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TYLER — On Thursday at 6:00 a.m., law enforcement officials teamed up to knock on doors of 117 registered sex offenders who live in the City Limits of Tyler. Police say the purpose is to verify that they reside at the proper location on file with the Tyler Police Department. The Tyler Police Department along with the U.S. Marshal’s Office, members of the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Tyler Smith County Crimestoppers formed into six teams of three to complete this task.

According to police, a registered sex offender must report within seven days to local law enforcement authorities of the address that he or she will be living at or moving to. Failure to comply with the notification of change of address is a violation of the law and is a felony offense.

With the new school year about to start, police say it is extremely important that authorities monitor registered sex offenders regarding where they live, where they are employed, and what they drive. This information is kept on file in case incidents involving a registered sex offender occur. The Tyler Police Department conducts this unannounced verification process twice a year.

The results of Thursday’s compliance check of the 117 registered sex offenders are as follows:
– 81 offenders verified of proper location of residence
– 24 offenders – no contact made
– 12 possibly have absconded (further investigation required)

If you would like more information on registered sex offenders in your area, you can go to http://www.txdps.state.tx.us and click on sex offender registry search.

PITTSBURG — Three weeks after signing an agreement to resume poultry imports, Russian officials have voided the lists of U.S. facilities that had been approved to export product — including an East Texas supplier. Pilgrim’s Pride CEO Don Jackson says his company has three plants filling Russian orders and hopes to add three more within 90 days. According to Jackson, “Within a few days, we had sold out our entire August production volume for our Russian-approved plants, with prices quickly moving to the 60-cent range.” Russia is questioning whether some of the disinfectant rinses to be used in place of chlorine are compliant with what they agreed to.

PALESTINE (Staff/AP) – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit has arrested Allen Lynn Ward, 47, of Palestine, for child pornography possession. At the time of his arrest on Wednesday, Ward indicated he was employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as a prison guard.

Officials say Wednesday’s arrest stemmed from a referral by the Oregon Department of Justice, which notified the Cyber Crimes Unit that Ward’s e-mail account appeared to be involved in trading child pornography. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators conducted a search of Ward’s residence. According to investigators, Ward possessed numerous illicit images of young children on his home computer and in print. Officials say investigators will examine the seized evidence and determine whether Ward should face additional charges. At this time, all evidence involves Ward’s personal property. Neither state nor TDCJ resources are implicated.

The arrest was a joint operation by the Texas Attorney General’s Office and Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor. State officials say the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Office of the Inspector General also fully cooperated with the investigation and provided assistance to the Cyber Crimes Unit. Ward remains in Anderson County Jail charged with child pornography possession – a third-degree felony – in lieu of a $1 million bond. If convicted, Ward faces two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Texas prisons spokeswoman Michelle Lyons says Ward worked since February at the Gurney Unit in Anderson County. She says he resigned Wednesday.

LINDALE (AP) — An east Texas woman who allegedly was trying to set up a drug sale turned out to be mistakenly texting law officers. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says 51-year-old Debra Langham of Lindale was booked Monday on a marijuana possession charge. She was freed the following day on $5,000 bond. Jail records did not list an attorney for Langham. Investigators say she was caught after agreeing to meet an alleged buyer at a certain location. Langham had provided a description of her vehicle. Deputies recovered about $400 worth of marijuana. Lt. Tony Dana says Langham apparently put in the wrong number when the sheriff’s office began receiving the texts several weeks ago.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Commissioners continue to talk about the new budget. Over the next few weeks, commissioners will come up with their budget battle plan. However, compromise doesn’t seem to be in the near future. Judge Joel Baker says Smith County has never experienced budget problems like we have now. By the end of August, the court has to reach a decision. But, according to KETK, this week, they are struggling to agree.

More than 30 county jobs may be eliminated from the county and elected officials are defending their departments. One official says the court has already taken almost everything away from their employees. Another man begs to keep his employees, saying they cannot do the job with one less person. Smith County Commissioner Jeff Warr says he hopes they will reach a budget that is fair to everyone. Warr says, “There’s no agreement on many major issues, but that’s part of the process–especially when you’re in tough economic times.”

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 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.