On Tuesday, December 2, 2008 @ approximately 4:50 pm, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office SIU served a narcotics search warrant at a residence located in the 1400 Block of San Jacinto, Conroe, Texas.
The SIU received tips from concerned citizens that narcotics were being trafficked from this location along with stolen property. The tipsters complained of heavy in and out traffic and drug transactions occurring in the driveway of the residence. The SIU established probable cause for a warrant which was issued by Judge Trey Spikes, Justice of the Peace Pct2.
During the search of the property and residence two stolen motorcycles and two stolen ATV 4 wheelers where recovered, one was listed stolen from a Sheriff in a neighboring county, one stolen low boy trailer, 3 ounces of ICE methamphetamine, numerous controlled substance prescription pills, 3 ounces of marijuana, other dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia, electronic scales, two switch blade knives, a pistol, rifle, shotgun, and a full automatic UZI sub machine.
Arrested at scene
1. Andrew Focht w/m dob 06-23-1962
Charged with: Poss C/S Methamphetamine 4 -200 grams ~ Felony-2 Poss Marijuana 2-4 ounces ~ Misd A Poss C/S valium ~ Misd A 3 counts Possession Stolen Property ~ State Jail Felony x 3 and 3 counts Felon Possession Firearm ~ State Jail Felony x 3
2. Christopher Stephens w/m 05-20-1972
Charged with: Unlawful Use Motor Vehicle ~ State Jail Felony Poss Marijuana ~ Misd B.
The SIU was assisted by the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force.
Gun safety is everyone’s responsibility
Updated: 12.01.08
We are hearing more and more each day about accidents and, sadly to say, crimes involving firearms. Each time a tragedy involving a gun is publicized, we hear a barrage from one side of the political fence demanding more gun control, and an equally thunderous volley from the other side with something along the lines of ‘Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.’ We spend a lot of time arguing about how many bullets a gun should shoot, how long the barrel should be and how fast it should fire.
One of the things that seems to get overlooked is the fact that there are millions of firearms already in the possession of millions of Americans, and that most of those firearms are legal to today’s standards. What can we do to prevent the accidents and even some of the crimes we hear about?
It makes no difference on which side of the political fence you sit, you can do your part to further gun safety. If you don’t own guns and don’t want your children to have guns, at least teach them what to do if they were to come across a gun. Teach them to never pick up a gun. Tell them to get an adult immediately. Treat all guns as if they were loaded. A gun is never to be played with, no matter how enticing it may be or how many of their friends may be urging them to do so. For those of you who do have guns, the same rules apply. Also teach your children the proper use and safety when handling guns and that guns should not be handled unless adults are there to supervise.
When keeping guns at home, be sure they are unloaded and out of the reach of children. Keep them safe by locking them in a secure place such as a gun safe or other area to which children do not have access. Failing to keep your guns secured and out of the reach of children is now a crime in most states, and more and more parents are being prosecuted.
If you cannot secure your guns, install trigger locks to prevent the gun from being fired. The small cost of a trigger lock is cheap insurance when compared to the physical, emotional and monetary grief you could suffer if your gun were to fall into the wrong hands.
If you are not sure how to safely use and store your guns, get educated. Take a handgun safety class, read books on gun safety or give your local police department or sheriff’s department a phone call.
While there may be a lot of debate on what to do about guns, there is no debate on gun safety.
‘Latin lotto scam’ is back in force in Montgomery County area
Updated: 11.24.08
I have written about this week’s topic a couple of times in recent years, and once again, it has happened in our area. The “Latin Lotto Scam” is back. Innocent victims have been swindled of their life savings to the tune of millions of dollars in recent years.
Here’s how it works. It is called the Latin Lotto Scam because the con artists or the victims, or both, are of Hispanic descent. The con artists usually work in groups of three or more. The victim may only see one or two of the con artists. Usually, the first con artist will approach the victim and tell them that he is in possession of a winning lottery ticket but cannot collect the winnings because he is in the country illegally, is not 21 years of age, or cannot pay the taxes required to collect the money.
The second con artist usually happens by at this point and overhears the conversation, and gets involved by looking at the lottery ticket and verifying the ticket is a valid winner. The first con artist will then offer the winning lottery ticket to the victim for half price or whatever price the victim can afford. Sometimes they will all meet at a pre-determined location or they may even escort the victim to the bank to get the money.
Once the money is seen, a distraction occurs and the money is taken from the victim. There also have been cases where personal items such as jewelry or other valuables have been given in exchange for the bogus winning lottery ticket.
There are many variations of this type of scam, but they are all examples of what is called a pigeon drop scam. The victims are usually older, easily convinced, and possibly easier to intimidate. This one happens to use the lottery ticket as the bait. The con artists travel from state to state wherever there is a lottery. Once the area is saturated and the heat is on, they leave for a new area. In a couple of years, they return to start all over again.
Many victims are afraid to come forward due to fear of retaliation, or worse, embarrassment for having been victimized. Numerous cases are being investigated in the Houston and Harris County area. If you or someone you know have been approached or victimized by a scam similar to the one described above, please contact your local law enforcement agency. As in any type of scam or suspicious activity, take no action other than to get any possible clothing descriptions, suspect descriptions, suspect vehicle descriptions, or vehicle license plates. Report the information to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible. Even if you become a victim, you may not be able to recover your losses, but you may be able to help prevent someone else from being victimized.
Law enforcement keeping a watch over the holiday
Updated: 11.24.08
State and local law enforcement officials will be out in force throughout the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend in an effort to reduce drunk driving and traffic accidents and enforce compliance with automotive safety regulations.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers will be on the lookout for speeders, drunk drivers and seat belt violators as part of Operation CARE, or Combined Accident Reduction Effort.
“With the holiday season upon us and gas prices dropping, we expect more drivers on our roadways. Many people will choose not to wear their seatbelts and some drivers will be impaired,” Senior Trooper Gary Pflughaupt said in a press release. “DPS will have all available troopers out on the road during the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Operation CARE is a nationwide effort to reduce fatalities during holiday seasons, according to the press release. Troopers will be joining other state and local law enforcement agencies to keep highways safe during the period that begins 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and continues through midnight Sunday.
“We urge parents to set an example by wearing their seatbelts and to utilize car safety seats for their children,” Pflughaupt said in the release.
During the 2007 Thanksgiving Operation CARE, Texas DPS troopers wrote 10,426 citations for speeding and 400 for driving while intoxicated, plus 34 for minors driving under the influence. Troopers also wrote 1,026 citations for seatbelt violations and 358 tickets for child restraint violations.
DPS has a no-warnings policy for seatbelt and child restraint violations.
While neither Conroe Police Department nor the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have specialized taskforce operations scheduled, officials with both law enforcement organizations advise they will especially diligent during the holiday period.
“Our officers will be out in force to uphold the law,” MCSO Lt. Dan Norris said. “The roads will be busier than usual and our goal is to make motorists comply with regulations for a safer holiday.”
Conroe Police Sgt. Bob Berry said that agency also will be looking for holiday violations.
“There’s a lot more traffic on the roads during Thanksgiving,” he said. “We want everyone to be safe.”
At a glance
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and local law enforcement will be out in force Wednesday through Sunday looking for motorists violating seatbelt regulations and driving while impaired as part of Operation CARE – Combined Accident Reduction Effort – during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
FLEEING FELON SMASHES SHENANDOAH PATROL CAR
While patrolling the Interstate 45 Southbound service road on Tuesday, November 18th, at 4:30 in the morning, Shenandoah Police Officer Danny Nabors observed a stolen white Lexus driving at a high rate of speed. In an effort to elude Officer Nabors, the driver of the stolen vehicle whipped into the El Bosque Mexican restaurant. As Officer Nabors closed in, the driver struck the front of the marked patrol vehicle and fled south on the service road.
The fleeing suspect ran the red light at Research Forest and quickly got onto the main lanes of the highway. Fearing for the safety of the public and having to proceed cautiously through the intersection, Officer Nabors was unable to locate the vehicle upon entering the highway. Officer Nabors relayed this information to dispatch and Harris County law enforcement agencies were advised to be on the lookout for the stolen vehicle.
Just a few minutes after the dispatch, Harris County Pct. 4 Constables observed the white Lexus on IH-45 and 1960. Having nowhere to go and with multiple police units in pursuit, the driver of the stolen car attempted to exit the freeway near Cypress Station at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to rollover several times. Four black males, apparently unhurt from the violent wreck, fled on foot into a wooded area near the freeway. A Harris County Pct. 4 K-9 unit quickly arrived on scene and was able to find one of the suspects, identified as Jonathan Troy Dennis a 19 year old male from Houston, hiding in the tree line. Dennis was taken into custody. A computerized check of his name revealed an outstanding warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance with a bond of $800,000.
If you have any information concerning this case or the identities of the three remaining suspects, you are urged to contact the Shenandoah Police Department at (281) 367-8952. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Montgomery County Crime Stoppers (800) 392-STOP.
AGGRAVATED ROBBERY - SUSPECT
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT THREE CONSTABLE’S OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING AN AGGRAVATED ROBBERY THAT OCCURRED ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2008 AT APPROXIMATELY 1630 HOURS. THE W/F DESCRIBED ABOVE ENTERED THE IN & OUT FOOD STORE LOCATED AT 2021 RAYFORD ROAD, WHERE SHE PRODUCED A LARGE KNIFE IN A THREATENING MANNER AND DEMANDED CASH FROM THE CLERK. THE SUSPECT MADE OFF WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF CASH. THE OTHER SUSPECT INVOLVED IS THE DRIVER OF A SMALL SILVER PICK-UP TRUCK BEARING TEXAS LICENSE (FIRST THREE ONLY) OF "9JR - ???".
If you have information on the identity of this suspect or on the driver and vehicle owner you could be entitled to a Cash Reward up to $1000.00. Click here to leave a secure webtip or call 1-800-392-STOP (7867). All callers will remain annonymous.
Suspects dump woman after abduction, rape
By STEFANIE THOMAS
Updated: 11.14.08
Authorities are asking for help from the public in identifying and locating two suspects who allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 22-year-old Peach Creek woman before setting her free near Northpark Drive and Sorters Road Nov. 6.
According to Montgomery County Sheriff’s investigators, the woman was abducted from the Peach Creek area shortly before 5 a.m. Authorities said she was approached by two men in a pickup truck who lured the victim to their vehicle by asking her if she had seen their dog.
“The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries [in the assault] and did not require hospitalization,” said MCSO Detective Ken Bivens.
The suspects’ pickup truck is described as newer model 4-door Chevrolet, dark in color with a silver “headache” rack.
Investigators have released a description of the two men, stating the driver of the vehicle is a white male in his 20s with a gauged-out ear and a white bandage on his neck. His first name might be Alex.
The second suspect is also a white male in his 20s, about 6-foot-1 in height and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has brown eyes and short brown hair.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Ken Bivens at 281-577-8958. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling Montgomery County Crimes Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867), or by submitting a webtip at www.montgomerycountycrimestoppers.org.
Holiday season typically sees increase in burglaries
By ANNA SCHUMANN
Updated: 11.05.08
As holiday season nears, police warn that many criminals will go holiday shopping using a “five finger discount” and get their gifts by burglarizing vehicles.
Tomball Police Chief Robert Hauck said the holidays always show an increase in reported burglaries of motor vehicles.
According to the police department, every two minutes, a vehicle in Texas is burglarized and its contents are stolen.
Hauck said even citizens who normally take precautions such as locking up and hiding valuables including GPS (global positioning systems) and purses in their car, often forget to do the same with their holiday shopping bags.
Just in October, 14 burglaries of motor vehicles were reported. Since the arrest of a woman suspected of a string of burglaries, new burglaries have been reported.
Tomball police haven’t seen neighborhood or vehicle-type patterns in the most recent burglaries reported, Hauck said, but the vehicles have been unlocked or had their windows slightly cracked.
“It’s surprising how many cars end up unlocked,” he said.
Tips for a safer holiday
Lock all doors and roll up all windows
Park in a well-lit, busy area
Use an anti-theft device
Don’t leave valuables in a vehicle where they can be seen from outside. If you must leave valuables inside a vehicle, secure them in the trunk.
Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. Thieves may use it to locate your home or vehicle.
Keep records such as make, model and serial numbers readily available.
Watch for suspicious persons in or around a parking lot.
Law enforcement tip lines help keep community crime down
Updated: 11.17.08
Solving and preventing crime is a cooperative effort between the community, law enforcement and the media. The community acts as the eyes and ears for law enforcement. The community relies on law enforcement to take action against criminals. Both law enforcement and the community rely on the media to spread the word about crime trends or publicize information on wanted criminals.
We all have watched or heard of television shows such as “America’s Most Wanted” and know that when information is put out to the public, the public responds. We in law enforcement also know that citizen input can take criminals off of the street.
Montgomery County is fortunate to have an organization called Montgomery County Crimestoppers that serves our area with coordination, communication and follow-up on tips from the public to law enforcement agencies. Crimestoppers is a community oriented nonprofit organization that works with the media and law enforcement to prevent crime or to catch the people who commit them. It’s important to remember that Crimestoppers uses no tax money and relies only on sponsors and fundraising efforts to keep the project working.
The concept behind Crimestoppers is that there are many people in the community who have information on criminals or criminal activity and are willing to give it to law enforcement provided they can remain anonymous and with the incentive that they may receive some compensation for their information. Callers may receive up to $1,000 for information leading to arrest and/or indictment of individuals who commit crimes. Crimestoppers can be reached at (800) 392-STOP (7867).
Crimestoppers also works with other law enforcement tip lines such as the Conroe Independent School District’s KIDCHAT (888-KID-CHAT) line. KIDCHAT’s primary interest is in information for crimes that are committed on school property.
The Conroe Police Department has established a tip line for information regarding any type of criminal activity with emphasis placed on drug activity in neighborhoods within the city limits of Conroe. The Conroe Police Department’s tip line is (936) 522-3303.
We encourage anyone with information on criminal activity to contact one of these numbers so that the appropriate law enforcement agency can work on getting the criminals off of the streets and make your neighborhood a safer place to live. Tip lines work. Help us help you.
Abduction
On November 6, 2008 at approximately 4:55 AM a female was abducted and assaulted from the Peach Creek area of Montgomery County. The female was eventually released in the Northpark/ Sorters road area. The woman was approached by two men in a described as being dark in color with a silver head-ache rack. The men lured the victim to the vehicle by asking her if she had seen their dog.
The males are described as follows:
Suspect 1
20’s / gauged out ears
White bandage on neck
Short brown hair
(Driver) Alex (LNU) W/M
Suspect 2
W/M / 20’s / 6’01 / 160 / Brown eyes
Short brown hair
(Passenger)
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Ken Bivens at 281-577-8958 or contact the
Child abduction continues to be a significant issue
Updated: 11.10.08
There has been a lot in the news lately about missing children, children being abducted and the subsequent manhunts for both the victim and the suspect. It seems as though we hear a story in the national or local news just about every day.
The fact is, across the nation there are more than 2,000 reports of missing children filed with law enforcement agencies daily. Most are lost in a mall, store or other public place and are easily found. Others come just home late. Some are listed as runaways. A small number become pawns in child custody cases. An even smaller number are found to be truly missing and suspected of being abducted.
Searching the Internet for “child abduction” will get more hits for attorneys and private investigators specializing in child custody cases than hits for how to find or prevent child abduction or exploitation. We often hear the most about the truly abducted children because of the sinister and graphic details of the case.
I can remember when parents, law enforcement agencies and schools taught about stranger danger. They taught what children should do if a stranger approached, tried to lure or made it as far as abducting a child. The stranger danger information is valid to this day, to a point. More than 90 percent of child abduction or exploitation cases in this country occur at the hands of a parent, relative, family member, acquaintance or associate of the family. Children should know not to get in a car with any stranger. They should know that strangers will not search them out to ask for their help, and that if any stranger makes them feel ill at ease, they should get away at any cost, and then tell their parents or a trusted adult.
Now, factor in the Internet and the age of technology. Children are bombarded with images and messages daily, some of which are not suitable for even some adults. Before, child predators had to search out their victim and almost physically snatch the child from their parents, school or home. Child predators now have an almost anonymous swinging door into the home of the child.
The rules are changing. In addition to stranger danger, law enforcement agencies, schools and churches now have to spread the word that not all child predators or molesters are strangers, but may be someone the child may know and trust. School counselors are spreading the word through programs such as “Child Lures” and the WHO Program. Law enforcement agencies and private organizations offer free child fingerprinting. Parents should document their child’s yearly growth with photos, fingerprints and videos. Children should know that kids play with kids and adults play with adults; if someone wants to change that rule, the child should let parents know. Parents must exercise parental control over their child’s Internet access. Parents should know where their children are and with whom they are spending their time.
We will not be able to prevent every case of child abduction, molestation or exploitation. There will be cases like the one where the child was kidnapped by relatives in retaliation over a drug dispute. Child custody cases will occur. It should be the hope and goal of every parent to see a child grow without fear of abduction, molestation or exploitation.
For more information about this or any other crime prevention topic, call the Conroe Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (936) 522-3327 or 3226. If you have a neighborhood problem or want to report drug activity, call the Conroe Police Department Narcotics Unit at (936) 522-3303 or e-mail cpdnarcotics@cityofconroe.org. For questions, comments or suggestions about this column, contact me at bberry@cityofconroe.org.
Search Warrant
On November 3, 2008, Montgomery County Sheriff’s OfficeProperty Division and Special Investigation Unit jointly executed asearch warrant in 40’s block of Golden St., Willis, Texas.
As a result of the search warrant, Detectives recovered severalounces of different types of cocaine (rock, crack, powder and liquid).A small quantity of a chemical believed to be PCP, Hydrocodonepills, scales and packaging material used in the manufacture andsale of Crack Cocaine. Several items were also recovered that hadbeen stolen in areaburglaries.
No arrests were made since the residence was unoccupied at the timethe search warrant was executed. This investigation into the ownerof the drugs and property is still continuing.
On October 22, 2008 Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office District IV Patrol Personnel and Detectives from the Major Crimes Units responded to two shooting scenes in the Magnolia, Texas area.
The first incident was at the intersection of FM 1486 and Sandy Hill Lane when an unknown person shot a passenger vehicle on the left rear quarter panel. The vehicle was turning onto Sandy Hill from FM 1486. The Driver of the vehicle was not injured and there were no passengers in the vehicle.
The second incident was reported 6 minutes after the first which occurred in the 41800 Block of Friar Tuck Magnolia, Texas. Richard Sharp and his family were in the living room of their residence when he heard a loud pop. Sharp heard what he thought was a firecracker and went outside where he saw a sedan style vehicle that sped away West on Friar Tuck. Sharp’s two sons Jeffrey and Jason were on the couch and both were hit with glass fragments from the window and Jeffrey was struck in the back of the head and neck area with a projectile. Jeffrey was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Medical Center by Ambulance. He was last reported in stable condition.
It is unknown if these two shootings are related at this time.
If anyone has any information regarding these incident please contact Detectives Mike Rogers or Trent Lozano at (936) 760-5876 or Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at (800) 392-STOP (7867) or click here to leave a secure webtip.
It’s been a long day at work. You pick up your children from day care or school and they are fighting with each other and screaming louder than the music on your radio. You are tired, hungry and at your wits’ end. Something catches your eye. You look in your rear-view mirror and all you see are red and blue lights behind you. Your emotions could run from your heart racing to the inevitable question of “What did I do wrong?” It could also be that the lights behind you are not for you, but are just trying to get you to move out of the way.
In either case, remain calm and try to move your vehicle to the right side of the roadway as far as possible and out of the way of traffic. If the officer is just trying to get by, he will pass you and you can resume your trip. If he is stopping you, he will stay behind you until you stop.
In the event you are passing an officer already conducting a traffic stop on the side of the road, Texas law requires you to move over at least one lane away from the traffic stop or, on single-lane roadways, to slow a minimum of 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed. This law also applies when passing other emergency vehicles such as fire trucks or ambulances.
It’s not uncommon for drivers to be scared or nervous and just slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road. Obviously, this can make for an unsafe situation. We just ask you slowly pull over and stop. Try to pick a location that is safe for you and for the officer. If you pull into a parking lot or driveway, pull up far enough that the officer can get his patrol car out of the roadway.
Stay in your vehicle for your safety. The officer will ask you to get out of the car if he or she needs you to do so. Also, this will make the officer more at ease knowing that you are safe in your car. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see your hands.
Now that most cars come equipped with some degree of tinted windows, it is hard for the officer to see what is happening inside the car. We ask you not to make any quick movements. If you should get stopped at night, you can turn your dome light on so the officer can see you better. The officer does not know whether you might be reaching for your purse or license or for a weapon or trying to hide something. Keep your hands visible and wait for instructions from the officer. Be patient and the officer will explain why you were stopped.
It is the policy of the Conroe Police Department to ask for your driver’s license and proof of insurance. If you cannot provide either or both, the officer will make a reasonable effort to verify your information. If your information is not provided, cannot be verified or a licensed and insured driver cannot be located, the officer has the authority to tow your vehicle. It is a violation of the law to drive without a license and/or proof of insurance.
Remember, not every traffic stop results in a citation. Should you receive one, the side of the road is not the place to plea your case. Arguing with the officer does not help. Traffic enforcement is a necessary element of public safety and enforcement efforts have been stepped up in our area in recent months.
Drive safely. Protect you and your family. Protect the public service personnel who are serving your community.
Aggravated Robbery
On 10/18/2008 the below pictured white male entered a Shell gas station in the 4700 block of Panther Creek in South Montgomery County. The subject produced a handgun, as seen in the pictures and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk complied and the subject then fled the scene.
It is reported that the subject possibly spoke with a lisp. The subject was wearing a very distinct shirt featuring a very large skull, or "Jason" type mask, on the his right side.
If you have information regarding the identity of this person please call Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867) or click here to submit a secure webtip. You maybe entitled to receive up to a $1000.00 reward.
Criminal Mischief - Magnolia
During the night of October 18, 2008 an unknown suspect(s) entered onto the premise of Willow City Sign and Rail Inc. located at 38000 Block FM 1774, in Magnolia Texas. The suspect(s) intentionally damaged the fleet of vehicles belonging to the business. It is believed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit that the same suspect(s) returned the following night.
October 19, 2008 and the subjects again damaged the vehicles. This time entering the business offices and continuing their destructive behavior by ransacking the business. The suspect(s) then stole various items from the office and left; the damage done to the business and vehicles was conservatively estimated at approximately one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is requesting your assistance in locating the perpetrators of this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 800-392-STOP (7867).
National Night Out events planned across county
By Kassia Micek
Updated: 10.05.08
Across Montgomery County, neighbors will head outdoors Tuesday evening to spend a little time with each other.
National Night Out, with events planned in many places such as Conroe, The Woodlands and Montgomery, focuses on crime and drug prevention awareness, support for and participation in local anti-crime programs and neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Organizers want to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to www.nationalnightout.org.
“The number one foundation in crime prevention is neighbor knowing neighbor,” said John Raybon, Community Association of The Woodlands manager of the neighborhood services department. “National Night Out is all about getting everyone out of their homes to visit with one another.”
Woodlands villages will offer National Night Out activities from 5:30-8 p.m. at Alden Bridge Park, Shadowbend Park, Forestgate Oak, Creekwood Park, Grogan’s Mill Village Center, Cranebrook Park, Harper’s Landing Park, Rob Fleming Park and Town Green Park. The Woodlands was a 2007 National Night Out award winner, according to a press release from The Woodlands Township.
“It’s a great thing for neighbors to get to know neighbors, certainly coming off the heels of Hurricane Ike where neighbors really got to know neighbors as well.”,” said Nick Wolda, The Woodlands Township vice president of marketing and public affairs.
The city of Conroe will host an event from 5-7 p.m. at the Conroe Aquatics Center, located at 1205 Callahan Avenue in Conroe. It will include free food, soft drinks, games, swimming, moonwalks and face painting. City police and firefighters will provide crime prevention and fire safety tips.
“Back in the day, people used to know their neighbors; and nowadays, people really don’t,” said Conroe Police Sgt. Jon Buckholtz, Conroe’s National Night Out coordinator. “The more people know their neighbors, we’ll be better off.”
Montgomery County United Way will host an event from 5:30-8 p.m. on Hickerson Street between Interstate 45 and Frazier Street. The event will be centered on Bellshire, Hollow Creek and Havenwood Place apartments, as well as Pinewood Town Homes. The entire community is invited, said Carla Clark, MCUW marketing director.
“We felt like it’s right in our back yard, and we wanted to create an awareness of MCUW and provide information on local nonprofits and services,” Clark said.
The city of Montgomery will host a gathering from 6-8 p.m. at the Montgomery Fire Department, located at 590 Eva St. in Montgomery.
“It used to be in August, but they changed Texas’ to October because it gets so hot,” said Regina Spell, Montgomery utility/billing coordinator.
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 10,000 communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide, according to www.nationalnightout.org. More than 35 million people participated in National Night Out 2007.
What’s next
The following National Night Out activities are planned for Montgomery County Tuesday:
Conroe Aquatics Center, 1205 Callahan Avenue in Conroe, 5-7 p.m.
Alden Bridge Park, Shadowbend Park, Forestgate Oark, Creekwood Park, Grogan’s Mill Village Center, Cranebrook Park, Harper’s Landing Park, Rob Fleming Park and Town Green Park in The Woodlands, 5:30-8 p.m.
Hickerson Street in Conroe, 5:30-8 p.m.
Montgomery Fire Department, 590 Eva St. in Montgomery, 6-8 p.m.
Cold Cases Solved
By Jamie Nash
Published: 10.03.08
Three suspects in two unrelated sexual assault cases and a bank robbery case that date back several years have been arrested after they were linked to unsolved cases using DNA testing.
William Michael Proctor, 30, was charged with aggravated robbery of a bank, a first-degree felony; David Early Cooksey Jr., 25, was charged with burglary of a habitation with intent to commit sexual assault, a first-degree felony; and Galen “Buddy” Dwayne Baugus, 29, of Conroe, was charged with sexual assault, a second-degree felony.
The investigations were conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Squad and were funded under an October 2007 federal grant from the National Institute of Justice, said Capt. Bruce Zenor. The Cold Case Squad investigates unsolved homicides and select violent crimes where DNA evidence may exist.
The robbery case resulting in Baugus’s arrest was “good police work,” Zenor said, since there was little evidence to test.
“Technology has become so precise,” Zenor said. “At one time, you had to have a large stain and now a sample can be the size of the head of a pin.”
Proctor was allegedly one of three men who robbed Klein Bank inside the Kroger grocery store on Sawdust Road on March 12, 2003. Evidence collected from the abandoned getaway car included a ski mask, which was subsequently tested for DNA and produced a “hit” in the Combined DNA Index System. The DNA allegedly linked the mask to Proctor, who was already incarcerated in Harris County in connection with a 2008 murder that occurred during a robbery in Houston, according to a press release from MCSO Cold Case Detective Thomas Duroy.
MCSO detectives are investigating the possibility that Baugus is linked to another armed robbery at the same bank, the release stated.
Cooksey was charged in relation to an Oct. 1, 2006 incident at a residence on Research Forest Drive in The Woodlands when a 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted. The rapist cut the teen with a box cutter and stuffed a rag in her mouth, then covered her face with a ball cap to muffle her screams.
Evidence from the cap was sent to Sorenson Forensics in Utah, which forwarded the findings to the Texas Department of Public Safety lab in Houston. When the DNA profile was entered into the database, there was a “hit” on Cooksey, who was already serving time for three sexual assaults in Harris County during the same period.
He is believed to be a serial offender, according to Duroy’s release.
Baugus was arrested on Sept. 9 at his Conroe home in connection with the June 3, 2001 sexual assault of a 19-year-old female at a residence on Curry Road in Conroe. The attacker left the scene and the case went cold until this year, when the Combined DNA Index System linked evidence from the case to a 2003 sexual assault in Harris County, listing Baugus as a suspect.
After detectives obtained a DNA sample from Baugus, the connection was verified and Baugus was arrested.
Since its formation in March 2006, the Cold Case Squad has solved six cold cases and has one that should be cleared soon, according to Zenor.
The increase in funding, which came through a September 2007 federal grant, has been a “tremendous help” in making progress in cold cases, primarily because private labs can be used instead of sending everything to the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab that is already inundated, Zenor said.
Anyone with information concerning an unsolved homicide or other violent crime is urged to call (936) 760-5837 or contact Montgomery County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-392-STOP (7867), www.montgomerycountycrimestoppers,org.
Hog ‘heaven’ raided
Jamie Nash
Published: 10.01.08
EAST COUNTY – More than $500,000 in Harley-Davidson motorcycles and parts were recovered Wednesday morning when law enforcement raided a Grangerland-area home and arrested a man for allegedly stealing the bikes and selling the parts on eBay.
Jody Floyd Mathes, 50, was arrested and charged with first-degree felony theft and a felony drug charge after multiple law enforcement agencies converged on his residence off FM 3083 and found the Harley-Davidson motorcycles and parts, along with 5 grams of methamphetamine and a .357 Magnum handgun, officials said.
Officers seized Mathes’ computer, printer and fax machine for further investigation, Womack said.
Mathes had been running a profitable eBay business selling the motorcycle parts and trafficking narcotics, police said.
Mathes was on parole for another conviction involving drugs, according to a search of public records and officers on scene.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Division and MCSO Special Investigation Unit searched Mathes’ residence in the 17000 block of Valley Lane with a warrant signed by Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace James Metts. Assisting in the bust were the Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The agency began investigating Mathes about a month ago after receiving a tip from the Tomball Police Department, said Lt. David Moore, head of the Auto Theft Division.
Wednesday afternoon, Mathes was listed on eBay’s website as a “power seller” with a 100 percent approval rating by his customers. He also had 561 motorcycle parts listed for individual sale on the site. Some photos appeared to have been taken on his mobile home or front porch.
Officials with both MCSO divisions said eBay will be notified of Mathes’ arrest, and subpoenas will probably be issued for the company’s information on his activities. That will allow officers to investigate further and possibly contact some of the buyers who unwittingly purchased stolen property.
By all accounts, Mathes had no other visible means of support.
Moore said the Auto Theft Division will attempt to identify the owners of the recovered property, but since owners have likely already filed insurance claims, the bikes and parts will probably become the property of the insurance companies.
“We found 13 complete Harleys that run an average of $20,000 each, six additional stripped bike frames and 30 motors and transmissions that didn’t go with any bike on scene,” Moore said.
The value of the recovered parts is an estimated $300,000, he said.
Officers also recovered a golf cart and a four-wheeler.
Moore said there was evidence of approximately 50 Harleys and one other motorcycle at the residence.
Officers located license plates from bikes stolen in Montgomery County, Harris County, Bandera, Boerne and the state of Oklahoma, he said.
Officials say the number of bikes stolen in the county over the past year have dramatically risen, from an average of about 15 to 58 last year – 48 of them were Harleys.
An auto theft officer on the scene said some bike owners called their office in tears when they reported their bikes were stolen.
“For a lot of people, it’s not what they drive, it’s who they are,” he said.
Conroe Police officers discovered nearly 400 pounds of pot in a local motel room during a bust the night Hurricane Ike blew into town. A suspect has been interviewed and the investigation continues.
By Jamie Nash
Published: 09.25.08
As Hurricane Ike began to blow into Southeast Texas the afternoon of Sept. 12, Conroe Police Department narcotics officers were fighting another battle, seizing nearly 400 pounds of marijuana from a local motel.
CPD Sgt. Bob Berry said investigators received a tip that someone transporting a large amount of marijuana was storing the shipment in his motel room.
Officers went to the motel with the CPD K-9 unit and the dog alerted on the door of the room where the drugs were alleged to be stored, he said.
“After obtaining probable cause, they secured a search warrant and found 370 pounds of marijuana contained in 13 bales, stacked inside the motel room,” Berry said. “The suspect apparently attempted to disguise the odor of the marijuana by stuffing the motel room air vents with dryer sheets.”
The suspect, a man from the Houston area, was taken into custody and interviewed with charges pending, he said.
No arrests have yet been made, according to Berry.
As the investigation continued, detectives learned the shipment was connected to drug activity currently under investigation by federal authorities and law enforcement in the Houston area.
“Our agency is proud that despite the fact that the department was under full mobilization for the hurricane, our narcotics investigators were able to track down this lead and prevent the drugs from passing through our city,” Berry said.
Jamie Nash can be reached at jnash@hcnonline.com.
Woman suspected in eight attempted murders captured in Humble
U.S. Marshal’s deputies arrested a 33-year-old America’s Most Wanted fugitive in Foxwood Sept. 22 after authorities received a tip following the Sept. 20 airing of the popular television show that led police to an Humble residence.
Courtenay Savage, 33, was wanted for eight attempted murders in Pinellas County, Fla.
“Savage is accused of shooting into a house of her former business associate and good friend on three separate occasions, the last shooting injuring one of [her friend’s] seven children,” said Deputy Alfredo Perez of the U.S. Marshals Office, Southern District of Texas.
Perez said that in Sept., 2006, Savage was charged with eight counts of attempted murder, one count for each person that was in the house on the night of the third shooting.
According to America’s Most Wanted, the tip that ultimately led to Savage’s arrest came in to the AMW hotline two days after the show was aired, from a New Jersey resident who believed that Savage might be dating a friend of his in the Houston area, going by the name of Courtenay White.
“After receiving the tip, we set up surveillance immediately and didn’t have to wait long,” Perez said. “Savage came out of her apartment [off Foxwood Forest Boulevard] to walk her dogs and was taken into custody quickly and without incident. When we asked her what her name was she gave us a smirk and said, ‘You know who I am.’”
Savage, who was initially taken into custody in 2006 by Florida authorities following the series of shootings on her friend’s home but was later released on bail and began her flight from law enforcement.
The former Florida corrections officer and reserve police officer had reportedly shown no remorse when she was interviewed by investigators, Perez said, telling detectives, “I hate kids...but love dogs.”
As Savage was booked into Harris County Jail, awaiting extradition to Florida, Savage’s one-an-a-half year run from justice came to an end.
“This is a prefect example of coordination and communication between the public and law enforcement,” Said Ruben Monzon, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. “Without the public’s help, this dangerous fugitive would still be on the loose to potentially hurt someone else.”
This was the second time that an America’s Most Wanted fugitive was traced to Humble in recent times.
In Feb. 2007, an Humble resident called the show to identify wanted sexual predator David John Sprong as his next-door business neighbor. Sprong packed up his family and his belongings from his Humble home immediately after the show aired and was once again on the run. The following week, he was taken into custody in Louisiana.
For the second night in a row, police in East Montgomery County arrested suspects allegedly stealing generators from railroad crossings where the Union Pacific Railroad placed them to keep crossing arms and signal lights functioning during the power outages caused by Hurricane Ike.
Nicole Fracassi, 26 and 24-year-old James Wilkinson were charged with third degree felony criminal mischief, and misdemeanors including unlawful possession of a criminal instrument, theft of property, and failure to identify fugitive from justice.
Lt. Bill Bucks of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said patrol deputies were on Loop 494 when they noticed the vehicle occupied by Fracassi and Wilkinson. It matched the description of a suspicious vehicle broadcast to officers earlier, he said, with the rear license plate removed and some lights disconnected.
Bucks said the suspects had numerous outstanding warrants between them and refused to identify themselves to officers.
Inside the vehicle, officers found bolt cutters, believed to be used in an attempt to remove the chain from a generator attached at a completely dark railroad crossing nearby, Bucks said. There is very little power in East Montgomery County, and no light anywhere near the crossing.
Since the generator was not successfully removed, the charge was criminal mischief instead of theft.
“The charge was upgraded to a felony three because it’s railroad property,” he said.
On Tuesday night, Bucks said patrol deputies arrested a man under similar circumstances.
While law enforcement has been busy all over the county in recent days, he said the railroad generator thefts were of special concern.
“If there aren’t any lights and the crossing arms don’t come down to alert motorists to a coming train, somebody could be killed,” Bucks said.
MCSO seeks 3 laptop thieves
By Jamie Nash
Published: 09.23.08
Police hope the public can help identify three men who took nine laptop computers from the Wal-Mart store on College Park Drive in The Woodlands on Sept. 8 and were caught on surveillance videos.
The thieves were crafty and lucky, with a series of factors authorities said caused the store to delay reporting the crime for more than a week.
According to Sgt. Melvin Franklin of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the trio entered the store and went to the locked case in the electronics department, where one of the men cut the lock on the case with a pair of bolt cutters believed to be taken from the store’s hardware department.
Once the lock was cut, a second man entered the area and loaded the laptops into a shopping cart, then retrieved a boxed television stand from the furniture department and placed it atop the computers to conceal them, Franklin said.
Apparently, no one paid attention to the men’s activities as they left the store, although Franklin said the video shows they set off some kind of alarm.
“You can see a red light flashing, but I’m not sure if it was audible,” Franklin said.
A Wal-Mart door greeter was in place near the exit, but the video showed the basket full of laptops prompted nothing more than a look, Franklin said.
For some reason, store officials did not contact the MCSO until last Thursday, Franklin said. An employee contacted the store’s loss prevention manager and said the case was unlocked, but didn’t indicate anything was taken, he said. It wasn’t until several days later that the loss prevention manager viewed the video and realized what happened, Franklin said.
Loss prevention officials told Franklin a similar incident occurred recently at a Wal-Mart store in Harris County.
Cameras outside the College Park store caught the trio entering a small white car when they left. The MCSO is asking for assistance in identifying the men based on still photos taken from that video.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (281) 297-6510. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at (800) 392-7867 or at www.montgomerycountycrimestoppers.org.
Sheriff’s Office arrests two women believed to be peddling hydroponic pot
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people in Magnolia Thursday who are believed to be involved in trafficking high-grade hydroponic marijuana, according to an MCSO release.
The MCSO Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of Weeping Willow Way around 10:30 a.m. Thursday and arrested Meghann Ashley Kotellos, 24, and Ruby Nell Kuzmann, 52. They were charged with money laundering, a third-degree felony, and possession of marijuana (2-4 ounces), a Class A misdemeanor.
The SIU received tips that the listed suspects were trafficking high-grade hydroponic marijuana. The SIU established probable cause for a search warrant, which was issued by Justice of the Peace Trey Spikes. During the search of the residence, hydroponic marijuana, electronic scales and packaging for marijuana were recovered. SIU investigators also recovered $11,000 in U.S. currency hidden in a recliner. The suspects of this investigation were associated with an earlier SIU investigation where 28 pounds of hydroponic marijuana was seized in The Woodlands.
Hydroponic marijuana has more potent THC content compared with marijuana that’s grown outdoors. This style of marijuana is more expensive to purchase and retails for around $3,500 a pound compared with $450 a pound for marijuana imported from Mexico. Evidence recovered at the scene shows connections to California, according to the MCSO release. California and Canada are the primary sources for this type of marijuana.
Montgomery County SIU Narcotics Arrest
On September 2, 2008 members of Montgomery County Sheriff's Office SIU concluded a month long investigation into the illegal distribution of cocaine in South Montgomery County. The investigation was initiated after the SIU received information regarding a Mercedes Benz delivering cocaine to South Montgomery County. As the investigation progressed SIU detectives were able to make several undercover buys from a Hispanic male suspect. They also established that the suspect was an illegal alien and that he had been delivering cocaine to several bars in South Montgomery County and to Adult Entertainment establishments along the I-45 corridor.
Because of the alleged illegal alien status of the suspect, SIU detectives contacted ICE for assistance. The investigation was concluded when the suspect delivered approximately 3 ounces of cocaine to undercover officers at a location in South Montgomery County. The suspect was arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance. An ICE agent was on location and an INS hold was placed on the suspect. The suspect was allegedly in this country on a work visa and ICE is in the process of reviewing the visa status.
Crime Stoppers tip leads to arrest of Kingwood teens
Published: 08.27.08
Two Kingwood teens are in custody for credit card abuse at Wal-Mart in Porter that made headlines thanks to a Crime Stoppers video released to local media outlets July 25.
As a result of the publicity, Alexander Worzel and Mallory Glover, both 18, were arrested at their homes and are being held in Montgomery County Jail on felony charges of credit card abuse, one count each.
The Houston Police Department Kingwood Division Tactical Unit received several reports of vehicle burglaries in the Fosters Mill subdivision July 11 where credit cards and other valuables such as electronic devices were taken from what police believe to be mostly unlocked cars, said tactical unit Officer Jim Adkins.
“That same night, within minutes, one of the credit cards that was reported stolen was used at Wal-Mart in Porter,” Adkins said, explaining that police obtained that information by tracking transactions made with the stolen card. “The suspects bought clothing, stereo equipment, miscellaneous merchandise.”
Fellow tactical officer M.L. Coker said that police requested Wal-Mart’s surveillance tape correspondent to the time and date shown on the credit card’s transaction record.
“We took the tape to the forensic lab and had it enhanced,” he said. “Then we took it to Crime Stoppers, who then took it to the local media.”
Five days after the surveillance video, showing a young boy and a young girl presenting the receipt for their purchases to a Wal-Mart employee as they exited the store between 1 and 2 a.m. July 11, was released to the public, Crime Stoppers received an anonymous tip.
“The caller identified both suspects by name,” Adkins said. “We went to the female suspect’s house and during the investigation she gave a sworn statement, implementing herself in the crime as well as the second suspect.”
Adkins added that some clothing purchased at Wal-Mart with the stolen credit card was recovered at the girl’s home.
In an ironic twist, Adkins said, the second suspect drove up in front of his girlfriend’s home while police conducted their visit there.
“He sped off,” Coker said. “At that point, we knew he wasn’t interested in talking to us.”
Adkins and Coker presented their case to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office instead of arresting Glover on the spot.
The DA’s office in turn passed the case on to a grand jury, which ultimately handed down an indictment for both teens.
Adkins and Coker learned that a warrant was issued for Glover and Worzel’s arrest Aug. 25. Worzel was taken into custody at his parents’ home that same evening without incident. Glover’s was arrested the following morning, also at her family’s residence in Kingwood.
“We got a confession from both,” Adkins said. “Although they denied stealing from the vehicles, they admitted to using the stolen credit card. They said they bought the card from someone.”
On Tuesday, August 26, 2008, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant at a residence located in the 17000 blk of Glen Oaks in South Montgomery County. The SIU received TIPS regarding the trafficking of methamphetamine and possession of stolen copper wire involving this residence. The SIU established probable cause for a search warrant which was issued by Justice of the Peace T. Spikes. The warrant was served at approximately 2:20 p.m. Methamphetamine 1-4 grams, cocaine 1-4 grams, marijuana less than an ounce were recovered along with electronic scales, meth pipes, two shot guns, and other drug paraphernalia. The cocaine was discovered in one of the children’s room on a dresser. Evidence of stripped copper wire was found in the garage and in the back yard area of the residence. The suspects were melting the plastic cover off of the wire in a back yard BBQ pit. Several pounds of copper wire were recovered along with tools and other items used to cut and strip wire. Pictures recovered from the scene showed what appeared to be several hundred pounds copper wire that was stored in the garage prior to this date. The suspects claimed to have found the wire on the side of the road in the oil fields near FM 1314.
The SIU contacted the Child Protective Services who responded to the scene and removed the three small children that were living there.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Property Detectives assisted with this investigation and will pursue further charges pending the outcome of their investigation involving the copper wire.
Text Messaging Tips to Montgomery County Crime Stoppers
With the implementation of a new program written for Crime Stoppers organizations, Montgomery County Crime Stoppers is now using a new text messaging service to receive tips. The procedure is simple. The Montgomery County Crime Stoppers ID number is 286.
Text Tip286, then tip, to CRIMES (274637)
Example of how your phone will read is-
Tip286 John Smith is selling drugs at the corner of Broadway and Main
Then you would send it to 274637 – this being the “telephone number” or recipient
After the message has been received a Crime Stoppers tip number will be assigned and a two way dialog will continue with the Tipster for further information if need.
Crime Stoppers is hoping that this new feature along the current tip options such as webtips (www.montgomerycountycrimestoppers.org) and the hotline (1-800-392-(STOP) will assist in getting information from the public to assist law enforcement. As always, all tipsters will remain anonymous.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit didn’t let Tuesday’s rain halt its efforts, arresting what officials said were two major players in the area’s illegal drug trade.
Odell “Scooby” Thomas Jr, 40, of Conroe, was charged with first-degree felony delivery of a controlled substance, which is punishable by a prison term of 5 to 99 years and a maximum fine of $10,000; tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair, a third-degree felony punishable by a term of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000; and evading arrest or detention, a Class B misdemeanor.
Jonathon Edward Garvin, 25, of Montgomery, was charged with aggravated first-degree felony delivery of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone; first-degree felony possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone; and two counts of felon in possession of a prohibited weapon, a third-degree felony.
According to Public Data, Thomas has a criminal history that includes assault, forgery, burglary, criminal trespass, marijuana possession and DWI.
Public Data shows Garvin is currently on parole for delivery of a controlled substance and has multiple prior drug-related convictions.
Lt. Philip Cash, who heads the SIU, said his unit began investigating Thomas after receiving credible information that he was involved in trafficking cocaine in the Conroe area.
“Undercover officers purchased a half-ounce of crack cocaine from Thomas (on Tuesday) at a convenience store located on 105 East near 10th Street in Conroe,” Cash said. “He attempted to flee from the store when officers tried to arrest him, but he found there was no back door and then he surrendered.”
After Thomas was on his way to jail, Cash said, the unit went to a home in the 100 block of Birchwood Drive in Willis, where the SIU had information that a resident was selling drugs. The suspect was not at home, he said, but a search warrant signed by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Trey Spikes allowed officers to collect evidence.
A search of the property produced a small amount of cocaine and marijuana, a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, scales, the powder used to cut cocaine, small plastic bags, other paraphernalia and two ATV’s recently reported stolen from the Conroe area, Cash said. A Lowboy trailer was also seized.
“We were assisted by ICE and the Auto Theft Task Force,” Cash said.
Montgomery Police assisted in Garvin’s arrest, which was similar to Thomas’s. Cash said a lengthy investigation, including two smaller buys, allegedly preceded Garvin selling 2 ounces of cocaine to an undercover officer in the parking lot of a shopping center near the intersection of Texas 105 and FM 149 in Montgomery near a school.
Once Garvin was in custody, Cash said officers searched his vehicle, which allegedly contained electronic scales and numerous small packages of methamphetamine weighing nearly an ounce, and two sets of brass knuckles.
“Evidence collected from him and his vehicle indicates he’s a substantial drug dealer,” Cash said. “Both Garvin and Thomas are habitual criminals who’ve been incarcerated repeatedly and continue to break the law.”
4 arrested, charged in Walnut Cove burglary
By Jamie Nash
Published: 08.08.08
LAKE CONROE – Four men ranging in age from 17 to 32 were arrested Wednesday night on a variety of charges related to a burglary in the Walnut Cove subdivision.
Law enforcement officials say they believe the men could be a loosely organized group involved in burglaries and thefts in order to buy drugs.
The suspects were identified as Robert Eugene Walton, 32, charged with felony theft; Cory James Neuert, 23, charged with misdemeanor theft; and Shayne Corey Dubose, 18, and Daniel Hillebrand, 17, who were charged with burglary of a habitation, a second-degree felony.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Capt. Bruce Zenor said the arrests occurred at two residences in the same subdivision as the burglarized home and were the result of the combined efforts of the MCSO Property Division Detectives and the Auto Theft Task Force.
While Zenor would not call the group a “gang,” he said they were a “loosely organized group,” with narcotics as the most likely nexus.
“That’s the way we’ve started to attack this,” Zenor said. “It’s all related. Property and Auto Theft Divisions work hand-in-hand with SIU (Special Investigations Unit, who primarily investigate major drug cases).”
Investigators keep seeing the same names when they investigate drug cases and burglary and theft cases, he said, because items are stolen to trade or sell for money to buy drugs.
According to Public Data, Dubose already has an adult criminal record, including a May 2 conviction on the charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, for which he was sentenced to two years’ probation.
The recovered property from the Walnut Cove burglary included a firearm and two four-wheel all-terrain vehicles. Zenor said other items were still in the process of being examined for the possibility of being stolen property and additional charges and arrests are possible.
Anyone with information about this or other crimes can contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 760-5871. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at (800) 392-STOP (7867).
Tip lines do work, but only if the community uses them
Published: 08.11.08
Solving and preventing crime is a cooperative effort between the community, law enforcement and the media. The community acts as the eyes and ears for law enforcement. The community relies on law enforcement to take action against criminals. Both law enforcement and the community rely on the media to spread the word about crime trends or publicize information on wanted criminals.
We all have watched or heard of television shows such as “America’s Most Wanted,” and know that when information is put out to the public, the public responds. We in law enforcement also know that citizen input can take criminals off of the street.
Montgomery County is fortunate to have an organization called Montgomery County Crimestoppers that serves our area with coordination, communication and follow-up on tips from the public to law enforcement agencies. Crimestoppers is a community oriented nonprofit organization that works with the media and law enforcement to prevent crime or to catch the persons who commit them. It’s important to remember that Crimestoppers uses no tax money and relies only on sponsors and fund raising events to keep the project working.
The concept behind Crimestoppers is that there are many people in the community who have information on criminals or criminal activity and are willing to give it to law enforcement provided they can remain anonymous and with the incentive that they may receive some compensation for their information. Callers may receive up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of individuals who commit crimes. Crimestoppers can be reached at (800) 392-STOP (7867).
Crimestoppers also works with other law enforcement tip lines, such as the Conroe Independent School District’s KIDCHAT line at (888) KIDCHAT, which focuses on information for crimes committed on school property.
The Conroe Police Department has established a tip line for information regarding any type of criminal activity with emphasis placed on drug activity in neighborhoods within the city limits of Conroe. The Conroe Police Department’s tip line is (936) 522-3303.
We encourage anyone with information on criminal activity to contact one of these numbers so the appropriate law enforcement agency can work on getting the criminals off of the streets and make your neighborhood a safer place to live. Tip lines work. Help us help you.
If you would like to make a donation to the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers, through Pay Pal, please do so by clicking the button below.
SIU rounds up six on felony drug charges
By Jamie Nash
Published: 08.06.08
Six people were arrested on felony drug charges in two separate busts conducted in Willis and Conroe Wednesday by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit.
Child Protective Services removed four children from the locations.
Those arrested were 26-year-old Antonio Grimaldo Jr., and 22-year-old Brenda Diaz, each charged with second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute; Richard Lynn Whorton, 43, charged with third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance and Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana; Cynthia Diane Hollenberg, 44, charged with second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of marijuana; Nancy Albright, 30, charged with state jail felony possession of a controlled substance; and Mike Vidrine, 50, charged with second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance and theft of firearm, which is a state jail felony
SIU officers served the first two search warrants in Willis at a residence in the 14900 block of Honey Hill.
“The SIU received information that narcotics were being sold from two residences located on the same property,” Cash said. “After establishing probable cause, warrants were signed by Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Lanny Moriarty.”
Cash said officers recovered 30 grams of ICE methamphetamine, just under an ounce of marijuana, $4,100 in cash and a 9 mm handgun that was reported stolen in Lake Charles, La. Drug paraphernalia was also removed.
Whorton, Hollenberg, Albright and Vidrine were arrested at that location and an 8-year-old child belonging to one of them was taken by authorities.
Later in the day, the SIU served a search warrant signed by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Trey Spikes in the 600 block of Airline Drive in Conroe. Sgt. David Womack said the location had been under surveillance for two to three weeks.
Grimaldo and Diaz were arrested at that location for possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with intent to distribute.
“There were three small children on location, so we contacted Child Protective Services, who also responded to the scene,” Womack said.
In addition to cocaine, Womack said officers removed a rifle and a shotgun that were being checked as possibly stolen.
Cash said the arrests at both locations were examples of the usefulness of tips from concerned citizens, and he encouraged anyone aware of illegal or suspicious activity to contact Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at (800) 392-7867 or the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 760-5871.
Kroger and Montgomery County Crime Stoppers have recently joined together in making Montgomery County a safer place to live, work and enjoy life.
When you shop at Kroger and present your KrogerPlus card, a percentage of your total will be donated to Montgomery County Crime Stoppers!
To get started, click on the link below and and print the letter. Present the letter to your cashier upon checkout at Kroger. The cashier will scan the barcode and associate it to your KrogerPlusCard. Once the card is scanned with the Organization barcode, it will be active for the remainder of the program. You will be helping Montgomery County Crime Stoppers everytime you shop with your KrogerPlus card!
Montgomery County Crime Stoppers is excited about this new partnership and is looking forward to making our county a safer place to live. If you have any questions, please contact the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Coordinator at 936-539-7867.
