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MARSHALL — The ex-boyfriend of an East Texas woman is behind bars on over $1 million bond after he was arrested in connection with her disappearance and murder. On Tuesday at approximately 10:20 p.m., the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney Coke Solomon’s office recovered the body of Alicia Benefield after suspect Rodris Webster led investigators to that location, according to authorities. KETK reports the location where Benefield’s body was found is near the intersection of Farm to Market Road 31 and Elysian Fields Road in Marshall. Continue reading Bonds Set at over $1 Million in Teen’s Death

TYLER – A Smith County Sheriff’s Office jail sergeant has resigned after being arrested late Tuesday afternoon on charges of aggravated assault against family/violence with a firearm. Reginald Dwayne Clark, 46, of Flint, was arrested at his residence on Maggie Circle after a 911 call reporting a disturbance at the home. Smith County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded and determined that Clark had used a weapon to hit his wife and then discharged his weapon during the incident, according to a news release. It is not believed that the weapon was directed at anyone when it was fired. Clark was booked into the Smith County Jail on a $100,000 bond set by Precinct 2 Judge Gary Alfred. Clark posted bond about 9:30 Tuesday night and was released. Continue reading Smith County Jail Sergeant Resigns Following Arrest

SCOTTSVILLE — The identity of two bodies found in East Texas has been revealed. At approximately 6:30 Tuesday night, Harrison County deputies were dispatched to an address at 113 Sugar Creek in Scottsville after receiving a call from a relative of the family concerning the discovery of a body inside the home. According to KETK, upon arrival at the residence, deputies found Dudley Taylor, II, 50, and Pamela Taylor, 47, dead from gunshot wounds. A weapon was located and retrieved as evidence. Continue reading Two Found Dead in Harrison County Identified

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) – Federal authorities say they’ve arrested 14 people in connection with an online child exploitation network, and KETK reports that according to officials, four of the victims were from Tyler. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the investigation disrupted a subscription-based website of more than 27,000 members who were involved in producing and distributing child pornography images. The network involved roughly 250 child victims in 39 states and five countries. Most were boys between the ages of 13 and 15.

TYLER — Two suspects are in custody and some stolen property has been recovered in Smith County after a building was burglarized. At 10:30 Tuesday morning, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that two men were burglarizing the structure on County Road 171. A neighbor confronted the individuals and they fled. The neighbor was able to provide a description of the men and their pickup. As deputies arrived to investigate, a second call was received from Tyler Iron and Metal, located on North Loop 323. An employee of the business was suspicious of two men as they attempted to sell scrap metal. When the employee requested identification, the men fled from the business. Continue reading Two In Custody after Building Burglarized

TYLER — Smith County authorities say numerous cases, in Texas and elsewhere, have been solved with two recent burglary arrests. On March 13th, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office arrested Winston Barnes, age 25, and Steven Prior (pictured), age 35, for allegedly attempting to break into an ATM at Kelly Federal Credit Union on Highway 31 West. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office announced that as a result of a search warrant served on Prior’s residence and vehicle, several burglary cases have been linked to Barnes and Prior and a wealth of property has been recovered. Continue reading Officials: Numerous Cases Solved with Burglary Arrests

TYLER — Starting yesterday, there are lane closures on Tyler’s Grande Boulevard from Old Jacksonville Highway to Hollytree Drive in preparation for paving. The asphalt overlay is planned to begin Thursday and continue through Saturday, weather permitting. There will be lane closures in both directions as traffic is routed around the work areas. Access to connecting side streets may also be limited at times as crews pave across intersections. Citizens should expect delays and may want to consider alternate routes if possible.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – A federal appeals court has rejected an appeal from a 44-year-old Smith County man condemned for the slaying of an auto mechanic during a robbery in Tyler more than a decade ago. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling late Monday moves Gregory Russeau a step closer to execution for the fatal beating of 75-year-old James Syvertson at his shop. His wallet and car were stolen. Russeau was arrested the next day in Longview in the stolen car. Russeau’s initial death sentence was thrown out on appeal and he was sentenced a second time. He unsuccessfully argued his trial legal help was deficient, that trial prosecutors used planted evidence and lawyers at his second punishment trial had a conflict because they also represented him at his first trial.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is free on bond after a reported act of jealousy allegedly led to him ramming his vehicle into another. According to the Longview Police Department, James Talley Stone, 40, was arrested early Sunday morning in the 1000 block of McCann Road after authorities say he rammed his car repeatedly into the back of another car. Police tell KETK that two men sat inside the car, one of whom Stone said was dancing with his ex-girlfriend. Officials say Stone even tried to run over one of the men when they got out of their car. Stone was booked into the Gregg County Jail on one charge of assault with a deadly weapon but was released the same day as his arrest on $15,000 bond.

GLADEWATER — Gladewater School District Athletic Director and head football coach Jerrod Baugh has resigned. He had been on administrative leave following a DWI arrest back in January. His resignation was accepted by the school board at a Monday night meeting. Baugh has been the Bears head coach since 2010. Defensive coordinator John Berry was named interim head football coach and Athletic Director following Baugh’s arrest.

MARSHALL — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for a missing 19-year-old girl in deep East Texas, and officials have now named a person of interest. KETK reports authorities are looking for Alicia Benefield, 19, who was reported missing on Friday, March 14, at 4:30 a.m. Benefield was last seen leaving 5161 Old Town Road in Elysian Fields after an argument with an occupant at that home. Officials have identified Rodris Webster as a person of interest, not a suspect, said Investigator Jay Webb. Webster was interviewed on Sunday and released. Continue reading Person of Interest Named in Missing Teen Case

WHITEHOUSE — Authorities are investigating a body found off Highway 110 near Whitehouse. According to KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office says the body of a white male was found in a wooded area behind Nipper’s Quality Auto Works just north of County Road 2125, or Moser Lane, shortly after 2:15 Monday afternoon. Justice of the Peace Precinct Judge James Meredith has sent the body to Dallas for autopsy. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, the body was found by an employee at the auto shop who was working on a fence. The decomposed body was fully clothed. Investigators say there was no evidence of foul play. A 14 year old Whitehouse boy was reported missing last month. Investigators would not speculate if the body could be that of the missing teen.

TYLER — Police say a drunken argument led to a physical attack in Tyler over the weekend. Police tell KETK Ramiro Gonzalez, 33, was stabbed in the neck with a pocket knife Saturday night during a heated argument with a friend. Authorities learned of the situation when they were called to the hospital around 8:20 p.m. Gonzalez was treated and released. Detectives are investigating the incident to determine what took place in the 1500 block of East Oakwood Street. No other injuries were reported in the dispute. An arrest has not been made at this time.

TYLER — The victim of a Friday morning shooting has been released from a local hospital and is not expected to press charges, police said. KETK reports Gregory Rolling, 19, of Tyler, was shot once in the head by an unknown person or people at an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Kennedy, near downtown Tyler. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was treated and released on a later date. The victim was not fatally injured after the bullet entered the front of his head and exited the top area without piercing his skull, according to the Tyler Police Department. Law enforcement has not identified a suspect in this case. Continue reading Tyler Shooting Victim Not Expected to Press Charges

TYLER — Two people were rushed to the hospital Sunday night after a head-on collision on the outskirts of Tyler. KETK reports the accident happened around 7:15 on Old Jacksonville Highway, near County Road 164. Texas state troopers say one car was driving on the wrong side of the road when it hit another car head-on. Both drivers are still at the hospital with serious injuries.

GREGG COUNTY — A Gladewater man was arrested after authorities found more that 212 pounds of marijuana, valued at nearly $130,000. Patrick Charles Christian, 37, was arrested Sunday by the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of possession of marijuana. Continue reading Gladewater Man Charged with Possession

DALLAS — An East Texas native is dead after an apparent attack at an apartment complex in Dallas. According to the Dallas Police Department, Timothy Ray Agnew, 28, of Kilgore, was killed after two people kicked down the front door to an apartment unit at the Regal Springs Apartment Complex around 4:00 Sunday morning. According to KETK, Agnew was shot and died at a hospital. No arrests have been made. According to Agnew’s Facebook, he graduated from Kilgore High School in 2004 and was self-employed as a tattoo artist. If you have any information concerning the crime you are urged to call the Dallas Police Department at (214) 671-3001.

TYLER — The campaign for governor of Texas brought Democrat Wendy Davis to East Texas Saturday. Going up against Republican candidate, and current state Attorney General Greg Abbott, Davis had stops in Tyler and Longview. It was a full house for Davis as she stopped in Tyler at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q. Continue reading Governor Candidate Wendy Davis Visits East Texas

LONGVIEW (AP) — Some East Texas residents who favor riding the rails have celebrated 40 years of Amtrak Texas Eagle service to their community. Ceremonies were held Friday in Longview to note the first day of Texas Eagle service on March 14, 1974. The Longview News-Journal reports work continues to renovate the historic T&P depot, which stands for Texas and Pacific Railroad. The upgraded depot is expected to be ready for National Train Day on May 10. Continue reading Longview Celebrates 40 Years of Amtrak Texas Eagle

HOOKS (AP) — A mobile home fire in Northeast Texas has left one person dead and another seriously hurt. KSLA-TV reports investigators are trying to determine what sparked the fire early Saturday that destroyed the residence in Hooks. Authorities say a woman died in the fire after she went back into the burning mobile home. Her husband, who had gotten her and their two children out of the trailer, suffered burns on his arms and legs and has been transported to a Texarkana hospital. Names of the couple haven’t been released. Further details on the pair weren’t immediately available.

JACKSONVILLE — A Cherokee County probationer is now an inmate after breaking his probation twice in the past three months. According to KETK, the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office reports Orlanda George Hill, 27, was placed on probation following two separate incidents in December and February. In December 2013, Hill was placed under arrest after running from Jacksonville police officers during a family violence event with the mother of his child. After a foot chase, he was charged with assault family violence, evading arrest, and criminal trespass. He was released from jail on bond. Continue reading Probationer Gets 20 Years after Family Violence, Burglary Incidents

TYLER — State District Judge Christi Kennedy sentenced a Tyler man to 99 years in prison without parole for sexually assaulting a child. Marquette Rashaud Moore, 29, was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of six in the 114th District Court, according to Smith County Assistant District Attorney Jacob Putman. KETK reports Moore’s rap sheet included crimes from theft to multiple driving while intoxicated charges. He had no other sexual assaults, according to the Smith County Jail’s website.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is continuing to conduct its warrant sweep. Since the beginning of the Statewide Warrant Sweep March 1, the city of Tyler has cleared 602 warrants, representing 249 defendants, and $111,170. Although the statewide sweep has already ended, the city of Tyler will continue through the month of March. The Tyler Municipal Court will continue working extended business hours through the month of March:

* Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Continue reading City Warrant Sweep Continues

LONGVIEW — Longview’s sales tax revenues are down. KETK reports the city collected about five percent fewer dollars in tax revenue this past January than in January 2013. CIty staffers contend numbers fluctuate from month to month and business is still doing great in Longview. According to officials, the city is right on budget and that’s really what’s important. They say the city’s actually doing better than hoped. Officials say they were expecting to be essentially flat, with just a very small increase — and so far this year, Longview’s up 3.29 percent. Staffers admit that doesn’t sound like much, but they call it a big impact on the economy, which they say continues to move in a positive direction. Across the state, sales tax numbers saw an increase for the 47th straight month.

PALESTINE — An East Texas woman is behind bars after reportedly stabbing her boyfriend in the stomach. According to KETK, Palestine police officers responded Thursday night to 1010 Sugar Lane in reference to an aggravated assault. Upon arrival, officers contacted Joshua Webster, 21, who reported his 21-year-old girlfriend had stabbed him in the stomach with a weapon. Officers learned that Webster and his girlfriend had been involved in disturbances over the course of the last two days, and the girlfriend returned, reportedly with intent to damage his vehicle. Continue reading Woman Allegedly Stabs Boyfriend in Stomach

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) — President Barack Obama’s former national security adviser says he should approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a matter of national security. Retired General James Jones tells the Senate Foreign Relations that approving the pipeline would send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other “international bullies” that they cannot use energy security as a weapon. Jones says rejection of the Canada-to-Texas pipeline would “make Mr. Putin’s day and strengthen his hand.” The route of the pipeline runs through eastern Smith County. Continue reading Former Obama Adviser: Build Keystone XL Pipeline

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says both suspects have now been captured in Thursday’s attempted ATM theft. The first suspect, who was taken into custody early Thursday morning, is Steven Prior, 35. The second suspect is Winston Barnes, 25. Barnes was arrested just before 5:00 Thursday morning at a residence at 506 Ferguson Street in Lindale. He was wanted on three warrants: unlawful use of a criminal instrument – third degree felony; theft of property – less than $200,000 (ATM) – second degree felony; and evading arrest – class A misdemeanor. According to a news release, the SCSO wants to thank the Tyler PD, Lindale PD, East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and Smith County CID and Patrol for doing an outstanding job. The SCSO expects other burglaries to be cleared from this investigation. Continue reading Both Suspects Arrested in Attempted ATM Theft

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department on Thursday released the names of five people ticketed this past week for allegedly selling potpourri — a substance more commonly referred to and used as synthetic marijuana.

According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, those ticketed were:

Kunegunda Marie Abbott — Scooby Snax, 1214 E. Marshall Ave.
Angel Manuel Uveda — Wildflowers Gift Shop, 1320 E. Marshall Ave.
Timothy Juliano — Wildflowers Gift Shop, 3808 Gilmer Road
Payne Allen Chaison — The Glass Dragon, 807 N. Fredonia St.
Joshua Taraus Toliver — The Glass Dragon, 904 Pine Tree Road Continue reading East Texans Cited in Synthetic Marijuana Crackdown Identified

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Five people accused of possession were arrested Tuesday following a raid in Cherokee County. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, they, along with the FBI, Jacksonville Police Department, Rusk Police Department, and Precinct 4 Constable Jamie Beene, served a warrant at a home in the Pierce’s Chapel community. KETK reports all five people were found inside the house when authorities arrived. Continue reading Five Arrested in Cherokee County Drug Raid

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is stepping up its patrols targeting DWI drivers during spring break. The department will be participating in a state grant during the spring break weekend that will provide funding to the department to enforce DWI laws. The enforcement detail will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers Friday, March 14th, through Sunday, March 16th. Police say this program has proven to be an effective tool to combat drunken drivers. According to a news release, it is the intent of all law enforcement agencies that this effort will act as a deterrent, persuading people to avoid driving while intoxicated.