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Update: October 25, 2018 - Fox News picked up the story of Alexander Barter's arrest on October 19th and included additional information pertaining to what lead to the arrest and the suspects gruesome intent which included allegedly the murder and eating of a little girl.
Read the following story - 'Texas Man Allegedly Searched Dark Web to Find Young Girl to Murder and Eat' on Fox News.
Statement from Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires
October 22, 2018 - The dark web, and the individuals that operate there, pose an increasing threat to the safety of our children. Technology has eliminated the barrier of distance for these sorta of activities. In this case, Law Enforcement mounted an integrated (both state/federal and multi-state-Texas/Florida) effort to deal with this particular individual.
Hopefully, this will serve as a continued reminder that parents should always be vigilant and aware of what their children are doing on the internet. I hope it also gives folks some comfort to know that there are also good guys at work-highly trained, highly capable individuals protecting us.
And rest assured, anyone utilizing the dark web will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by my office.
Alexander Barter, 21 of Joaquin, was arrested by the FBI on October 19, 2018 and charged with Criminal Attempt Sexual Performance of a Child (felony 2), Criminal Solicitation (felony 1), Conspiracy to Commit Capital Murder (felony 1), Criminal Attempt Capital Murder (felony 2), and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Sexual Assault (felony 1). Barter is being held in the Shelby County Jail awaiting transfer. No bond will be set.
October 18, 2018 - Center Fire Department firemen were dispatched to the scene of a structure fire on CR 1490 at 2:40pm Tuesday, October 16, 2018.
When firemen arrived the at the scene of property owned by Mike Bush, flames could be seen emanating from a structure at the back of the property.
While working to extinguish the flaming double-wide home, firemen gained entry to ensure there were no occupants within.
With firemen inside, units continued extinguishing flames from the outside.
It was determined no one was within the house at the time of the fire. According to the fire department, the fire appeared to have ignited in a bedroom at the west end of the home. The initial cause is unknown at this time.
Firemen returned to the station at 5pm.
October 24, 2018 - The jury that has been summoned for Monday, October 29, 2018 for the 273rd District Court, Honorable Charles R. Mitchell, Judge presiding, has been cancelled.
All cases have been passed or settled. Anyone receiving a summons for that day is released from jury service until they receive a future summons.
October 24, 2018 - The Center Police Department has reported of a recent arrest of a Center man on alleged sex related charges and the recovery of narcotics.
According to the press release issued by the Center Police Department, on October 11, 2018, Center Police officers arrested Randal Rushing, 31, of Center for displaying harmful material to a child, sexual performance of a child-criminal attempt and prostitution.
Center Police Detective David Haley presented the case to District Judge Charles Mitchell. As a result, Judge Mitchell issued arrest warrants on Rushing along with a search warrant for Rushing's residence.
The search warrant was executed and several cell phones, note tablets, a computer and other data storing devices were recovered. Center PD officers also found 22 grams of crack cocaine.
Randal Rushing was arrested on the warrants issued by Judge Mitchell along with the charge of possession of a controlled substance.
October 24, 2018 - A search is underway by Nacogdoches County Law Enforcement for an inmate who escaped from custody Wednesday morning around 12:10 am. Robin Copeland, 56, from Nacogdoches, Texas was transported to a local hospital after making a medical complaint.
While at the hospital Copeland‘s shackles were removed due to the medical treatment she was receiving. Copeland managed to escape from custody and was last seen wearing a blue jump suit issued by the Nacogdoches County Jail. Copeland was last seen running on King Street toward North Street in the city of Nacogdoches.
Copeland was arrested on 09-17-18 by NCSO deputies on warrants for, Tampering with a Government record, three counts of Theft of Service and failure to appear. All charges pending against her were state jail felonies.
A new warrant has been issued for her arrest for the offense of escape, a 3rd degree felony. Anyone with information on Copeland’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact law enforcement.
Copeland is still believed to be on foot and the search for her continues. Copeland is not believed to be a violent danger to the community; however we would urge anyone to use caution if they see Copeland and to immediately call 911. We would also urge our citizens to make sure that your vehicles are locked and no vehicles are left unattended while the engine is on.
Boil Water Notice Rescinded
October 23, 2018 - On October 17, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Paxton public water system, 2100012 to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of October 23, 2018.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact DEREK DIVERDI at 936-332-7683.
October 17, 2018 - Due to a water outage, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Paxton public water system ID# 2100012 to notify customers on County RD 3717, County RD 430, & 432 that were without water on 10/16 to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Derek DiVerdi at 936-332-7683
October 20, 2018 - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department would like to make everyone aware of a possible phone scam taking place in our area. It has come to our attention that someone from a 430 area code has been calling citizens in the Joaquin area supposedly asking for donations to the “volunteer fire department”.
The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department has never, does not, and will not solicit donations over the phone. We deeply appreciate all of our supporters who so generously donate to our department.
We do not want to see anyone tricked into sending their hard earned money to someone who isn’t affiliated with a local organization. If you do not live in the Joaquin area and you receive one of these calls, we encourage you to contact your local volunteer fire department before sending any money to anyone. As far as we know, none of the seven fire departments in Shelby County solicit funds in this manner.
Again, we thank you for your support.
October 19, 2018 - Tree removal is currently underway on Nacogdoches Street in Center near the intersection of Houston Street Friday, October 19.
Travelers may need to consider taking an alternate route to prevent delays in reaching their destination.
Part of the tree fell on September 22, 2018 during rainy weather and blocked the street until the large branch was cleared. A portion of the old elementary school, currently in use, was damaged when the tree broke.
The removal of the tree will help facilitate the ability of the county to repair the building and prevent further danger of the tree falling.
October 19, 2018 - Nacogdoches Street will be blocked between the intersections of College and Houston Streets while a tree is being removed this morning, October 19.
The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.
October 17, 2018 - On October 12, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
N.E.W. Water Supply has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of October 17, 2018.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220West Columbia Street San Augustine, Texas. 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp 936-201-5001.
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