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BEAUMONT – A Lufkin man and woman have pleaded guilty in Beaumont to charges related to a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August, 2007. Brent Stalsby, 30, pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity (VICAR) Friday before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone. Specifically, Brent Stalsby admitted that he murdered David Mitchamore and Christy Rochelle Brown. Terry Stalsby, 29, pleaded guilty to charges of accessory after the fact in the murder of Christy Rochelle Brown Friday before Judge Crone.

According to information presented in court, Carl Carver was a general of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, a powerful race-based state-wide organization which operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Authorities say the ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects, and associates. According to authorities, this is done through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault, robbery, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and often associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

It is believed that David Mitchamore, a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, and his girlfriend, Christy Rochelle Brown, were murdered by Brent Stalsby as a result of a “direct order” issued by Carver because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he allegedly owed to the Aryan Brotherhood general. The bodies of Mitchamore, also known as “Super Dave,” and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on August 10, 2007. Terry Stalsby was present when the “direct order” issued by Carver was delivered to Charles Cameron Frazier, who pleaded guilty to his role in the murders late last week. Terry Stalsby also actively participated in a plan to conceal the gang members’ roles in the murders after the murders took place.

Brent Stalsby faces life in federal prison at sentencing. Terry Stalsby faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set for either defendant. Carver has also pleaded guilty to his role in the case. U.S. Attorney John Bales expressed his appreciation for what he termed the hard work performed by so many officers and agents. Bales remarked, “From the beginning, our purpose in becoming involved in this case was two-fold – to successfully prosecute the brutal murders of David Mitchamore and Christy Brown, and to completely dismantle the ABT criminal enterprise. With each conviction, we take a large step closer to both goals.”

LONGVIEW — Longview police seek suspects in some area burglaries, and the suspects reportedly hit a house with their vehicle during a police chase. Around 1:51 a.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to a convenience store in the 2400 Block of H.G. Mosley Parkway. Upon arrival they found the store had been burglarized and property stolen. During the investigation it was discovered that the same suspects might have also burglarized two more locations, one inside the city and one in Gregg County.

Later another officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle. A short pursuit ensued, and the driver of the truck lost control and struck a house near the intersection of Louise and Texas Streets, causing considerable damage. The two suspects then fled the scene on foot. According to KETK, one of the men is described as a black male, while the other is unknown. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at (903) 237-1199.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Thursday accepted and approved the proposal of Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) in the amount of $58,650 to provide a complete demographic study projecting student populations, long range facility needs, and attendance zone planning through 2020. PASA was first selected in November 2003 to provide the demographic study that school officials say enabled the district to plan appropriately for the construction of new schools in the 2004 bond issue. PASA has provided periodic updates to their demographic study since the initial study was conducted.

School officials say PASA was selected based on the quality of its study and the firm’s reputation with districts and state agencies. According to information from the school district, the data provided by PASA’s earlier studies have proven to be thorough and accurate. The demographic study will be paid for from the bond funds.

TYLER — The ground gave way behind the subway restaurant at the corner of Beckham and Houston over the weekend. KETK reports recent heavy rains and years of erosion opened a sinkhole measuring 12 feet deep and 40 feet across. Not only is the sinkhole a danger, it’s bad for business. While crews work on repairing the hole, expect traffic delays. City officials say, “We did close Beckham; the southbound lanes of Beckham were reduced to one traffic lane so that we could bring in some large equipment.” The recent rainy weather could cause a delay in repairs. Until the soil dries, crews can only work to minimize the damage.

TYLER — A popular East Texas destination gets a makeover. According to KETK, a Thursday news conference at Tyler State Park showed off recent improvements purchased with almost $4 million in state money. The park already features a new playground and new restrooms, work’s begun on a new dining hall, and officials say the new additions will be around for generations to enjoy. One official says, “We’re able to make those parks even more enjoyable so that for the future, people can continue to have those memories that make our state park system so enjoyable for lots and lots of people.”

EAST TEXAS — The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers of reports of fraudulent letters pretending to be from the official Publisher’s Clearing House. These bogus letters inform customers that they have won a major prize with Publisher’s Clearing House, and “winners” are approved for an automatic payoff on any debt accumulated on qualified credit cards. Unfortunately, this scam is an attempt to obtain the “winner’s” account information, and victims are likely to end up with an empty bank account. Victims claim that when the toll free number is dialed, the representative requests the “winner’s” bank account number so that the winnings may be wired directly into the account. If the victim refuses, the representative quickly disconnects the call.

BBB reminds consumers of the importance of protecting your identity from unlawful use:

Never provide financial information, such as checking account information and credit card numbers on the phone or online, unless you initiate the contact and are familiar the person or organization you are dealing with. Call your BBB to check the company out and make sure the company contact information on any letters or emails matches the company’s registered information. Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use the most up-to-date firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software available.

Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.

BBB also reminds consumers that Publishers Clearing House (“PCH”) will only contact major prize winners in person; smaller prize winners are notified by FedEx, UPS or certified mail. If you believe you have received a suspicious letter or email from a fake sweepstakes or wish to report another fraud or scam, please call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373.

NACOGDOCHES — Two suspects are arrested after a reported armed robbery on the campus of Stephen F. Austin. Arrest warrants were issued for Jerry Don Thorn and Demarcus Andrew Wade. Tips led to the Thursday night capture of the two men suspected of robbing a student at gunpoint Sunday night on campus. Wade and Thorn, both 22, are charged with aggravated robbery and might have other charges pending from the same incident, according to SFA University Police.

Both suspects have a criminal history. Wade has previously been charged with theft from a person and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Thorn has been charged in the past with theft from a person, burglary of a habitation and criminal trespass.

TYLER — Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City Management Association (ICMA), termed the premier local government leadership and management organization. McDaniel is one of 1,200 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program. To receive the ICMA credential, city officials say, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development. “We are all extremely proud of Mark,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “His leadership and professional expertise has greatly benefitted the City of Tyler. It is gratifying to see that he is being recognized in this way.”

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Friday celebrated the start of the next piece of the Toll 49 system with the groundbreaking for Segment 3B. Smith County Judge Joel Baker was among those offering remarks. Baker gives the credit to “some dedicated people in this community — community leaders…just people who are committed to community service and who have seen this through.” According to officials, Segment 3B has been much anticipated since not only will it complete the Toll 49 system to I-20 — but it will do so in a record 22-month build time. Segment 3B connects to the western segment of Toll 49 that is currently under construction at SH 31 and proceeds north to connect with Interstate 20.

The NET RMA has worked with TxDOT to further the development of Toll 49. Last fall, the NET RMA received notification that the Texas Department of Transportation approved up to $90 million for construction of Toll 49 Segment 3B by funding the project with two forms of loans. Officials say the funding also opens the door for the NET RMA to start focusing on the next segments of Toll 49, namely, the Lindale Relief Route and the East Texas Hourglass. Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board of the NET RMA, stated, “Toll 49 Segment 3B represents the most important segment of the project to date as it makes connection to I-20 increasing connectivity for travelers along US 69 and throughout the region.” Along with Baker, the ceremony featured remarks by Austin, Senators Kevin Eltife and Robert Nichols, and Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.

MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University invites the community to attend the Dedication Service for the new Ornelas Student Center. The service will be held in the student commons area on the first floor today at 1:00 p.m. The two-story center is located on the ETBU Quad, just a few steps west of Marshall Hall. Students began enjoying the building when they returned for the spring semester on January 10. Inside the facility are a gourmet coffee and bakery shop, a sub sandwich shop, offices for the Student Affairs division and Student Government Association, post office, game room, copy center, chapel, and various meeting rooms. Building tours of the 31,852 square foot facility will be held from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Chamber of Commerce is warning businesses about a possible scam. Chamber officials say a company called Hometown Productions is claiming to be working on a city map in conjunction with the Chamber. The company’s reportedly asking businesses for money to advertise on the map. But Chamber officials say they have nothing to do with this company. Chamber President Kelly Hall says this isn’t the first time the company has claimed to be working with the Chamber. Hall says last year one non-profit group signed up, believing it was a real deal. Hometown Productions did not return phone calls from our news partner KETK.

TYLER – The City of Tyler announced this morning that due to a collapsed box drainage structure caused by the recent rainy weather, emergency action is being taken today to clean it and stabilize it. A portion of Beckham closed at midday. The closure will take place in the vicinity of Houston Street. Officials say they will be able to keep one lane open at all times, to keep the flow of traffic going.

SMITH COUNTY — A Chapel Hill teen accused of killing his older sister will remain in the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center for at least two more weeks. Nathaniel Anderson, 15, is accused in the shooting death of his sister, Amanda, 19. The autopsy showed she was shot in the head four times. Anderson’s next hearing is set for January 31st.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a robbery at a local motel. It happened Thursday morning at the Tyler Express, 2631 WNW Loop 323. Authorities say the clerk said she was robbed by an unidentified man after he entered the office, produced a handgun, and demanded money from the register. She said she gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money and he then fled on foot. The suspect is described as a black male approximately 5’6″ weighing around 150 pounds. He was wearing dark clothing with a black ski type mask. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin apartment maintenance man was arrested Wednesday, accused of attempting to rape a sleeping tenant. The victim’s roommate reportedly let Jose Otilio Diaz Jr., 34, into their Acadia Arms apartment to fix the dishwasher, according to an arrest report. The victim, 18, was in the bedroom asleep when she reportedly awoke to Diaz standing over her, pulling off her shorts. The victim yelled to her roommate, who was in the living room. The roommate could tell the woman was in trouble and grabbed her husband’s .45-caliber pistol before investigating what was going on. Authorities say the roommate told Diaz to get out of the apartment and followed him to the door. The victim said she felt Diaz would not have stopped if her roommate would not have walked in with the gun, according to the report. The victim later identified Diaz in a police photo lineup.

TYLER — Today’s the day of the Tyler Area Chamber’s annual Business Expo, from 9 to 5 at Harvey Convention Center, featuring some 150 exhibitors. The Chamber’s Henry Bell says the expo offers “a lot of different variety this year.” He says the free event offers a chance to network and learn about the local business environment. Bell said the business climate in Tyler is quite positive right now, and that should help spur interest in the expo.

BEAUMONT – A 44-year-old Lufkin man pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges related to a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August 2007. Carl Carver pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone in Beaumont. Specifically, Carver admitted that he had participated in the murder of David Mitchamore.

According to information presented in court, Carver was a general of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), a powerful race-based state-wide organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and the United States. Authorities say the ABT enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects, and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, assault, robbery, and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Authorities say members, and often associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to court documents, David Mitchamore, aka “Super Dave,” an ABT member, and his girlfriend, Christie Rochelle Brown, were murdered as a result of a “direct order” issued by Carver against Mitchamore because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he allegedly owed to Carver. The bodies of Mitchamore and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on Aug. 10, 2007. Carver faces life in prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

LONGVIEW — A retirement reception will be held for Longview Chief of Police J.B. McCaleb from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. today. The recognition presentation will occur at 4:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd. Chief McCaleb has served in law enforcement for 35 years, including 32 years with the Longview Police Department. He has served as Chief of Police since 2003.

TYLER — Tyler Assistant Fire Marshal Brandon Davis says a house has been destroyed by fire on the 300 block of West Cedar. KETK reports the blaze started on the east side of the house, although investigators still aren’t sure how. The flames spread quickly into the attic, causing a partial roof collapse. No one was hurt.

HENDERSON (AP) – A Fort Worth man who reported to investigators he accidentally shot and killed a deer hunter has been charged in the death. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office says 54-year-old Rodney Connally turned himself in Wednesday. Connally was named in a Jan. 13 warrant for criminal negligent homicide. The case involves the Jan. 1 death of 41-year-old Louis Conner Jr. of Overton. Connally was arraigned Wednesday, with bond set at $50,000. He previously was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Connally notified officers of the shooting, saying he mistook Conner for a deer. Sgt. Viki Penny says there’s no indication that the men knew each other. She had no information Wednesday on an attorney for Connally.

MARSHALL — Many Texas residents, including some East Texans, have a new cable provider. St. Louis-based Cobridge Communications has recently purchased seven territories across the state from Charter Communications. Cobridge executive Paul Belle Isle says the company’s installing fiber-optic technology where possible. He says Cobridge is working to improve reliability, picture quality, and Internet speed to provide faster, better, smarter, higher-tech service. According to Belle Isle, Cobridge is now serving Marshall, Carthage, Atlanta, Rockport, Colorado city, Slaton, and Levelland.

EAST TEXAS — Research now shows the life-span of East Texans is shorter than other areas across the state and that reputation is giving East Texas a new nickname. “The stroke belt.” Experts say after years of neglecting healthy food and exercise, we’ve earned that title. Neurologist, Alison Hennigan says another reason why the stroke rate is so high in East Texas is because of smoking. East Texans also have the shortage life-span in the state.

LINDALE — A Lindale teen, Dakota Lee Dawson, has been arrested for filing a false report. A Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy says Dawson sent a text message to a friend claiming he found his girlfriend with another man. He reportedly told his friend he shot the man and put him in a wood chipper. The friend called police. Dawson was arrested and charged with filing a false report. He was released on $1,000 bond.

TYLER — A 62-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography violations Wednesday. William Robert Pate pleaded guilty on Aug. 16 to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison. According to information presented in court, on Mar. 26, law enforcement investigators executed a search warrant at Pate’s home for suspected child pornography after images were reported as being uploaded to an Internet website from Pate’s IP address. During the investigation, Pate admitted to downloading child pornography over the internet and gave permission for the search of his computers. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed approximately 97 images and 7 videos of child pornography, some of which depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct. Pate was indicted by a federal grand jury on Apr. 8, 2010.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police want to identify a man who used a fraudulent check. On June 14, 2010, a suspect passed a fraudulent check at a Lufkin-area grocery store and, although the suspect’s image was captured by security cameras, investigators have not yet identify him. The check was made to appear as a payroll check from another Lufkin-area business, and was cashed for several hundred dollars. According to witnesses and the security camera-captured images, the suspect is a 30 to 40-year-old black male with short-cut hair, receding hairline, moustache, and goatee. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (936) 639-TIPS.

WOOD COUNTY — A 16-year-old boy was found shot to death early Tuesday in Wood County. About 1:30 a.m., Wood County Sheriff’s deputies found Loren Wayne Saunders, 16, dead of a gunshot wound to his chest. Officers were responding to a call about a person shot at County Road 1590, Chaney Point RV Park #2 in Alba. Saunders was a student at the Alba/Golden Independent School District. Detectives are investigating.

RUSK COUNTY — The grandfather of a 2-year-old boy killed by the family’s pit bull was no-billed by a Rusk County grand jury, district attorney Micheal Jimerson said Tuesday, meaning he won’t face charges in the death. “Unless new evidence comes to light, we won’t be investigating this matter any further or considering any additional charges,” Jimerson said. He said he could not speculate on why the grand jury declined to indict Kelvin Muckleroy because the proceedings are confidential.

Muckleroy’s grandson, Kaden Muckleroy, died Nov. 10 at East Texas Medical Center-Henderson as the result of dog bites from a pit bull attack. Investigators with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office determined the dog that attacked the child belonged to his grandfather, and the older Muckleroy had the dog chained to a tree in the yard of his home, where the attack occurred.

Muckleroy consented to the release of the dog who killed his grandson, as well as about 30 additional kennel-kept dogs, to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. The dog that attacked Kaden was euthanized, and several other dogs owned by the older Muckleroy also were euthanized because of their poor medical conditions or because they were too aggressive. However, some of the healthier, friendlier dogs were adopted. After the dogs were seized, Muckleroy demolished the kennels and pens on his property.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University is ranked by http://www.TheBestColleges.org as the number one Online Christian College and University of 2011. The website also ranked LETU 22nd among all secular and private colleges and universities that offer online programs in the nation, such as top-ranked Penn State. The ranking website reviews publicly available data to produce its independent assessment of colleges and universities, basing its rankings on a variety of disciplines for prospective students to use as a guide when choosing a college. LETU’S online degree programs include business, psychology, leadership, education and management.

The ranking criteria include graduation, retention, and acceptance rates; student-teacher ratios, tuition per undergraduate credit hour; and percent of students receiving financial aid. Ranking criteria for the Christian schools included schools which were “explicit about seeking to provide a biblically rooted, Christ-centered online education experience for their students,” according to the website. “We have a very strong online program at LETU, and it’s exciting when that fact is validated by an objective outside agency,” said Carol Green, vice president for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

LUFKIN – An Angelina County man was killed in a morning fire outside Lufkin Tuesday. According to KETK, sheriff’s investigators say the blaze started in a subdivision near Twin Oaks Road just before 7 a.m. Authorities have withheld the man’s name until his family is notified. But investigators tell the Lufkin Daily News his pet was with him at the time of the fire. It was a neighbor who first noticed the blaze. Officials say the man tried to get inside the home, but his jacket caught fire at the front door. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials say the mobile home was reduced to a charred shell. Because of the extent of the damage, fire investigators say it will be difficult to figure out what caused it.

TYLER — Tyler Police have arrested several suspects for allegedly stealing copper tubing and scrap metal from local businesses and home owners over the past month. Officers responded to an apartment building at 1806 W. Oakwood around 8:00 a.m. Tuesday on a possible burglary in progress. Officers spotted the suspect, who they say jumped from a second floor window to escape the area. 28-year-old Deketus Lamarlo Goodwyn of Tyler reportedly fought with officers before being arrested. Police say Goodwyn had entered the apartment building with the intent to steal copper tubing from the walls and fixtures. Several cases of copper theft have been reported to police over the past month at this location.

In another investigation, Tyler Radiator, located at 108 S. Palace, has reported up to 100 radiators stolen from their property that were sold as scrap metal. The investigation into the multiple thefts led to the arrest of 60-year-old Billy Charles Andrews at his residence in Tyler Tuesday. Also, 38-year-old Gary Todd Williams was arrested on January 6 for two thefts – one of copper from an air conditioning unit valued at $10,000 from the Salvation Army and another involving theft of copper from an air conditioning unit at Centro Cristiano De Mi Lagros Church at 700 N. Bois D’Arc.