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TYLER — A Mineola man has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for child pornography violations. Steven M. Flaherty, 53, pleaded guilty on March 2 to possession of child pornography and was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.

According to information presented in court, on July 24, 2009, law enforcement authorities executed a federal search warrant at Flaherty’s Mineola residence and seized his personal computer. A forensic examination of the computer and equipment resulted in the discovery of at least 50 digital images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

TYLER — A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations. Robert Earle Toole, 29 pleaded guilty to burglary of a federal firearms licensee yesterday before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie. Toole faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to information presented in court, on March 25, 2009, Toole and another individual broke into Nix Finance in downtown Tyler by forcing their way through the door. Once inside, they smashed glass cabinets which contained weapons and stole 20 firearms. The offense is a federal crime because the store owner held a federal firearms dealers license.

MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — Prosecutors and defense attorneys are scheduled to meet today to discuss the case of a warden’s wife who allegedly helped an inmate escape from her husband’s prison in 1994. Bobbi Parker is set to go on trial September 20.

Greer County prosecutors allege Parker developed a relationship with Randolph Dial, helped him escape and then lived on the run with him for years. Dial and Parker were discovered living on a chicken ranch near Center, Texas in 2005.

Prosecutors charged Parker in 2008. Dial, who maintained that he kidnapped Parker and held her against her will, died in prison. District Attorney John Wampler couldn’t be reached for comment. Parker’s attorney, Garvin Isaacs, says he’s barred from talking about what will be discussed at the conference.

TYLER — An accused Tyler bank robber is among those indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury.

*Eddie Ray Myers, 61, of Searcy, Arkansas, who is pictured here, was indicted and charged with bank robbery. If convicted, he could receive up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Myers is alleged to have robbed the BBVA Compass bank on south Broadway in Tyler last month. Crimestopper tips led to Myers’ arrest on July 23.

The robbery happened just before 12:45 the afternoon of July 14th. Bank employees said that a white male in his sixties to early seventies walked up to a teller inside the bank and handed the employee a note. The note advised the teller that it was a bank robbery, that the teller should give him the cash, and that he had a gun inside his bag. The suspect did not display a weapon during the course of the robbery. The teller complied with his demand and gave him an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then walked out of the bank

Myers was arrested by Precinct 5 constables. They were doing surveillance when they saw Myers enter a house in northern Smith County. Deputies later pulled him over and arrested him. He was taken into custody without incident. Shortly after his arrest he was taken to East Texas Medical center after complaining of chest pains. Myers was on parole in Arkansas, but was living in Tyler.

Other Indictments:

*Christopher John Hunnicutt, 38, of Tyler, was indicted and charged with perjury. If convicted, he could receive up to 5 years in federal prison.

*A superseding indictment was issued as to David Culpepper, 33, of Simms, Texas. Culpepper was originally indicted in June by a federal grand jury and charged with simple possession of methamphetamine. The indictment added an additional charge of possession of a firearm on a federal facility. If convicted, he could receive up to a year in
federal prison.

*Benjamin David Hiller, 31, of Texarkana, Arkansas was indicted and charged with driving while intoxicated, repeat offender. If convicted, he could receive up to one year in federal prison and suspension of driving privileges on special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

*Glenda Shirley, 66, of Winfield, Texas was indicted and charged with theft of public money. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

*B.J. Baydowicz, aka Betty Jean Ellis, 67, of Kilgore, Texas, was indicted and charged with making a false statement or representation of a material fact in an application for payment; fraudulent use of a Social Security Number to obtain Social Security benefits payments; making a false statement in application for Social benefits; theft from the U.S. government; and making a false statement. If convicted, she could receive up to 10 years in federal prison.

TYLER – A 53-year-old Mineola man has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for child pornography violations. Steven M. Flaherty pleaded guilty on Mar. 2 to possession of child pornography. He was sentenced Wednesday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis. According to information presented in court, on July 24, 2009, law enforcement authorities executed a federal search warrant at Flaherty’s Mineola residence and seized his personal computer. A forensic examination of the computer and equipment resulted in the discovery of at least 50 digital images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

TYLER – A 29-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations. Robert Earle Toole pleaded guilty to burglary of a federal firearms licensee Wednesday in Tyler before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie. According to information presented in court, on Mar. 25, 2009, Toole and another individual broke into Nix Finance in downtown Tyler by forcing their way through the door. Once inside, they smashed glass cabinets which contained weapons and stole 20 firearms. The offense is a federal crime because the store owner held a federal firearms dealers license. Toole faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Officials say Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County say a juvenile has been arrested in a burglary. At about 6 a.m. Wednesday, a call of a residential Burglary was reported to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. The offense occurred on FM 17 North of Grand Saline. The complainant reported that she was awakened by an intruder who was in her bedroom. The complainant advised that she woke her husband up and he chased the intruder out of the residence. The complainants identified the intruder as a juvenile who has allegedly been causing trouble in their community. The juvenile was located in the area and fit the clothing and physical description the complainants gave to a eputy. The juvenile was taken into custody and booked into the Van Zandt County Juvenile Justice Center by VZSO Investigators.

AUSTIN – The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) has named Tyler ISD Foundation Executive Director Larry Goddard as the association’s 2010 Key Communicator. According to TSPRA press materials, “This prestigious award recognizes Goddard’s significant contributions to the public understanding of the public schools in Texas through effective communications.” Goddard will receive his award Sept. 24 during the First General Session of the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards joint annual convention. Over 6,000 public school officials are expected to attend this year’s convention in Houston.

“This is the first time that our association has recognized an individual from the public school foundation arena as our Key Communicator,” said TSPRA President Steve Valdez. “We applaud Larry Goddard’s efforts that support our public schools and the children of Texas.”

GARDEN VALLEY – Smith County-based Mercy Ships has received a gift of stock in the amount of $1,015,635.19 from Dallas based philanthropist and longtime Mercy Ships supporter Mrs. Annette Simmons. In making the announcement, Don Stephens, Founder and President of Mercy Ships, stated, “The worldwide economic situation has been difficult for all charities, and annually the slowest month of the year is August. This gift could not have come at a better time as the needs of the poor know no calendar. We are honored and blessed to have Annette come forward to join us and provide an opportunity of life to those we serve.

Mercy Ships utilizes hospital ships to deliver free medical care provided by volunteer crew to areas of substantial need around the world. According to statistics offered by Mercy Ships, more than 200,000 children die a week in impoverished nations due to the lack of proper food sources and standard medical care. Mrs. Simmons said, “I’ve known of Mercy Ships for quite a while and wanted to give this gift for a long time. My particular focus and interest is children. What Mercy Ships does for children with their remarkable surgeons on their hospital Ship in Africa is wonderful!”

Myron (Mike) Ullman, Chairman of the Board – Mercy Ships International, responded, “Mercy Ships makes eminent business sense. All professional crew onboard the hospital ship raise their own financial support and actually pay monthly room and board. This allows the funds donated to be used for the delivery of critical healthcare to those most in need.” You can log on to http”//www.mercyships.org to learn more about Mercy Ships.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview are again reminding you that the old adage is still true: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. A Longview man remembered this saying when he recently received a check in the mail for $4,450 along with a notification that he had won a “Mega Million Sweepstakes” that he did not remember entering. Aware of similar “winnings” that were actually scams, the man contacted Longview Officer John Rolls and discovered that he had wisely avoided becoming a victim.

Police say the scams vary in the type of winnings (lottery, sweepstakes, old inheritance, etc.) but are all the same in how the victim is “taken”. The scammers mail out hundreds or thousands of letters announcing the recipient has won some type of contest or lottery and have a large amount of money coming to them. The letter informs the recipients that they will owe taxes on the money they’ve won and the letter is accompanied by a check that is always made out for an amount larger than the taxes the scammer is purporting they will owe.

The recipient is asked to call a number or to mail the payment in for the amount of taxes, which seems like a good deal, since the recipient has received a check for a larger amount. The only problem is the checks that accompany these letters are fraudulent — and police say your bank will hold you responsible for the funds you’ve mailed to the scammers. If you receive a letter announcing winnings that is unexpected, you’re urged to contact police or your banking institution before acting on it. Police say no sweepstakes, lottery, or other winnings should require payment to receive the actual winnings. Income taxes on winnings are made to the United States Internal Revenue Service, not individual financial services or individuals.

TYLER – The latest art exhibit at Gallery Main Street will open today as “The Uncommon Image: An Exhibition of the Abstract and Non-Objective” is unveiled at a reception from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the Gallery, 110 West Erwin. The work of more than two dozen artists will be on display. Artwork featuring a wide variety of media, including acrylic, ceramic, oil, sculpture, watercolor, photography, ink and pencil will be shown. There were more than 100 entries to be considered during the jury process.

Best of Show will be announced at 5:30. The public is invited to attend the come-and-go reception at the gallery from 4:30 to 6:30. This exhibit will be on display until September 15. The prospectus for the next exhibit, “Human Expressions: Figure and Portraits” is available online and the deadline for entry is August 10.

Gallery Main Street is a project of the City of Tyler Main Street Department and the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition to encourage the revitalization of downtown through the arts. The gallery is open 10:00am to 5:00pm. Monday through Wednesday; 10:00am to 7:00pm Thursday and Friday and 11:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays. More information is available at http://www.downtowntylerarts.com or at 903-593-6905.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Detectives are asking the community for help with an aggravated robbery case that landed the 80-year-old victim in the hospital. On July 31 at around 5:07 p.m., Longview Officers were dispatched to an area hospital by emergency room personnel after the victim, John Morris, was brought in by his wife with a head injury.

Mrs. Morris told officers that two men had robbed and beaten Mr. Morris at the bait shop they operate beside their home in the 400 block of West Pliler Precise Road. Mrs. Morris said that around 4:30 p.m., two men arrived at the bait shop in a white or tan, older model, four-door passenger car, and Mr. Morris walked next door from his home to help them, thinking they were customers. After several minutes, Mrs. Morris saw the vehicle drive away, but Mr. Morris did not come back inside the house. When Mrs. Morris went to investigate, she found Mr. Morris lying on the ground inside the bait shop bleeding heavily from a wound to his head. Mr. Morris’s wallet containing cash, credit cards and VA insurance paperwork was missing.

The suspects were described as two black males, and they left behind a foam minnow bucket at the bait shop. It is believed the two suspects had been to the bait shop before and may frequent local fishing areas. If anyone has information about the suspect’s identity, they are urged to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com or 903-236-STOP. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police search for a couple accused of stealing beer. The two suspects reportedly robbed a convienence store in late July. Security footage shows a woman called the store clerk over to the far side of the store to distract her while a man grabbed the beer. According to KETK, the two left the store in a waiting car.

LONGVIEW — A company with a big presence in East Texas is expanding. Longview’s Eastman Chemical will add to production by about 10% starting in 2011. According to the company, there’s been an increase in demand for products. Eastman will also expand their plant in the Netherlands to help accommodate the growing needs of their product.

TYLER (AP) — An East Texas police officer has been placed on unpaid leave after authorities say a juvenile suspect pulled a gun from a duffel bag that wasn’t searched and opened fire while in custody. Tyler police say no one was injured during the July 24 incident at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center. Police say the 16-year-old boy was taken into custody on outstanding warrants when he arrived by bus from his hometown of Kansas City, Mo. Chief Gary Swindle said Monday Officer Jessica Doughten violated policy by not checking a suitcase and duffel bag the 16-year-old boy had with him.

Police say the teen grabbed the gun in a holding area and shot at an intake officer. The boy is facing several charges. The criminal investigation into the juvenile suspect’s actions has led to the following charges:
– Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant
– Possessing a Deadly Weapon in a Penal Institution
– Possession of Marijuana in a Penal Institution
– Directive to Apprehend for Felony Assault out of Kansas City, Missouri
– Failure to Appear out of Kansas City, Missouri

On July 24 at 12:22 a.m., Tyler Police and Smith County Pct. One Constables responded to the Attention Center in reference to a shots fired call. Responding officers gained entry into the building and confronted a 16-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, in a secured hallway within the facility. Police say the juvenile had a gun to his head attempting to get officers to shoot him. According to police reports, officers on the scene were able to convince him to put the gun down after talking him down. Earlier, police received information that the juvenile was on a bus from Kansas City to Tyler and had outstanding warrants. Officers contacted the juvenile on the bus at the bus station in Tyler and took him into custody. Officers transported him to the Tyler Police Department and then to the Juvenile Attention Center.

Authorities say while the juvenile was being held in a secured intake room in the facility, he gained access to his personal duffel bag that contained a handgun hidden in his clothing. Police say the juvenile removed the handgun from the bag and fired several shots within the intake holding room. The intake officer took cover and was not struck by the gunfire. No juveniles housed in the facility were in any danger during the incident. The juvenile had been searched at the time of the arrest; however his bag was not searched prior to being placed into the trunk of the patrol vehicle. The juvenile was transported to East Texas Medical Center for minor injuries he sustained by cut glass during the incident. He was treated and released back into the custody of officers.