Grand Jury Deadline Passes, Suspects Freed

TYLER (AP) — Eight people jailed on felony charges, including violent crimes, have been freed from an East Texas jail after a sheriff failed to present evidence to a grand jury within 90 days of their arrest. The Tyler Telegraph reports Sunday the Smith County Sheriff’s Office failed to meet the deadline. The newspaper says that according to documents it obtained through an open records request the suspects were released on their own recognizance between November 2013 and June 30. Another 13 could have been released but were held after additional charges were brought or due to federal retainers. Among those who have been released are a 56-year-old accused of shooting three people during a disagreement and two others charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.