Shelby County Today

December 4, 2019 - U.S. Highway 59 north of Tenaha was the scene of a major crash Wednesday, December 4, 2019 which resulted in a fatality.

It appeared the collision occurred at the intersection of FM 157 and U.S. 59 between a blue Chrysler Pacifica and a white Dodge Ram pickup truck hauling a flat bed trailer. 

According to information provided by Tenaha Police Chief Jeremy Pope, the Tenaha Police Department (TPD) continues to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at approximately 9:30am. The crash occurred at the intersection of Loop 157 and US Highway 59 North.

The preliminary investigation has indicated that a blue 2017 Chrysler Pacifica driven by De'Undria Jackson, 21, of Tenaha was northbound on Loop 157, and entered the intersection at US Highway 59. While crossing the South bound lanes of traffic the vehicle collided with a white 2010 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Martin Aguilar, 50, of Brownsboro, Texas hauling a gooseneck trailer.

Jackson was pronounced deceased at the scene by Jackie Kirkwood, Justice of the Peace Pct. 4. 

Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and Woods Volunteer Fire Department assisted by using Jaws of Life to extricate the driver of the Pacifica.

The family of the deceased has been notified. This case continues to be under investigation by TPD and no charges have been filed at this time.

Three passengers from the pickup were transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department in Center for treatment of possible injuries. Those passengers were Carlos Reynoso, 28, Luis Moreno, 60, and Juan Espiriceta, 39. 

December 2, 2019 - A Center man has been sentenced December 2, 2019 to 150 years imprisonment, according to information released by the Shelby County District Attorney's office. 

Six cases are the total number referenced in the press release; however, only two are named. The two cases specifically referenced are from a September 11, 2016 incident in which James received two aggravated sexual assault, 1st degree felony charges. 

The following information includes the charge and number of years jail time James will receive as a result of his convictions.

The first set of incidents involved two victims of James on September 1, 2016 and as a result he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 2nd degree felony - 20 years; and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 2nd degree felony - 20 years. 

Another incident garnered several more charges for James as on September 11, 2016 a third victim suffered unlawful restraint, 3rd degree felony - 10 years; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 2nd degree felony - 20 years; aggravated sexual assault, 1st degree felony - 40 years; and aggravated sexual assault, 1st degree felony - 40 years.

Due to the plea agreement, one case of assault on a public servant against James was dismissed, 

According to the press release issued by the District Attorney's office, Defendant Anthony Letroy James was convicted and sentenced to a total of 150 years imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division.  

James was convicted on six cases, including two charges of aggravated sexual assault for which he received two separate sentences of forty (40) years each. The matter was resolved via plea bargain reached between Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires and the defense counsel for Mr. James, just before a jury trial was set to begin in the 123rd Judicial District Court, Honorable Judge LeAnn Rafferty presiding.  

The District Attorney appreciates the folks that reported for jury duty this morning, and their willingness to hear a difficult case. Because of that service, justice was served and the victim in the cases is now able to move forward in her life, putting this matter squarely behind her.

Related articles:
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Aggravated Sexual Assault Suspect Apprehended

December 2, 2019 - The City of Center Public Water System, PWS #2100001, will be conducting water system maintenance beginning January 1, 2020, and lasting until January 31, 2020. The system will be switching to free chlorine as its main disinfection.

This maintenance which is not a requirement, but is the recommended course of action set by the TCEQ/EPA for the accumulation of disinfection byproducts.

This is a routine maintenance procedure performed to help reduce unstable water conditions in our system and insure the highest quality of water being delivered to our customers.

During this maintenance period you may notice an odor or slight discoloration, but the safety of the water will not be affected. City maintenance crews and the Fire Department will also be aggressively flushing hydrants throughout the City’s distribution system.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Public Works Department at 936-598-5241.

December 1, 2019 - A dump truck was involved in a single-vehicle crash Sunday, December 1, 2019 and caused a spill on the road, delaying traffic traveling through the area on State Highway 7.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at around 8:45am a green 2008 Cub Cadet dump truck driven by Martin Galvan, 28, of Center was eastbound on State Highway 7 about 1 mile west of FM 711.

The truck failed to drive in a single lane and left the roadway to the right, dropping off the edge of the pavement. Galvan overcorrected left causing the truck to flip over. The truck then skid across the highway and came to rest in the westbound ditch on its passenger side.

A load of gravel being hauled by the dump truck was spread across both sides of the roadway.

Galvan refused transport by ambulance from the scene with intention to go to a hospital later. He was issued a citation for fail to drive in a single lane.

West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department diverted traffic at the scene so it could be cleared.