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CROCKETT — Monday’s thunderstorms are responsible for one East Texas death. In Houston County, a woman was critically injured when her car struck a fallen tree. The accident happened around 11:00 Monday night on State Highway 21, just over 6 miles east of Crockett. Renee Miller, 53, of Cocoa, Florida, died from her injuries early Monday morning in a Crockett hospital.

GRAPELAND – Troubles are growing for a former Grapeland city councilman. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit arrested Aaron Pennington, 30, after allegedly discovering images of the sexual assault of a child. The Cyber Crimes Unit’s investigation of Pennington stemmed from a referral by the Grapeland Police Department; Houston County District Attorney Donna Kaspar will prosecute the cases in court.

Investigators from the Cyber Crimes Unit initially arrested Pennington on April 5 for possession and promotion of child pornography. That investigation led to additional charges when, on April 19, Pennington was arrested for sexual assault of a child. Two days later, on April 21, he was arrested for the third time after the Cyber Crimes Unit allegedly discovered images of the sexual assault of a child. In total, the defendant has been arrested for seven separate felony crimes against children.

After receiving a tip from the Grapeland Police Department, the Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant and examined Pennington’s computer, where they discovered multiple illicit images of child pornography. Later, Cyber Crimes Unit investigators reviewed allegations that Pennington had sexually assaulted children in the Houston County area.

TYLER — An Upshur County woman has pleaded guilty in federal court in Tyler to a firearms violation. Erica Nicole Cook, 29, of Gilmer, At sentencing, Cook faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not been set at this time.

According to federal prosecutors, on or about August 7, 2010, at a residence located in Upshur County, Cook possessed a shotgun. She had previously been convicted of a felony offense, specifically, forgery.

BEAUMONT – A 31-year-old Lufkin woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a double homicide which took place in Nacogdoches in August, 2007, and was connected to the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. According to federal authorities, April Flanagan pleaded guilty on Nov. 29, 2010, to violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, to-wit, conspiracy to murder David Mitchamore, and to acting as an accessory after the fact in the murder of Christy Rochelle Brown. On Tuesday, she was sentenced in Beaumont to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.

According to information presented in court, Flanagan had close ties to the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, a race-based state-wide organization which operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons that are located throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Officials 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.

It is believed that David Mitchamore, also known as “Super Dave,” a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, and his girlfriend, Christie Rochelle Brown, were murdered as a result of a “direct order” by members of the Aryan Brotherhood because of Mitchamore’s failure to repay an outstanding debt he owed to a General in the Aryan Brotherhood. The bodies of Mitchamore and Brown were discovered in Nacogdoches County on August 10, 2007. Authorities say Flanagan knew and approved of the plan to murder Mitchamore, and provided members of the Aryan Brotherhood with the shotgun used to murder Mitchamore and Brown. She also loaned her vehicle to them for use during the commission of the murders.

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Tuesday to unveil a marker in the Reflections Program honoring Butler College. The event was held at the D.C. Brown Heritage Building, 1900 Bellwood Rd., on the old Butler College campus.

In accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan, in 2009 the City of Tyler launched a three-year program to promote Tyler Historic Landmarks status and the installation of historic markers and plaques at North End locations important to City history, including the history of the African-American community. The Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler Historic Landmarks, Tyler Historic Subject Markers or Half Mile of History stones.

Reverend Cornelius M. Butler, born in Alabama before the turn of the century, was freed from slavery at the age of 17. He was later taught to read and write by his wife. His strong desire to learn drove him to create educational opportunities for many other blacks. In 1905, Reverend Butler led the East Baptist Association to establish an institution of learning called the East Texas Baptist Academy, where he served as the first principal. In 1924, the Academy was renamed Butler College in honor of Reverend Butler. It achieved accreditation in 1949. In 1971, Butler College closed its doors after sparking success for many of its students throughout the nation.

In 1992, The East Texas District Baptist Association, under the leadership of Reverend D. C. Brown, serving as Moderator, erected the Heritage Building. City materials say that was done so that the legacy of Butler College could continue by providing the opportunity for Christian education and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.

TYLER — A suspect being held in the Smith County Jail was allegedly involved in a robbery, attempted robbery, and stabbing. Bond for 24-year-old Laquisha Machelle Brooks of Tyler is $200,000.

On April 23 at approximately 4:06 a.m., Tyler officers were dispatched to the East Texas Medical Center emergency room regarding an individual who had been stabbed. According to medical staff the victim’s injuries were serious, but not life-threatening. While police spoke with the victim he stated that he was stabbed by his live-in girlfriend following an argument at their residence located within the 2300 block of Bellwood Rd. Officers contacted Brooks at the residence and, following what was termed a thorough investigation, placed her under arrest. The scene was processed for evidence and Brooks was transported and booked into the Smith County Jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a 1st degree felony.

The attempted robbery involved a female victim who reportedly gave Brookst a ride on April 20. The said she was at the Valero station at Loop 323 and W. Front St. pumping gas when she was allegedly approached by Brooks, who reportedly said she had diabetes and asked for a ride to a restaurant. The victim consented and reportedly allowed Brooks to get into her vehicle.

According to police, Brooks proceeded to give the victim directions all over west Tyler. Police say this confused the victim as to her whereabouts and she became lost. Brooks allegedly asked the victim to give her money and the victim reportedly refused. According to police, Brooks later told the victim she had a gun and demanded money from the victim. Brooks allegedly directed the victim to pull into an unknown bank so the victim could get money from the ATM. The victim stopped her vehicle, grabbed her purse, and exited the vehicle. Police say the victim told Brooks to get out of the car and Brooks complied and walked off. The victim was not injured during this incident, and police say Brooks never produced a firearm.

Police say the first incident occurred when Brooks allegedly approached an employee of UPS in a parking lot and robbed him on December 8, 2010. Along with the aggravated assault charge, Brooks is charged with two counts of robbery.

TYLER — A Chapel Hill teen accused of killing his sister is ordered to remain in custody. Nate Anderson had another hearing Monday at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. The judge ordered Anderson held in custody until his May 9th hearing.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches Police are investigating a reported burglary and sexual assault. It happened Saturday along the 1600 block of Cardinal. Police say a woman was followed home by two Hispanic men in a vehicle. Officers say the men reportedly sexually assaulted the woman and fled.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police respond to an aggravated assault call Monday night. Officers arrested Gabino Alanzo outside of his home after he allegedly stabbed Eduardo Flores, his wife’s new boyfriend. Officials say Alanzo reportedly used a steak knife during the attack. He was booked into the Angelina County Jail charged with aggravated assault and two outstanding warrants.

DALLAS (AP/STAFF) — Strong to severe thunderstorms moved through East Texas Monday afternoon. Twisted and leveled trees and downed power lines were left in their wake. The Department of Public Safety reports a confirmed tornado in the Troup area. Other possible tornadoes were reported in the Palestine area and in Upshur County.

The Crockett area appears to have been hard hit. Houston County Fire Marshal David Lamb says widespread damage was reported countywide, but the severity was unclear because many affected areas were without power. He said many trees had been blown down. He said there were no immediate reports of injury.

A man working for a tree service in Henderson County was struck by lightening. It happened at mid-afternoon Monday at Star Harbor. Euvaldo Dominguez, said to be in mid 20s, was taken to East Texas Medical Center in Athens and later transferred to the burn unit of Dallas’ Parkland Hospital. He is said to be in critical condition.

Hail also accompanied some of the thunderstorms. The largest appeared to be in the Mount Pleasant area which measured 1.25 inches. The largest rainfall was reported at Paris with 4 1/3 inches.

TYLER – A student who took an old gun to Robert E Lee High School has been placed on probation. The gun, which probably wouldn’t have fired, even if had been assembled, was said to have been over 100 years old. Judge Floyd Getz placed the teen on deferred adjudication for 18 months. After that time, if he has abided by the terms of the probation, the case will be dismissed.

KILGORE — The five Kilgore ISD students charged with vandalizing 39 school buses earlier this month have been transferred to an alternate facility to complete their school year. School officials say the students, who are all seniors, will still be able to graduate this year. Kilgore ISD Superintendent Jodi Clementes says the students will also pay for the more than $3,000 in damage to the buses on April 8th, forcing the school to close for the day. The case has been transferred to the Gregg County District Attorney’s office for all criminal charges.

TYLER — More than a year ago, the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Tyler was added to the long list of East Texas churches destroyed by arsonists. The picture shows what it looked like then. But on Easter Sunday, a new chapter began for the congregation. After months of construction, the installation of a brand new roof, and a high tech alarm system, the church officially reopened its doors for services. Members say they’re thrilled with the new building. Says one member, “We’re just so grateful that it worked out this way and everything just fell into place to rebuild. We’re just grateful that the community supported us so, from all over, and not just Texas, but (from all over) the United States, we received donations to help us rebuild this church.”

The church was one out of a string of ten suspected arson cases linked to two East Texas men, Jason Bourque and Daniel McAllister. Both pleaded guilty and will serve life sentences in prison for the crimes. The congregation met in nearby First Presbyterian Church while awaiting repairs.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Super One Foods located at 3000 WNW Loop 323 in Tyler. Police say there will be “no questions asked.”

According to authorities, the purpose of this National Take Back Day is to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Police say a prior take back effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from the nation’s medicine cabinets. There were approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation that participated in the event. All told, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on the first National Take Back Day.

Due to what’s termed the overwhelming success of the first event, DEA has scheduled the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Police say it’s a great opportunity for those who missed the first event, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted or unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.

Police say the initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

LUFKIN — To raise money for an affliction called osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, a member of the Texas State Guard is marching from Lufkin to Conroe on foot. Captain Allen Rush of the State Guard’s Tyler Medical Response Group says he’s doing it because his great nephew, Jack Wolf IV, died of brittle bone disease at the age of five weeks. The distance between the two cities is 105 miles. Captain rush is trying to make 20 miles a day so he can make it to the Jack Wolf iv Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament Saturday in Conroe. You can go to http://www.jack-wolf.org for more information.