KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – A Smith County sheriff’s deputy has been hit by a SUV and seriously injured. The Department of Public Safety says the accident happened shortly before 9:45 last night as Officer Daniel Leon was directing traffic near Tyler Metro Church on Highway 110 South. He was taken to East Texas Medical Center for treatment and is listed in fair condition. Leon has been with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department for 13 years.

TYLER – The jury that last week found Kimberly Cargill guilty of capital murder has now sentenced her to death. The panel returned the verdict around 9:30 Thursday night. As in all death penalty rulings, the case will automatically be appealed.

Cargill was charged with the June 2010 death of Cherry Walker. Walker was killed one day after she was subpoenaed to testify in a custody hearing over Cargill’s 4-year-old son. Cargill testified Wednesday that walker died of a seizure. Cargill said she tried CPR on her, but was unsuccessful. She then testified that she burned the body.

TYLER – A 55 year old Bivins, Texas, woman has been sentenced in Tyler for a criminal activity related to identity theft. LaWanda Maricle was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, a term of supervised release of 3 years, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $108,101.28. She appeared yesterday before United States Judge Michael H. Schneider.

According to federal prosecutors, Maricle was the manager of Pioneer Credit Company, a loan company located in Mt. Pleasant. Maricle, along with others, devised a scheme to fraudulently create new loan applications for customers who did not have an active loan, using the customer’s name, social security number, and other identifying information. Maricle would approve the loan, issue a check in the name of the customer on Pioneer’s account, sign the check on behalf of Pioneer, and then forge the signature of the customer on the check. Maricle used the funds for her own personal gain. As a result of the fraudulent activity, the total loss or intended loss, from all relevant conduct, was at least $200,000.

TYLER – A Houston man, appearing in Tyler before United States Judge Michael H. Schneider, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Oscar Ivan Nino, 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 13, 2011, along with four co-conspirators. He pleaded guilty on January 12, 2012.

Federal prosecutors say beginning at an unknown date and continuing up to March 9, 2011, Nino possessed more than 15 kilograms of cocaine which he distributed in East Texas. As part of the conspiracy, on or about March 9, 2011, Nino traveled from Houston to Tyler with 2 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of delivering it to other co-conspirators in Tyler.

Three of Nino’s co-defendants have been sentenced. Gary Anderson was sentenced on March 1, 2012, and received 248 months in prison. Anderson’s wife and co-defendant, Jennifer Anderson, was sentenced on March 28, 2012, and received 188 months. Saul Cobarrubias was sentenced on April 24, 2012, and received 135 months in prison. The final co-defendant has pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.

TYLER – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges. In an appearance before United States Magistrate John D. Love, Jose Lopez, 42, pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Lopez faces not less than 10 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000.00 and at least 5 years of supervised release on the drug charge. He also faces not less than 5 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 and no more than 5 years of supervised release on the gun charge, to be served consecutively to the drug charge.

Lopez was indicted along with two co-defendants by a federal grand jury on back in January. According to federal prosecutors, from a date prior to December 14, 2011, and continuing through that date, Lopez possessed and distributed methamphetamine with his co-defendants. Lopez also admitted to possessing and carrying a firearm during and in relation to the possession and distribution of methamphetamine. Lopez admitted that he conspired with his co-defendants to distribute more than 500 grams but less than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is concerned that permitting for the southern segment of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline could be insufficient and has asked for a more extensive review. An official in the EPA’s region that oversees Texas wrote a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers saying 61 water crossings near Galveston are too large for the broad permits being pursued. The official wants an environmental review that includes a public comment period. The letter, written in November, was released Thursday. The corps says it’s reviewing TransCanada’s permit request. This is the latest obstacle for a controversial pipeline project that has created tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The pipeline is designed to transport Canadian crude oil across the Midwest to Texas Gulf Coast refineries. It would run through eastern Smith County and much of East Texas if completed.

TYLER — Tyler ISD hires three people to fill administrative positions in the district beginning next month. Michael Timms, who currently serves as John Tyler High School associate principal of curriculum & instruction, will take over as principal. Gary Brown, who began his education career at Pine Tree High School, will become principal of Robert E. Lee High School. That follows a term as principal of Wylie High School. And Dr. Christy Hanson will serve as TISD’s executive director of secondary education. She currently serves as the director of secondary schools in Grand Prairie ISD.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Police in East Texas arrest three men suspected of being involved in a Wal-Mart theft ring. Officers said the men stole cigarettes from a Sulphur Springs Wal-Mart gas station over the weekend before leading police on a 15-mile chase. But investigators think the men are also responsible for more than 20 similar thefts throughout Texas, totaling over $80,000 in stolen items. The men face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, and evading arrest.

LONGVIEW — One East Texas school district is looking to hire more than 50 new employees, including teachers, next year. Longview public schools will be holding a recruitment expo this afternoon from 4 till 6 at the Education Support Center on East Young. the expo features teaching jobs of all grade levels and other support personnel. The district needs teachers in science, math, and technology. Many of the openings are due to retiring teachers. A spokesperson says, “We have an aging workforce, and so we are seeing that bubble come through Longview ISD. We have processed more retirements this year than we have had in the last several years — probably since 2004, when we had the Social Security windfall.”

TYLER — When the dust settled from Tuesday’s elections, there were some upsets. One of them: Texas House District 6. Leo Berman lost the seat he held 14 years to newcomer Matt Schaefer. Berman, a seasoned politician and U.S. Army veteran, was quick to offer Schaefer some advice. He says it’s good to get involved in the community and know your constituents. The 76-year old tells KETK he’s finally looking forward to a life of leisure. “I’m going to get out of public service,” says Berman. “44 years is long enough, and I’m going to enjoy golf, I’m going to enjoy travel, and I’m going to enjoy doing the things in life that people do at my age.” Berman says his cancer is in remission and he has one more chemotherapy treatment to undergo. His plans are to finish out his term in January. The Bermans plan a vacation to Austria after that.

TYLER — After Tuesday night’s election loss, one candidate says he’s ready to move forward. Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon spent more than 30-years serving Smith County, and Tuesday night he was defeated in his run for Smith County Sheriff. KETK had a chance to catch up with him and talk about his future. “We’ll you know when you been here 32-years. My next step is probably just retire and just kind of relax and look at all my options and what’s next and everything.” Garmon tells KETK, he’s not planning on endorsing any other candidate at this time.

LONGVIEW —- One Longview woman is homeless after a fire burned down her house. The blaze on the 100 block of White City Street was reported by neighbors around 9:15 Thursday morning. The woman and dog who lived at the residence were not home at the time of the fire. Fire officials tell KETK they believe it was caused by an electrical issue but it is still under investigation. The Longview Fire Marshal urges people to check their electrical wiring to help prevent a similar event. The Red Cross says they will help the victim. No injuries were reported.

LIBERTY CITY — Gregg County DPS is searching for a black SUV they believe was involved in a hit and run Sunday evening. DPS says Brandon Benson, 30, was struck from behind at Rice Road and Farm Road 1252 in Liberty City while riding his bike Sunday evening around 6:30 According to KETK, the driver fled the scene. Witnesses described the vehicle that struck Benson as a black SUV. Benson suffered several broken bones and is currently in ICU. He’s listed in good condition. If you have any information, contact your local law enforcement agency or DPS.

PANOLA COUNTY — A Carthage man died early Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle crash. Just after 3:00, David Mauro Rico, 26, was traveling south on U.S. 79 when his vehicle struck an iron pipe on the roadway, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety. According to the Longview News-Journal, Rico was pronounced dead at the scene.

DALLAS (AP) – A trailer that went missing while hauling a NASA-funded telescope from Minnesota has reached its destination in East Texas. A spokeswoman for Minneapolis-based Copeland Trucking says the trailer and undamaged telescope arrived Thursday at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility near Palestine. The Copeland official, who declined to provide her full name to The Associated Press, says the driver was fired Wednesday after the truck and the trailer were recovered in the Dallas area. Other workers delivered the cargo. Police in Hutchins say the cab and the driver were located Wednesday morning at a truck stop. The trailer with the telescope was found Wednesday night in South Dallas. Dallas police have launched an auto theft investigation. No one has been charged.

MESQUITE (AP) – Investigators say a fiery wrong-way accident on Interstate Highway 20 near Dallas has killed three children and both drivers. Mesquite police say I-20 reopened early Thursday a few hours after a truck going the wrong direction slammed into an SUV. Mesquite police Lt. David Gill says the pickup was driven by Krystle Carranza, 27, from Lindale. Gill says the woman’s three daughters also died in the wreck. The youngster’s names and ages were not immediately released. Gill says the name of the man driving the SUV also has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. All five victims were dead at the scene. A Department of Public Safety trooper spotted the pickup going the wrong way and attempted to stop the vehicle just before the accident late Wednesday.

One of the children killed attended Lindale ISD’s Early Childhood Center; the other two were pre-school children. A statement from LISD reads, “The faculty and staff of the Lindale Independent School district are stunned and greatly saddened by the passing of one our Early Childhood Center students as the result of an automobile accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all of the victims of this tragic event.”

Early Childhood Center Principal Dana Sustaire added Thursday, “We met as a campus this morning to discuss our emotions during this difficult time. We will reach out to the family and support them in any way possible.” The statement says though school is out for the year, faculty members are working and counselors are available to assist Early Childhood Center staff members as they cope with the student’s death.

TYLER – The new assistant director of admissions at the University of Texas at Tyler is Jessica Chiles. She assumes her new duties starting June 1st. Chiles will follow Jay Phillips, who accepted a position at Texas A&M University. As assistant director, her responsibilities will include UT Tyler recruitment coordination and management. “I and the entire UT Tyler admissions staff look forward to working with Jessica, as she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experiences,” said Sarah Bowdin, UT Tyler director of admissions.

A UT Tyler alumna, Chiles comes to the university from Lon Morris College where she worked since October 2007. There, she served as an admissions recruiter, international student coordinator, admissions and financial aid counselor and director of admissions and media relations.

Prior to joining Lon Morris, Chiles served as the communication specialist for the Potpourri House in Tyler. As a UT Tyler student, she helped create a promotional/recruitment video for the Patriot Talon student newspaper as well as a public relations campaign for the Tyler Museum of Art. Chiles also was a staff writer and entertainment editor for the Talon. She holds an associate degree from LMC as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a public relations emphasis from UT Tyler. Chiles currently is enrolled in the UT Tyler master of arts in communication program.

TEXARKANA – A northeast Texas man has pleaded in federal court to simple possession of a controlled substance. Ezekiel Tyree Welch, 20, of Dekalb, entered his plea Wednesday in Texarkana in an appearance before United States Magistrate Caroline M. Craven.

Federal prosecutors say, on or about August 19, 2011, Welch tried to enter the Red River Army Depot in Bowie County by presenting a temporary pass. The officer at the gate of the facility smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from Welch’s person. The officer asked permission to conduct a pat-down search of Welch. Welch admitted that he had marijuana in his right front pocket. The marijuana, a Schedule 1 controlled substance, was tested and was found to weigh 4.17.

Welch faces a prison term not to exceed 1 year, a fine not to exceed $100,000 or both. A sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

LEGGETT (AP) — Three people died when the car in which they were riding slammed into a tractor-trailer rig that had turned in front of them on an East Texas highway. The crash happened Wednesday afternoon on U.S. 59 at Loop 116 in Leggett in the East Texas Piney Woods, about 80 miles northeast of Houston. Trooper David Hendry of the Texas Department of Public Safety tells KTRE-TV of Lufkin the 18-wheeler was northbound on U.S. 59 and turning left onto Loop 116 when hit by the car. The vehicles burst into flame. The truck driver escaped his cab but was kept by flames from rescuing the three. Hendry identified the dead three as the driver, Deonta Lashard Wyatt of Livingston, and passengers Connie Ray Burch and Anita Burch, both of Leggett.

TYLER – In Tyler federal court, a 50 year old Azle, Texas man, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wallace Jackson entered the guilty plea during an appearance before United States Magistrate Judith K. Guthrie. Jackson faces a minimum of 5 years but not more than 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

On December 7, 2011, Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on single a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, from a date prior to July 20, 2011, Jackson agreed with other persons to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Jackson admitted that he is responsible for the distribution of more than 35 grams but less than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.

TYLER — An armed robbery suspect is in custody. Shortly after 3:45 Wednesday afternoon, Tyler police arrested Mark Antonio Lee, 39, for aggravated robbery of a local Conoco convenience store. Officers say they’d contacted the suspect three days earlier on a public service call. According to a police news release, information given by Lee on that contact provided officers a possible lead that he may have been involved in Wednesday’s robbery. Officers followed up on that information and located the vehicle allegedly used in Wednesday’s robbery at 1012 North Palace.

Officers made contact with Lee at the residence after they confirmed that he was inside. According to the release, officers set up a perimeter around the residence and were able to talk Lee out of the residence without incident. Lee was transported to Smith County Jail and booked on the aggravated robbery charge.

Tyler police responded to the robbery at 2706 West Gentry just before 12:30 Wednesday afternoon. Police were told that the suspect entered the store and displayed a semi-automatic handgun demanding the cash from the register. The store clerk told officers that the suspect removed the cash from the register, exited the store, and got into a car. A witness who was in the store at the time of the robbery followed the suspect, but lost him in the area of Parkdale and Garden Valley Road. Officers searched the area and initially failed to locate the suspect vehicle before finally catching up with Lee.

CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County continue to investigate a pair of theft incidents after recovering some stolen property. On Tuesday, May 15, two victims reported theft from their residences on County Road 3514 in Wills Point. On Tuesday, May 29, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on County Road 3415 in Wills Point, where some of the stolen property was recovered. Later that day the Sheriff’s Office recovered additional stolen property from a residence on County Road 3210. Authorities say there has been a suspect identified and charges will be filed at a later date while the investigation continues. All of the property was returned to the victims. The recovered property was valued at approximately $7,000.

TYLER — A Smith County road is being permanently closed at the future Toll 49 interchange. CH2M Hill will be constructing the tie-in of the county access road between County Road 1150 and County Road 1151, with a scheduled opening of mid- to late June. In order to meet this proposed date, it will be necessary to complete the permanent closure of CR 1151 at Toll 49 by today. Drivers are asked to avoid the area since construction activities will be increasing, and finding an alternate route is also recommended to avoid potential delays. Local agencies and residents have been notified of the impending closure. The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) says the construction of Segment 3B of Toll 49 is progressing as scheduled

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma appeals court has dismissed an appeal from the wife of a former prison warden who was convicted of helping a convicted killer escape. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals took the action in the case of Bobbi Parker, who was captured in East Texas. Parker served about half of a 1-year sentence she received after she was convicted of helping Randolph Franklin Dial escape from the Oklahoma State Reformatory more than 17 years ago. The court dismissed Parker’s appeal and rejected a request for more time to purchase a transcript of her four-month trial in Greer County. The estimated cost of the transcript is more than $100,000. Defense attorney Garvin Isaacs says Parker is indigent and can’t afford the cost. Isaacs says he will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to look at the issue.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — Texas House Speaker Joe Straus will face at least one challenge to his leadership next year. Republican Representative Brian Hughes from Mineola, pictured here, sent a letter to fellow lawmakers on Tuesday announcing his intent to challenge Straus. The speaker is the most powerful lawmaker in the state, controlling who chairs what committees, and by default, which bills come up for a vote.

Straus took power after forming a coalition between moderate Republicans and Democrats when the Texas House was almost evenly divided. After tea party members helped form a 101-49 supermajority in 2010, conservative Republicans challenged Straus but lost. Since then conservative groups have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to challenge Straus, whom they consider too moderate to run the Texas House. Straus insists he represents the state’s interests.

PALESTINE – A stabbing in Palestine has left a man dead and his roommate charged with murder. It happened Monday morning around 10:30 at 518 block of North Sycamore Street. Warren George Smith Jr., 51, was found face down in the driveway to the home. He was rushed to Palestine Regional Medical Center. Arrested on the scene was Alvin Eugene Hines, 49.

LONGVIEW – A vacant Longview home has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 4:30 Tuesday morning in the 1100 block of Maple Street. Investigators say the house has been vacant for several years. No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

TYLER — Longtime State Representative Leo Berman of Tyler will not be heading back to Austin, following a decisive victory by challenger Matt Schaefer. In another high-profile race, it’s Larry Smith and Chris Green in a July 31 runoff for Smith County sheriff. Here are the final, unofficial results of those two Republican races in Tuesday’s primary:

State Representative, District 6
Matt Schaefer . . . . . . . . . 11,138 57.68 %
Leo Berman . . . . . . . . . .… 8,172 42.32 %

Sheriff
Bobby Garmon . . . . . . . . . 4,678 16.99 %
Chris V. Green. . . . . . . . . 10,353 37.59 %
Donn Rust . . . . . . . . . . …366 1.33 %
Larry R. Smith. . . . . . . . . 12,143 44.09 %

In other races, incumbent Terry Phillips and newcomer Ronnie Pilcher face a runoff in the GOP Primary race for County Commissioner Precinct 3. Incumbent Democratic Precinct 1 Constable Henry Jackson has won another term, as has incumbent Republican Precinct 2 Constable Andy Dunklin. That’s not the case in Precinct 5, where longtime Constable Dennis Taylor was trounced by challenger Kenneth Bibby in a GOP race. In the Republican bid for Constable Precinct 3, it’s Jim Blackmon and Scott McAuley in a runoff, with incumbent Dustin Rust finishing last. You can click on http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections for full election results, details, and statistics for all Smith County races.

In another area race for the Texas House, David Simpson has defeated Tommy Merritt in the District 7 GOP primary. Both men are from Longview. You can click on http://enr.sos.state.tx.us/enr for other results around the state.

In the race for the Texas House in District 11, incumbent Chuck Hopson and Travis Clardy will meet in a runoff. Unofficial returns showed Hopson with 9,249 votes and Clardy with 9,083. A third candidate, Tony Sevilla, polled 1,284 votes.

TYLER — The Board of Directors of PATH (People Attempting to Help) Tuesday announced the appointment of Wayde Klein as Interim Executive Director, effective May 30. PATH officials say Klein is a 28-year veteran of the cable industry, most often serving in the capacity of Vice President of Marketing. He has worked for companies such as Cox Communications, Advance Newhouse, and InterMedia Partners. PATH, a leading human needs agency in Tyler, continues seeking a permanent executive director following the recent resignation of Christina Fulsom.

ATHENS – A motorcycle accident in Henderson County has left one person dead. The wreck occurred around 11:45 Monday night on Farm Road 1615, just south of Farm Road 4626, Southeast of Athens. Dead at the scene was Frankie Ray Eggleston, 47, of Athens. The Department of Public Safety report says Eggleston was south bound on farm Road 1615 when his motorcycle left the road and hit a tree.