to a gas station in the 32000 block of SH 249 for a welfare check.  Upon arrival the Deputy met with a witness who said that he had been driving south on Hardin Store Road and a vehicle pulled out in front up him, almost stopped then swerved into oncoming traffic before pulling into store’s parking lot. The female driver then went into the store.  The driver was taken into custody for DWI.

On October 3rd Deputy Provenzano was dispatched to a Suspicious Person regarding a car parked next to a retention pond on Hardin Store Spur.  The deputy saw a group of males running and later found a 17 year old male a short distance away.  The male had a small amount of marijuana in his pocket.  The suspect was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

On September 30th Deputy Irvine while on routine patrol in the area of N. Carrol and observed a 25 year old male standing on the street.  The deputy recognized the male and made contact with him.  The male had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear and was arrested/

 

District 5 – Lt. Gary Welch  (Northwest County)

On September 23, 2014, a traffic stop was made at Walden Road and Harbor Side BLVD. The male driver was arrested for a speeding warrant by the deputy.

On September 30, 2014, deputies responded to the 13600 Block of Timber West in reference to a warrant service. The female was arrested for a felony motion to revoke warrant.

On October 01, 2014, deputies responded to HWY 105 West and Tejas BLVD in reference to a warrant service. The male was located and arrested on two outstanding warrants.

On October 02, 2014 deputies responded to Regency Point Drive in reference to a warrant service. The female on location was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

On October 03, 2014 a deputy stopped to assist a motorist at HWY 105 and S Pine Lake. The male occupant of the vehicle was arrested for a parole violation warrant.

 

District 6 – Lt. David Dottei (Woodlands)

 On September 30, Deputy Davis conducted a traffic stop for speeding on Woodlands Parkway. The deputy smelled an odor of marijuana from the vehicle.  The driver, a 41 year old male, was arrested for possession of marijuana.

On September 30, Deputy Aguilar was dispatched to 3040 College Park Drive in reference to a Theft. The suspect, a 33 year old female, attempted to take $324.09 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart.  The suspect was arrested and taken to jail.

On October 2, Deputy Lozano was dispatched to 3040 College Park Drive in reference to a shoplifter. The suspect, a 68 year old female, attempted to $114.49 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart.  The suspect was arrested and taken to jail.

On October 5, Deputy Frisina arrested a 36 year old male for calling in a False Report of a shooting at his residence. Deputies arrived on scene and found that no offense had occurred, however, the suspect did appear intoxicated.  The suspect was arrested and taken to jail.

On October 6, Deputy Aguilar conducted a traffic stop for running stop sign. Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Aguilar saw the occupants roll down the windows causing smoke to come out of the vehicle.  The driver, a 17 year old male, was arrested for possession of marijuana and taken to jail.

 

 

Tomball Weekly Arrest Report

 

tomball police

Weekly Media Summary

September 28, 2014 – October 04, 2014

 ARRESTS:

 Narcotics Violations:

On 09/29/2014, Officers Sampson and Burns arrested a 30 year old man from Tomball for Possession of a Controlled Substance.   Officer Sampson made contact with a suspicious vehicle in the 800 block of W. Main.  During a search incident to arrest, the officers discovered Xanax in the suspect’s vehicle.

On 09/30/2014, Officer Tikal arrested a 29 year old woman and a 47 year old woman, both from Spring for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Officer Tikal was dispatched to the 1440 block of E. Main St. in regards to a Theft.  The suspects left the area but were spotted by Officer Tikal who conducted a traffic stop.  Officer Tikal searched the vehicle and discovered methamphetamine.

On 10/01/2014, Cpl. Manickas arrested a 24 year old man from Tomball for Possession of Marijuana. Cpl. Manickas made contact with a vehicle with expired inspection in the 2600 block of S. Cherry, and detected a strong odor of marijuana. Sgt. Welch also checked by.  During a search, Sgt. Welch and Cpl. Manickas discovered marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle.

On 10/02/2014, Officer Finney arrested a 37 year old woman from Tomball for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Officer Finney conducted a traffic stop in the 29900 block of Tomball Pkwy.  During a search incident to arrest, Officer Finney discovered methamphetamine in the suspect’s vehicle and purse.

On 10/04/2014, Officers Finney and Hernandez arrested a 17 year old man from Tomball for Possession of Marijuana. The officers initiated a traffic stop in the 27700 block of Tomball Pkwy.  During a search, the officers discovered marijuana in the vehicle.

 

Assault:

 On 09/29/2014, Officer Ferguson arrested a 43 year old woman from Magnolia for Assault Family Violence. Officer Ferguson responded to a disturbance in the 1400 block of W Main.  Upon investigation, Officer Ferguson discovered that the suspect had assaulted her father.

On 10/02/2014, Cpl. Hill and Sgt. Welch arrested a 19 year old man from Tomball for Assault Family Violence.

The officers responded to a disturbance in the 1000 block of Village Square. Upon investigation, the officers discovered that the suspect had assaulted his girlfriend.

On 10/04/2014, Officer Ferguson arrested a 33 year old man from Tomball for Assault Family Violence. Officer Ferguson responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of Carrell St.  Upon investigation, Officer Ferguson discovered that the suspect had assaulted his girlfriend.

 

Driving While Intoxicated:

On 10/03/2014, Officer Tikal arrested a 29 year old man from Tomball for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 10/03/2014, Cpl. Hill arrested a 35 year old man from Tomball for Driving While Intoxicated and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. Cpl. Hill conducted a traffic stop in the 1300 block of W. Main and discovered that the suspect had a handgun.  He was arrested without incident.

 

 Theft:

On 09/29/2014, Officer Williams arrested a 24 year old woman from Magnolia for Theft. Officer Williams responded to a theft in the 27600 block of Tomball Pkwy., and the suspect was arrested without incident.

On 09/29/2014, Officer Maglitto arrested a 26 year old man from Conroe for Theft and Failure to ID Fugitive. Officer Maglitto responded to a theft in the 28500 block of Tomball Pkwy.  The suspect gave the wrong name and date of birth because he had warrants.  The suspect was arrested without incident.

On 10/03/2014, Officer Finney arrested a 17 year old woman from Magnolia for Theft. Officer Finney responded to a theft in the 14400 block of FM 2920, and the suspect was arrested without incident.

On 10/03/2014, Officer Finney arrested a 24 year old woman from Montgomery for Theft. Officer Finney responded to a theft in the 14300 block of FM 2920, and the suspect was arrested without incident.

On 10/03/2014, Officers Hernandez and Maglitto arrested a 55 year old man for Theft. The officers responded to a theft in the 14300 block of FM 2920, and the suspect was arrested without incident.

On 10/04/2014, Officer Maglitto arrested a 28 year old woman from Waller for Theft. Officer Maglitto responded to a theft in the 27600 block of Tomball Pkwy., and the suspect was arrested without incident.

Failure to ID:

On 10/04/2014, Officer Ferguson arrested a 23 year old woman from Tomball for Failure to Identify Fugitive. Officer Ferguson responded to an Assault in the 300 block of Carrell St.  During questioning, the suspect provided a false name and date of birth in an attempt to hide outstanding warrants.

 

OFFENSE REPORTS:

 Burglary:

On 09/29/2014, Officer Burns responded to a Burglary of a Building in the 500 block of W. Main St., where two cash registers valued at approximately $300.00 each and approximately $575.00 cash was stolen.

 Burglary of a Motor Vehicle:

On 10/01/2014, Officer Littell responded to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle in the 28400 block of Tomball Pkwy., where an Apple IPad valued at approximately $900.00 and other items valued at approximately $500.00 were stolen.

 Theft:

On 10/30/2014, Officer Gorman responded to a Theft in the 200 block of School St. Approximately $450.00 was stolen.

On 01/02/2014, Officer Hernandez responded to a Theft in the 700 block of E. Main St. Approximately $7,000 was embezzled from a business.  The suspect collected monies but merchandise wasn’t delivered.

 Auto Theft:

On 09/08/2014, Officer Ferguson responded to an Automobile Theft in the 27400 block of SH 249, where a Dodge Pickup valued at approximately $39,000.00 was stolen.

 

 

 

Wounded Veterans BBQ Fundraiser Saturday in The Woodlands

wounded veterans picture threewounded veterans picture twowounded veterans picture one

Constable Ryan Gable in conjunction with The Texas Honor Ride, and American Legion Post #305 is hosting a fundraiser to benefit  the wounded veterans at the Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.  100% of all funds raised will be donat- ed to the veterans.

 Saturday— October 11, 2014 2235 Lake Robbins Drive

(South County Community Center) 11:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Meal Plates to include: Brisket, Sausage, BBQ Beans, Potato Salad and Drink.  (Pre-Orders available)

Minimum Donation of $ 10 .00 per plate requested

 

 

State’s Motion to Recuse Judge Kelly Case from Adrian Peterson Case

STATE’S MOTION FOR RECUSAL

 TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF THE  DISTRICT COURT:

COMES NOW THE STATE OF TEXAS, by the undersigned assistant district attorney, and moves for the recusal of the Hon. Kelly Case from any proceedings conducted in the above-captioned case, on grounds that: (a) the Judge’s impartiality in this matter might reasonably be questioned; and (b) the Judge has a personal bias and prejudice concerning a party to this proceeding. The State would respectfully show the Court the following:

  1. On April 30, 2013, Judge Case jailed a school teacher for failing to arrive for jury duty, despite the maximum punishment being a $1000 fine. District Attorney Brett Ligon declined to prosecute the contempt action requested by Judge Case. In his capacity as a legal analyst for a local news station, Brian Wice-current counsel for Mr. Adrian Peterson-allowed Judge Case to appear on television to explain away his error.
  2. Since Judge Case’s election in 2012, the State has been forced to file an unprecedented number  of  petitions  for writ  of mandmnus  to  force  him  to  set aside

unlawful orders. The State has filed five petitions requesting the Court of Appeals to issue writs of mandamus to Judge Case. Four of the petitions have been granted by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth District of Texas, and the State moved to withdraw the fifth petition  after Judge Case withdrew the unlawful  order he issued, stating he had signed it “in error.”

 

  1. Each mandamus proceeding has resulted in negative publicity for Judge Judge Case has unfairly blamed counsel for the State for the unfavorable press coverage of his mistakes and erroneous rulings.
    1. On June 18, 2014, Judge Case threatened to send District Attorney Ligon to jail during a hearing on a matter in which Ligon had no personal
  2. On September 9, 2014, Judge Case was in attendance at a Texas Patriots political action committee Judge Case made unsolicited disparaging comments towards District Attorney Brett Ligon, demonstrating his bias against the District Attorney.
  3. Prior to an October 8, 2014 pretrial hearing, several media outlets began to repo1i that Adrian Peterson would receive a December 1 trial The State was neither consulted nor present at any hearings discussing potential trial elates. Subsequent to the hearing and in spite of the pending State’s motion to recuse the judge, Judge Case set a tentative trial date of December 1, 2014, appearing to confirm that the media sources and/or the defense had been consulted by the court without the State being present.
  4. During the October 8, 2014 pretrial hearing Judge Case, on the record, admitted to calling  defense  counsel  Rusty  Hardin  and  District  Attorney  Brett  Ligon  “media whores,” during a prior drug court staffing attended by District Attorney staff as well as other drug court staff members.
  5. Frank Barnett and Vanessa Atkinson (affidavits attached) state the comment was not made in jest and was made in front of approximately eight total staff and courthouse Judge Case appeared to be voicing his sincere opinion about the attorneys in the Adrian Peterson case.
    1. The State of Texas has a current motion to recuse Judge Case pending in The State of Texas Michael Burl Massingill, based upon Judge Case allowing Gilbert Garcia-the former political opponent of Brett Ligon-to call the elected District Attorney as a witness in a hearing on a motion for a gag order, filed by the defense attorney seeking to protect Judge Case from further negative publicity. The propriety of a defense attorney filing a motion for a gag order to protect the sitting judge from negative publicity is obviously suspect.

Judge Kelley Case continues to demonstrate an ongoing hostility to the law and to the District Attorney ‘s office. The numerous rulings he has made contrary to the law, the ongoing public attacks upon the elected District Attorney in a personal and derogatory manner, and his apparent collusion with defense attorneys in prior and pending criminal matters show an ongoing prejudice and bias that the State cannot overcome.

Cannon 1 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct states, “An independent and honorable judiciary is indispensable to justice in our society. A judge should participate in establishing, maintaining and enforcing high standards of conduct, and should personally observe those standards so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary is preserved.” Cannon 3(4) states, “A judge shall be patient, dignified and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity.” Judge Case’s behavior demonstrates his inability to comply with these Cannons.

Judge Case has continued to issue orders that the courts of appeals have found to be unlawful, has threatened to throw the District Attorney in jail on cases he is not directly handling, attends public forums where he disparages the District Attorney and called the District Attorney a “whore” in a meeting with multiple individuals including District Attorney and drug court staffs. His inability to contain his displeasure with the negative publicity he continues to bring upon himself and his intent on finding a way to interfere with the duties of the elected District Attorney or throw the District Attorney in jail clearly demonstrates that the Judge’s impartiality in this matter might reasonably be questioned. It also seems clear that the Judge has a personal bias and prejudice concerning a party to this proceeding, particularly with regard to the elected District Attorney who is personally serving as the lead attorney in the prosecution of this case.

 

 

THEREFORE, the State moves that Judge Case voluntarily recuse himself from these proceedings, or alternatively, that this motion be referred to the presiding judge of the administrative region, and that Judge Case be recusecl from these proceedings by the district judge assigned to hear this motion.

Respectfolly submitted,

 

BRETT W. LIGON

District Attorney Montgomery County, Texas

PHIL GRANT

Assistant District Attorney Montgomery County, Texas SBT No. 00796662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Sentenced for Involvement in Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Racketeering Conspiracy

HOUSTON – Five Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang members from Dallas were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in the ABT enterprise, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Acting Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Today, James Lawrence Burns, 44, and Kenneth Hancock, 34, high-ranking members in the ABT’s hierarchical structure, were ordered to serve respective terms of 20 and 15 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sim Lake. Yesterday, Dustin Harris, 30, and Christopher Morris, 39, were each ordered to serve 10 years in prison, while Clay Kirkland, 35, received a sentence of more than 11 years. An additional defendant – Bill Frank Weatherred, 29 – will be sentenced tomorrow.

According to information presented in court, the six men were admitted members of ABT, a powerful race-based, statewide organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and the United States. Along with other ABT gang members and associates, they agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang. ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.

The ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system. The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. Previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism, but over time, the ABT has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit, according to court records.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

In order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member. Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

The defendants sentenced this week are six of 36 defendants convicted of conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.

This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Prisons; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Sheriff’s offices in Montgomery, Harris, Atascosa, Orange, Waller, Galveston and Tarrant Counties; Police Departments in Houston, Alvin, Carrollton, Mesquite, Baytown and Fort Worth; and District Attorney’s offices in Montgomery, Atascosa and Harris Counties.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ed Gallagher and Tim Braley for the Southern District of Texas and David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

 

Man sentenced to 30 years in prison for multiple felony offenses after crashing his vehicle into five other vehicles and injuring five different people while driving intoxicated on PCP.

Booking Photo (2)

 

Highly intoxicated driver who crashed into multiple vehicles and injured multiple people pled guilty to the felony offense of Intoxication Assault along with several other felony charges. On October 8, 2014, Lawrence Ray Newsome II pled guilty in the 221st District Court in Montgomery County to the felony offenses of Intoxication Assault, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More, and two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon arising out of multiple crashes that occurred on U.S. Highway 59 on June 5, 2013. Newsome was then sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Mr. Newsome was arrested by officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety after he caused multiple crashes along US Highway 59 and then attempted to flee the scene. Newsome, while traveling at a high rate of speed and crossing multiple lanes of traffic, crashed into five different vehicles along a two mile stretch of the freeway before barreling through a Wal-Mart parking lot and hitting a pedestrian. After hitting each vehicle, Newsome drove on without rendering aid to the victims or calling 911. A further investigation determined that Mr. Newsome was operating his vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, namely PCP. Mr. Newsome has two prior convictions for Driving While Intoxicated.

When they arrived on scene, officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, and Precinct 4 Constable’s Office responded to the multiple crash locations and discovered at least five people who had suffered major injuries, including Newsome’s own two year old child who was in the back seat of the car Newsome was driving. Upon his plea of Guilty, Mr. Newsome was sentenced to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division. Because of the Deadly Weapon finding as part of the sentence, Newsome will serve at least 15 years before he is eligible for parole. Newsome has multiple prior felony convictions including Fail to Identify-Fugitive, Possession of Marijuana, Theft, Assault on a Public Servant, Driving While Intoxicated, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was two prior trips to prison.

 

Shanna Redwine (Vehicular Crimes Prosecutor): “Newsome is very lucky that he did not kill someone that night. This case is an example of the destruction a motor vehicle can do when the operator chooses to drive under the influence of a drug. Newsome’s totally disregard for the safety of others was very scary.”

 

Tyler Dunman (Vehicular Crimes Division Chief): “After the destruction was over, the law enforcement agencies and first responders did a great job of investigating this case and putting the pieces together. Newsome’s vehicle was literally a missile heading down the freeway that night. His lengthy prison sentence will give him plenty of time to reflect on the devastation he caused.”

Deputies Discover Nearly $2 million in Marijuana Inside Humble Home

HUMBLE MARIJUANA PICTURE ONEHUMBLE MARIJUANA PICTURE TWO

(HUMBLE, TX) – HCSO deputies discovered nearly $2 million worth of marijuana plants at a home in Humble Tuesday night. The discovery of nearly 500 marijuana plants with a street value of almost $2 million was made at 7022 Dewberry Shores Ln. Deputies were led to the home after a service technician with the electric company noticed the power source had been tampered with. No arrests have been made. Assisting in the investigation were HCSO patrol deputies and investigators with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Task Force See something? Say something! iWatchHarrisCounty is the HCSO’s free mobile phone app that allows the public to report suspicious persons and/or activity anonymously, anywhere, any time. For more information please visit www.iWatchHarrisCounty.com. We watch Harris County and so should you.

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