KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler police are looking for the man who tried to rob Jucy’s Hamburgers at 2330 East Fifth Street. It happened around 9:30 Thursday night. An employee told officers he was met at the door by an armed suspect wearing a hoodie and holding a hand gun. The victim shut the business door and the suspect fled the area on foot. Officers searched the area but found no trace of the suspect. He was described as 5’10” to 6′ tall, slim build, wearing a dark color hoodie. No injuries were reported.

MT. PLEASANT — The Texas Department of State Health Services is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft services for people whose personal information was allegedly found in the possession of a former DSHS employee without authorization. The former employee, Selena Patino (pictured), had worked at the agency’s Mount Pleasant clinic until last fall and was arrested in January on fraud and credit card abuse charges. Prior to her arrest she worked at the Northeast Texas Public Health District.

According to a DSHS news release, the department has identified people whose information may have been accessed by the former employee and is notifying them by letter of the free services. However, officials say, there may be additional potential victims. People who worked with Patino or received services at the clinic and believe they were affected are urged to contact DSHS at 1-800-350-6029 to request the free credit monitoring and identity theft services. DSHS will provide the free services for one year to those affected.

People who think they may be victims of identity theft also should contact the credit bureaus for guidance and be on alert for any evidence of misuse of personal information, according to DSHS. If people find evidence that their personal information has been misused, officials say they should notify local law enforcement.

The credit bureaus can be contacted as follows:

EQUIFAX

P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
http://www.fraudalerts.equifax.com
Fraud hotline (toll-free): 1-877-478-7625

EXPERIAN

P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
http://www.experian.com
Fraud hotline (toll-free): 1-888-397-3742

TRANSUNION

Email to report suspected fraud at: [email protected]
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
http://www.transunion.com
Fraud hotline (toll-free): 1-800-680-7289

TYLER – The Tyler ISD analyzes results after the Texas Education Agency released the passing rates for the 2012 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) grades 3-8 this week. The STAAR tests replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) last school year. The STAAR tests include more difficult testing and require a higher level of student performance. The tests are designed to measure a student’s college and career readiness, starting in elementary school.

As an urban district with 69.7 percent of students who are economically disadvantaged and 21.7 percent of students who are Limited English Proficient (LEP), Tyler ISD officials say they’re pleased with where they’re starting. “This is our baseline data for the new state accountability system,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Gary Mooring said. “While we know we have more work to do, we are pleased to be in the range of the state scores.” Tyler ISD’s top performing areas include fourth grade reading, with a passing rate of 72 percent; seventh grade reading, with a passing rate of 72 percent; and eighth grade reading and math, with passing rates of 77 percent and 74 percent respectively.

“Tyler ISD is continuing to work on increasing the level of rigor in our instructional practice to ensure the success of all of our students,” said Kim Tunnell, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement.

According to a news release from the district, “Tyler ISD recognizes that with any new testing program there is an adjustment period for students and teachers, and we will continue to provide training for our teachers so they can better prepare our students for success on STAAR. One of Tyler ISD’s Core Beliefs is that all children can learn. It is our responsibility to ensure each student will reach his or her highest academic potential, graduate high school prepared for higher education and/or workforce in the global market while closing the achievement gap. The District will continue to analyze test scores and performance as more data is released from the state in making plans for the 2013-2014 school year.”

LONGVIEW — A fire at a Longview apartment complex has displaced three people. KETK reports it happened at the Johnson Street Apartments on the 400 block of Johnson Street a little before noon yesterday. Longview fire officials say the blaze started in the kitchen area and was contained to one apartment. Nobody was at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries involved. Three people have been displaced, and Red Cross has been notified for assistance.

LONGVIEW — As Longview’s transit system enters its 10th year, data released Tuesday showed city buses carried nearly a quarter-million passengers in 2012. And with ridership up 20 percent from the year before, Longview Transit officials are casting an eye westward, planning to launch a new route March 1 between Longview and Gladewater. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the proposed Route 7 would loop on Marshall Avenue and Cotton Street in Longview before leaving the city on U.S. Highway 80 heading west. The city bus would then loop through Gladewater hitting three stops before heading back to Longview via U.S. 80.

“We have a proposed start date of March 1. Longview Transit is already looking at the route, and we believe it will tie in with what we have in place right now,” said Longview Transit Director of Operations Tequita Mumphrey. Mumphrey addressed members of Longview’s Public Transportation Advisory Committee on Tuesday. The Gladewater City Council agreed to support its portion of the route in the council’s January 17 meeting, while city of Longview officials will address the proposed route at a council meeting in February. If accepted, Route 7 will begin operating March 1 and will run until August, giving Longview Transit officials time to gather data on the use and response to the bus route.

GREGG COUNTY — A Kilgore woman accused of bigamy is on the lam after failing to show for a Monday hearing. Candice Mechell Andrade, 32, was arrested Nov. 15 by Gregg County sheriff’s deputies on a charge of bigamy. According to the Longview News-Journal, her grand jury indictment lists five men to whom she was married in May 2010. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail on $5,000 bond, but bonded out. When she failed to show to Monday’s hearing, 124th District Judge Alfonso Charles issued a warrant for her arrest, and Gregg County sheriff’s deputies began a search for her.

GREGG COUNTY — A Gilmer man with a string of driving while intoxicated convictions dating to 1994 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. According to the Longview News-Journal, Ronnie Paul Peel, 60, already was preparing for a 25-year sentence after pleading guilty in December to DWI-third or greater offense in Upshur County.

On Tuesday, Peel pleaded guilty to a DWI-third or greater charge arising from a June 22 arrest on Texas 31 in Longview. That arrest occurred less than a month after the Upshur County arrest on the same charge. The arresting officer learned after cuffing Peel that he had been convicted of this third or greater DWI in Tarrant County in June 2004.

Gregg County records also show Peel pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor DWI in October 1994. Those were for offenses occurring in March and April of that year, and Peel was sentenced to two years probation for both offenses plus $600 in fines. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail when his probation was revoked in June 1996.

LONGVIEW — As lawmakers continue to discuss and debate immigration reform, Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert offers his views. Two new plans in Washington both call for a path to citizenship. In Longview, Gohmert told KETK there’s need for immigration reform, but first we need to control who’s coming in. Speaking in Longview, Gohmert said until that can be controlled, “there’s no sense in creating another magnet to suck in millions more people.” He added that immigration is what made the country great, those coming in to help America.

EAST TEXAS — Area sheriffs surveyed by our news partner KETK continue to voice their support for the Second Amendment, amid the ongoing gun rights debate. Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell says sheriffs across the state took an oath New Year’s Day “and swore to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and…the Texas Constitution, and I’m sure that’s what all sheriffs plan to do.” Gregg County’s Maxey Cerliano supplied a statement reading, “I have taken an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this state. This includes the Second Amendment, and that is my intent.” Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith weighed in earlier with similar sentiments.

LONGVIEW — Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office request assistance in identifying a suspect in a vehicle burglary case that occurred in Gregg County on January 21st in the White Oak area. The attached photo shows a man in a local convenience store using a credit card that authorities say was taken in the burglary. Also taken in the burglary were jewelry items and a weapon. Sheriff’s officials ask that anyone who can identify this person contact Investigator Floyd Wingo at 903-237-2532 or Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says it has confirmed the identity of the suspect in the accompanying photograph. Police allege that credit cards stolen in a recent case have been used at several local businesses, and the person pictured is suspected of using them. Officials say his identity is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation.

The incident occurred shortly before 1:30 Sunday morning in the 1800 block of ESE Loop 323. The victim told officers she was walking home when she observed an older model white car pull up beside her. A black male got out of the car, pointed a small black pistol at her, and demanded her cell phone. The victim handed over her purse and phone. The suspect got back into the car and fled westbound on the Loop. The victim said that she observed four black males inside the car as it drove away. The suspect is described as approximately 5’09,” 180 lbs., and wearing a gray hat. The victim was unharmed during the incident.

Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

TYLER – An El Salvadoran illegally living in Tyler has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Francisco Antonio Soriano, 38, pleaded guilty last September to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced yesterday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Soriano will be deported following the completion of his prison term.

According to federal prosecutors, beginning on December 14, 2011, Soriano conspired with others to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Soriano admitted he was responsible for the distribution of more than 500 grams of pure methamphetamine. Soriano, Jose Lopez, and Jorge Perez Sanchez were indicted by a federal grand jury in January of last year and charged with drug trafficking violations. Last October, Lopez was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and Sanchez was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

TYLER – A 41-year-old Tyler man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales Wednesday. Bonifacio Nunez-Romero was found guilty by a jury on Aug. 15, 2012, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He was sentenced in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

According to information presented in court, up until September 2011, Nunez-Romero conspired with another person to acquire and distribute methamphetamine in the Tyler area. Evidence presented at trial showed Nunez-Romero was distributing methamphetamine manufactured in Mexico and also selling heroin. He was also found in possession of firearms, a military flak jacket and body armor. Nunez-Romero was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 1, 2012 and charged with drug trafficking violations.

LONGVIEW — Some more retailers have been caught selling alcohol to minors, according to Longview police. The Longview Police Department conducted a series of stings Saturday, in partnership with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and supported by Longview Partners in Prevention. A total of 64 locations were checked. Police say 12 sold alcohol to minors:

1. 1470 W. Marshall Avenue – Gateway Fly Thru Beer
2. 3620 Estes Parkway – Rudy’s # 15
3. 4208 Loop 281 West – Longview Bingo Center
4. 1001 Young Street – Cowboy’s Stop
5. 511 E. Marshall Avenue – Walgreen’s # 07611
6. 100 S. Access Road – Food Fast # 1007

7. 1101 McCann Road – Food Fast # 1022
8. 880 E. Loop 281 – Big Papa’s
9. 128 W. Marshall Avenue – Rudy’s # 16
10. 1917 Judson Road – Road Runner Superette # 2
11. 3305 S. Eastman Road – Food Fast # 1077
12. 700 Gilmer Road – E-Z Mart Store # 260

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches police are investigating reports of a shooting at the River Park Apartments located at 315 Ellington street. According to KETK, the call came in a just before 11:00 Monday night. The victim, a white male, told police he was shot once in the buttocks during a drug deal. Police are still looking for the gunman.

BEAUMONT — A Nacogdoches man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Cedrick Fowler, 30, pleaded guilty last August to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of crack cocaine. On Tuesday, he was sentenced to 245 months in federal prison. On June 20, 2012, a federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment charging 10 defendants, including Fowler, with drug trafficking violations.

VAN (AP/Staff) – An explosion and fire in an oil storage tank just north of Van has injured two, one critically, and we now know their names: Brandy Wolfe and H.R. Price, both 24. The two were allegedly trespassing at the time of the incident. Van Zandt County Emergency Management Coordinator Chuck Allen says firefighters began battling the blaze around 3:00 Tuesday morning. Allen says Wolfe and Price were smoking on top of a storage tank when one of the tanks blew up. Both victims were sent to the burn unit at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Allen says Wolfe is on life support.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Railroad Commission remained on the scene to ensure cleanup. Allen says the fire ended up completely destroying three 400-barrel storage vessels, while three other 400-barrel storage vessels were damaged.

According to Allen, there was a breach in the tank dike which resulted in a small amount of salt water and raw crude oil making its way into a small creek. Allen reports, “The creek has been boomed and the effects are extremely limited as a result of quick thinking and response by fire department.” He says the operator of the storage facility is Three Folks Operating Company, LLC, of Flatonia.

DALLAS (AP) — Thunderstorms swept across North and East Texas, bringing scattered reports of small hail and tree damage but no severe structural damage. Concerns about severe storms and tornadoes for the regions didn’t pan out Tuesday afternoon. However, the storms were heralded by a gust front that blew briefly up to 50 mph in some areas.

In Hughes Springs, Mayor Reba Simpson said a couple of mobile homes were reportedly toppled. She had no report of injuries. The roof was damaged on a Walmart warehouse at Palestine.

TYLER – A 54-year-old Carrollton man has been sentenced to federal prison for a counterfeiting. Shiraz Sherali Odhwani pleaded guilty on September 9, 2011, to conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods. He was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Michael H. Schneider during a proceeding in Tyler. Odhwani was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $950,000.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Odhwani owns and operates a company known as Turtle Wireless, a wholesale outlet and retail point of sale for cellular telephones and wireless device accessories located in Dallas. In or about 2008, Turtle Wireless began selling counterfeit cellular telephone accessories purchased from suppliers in China. Through Turtle Wireless, Odhwani then sold the counterfeit products to retailers within the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere. In connection with this case, law enforcement officials seized more than 130,000 counterfeit items from Odhwani’s store and leased storage space. The infringement amount of that counterfeit merchandise was estimated at between $2.5 million and $7 million. Odhwani and three others were indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2011.

TYLER – A 35-year-old Zwolle, Louisiana man has received a hefty federal prison for drug trafficking. Kinte Varness Garner pleaded guilty last August to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He was sentenced in Tyler to 262 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Garner was also ordered to submit to forfeiture of $5,000.

According to information presented in court, up until September 2011, Garner conspired with another person to acquire and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine throughout the Tyler area. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on October 5, 2011, charging Garner with federal violations. Garner’s co-defendant, Camera Neal Holden, Jr., was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on September 11, 2012.

TYLER – A 48-year-old Shreveport man has been sentenced for federal drug trafficking violations. Jay S. Gaines pleaded guilty September 4 to possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. He was sentenced in Tyler yesterday to 57 months in federal prison in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Federal prosecutors say on April 4, 2011, Gaines purchased cold pills containing pseudoephedrine at a Walmart store in Longview with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Within an hour, Gaines also made two other purchases of cold pills at another Walmart store and a Walgreens store in Longview.

Gaines’ co-defendants have all been sentenced. Jimmie Langston, Jr., was sentenced October 4 to 120 months in federal prison. Donnie Regis was sentenced to 75 months last June 21. Christopher Conley received a sentence of 100 months on January 17, 2012. Connie Parker was sentenced to 70 months on February 8, 2012. Stacy Campbell was sentenced to 75 months last June 1. Keith Kates received a 70-month sentence on June 21 of last year. Penny Mooney was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison on February 8, 2012.

TYLER – A 39-year-old Longview man has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit identity theft. Benjamin Rojas pleaded guilty October 9. He was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison Tuesday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Rojas was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $20,293.93.

According to information presented in court, from January to May 2012, Rojas conspired with others to possess and use false identification documents and means of identification of others unlawfully. The scheme involved stealing mail from mailboxes in East Texas and using the information from the stolen mail to produce false Texas driver licenses, which appeared to be actual Texas temporary driver licenses. The fictitious driver licenses were used for identification when passing stolen checks, as well as counterfeit and forged checks, at various businesses in East Texas. Co-defendant Robin Watkins is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7.

TYLER — The chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, Representative Jeb Hensarling of Dallas, was in Tyler this week. According to KETK, Hensarling spoke on actions he says he’s taken in Congress to cut wasteful spending in Washington. He also talked about improving the health of our economy. He says what it all comes down to is being fiscally responsible. Hensarling remarked, “The core principle is fiscal responsibility that insures that we aren’t the first generation in history to leave the next generation with a lower standard of living and less freedom.” Hensarling is also hosting a series of town halls. He wants to hear from people about the issues they say are important to East Texas, part of which he represents.

TIMPSON — There was another earthquake Tuesday morning in the Timpson area, in deep East Texas. KETK reports that according to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.8 quake struck just south of Timpson around 6:30. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department says there have been no reports of any damage or injuries. A magnitude 4.1 earthquake that could be felt in Tyler shook Timpson last Friday.

AUSTIN — Marshall State Representative Chris Paddie has co-authored a House bill that would drastically change gun law in Texas. If the bill passes, licensed concealed handgun owners would no longer be required to conceal their firearms. Paddie says, “Many other states allow their citizens some form of open carry, and in my opinion, Texas should be leading the charge to protect our Second Amendment rights and supporting gun rights.” House bill 700 does not change the licensing or background check requirements for acquiring a handgun or concealed handgun license.

TYLER — A Whitehouse man accused of the shooting death of his girlfriend has been found guilty of murder. Found guilty of killing former girl friend Sandra Greenshaw on the front porch of his home was Larry Joe Smith, 68. Smith told deputies someone tried breaking in, so he fired a shotgun through a window. Smith was sentenced to 42 years in prison. He’ll be eligible for parole in 21 years.

GILMER — State District Judge Lauren Parish has set a Thursday bond reduction hearing for a former Upshur County commissioner and his son who were arrested Friday. According to KETK, Lloyd Crabtree, 51, (pictured) and Todd Crabtree, 28, were indicted this past week on charges arising from a confrontation with a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden last October. Each man has bonds totaling $1.5 million, more than some capital murder suspects in Upshur County have faced.

The indictments accuse the men of disarming the game warden at gunpoint when he came on their land south of Big Sandy looking for hunting violations. Game Warden Shane Bailey summoned help on his cell phone and was joined by law enforcement officers from several agencies who arrested the Crabtrees. Each is charged with aggravated assault on a public servant, taking a weapon from an officer, and unlawful restraint of a public servant.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — A traffic stop ended in the arrest of three people and the confiscation of 23 pounds of marijuana. According to Nacogdoches County Sheriff officials, on Saturday morning, deputies stopped two vehicles that were following each other heading northbound on Highway 59. During the traffic stop, deputies noticed that the people in the vehicles were very nervous and gave conflicting statements. According to KETK, deputies were given consent to search both vehicles and found 23 lbs of marijuana in the trunk of one of the vehicles.

Three people were arrested and booked into the Nacogdoches County jail. Chinika Pittman, 27, Elva Mayweather, 34, and Conrado Hinds, 42, are charged with possession of marijuana and criminal conspiracy. They are all from Lawrenceville, GA. The estimated street value of the drugs is $23,000.

TYLER — Two trailers have been stolen from a Tyler-area business. One of the owners of Coffee City USA tells KETK the trailers were stolen from their business, at 13195 Highway 155 South, just outside Loop 323. An employee of the coffee roasting plant reportedly drove by the business around 5:00 Sunday afternoon, and the trailers were still at the property. However, at 7:15 Monday morning, the gates to the business had been opened and the trailers stolen. The business owners say the trailers were full of items, mostly of personal and sentimental value.

The enclosed trailers have the “Coffee City USA” logo on the side and the words “It’s Showtime!” on the back. Smith County Sheriff officials anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s office at 903-566-6600 and ask for Lt. Goecking.

KILGORE — A routine traffic stop led to the arrest and cavity search of a Kilgore woman. According to the Kilgore Police Department, Cassie Faye Thompson, 21, of Kilgore was pulled over Sunday and found to have two outstanding traffic warrants. KETK reports she was arrested and taken to the Kilgore Municipal Jail.

According to officers, while being booked in, Thompson made several nervous movements, which led officers to believe she was concealing something in her underwear. She was taken to a local emergency room, where authorities say a small baggie of methamphetamine was removed from her body cavity. She was given additional charges of possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. Both charges are felonies.