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July 17, 2017 - Three out of four individuals alleged to have been involved in a 2016 kidnapping and beating have made plea agreements with the Shelby County District Attorney's office, and the fourth now has at least two state's witnesses prepared to testify against him in court.
Tobby Mardis pleaded guilty or no contest June 29, 2017 to aggravated kidnapping, first degree felony, in relation to the kidnapping of Michael Bridwell on December 14, 2016.
As a result of his plea the charge was reduced to kidnapping, second degree felony, and Mardis was given 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division (TDCJ-ID). Mardis' charge of aggravated robbery, first degree felony, was reduced to robbery, second degree felony, per plea agreement and he also received 20 years for that charge.
The time on both charges will run concurrently and both are contingent upon the truthful testimony of Mardis against his co-defendant. Two other charges Mardis was facing, engaging in organized criminal activity, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon were dismissed as a result of the plea agreements.
Charles Lynn Edwards, Jr. was charged with aggravated kidnapping, first degree felony, and on March 16, 2017 received 10 years in the TDCJ-ID. He also received 63 days credit for time served and two other charges against him of engaging in organized criminal activity and aggravated robbery were dismissed.
Morgan Magee was already on probation for three felony 2015 cases which included possession of a controlled substance, third degree felony; and two burglary of a building, state jail felony, charges. Probation was revoked as a result of her additional charges for aggravated robbery and engaging in organized criminal activity. Due to the revocation on January 26, 2017 of the previous probations, Magee was sent to state jail for 24 months.
As a condition of her plea Magee had 462 days time served to go toward her sentence and the District Attorney's office agreed January 26, 2017 not to pursue the pending cases of aggravated robbery and engaging in organized criminal activity in exchange for truthful testimony against her co-defendants.
Only one co-defendant in the kidnapping case has failed to make arrangements with the District Attorney's office at this time, and that is Kevin Wayne Askew. Askew remains in the Shelby County Jail and is facing charges of aggravated robbery, first degree felony; aggravated kidnapping, first degree felony; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony; and engaging in organized criminal activity, felony one degree higher: first degree felony.
Related articles:
- Report of Brutal Beating, Kidnapping Results in Arrest of Two
- Third Suspect Arrest Made in Beating, Kidnapping
Updated: The Mansfield News Journal (Ohio) has verified with the Richland County Coroner's office that the woman found dead in the trunk of a car was identified to be Tamara R. Harris.
July 17, 2017 - The identity of a woman found in the trunk of a car in Mansfield, Ohio has yet to be confirmed but is feared by family and friends in Shelby County to be one of their own.
According to a Mansfield News Journal report, a $1 million bond has been set for Dequalan Dejuan Harris, 35 who was arrested Saturday, July 15, 2017 by the Mansfield (Ohio) Police after authorities found the body of a woman in a car located at a home were Harris was.
The story reports that according to the Richland County Prosecutor's Office's statement of fact, Mansfield officers were dispatched to the location in reference to a well-being check on the suspect's wife, Tamara Harris, a missing person. Tamara was reported missing from Cedar Hill, Texas the day before.
According to the Richland County, Ohio Sheriff's website, as of July 17th, Dequalan Harris has been charged with obstructing official business (Misdeamor 2), Resisting Arrest (Misdeamor 2), and Gross Abuse of Corpse (Felony 5).
Tamara Nickerson Harris, a 2002 Graduate of Center HS, married Dequalan Harris on November 2, 2013 at the age of 30 in Shelby County. Tamara Harris filed for divorce in the 301st District Court in Dallas County, Texas on June 12, 2017.
Related articles:
July 17, 2017 - The Shelby County grand jury for the July Term 2017 of the 123rd Judicial District Court met Monday, July 10, 2017 and indicted 33 cases against 20 individuals.
Vincent Amos Aaron was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 1, 2016 Aaron threatened Judy Odom with imminent bodily injury by pushing her and Aaron did then and there use or exhibit a deadly weapon, a silver semi-automatic pistol during the commission of the assault.
Spencer William Cook was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on August 7, 2016 Cook recklessly caused bodily injury to Allen Jay Runnels by striking him in the head while exhibiting a deadly weapon, a Rock River Armory M1911 .45 Cal. semi-automatic pistol.
Dia Lynn Myers was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on August 7, 2016 Cook recklessly caused bodily injury to Allen Jay Runnels by striking him in the head while exhibiting a deadly weapon, a Rock River Armory M1911 .45 Cal. semi-automatic pistol.
Johnie Foster Gamble was indicted for exploitation of a child, elderly, or disabled person, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on August 27, 2016 Gamble for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain, intentionally and knowingly caused the exploitation of Ryan Moore, a child. The indictment further alleges this was done by the illegal or improper use of the resources of Moore by hosting a softball tournament "Knocking Leukemia Out of the Park" in Joaquin, Texas on or about August 27, 2016 with all proceeds going to Team Ryan. Said proceeds were never given to Team Ryan.
Daniel Lee Andrews was indicted for abandoning or endangering a child, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on July 7, 2016 Andrews engaged in conduct that placed a child younger than 15 years of age in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, physical or mental impairment by attempting to kill a dog that was being held and protected by the child.
LaDaryll Dewayne Burns was indicted for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on May 3, 2016 Burns with intent to harm or defraud another and without the consent of Edith Lavern Kirkland, an elderly individual age 65 years or older, obtained, possessed or used less than 10 items of identifying information of Kirkland. Those items included Texas Driver's license, social security card, Medicare insurance card with information, checking account with routing information, debit card, three credit cards and in turn used one Discover credit card to pay a Direct TV bill and purchase fuel.
Burns was also indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on May 3, 2016 Burns attempted to commit or committed theft of a London Fog purse containing U.S. currency, personal identification information, and credit cards owned by Edit Lavern Kirkland.
Burns also received indictment for credit card/debit card abuse against the elderly, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on the aforementioned date Burns, with intent to fraudulently obtain a benefit, used a Discover credit/debit card without the consent of the owner Edith Lavern Kirkland, an elderly individual age 65 years or older.
John Wayne Dean was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on June 4, 2013 Dean entered a habitation without the consent of Jacky Williams and/or Dana White, the owners. The indictment further alleges Dean committed theft or attempted to commit theft of assorted jewelry including, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, $400 in assorted change contained in a Sabine State Bank bag, envelope of $100 in Sacagawea dollars, Uberti .357 semi-automatic pistol, Iraqi dinar, men's Fossil watch and women's Fossil watch.
Benny Earl Holmes was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on January 10, 2016 Holmes entered a building or portion of a building owned by Clifford Coleman, Sr., the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of a Briggs and Stratton generator, Craftsman 16 inch chainsaw, and a Husqvarna 18 inch chainsaw.
Jacorey McClelland was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 31, 2016 McClelland entered a habitation without the consent of Arvis Moore, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of a man's gold wedding band with the initial "M" on top, man's gold ring with large diamond, man's gold ring with small cluster of diamonds, DJ 2-disc mixer and one red and blue DJ light owned by Arvis Moore.
Thomas Louis Singleton was indicted for theft, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on July 4, 2016 Singleton took money paid for services for setting a slab, grating slab, including iron, setting frames, pouring and finishing concrete all valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 from Bell Chapel Church. It is further alleged Singleton had intent to deprive the owner of the property and did not intend to perform or complete the work.
Larry Horton received for a total of seven indictments. He was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on April 1, 2016 Horton entered a building or portion of a building not open to the public, with intent to commit theft, and without the consent of Margaret Boutte, the owner.
Horton was also indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 11, 2016 Horton, entered a habitation without the consent of Janice Carrington, the owner. It is further alleged Horton attempted to commit theft or committed theft of a gold Kim Rogers purse containing identifying information, $300-$400 cash, and credit cards belonging to Carrington.
Horton received another indictment for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 16, 2016 Horton, with intent to commit theft, entered a habitation without the consent of Neil Grant, the owner. Horton was indicted on another case of burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 12, 2016 Horton entered a habitation without the consent of the owner, Bobby Yarborough. It is further alleged Horton attempted to commit or committed theft of a pink .22 semi-automatic Mossberg rifle, a 30-06 bolt action military style Springfield rifle with scope, bolt action .22 mag rifle with night scope, .410 Stevens shotgun, JC Higgins 12 gauge pump shotgun, 30-30 Winchester rifle with offset scope, Ruger 10-22 with 4X scope.
Horton was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 10, 2016 Horton entered a habitation without the consent of Bryant Latham, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of property. No items are known to be missing from the residence. Horton received another indictment for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 12, 2016 Horton entered a habitation without consent of James Scott, the owner. The indictment further alleges Horton attempted to commit or committed theft of $15 worth of Kennedy half dollars and an unknown amount of loose change.
Horton was indicted for prohibited weapons, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 12, 2016 Horton intentionally possessed a short barrel firearm. The firearm is alleged to be a New England Firearms Pardoner model SBI sawed off 410 shotgun 18" overall, with a 10.5" barrel.
Kimberly Smith was indicted for five different offenses. Smith was indicted for forgery, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on November 2, 2016 Smith wrote a check for the amount of $98.86 on a Farmers State Bank account so it purported to be the act of Sydney Tatum, who did not authorize the act.
Smith was indicted for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on November 2, 2016 Smith, with intent to harm or defraud another, used less than five items of identifying information belonging to Sidney Tatum without Tatum's consent, namely a check book.
Smith was indicted for retaliation, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on October 13, 2016 Smith harmed or threatened to harm Gloria Wagstaff by assaulting her in the head and threatening to burn her house down. It is further alleges this was done in retaliation of Wagstaff reporting an occurrence of a crime.
Smith was indicted for possession of marijuana, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on July 5, 2016 Smith possessed a usable quantity of marijuana in an amount of five pounds or less but more than four ounces. Smith was also indicted for possession of a controlled substance, second degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 26, 2016 Smith possessed hydrocodone in an amount of four grams or more but less than 200 grams.
Michael Anthony Hill, Jr. was indicted for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on November 25, 2015 during a traffic stop Hill attempted to destroy cocaine and marijuana, with intent to impair its availability as evidence in the traffic stop. Hill, Jr., was also indicted for possession of a controlled substance, state jail felony. The indictment alleges on the aforementioned date, Hill was intent to deliver cocaine in an amount of less than one gram.
Jeremy August Aull was indicted for online solicitation of a minor, third degree felony. The indictment alleges on May 26, 2017 Aull, being a person who was 17 years of age or older, with intent to arouse or gratify his sexual desire intentionally communicated in a sexually explicit manner by text message requesting pictures of a minor.
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident)
Lafarrian Donta Thedford, possession of a controlled substance (ecstacy), third degree felony (May 13, 2016).
Armand Johnson, possession of a controlled substance (ecstacy), state jail felony (July 3, 2016).
Kristopher Cameron Dockens, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), state jail felony (July 18, 2016).
Marcus Brian Hall, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), state jail felony (July 18, 2016).
John Russell Ross, driving while intoxicated - 3rd or more, third degree felony (August 6, 2016).
Michael Lee Smith, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), second degree felony (August 30, 2016).
Indictments and Information are not a conviction, and are a matter of public record. All individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
July 13, 2017 - Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 three subjects were arrested from a traffic stop initiated by Chief Deputy DJ Dickerson on Highway 7 East at FM 2608 in the James Community. During the traffic stop, the driver who was later identified as Andrew Scott Elliott, 34, of Carthage), gave a fictitious name and date of birth and was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Gregg County. The front passenger was identified as a Brandon Curtis Bledsoe, 31, of Joaquin also gave a fictitious name and had an outstanding warrant out of Shelby County. The back seat passenger was identified as Angela Dalton Welch, 55, of Carthage.
During the contact, a clear zip bag containing a crystal-like substance was observed in the passenger floor board area which led to a probable cause search. During the search, approximately 2.55 grams of suspected methamphetamine was seized along with over an ounce of marijuana along with digital scales, individual zip bags and other paraphernalia.
As the investigation continued there were extension cords and Victor brand torches and torch heads also found in the vehicle. It was determined that Panola County Sheriff's Office had received a report about property being taken from a residence. Investigator Del Birdwell, who was assisting Chief Dickerson on the traffic stop, spoke with Panola County Sheriff's Office about the property and the items were recovered and secured for Panola County.
Elliott was charged with Fail To Identify Giving False/Fictitious Information / Fugitive from Justice, Misdemeanor A, POCS >=1g<4g, Felony 3, POM<2oz, Misdemeanor B and warrant out of Gregg County.
Bledsoe was charged with Failure To Identify Giving False/Fictitious Information / Fugitive From Justice, Misdemeanor A, POCS >= 1g<4g, Felony 3, POM < 2oz, Misdemeanor B and Capias Warrant for Failure To Appear on original charge of POCS with Intent to Deliver, Felony 1.
Welch was charged with POCS >=1g<4g, Felony 3 and POM<2oz, Misdemeanor B.
Special thanks for DPS Troopers Taylor Buster and Richard Hill as well as our own Investigator Del Birdwell, Patrol Sergeant Jeffery Gogolewski, Deputy Jordan Long, and K9 “Chapo” for their assistance.
July 12, 2017 - U.S. Highway 59 between Timpson and Tenaha was the scene of an 18-wheeler rollover Saturday, July 8 four miles from Tenaha.
The incident caused traffic delays for many hours throughout the day and the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department was on scene to provide traffic control. The Timpson Police Department, Constable Precinct 4 and Shelby County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene as well.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Sean Smith, at around 3pm Billy Don Long, 56, of Baytown was driving a blue 2015 Volvo truck-tractor hauling a trailer filled with rolls of plastic. As Long was driving, he dropped something and reached down to get the item.
When he came back up from reaching the truck had started to travel off the road and he attempted to correct this action by turning the steering wheel to the left; however, the trailer began sliding into the barrow ditch and the whole truck-tractor rolled over onto its right side.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Long was issued a citation for fail to drive in single lane.
July 12, 2017 - The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire of a local business in Shelbyville, Southern Seasons, and upon their arrival the building was fully involved Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 10:40am.
Center Fire Department firemen responded to the scene to assist in fighting the blaze. Once power to the building was cut, a full onslaught of the fire was able to be achieved.
The firemen knocked back the majority of the flames at the front portion of the building, while additional units worked to extinguish the back side.
A room at the northeast end of the structure continued to be the hottest location until the firemen had it quenched. After that was achieved, water was continuously applied to additional hot spots throughout the building.
Witnesses at the scene stated the fire started when the owner, Shana Brittain, entered a closet in the building and received an electrical shock when she turned the light on. Brittain appeared fine at the scene and did not require emergency medical treatment by ACE EMS who was standing by as a precaution while firemen worked.
Update 11:55am: Roadway is back open. Be careful of dirt bump where the construction work was done.
July 12, 2017 - Partial Road Closure per City of Center Street Department on Nacodoches Street from Wheeler Street to Red lights on Hurst Street starting this morning Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 8:30 am.
Will update when road is open for traffic.
July 12, 2017 - Two fire departments have been dispatched to a structure fire at the top of the hill in Shelbyville at Southern Seasons. Please be alert and watch for emergency responders traveling to the scene. Use caution and slow down traveling through Shelbyville.
July 10, 2017 - The Shelby County Commissioners chose to appoint Melissa Crouch to the office of Justice of the Peace Precinct 1. The office was recently vacated following the resignation of Maxie Eaves.
After a 25-minute executive session, the meeting returned to open session and a motion made by Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, carried to temporarily appoint Crouch temporary Justice of the Peace of Precinct 1 until the public can elect a permanent JP whether that be the primary or general election, the temporary appointment will run until the public has chosen a duly elected Justice of the Peace through the election process. The appointment was set to take effect July 17 at 9am.
Jake Metcalf, Precinct 4 Constable, presented the commissioners with a proposal for a new vehicle for his precinct. The 2011 truck and even older model Dodge Magnum are reported to be in disrepair and in need of replacement.
"He inherited two vehicles that have needed a lot of work," said Judge Harbison.
She shared for the court the transmission and the motor in the truck are no longer functional and the Dodge has many needed repairs. A bid was received of San Augustine Motor Co. in the amount of $9,000 for the truck and $6,000 for the Dodge toward a trade-in.
Metcalf explained the Dodge sat for 10 years before he took office and it was actually sunk into the ground.
"The pickup truck had not been maintained or maintenanced in I can't tell you how long. When I took it, I took it and the oil changed and they said it was bad oil," said Metcalf.
He elaborated the Dodge is currently a safety hazard as everything underneath it is rusted.
Metcalf has looked at a 2017 Ford Explorer which a lot of law enforcement agencies are starting to use due to economical fuel mileage. The asking price on the vehicle is $34,180 and with a discount for the county it became $29,805. The trade-in allowance of $15,000 on the two vehicles then brings the price down $14,805.
Factoring in the Precinct 4 Constable office remaining budget of $3,800, a motion carried to approve $14,000 to be paid out of the county contingency fund, which currently has $142,115.
Bridge work has been ongoing on CR 4293 at Chicken Bayou Creek and as a result of the work, some tree clearing has occurred. A brother and sister own property on either side of the bridge and in exchange for trees removed and "property damage," the siblings request $1,000 each to cover their loss or they will not sign the right of way easement; thus, preventing the project from moving forward.
A motion carried to approve issuing a check for the siblings out of right-of-way funds in the amount of $2,000.
Precinct 3 and 4 commissioners are seeking to purchase a portable asphalt zipper.
"Bradley [Allen] and I have watched a couple of these machines work. The portable type machine, so they can be moved from one job location to the other. These come on a dual tandem axle trailer, they do as good a job as far as grinding and reclaiming the road," said Charles Barr, Commissioner Precinct 3.
Barr explained they would like to seek bids for a new or used with low hours machine.
A motion was carried to seek bids on the asphalt zipper. (Related article).
The meeting was adjourned at 10:27am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include:
Minutes of the June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting, the June 19, 2017 Special Meeting, and June 27th, 2017 Special Meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court.
Pay the monthly expenses.
Officers’ reports.
Purchase of a new vehicle for Constable Precinct 4, Jake Metcalf.
Payment for timber and damages for bridge work on County Road 4293 Chicken Bayou Creek.
Advertise for bids on an asphalt zipper for Road and Bridge Precinct 3 & 4.
Appoint Melissa Crouch Justice of the Peace Precinct 1.
Adjourn meeting at 10:27am.
Officers' report
Fees collected per office for June:
Deborah Riley, Tax Assessor/Collector, office: Property: $108,886.07; Motor Vehicle: $30,229.47 for a total of $139,115.54
Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk: $37,329.16
Lori Oliver, District Clerk: $13,607.99
Maxie Eaves, Justice of the Peace Precinct 1: $14,294.00
Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2: $1,206.10
Margie Anderson, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3: $6,900.00
Jenny Hicks, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4: $2,794
Mike Crouch, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5: $4,316
Zach Warr, Constable Precinct 1: $715
James Hagler, Constable Precinct 2: $0.00
Roy Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3: $90.00
Jake Metcalf, Constable Precinct 4: $170
Robert Hairgrove, Constable Precinct 5: $270.00
Grand total: $219,562.79
Money Market CD#1 generated $245.79 total market value of $427,451.55
Money Market CD#2 generated $245.36 total market value of $426,714.60
Money Market CD#3 generated $244.95 total market value of $425,978.93
Money Market CD#4 generated $279.21 total market value of $485,566.21
Shelby County Money Market generated $5.15 for a total value of $25,043.21
Total Interest earned on investments $1,020.46
Total investments of $1,790,754.50
July 9, 2017 - Emergency first responders were dispatched to a vehicle which had reportedly been swept of a roadway and an individual was still inside Saturday, July 8, 2017.
Upon arrival of Center Police Officers and Center Fire Department firemen just over five miles from the Center city limits, the driver was able to escape the vehicle which remained halfway submerged due to heavy rain leading up to the incident.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Richard Hill, at 7pm an orange 2014 Dodge Dart driven by Brittney Thomas, 21, of Joaquin was traveling toward Center on FM 699. The vehicle hydroplaned, due to water on the roadway, and left the roadway to the right and into the barrow ditch where a steady flow of runoff water was traveling.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Thomas was issued a citation for failure to control speed.
Trooper Hill was assisted with the investigation by Trooper Taylor Buster.
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