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April 6, 2016 - The driver of one vehicle was transported to the hospital following a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 87 in Shelbyville.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jimmy Faulkner, just north of Shelbyville at 7:48am on April 5, 2016 Kaci Cheyenne Griffin, 17, of Center was driving a black 2009 Jeep Wrangler and was preparing to exit from a private driveway onto State Highway 87 South.
At that time, Damaseno Benitez-Hernandez, 40, of Center was traveling north on Highway 87 in a orange 2006 Ford Escape in the inside traffic lane. Griffin failed to yield right of way and drove into the path of the Escape causing the two vehicles to collide and both vehicles to receive major front end damage.
Griffin was transported from the scene by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment of unknown injuries. Benitez-Hernandez refused treatment at the scene. Griffin was issued a citation for fail to yield right of way, private drive.
Assisting at the scene with traffic control were Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2; Chris Koltonski with the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department and Shelbyville ISD Chief of Police Jud Matthews.
April 6, 2016 - A pickup truck collided with with a cow on U.S. 96 April 2, 2016 contributing to another crash involving a truck hauling diesel.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at 8:35pm Damian Bolton, 24, of Center was driving a white 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck south on U.S. 96 South of Loop 500.
At that time, a cow was in Bolton's lane and was struck by the Silverado on its front right leaving the cow in the middle of the road. Bolton was able to bring the truck to a halt on the southbound shoulder following the collision.
Following the crash, Bolton was taken by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department.
No citations were issued as a result of the crash and Bolton was released later that evening from the hospital.
This crash was related to the incident involving a diesel spill and was just before it occurred.
Related article: Large Diesel Spill Blocks US 96 South Saturday; HAZMAT Cleanup Continues
April 4, 2016 - The sentencing phase of the Vickers trial began on Monday, April 4, 2016 in the 123rd Judicial Court with Judge Charles "Brick" Dickerson presiding. Following closing arguments from Stephen Shires, Assistant District Attorney, and Seth Johnson, Attorney for the defense, the jurors went into deliberation for 4 1/2 hours and returned with their decision.
When they returned to the courtroom, the sentencing was read and the result was in each of the consolidated counts 1-3 the jurors recommended three years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison system and $10,000 fine attached to each of those charges. This did not include the count 2, sexual assault - child victim charge in case number 15-CR-19,556 for which Vickers was acquitted by the jury. No fines were attached to counts 4,5, and 6 from each of the consolidated cases to which Vickers pleaded guilty; however, three years confinement was the recommendation of the jury.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2016 at 1:30pm to, according to Shires, get some things squared away and address another legal issue, "Even if we sentenced today, Mrs. Vickers would be entitled to an appeal bond based on the fact that she received less than 10 years."
Vickers remains out on her original bond and once she is sentenced, her defense attorney, Johnson will have the opportunity to file for an appeal bond during which time she may stay out of prison until her appeal is heard or start her time.
Jurors found Vickers guilty on all charges but one in relation to three consolidated cases against her for an improper relationship between educator and student on Thursday, April 1, 2016. The total counts being considered for sentencing were 17. Once the jury reached their decision they were released from their duties.
These charges related to March 28, 2015; April 27, 2015; and May 9, 2015 and include consolidated count one, sexual assault - child victim; consolidated count 2, sexual assault - child victim; consolidated count three, indecency with a child by contact; consolidated count 4, improper relationship between educator and student, while Vickers was an employee of a public secondary school, Shelbyville High School; consolidated count 5, improper relationship between educator and student, while Vickers was an employee of a public secondary school, Shelbyville High School; and consolidated count 6, improper relationship between educator and student, while Vickers was an employee of a public secondary school, Shelbyville High School.
Judge Dickerson instructed the jurors on their options relating to sentencing, including the option of sending Vickers to prison for two to 20 years and up to a $10,000 fine, or sentencing her to community supervision (probation) for not more than 10 years and the possibility of a similar fine.
During closing arguments Shires addressed the jury about the testimony of Dr. Stanley and apologized if he tried their patients in asking her so many questions. To him it appeared any of the data Dr. Stanley was using came from information provided by Vickers and the testing indicated she was unsatisfied with her marriage.
He referenced the "heart wrenching" testimony of her husband, Vance Vickers and how he didn't even know if he was going to stay when the charges first came down. Shires referenced Vickers in the jailhouse interview stating her husband wasn't there, suggesting part of a reason why the relationship started.
Shires stated Vickers committed adultery which he went on to state is between herself, her husband, family and God and no one else's business. What Shires stated made it everyone's business is that she committed adultery with a child.
He continued by explaining some in the community have considered the situation might have been a right of passage or "high-five moment," which it wasn't. He indicated that no matter how physically mature the victim may have been, he was not yet emotionally mature.
Trust which the victim's mother had for Vickers and how it was broken was another point of argument for Shires, even with her husband.
Johnson addressed the jury and said the first and easiest reaction to this case is to be angry. He said Shires suggests the jury send a message to the community. He asked them if mercy is not what they hear of every Sunday morning. He asked the jury if Vickers does not deserve mercy.
He told them again, Vickers has not been convicted of a felony before and how nine of the counts against her would not have been brought just a few months later, as the victim would have been the legal age of consent.
Johnson spoke of Vickers being a good candidate for probation, because of the continued faith based counseling they have attended and her husbands statements on the witness stand indicating she is now a different person than she was.
No contact with any children 17 years of age or younger, and the only exception would be her own children, which is up to the judge. Any others would be while they are under the supervision of another adult. She will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life, which the registration is updated every 90 days.
Johnson asked the jury to look at Vickers as a whole person and not just at the worst thing that she has done. He asked the jury to show mercy to Vickers and her family.
Shires redirected, and he asked the jurors to close their eyes and imagine the defendant was a male basketball coach and the victim was a female cheerleader. He related all the facts to the victim and defendant in the reverse and stated to the jurors what is good for the goose is good for the gander and asked the jurors to do what is right.
Portions of Friday, April 1, 2016 Testimony
Johanna Vickers entered the sentencing portion of her case with testimonies lasting the full day in the 123rd Judicial District Court. Once all testimonies were heard the juror's requested a continuation until Monday before proceeding.
Jean Stanley, Ph.D, a forensic mental health professional who specializes in sex offender treatment took the stand and Johnson opened questioning for the defense. Throughout the lengthy process, Stanley explained her instruments as well as the results and accuracy. Vickers' scored as a low risk offender, meaning her probability of committing another sexual crime is very low which makes her a great candidate for probation. She shows no signs of psychopathy, nor any attraction to either younger sex. After cross-examination, Shires appeared unable to shake her credibility. He did point out Stanley's test's accuracy demands an honest participant.
Next witness to take the stand was Mario Osby, Principal of Shelbyville High School and the first witness called to the stand by the prosecution. Osby gave the jury a summary of Shelbyville ISD's procedure as to how they prevent student/teacher relationships. He also spoke on two previous write-ups Vickers had received. Both write-ups were given in regards to Vickers' interaction with students on a personal level. Johnson then pointed out that one of the two write-ups were issued for a friendship based relationship with a female student.
Shires called the mother of the victim to the witness stand. She proceeded to speak on how this situation has deeply affected both she and her son. She mentioned his love of basketball, and how she manages to never miss a game, no matter how busy her schedule. She also spoke on the trust she had with Vickers, and how that trust was deeply violated. The mother then let the jury know that she does not wish harm to Vickers; she only hopes Vickers can get the help she needs.
The last two witnesses of the day were both called by the defense. Vickers' husband Vance took the stand and detailed the past year of their life. He let the jury know why he chose to stay with his wife, how God has taken such a huge role in their life, and how his wife has changed dramatically from the day she was arrested.
"When Johanna had to tell me, or when Johanna told me that she, this had happened, it's hard to put into words. I was devastated, I was emotionally I was just, I was heartbroken. I was furious. I was mad at everybody, I was mad at Johanna, I was mad at [the victim], everybody that had a hand that was involved. From Jud [Matthews], [Investigator] Chad Brown everybody that I had to come into contact with in this situation," said Mr. Vickers. "That first night we were together, we were home together, our children were at my in-laws and we were talking and I wanted answers, I wanted to know why, I wanted to know how. I got even more furious that night because she couldn't answer, she couldn't tell me why."
Mr. Vickers stated they finally were so exhausted that night and she begged him to leave it alone and start over in the morning, "We did and we laid down and I couldn't even stand to stay in the same room. I went to my son's room and I was, I was I can remember being on my knees and just asking God, why? I don't know how long I was there but I finally realized she was there with me and I was still so mad, I was still so furious, but all I could see was she was hurt, she was devastated and she was trying to comfort me. She was, when I left that room and I went to leave, I was leaving that night, I was done, I was gone. I stayed that night just from what I saw in her."
He recounts a rough and rocky road to recovery, and cites their faith based therapy sessions and new church family as a large reason why their marriage is being repaired. Mr. Vickers also spoke on his wife's pure love for their children and how she always manages to find joy in each child, each and every day.
"I also mentioned earlier, how furious I was and how mad I was at everybody involved. Chad Brown sat here on the first day and he made the comment that he didn't think that we'd ever be friends and I think he's right, I don't think we're ever going to be bosom buddies, but for the first time, this is very recent, but for the first time I am not mad anymore. I'm not mad, I don't wish ill will toward anybody, I understand that these are difficult jobs and everyone is trying to do their job, and I've given it to God and I've given Johanna to God. I'm just, I'm here whatever comes," said Mr. Vickers.
Shires cross-examined Mr. Vickers and confirmed he is a coach and one of the things he coaches is girls softball. He asked Vickers what he would do if he found out one of his students was infatuated with him.
"I don't even know how many of my players actually like me, but I understand your question, that's a very good question and I just. The boundaries are there to protect and in that situation, thank God I've never been in that situation, but in that situation I would do my best to make sure I was not put in that situation," said Vickers.
Shires asked how Mr. Vickers would feel if one of his children was in the same position as the victim.
"You have to understand that I taught [the victim] his freshman year, and that I coached him in basketball his sophomore year and every one of those kids at that high school are my kids and I hurt for him as much as I hurt for my family because he might as well be," said Mr. Vickers.
He agreed with Shires in his final questioning, if he were in the same place as his wife, he would want them to be treated equally.
As Johanna Vickers took the stand, Johnson gave her the opportunity to address those hurt by the situation. From her students, to the victims mother, Vickers tearfully apologized to each victim of her crime. She went on to tell the jury that she knows she must be held accountable, she takes full responsibility and apologizes for failing those who looked to her as a role model.
April 4, 2016 - According to a Center Police Department press release, an intoxicated suspect stabbed a woman on Mildred Street due to an arguement over a can of beer.
Press Release: On March 24, the Center Police Department responded to a 911 call in reference to a stabbing. Center P.D. Patrol Officer Angela Neal located the victim on Wiseman Street, who was being treated by ACE E.M.S.. The victim was identified as 48-year-old Elizabeth Suell.
Officer Neal did observe that Suell had a large wound around her inner thigh. Elizabeth Suell advised Officer Neal that she was on Mildred Street when the incident took place. Suell then stated to Officer Neal that she had gotten into an argument with a Jason Stansberry over a can of beer. Suell stated that after the argument, she turned to walk away from Stansberry and that's when Stansberry stabbed her. Suell advised that she believed Stansberry was high on P.C.P. and was still on Mildred Street.
Officer Neal relayed the information to Center P.D. Detective David Haley and Haley was able to locate Stansberry on Shelbyville Street. Detective Haley observed that Stansberry appeared to be under the influence of P.C.P. and took him into custody for Public Intoxication.
Haley later obtained an arrest warrant signed by Justice of the Peace Margie Anderson for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly weapon (Felony 2) for Jason Stansberry. Jason Stansberry was booked into the Center P.D. Jail for Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, and Public Intoxication.
Elizabeth Suell was treated by ACE E.M.S. and then transported by life flight to L.S.U. Medical Center. Suell was released from L.S.U. three days later.
Submitted by Detective David Haley
April 4, 2016 - According to a Facebook post on Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the Registration and Titling System is currently unavailable and it is unknown if the system will be back up before the close of today's business.
Facebook post - Our Registration and Titling System is currently unavailable, which affects our online registration renewal services as well as services at county offices and other locations offering registration services. We are working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and thank you for your patience.
Shelby County Today will check back with Tax Accessor/Collector Debra Riley in the morning to see if the system is back up and running.
April 4, 2016 - Update: Damian Bolton, of Center, was also involved in a crash involving a pickup truck he was driving and a cow in the road, see related story here: Pickup Truck Collides with Cow on U.S. 96 South
April 4, 2016 - A major crash resulted from cattle in the roadway on April 2, 2016 resulting in a large quantity of diesel fuel spilling and U.S. Highway 96 South being blocked.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Dustin Ramos April 2, 2016 at 8:40pm the Center Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Center Fire Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety were dispatched to U.S. Highway 96 at CR 2205 in reference to a major crash.
Upon arrival it was found a 2011 white Peterbilt driven by Sesario Gonzales, Jr., 56, and owned by Pilot Thomas Logistics out of Oklahoma City transporting diesel fuel was traveling southbound on U.S. 96 in the area where a cow had been previously struck by an unknown vehicle. The Peterbilt struck the cow and swerved to the left causing the truck to overturn and begin sliding.
The truck was towing a polar tank trailer with diesel fuel inside. As it was sliding southbound into the northbound U.S. 96 lanes, a tan 2013 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Amy Honey, 28, of Zavalla with her 64-year-old grandmother, 6-year-old boy, and 10-year-old boy, struck the roof of the cab of the Peterbilt trapping the driver inside. The vehicle came to rest with a large quantity; however, unknown amount, of diesel fuel spilling.
Center Fire Department performed the extrication of the driver from the Peterbilt with Jaws of Life, and was assisted by many of the emergency personnel in this endeavor. Jason Burch, with Hughes Wrecker Service, attached a winch to the underbelly of the truck to provide stability while Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Pete Davis, assisted by firemen and Trooper Ramos, attached the winch from his patrol truck to the rear of the Equinox.
Gonzales was extracted out of the vehicle and was taken by life flight to LSU Hospital in Shreveport where he is reported as being in stable condition. Honey and her passengers were all transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for unknown injuries and were released.
There were two deceased cattle on scene and the owner was located and determined to be W.C. Thompson of Center.
No citations have been issued at this time.
East Texas Towing and Storage removed the Equinox from the scene. Hopkins Towing & Recovery were dispatched to the scene with three large wreckers to handle the wrecked 18-wheeler. They stationed two large trucks in the southbound traffic lane side of the highway and righted the 18-wheeler. Once it was back on its wheels, the third truck hooked to the Peterbilt to haul it away.
As of Sunday night, April 3, 2016 a hazardous material crew was still removing diesel fuel from the area and are expected to continue working to clean the area during the coming week.
Related article: Pickup Truck Collides with Cow on U.S. 96 South
April 3, 2016 - The tennis courts located at Center Intermediate School were the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Monday, March 28, 2016.
According to Center Police Officer Andrew Williams, at 12:49am Lancie Stafford, 54, of Center was driving a white 2007 Ford 500 southwest on Malone Drive when his vision became blurred. He then ran off roadway to right and hit a chain link fence, utility pole, and bleachers before the car came to rest.
Stafford was transferred to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Center Emergency Department for treatment by ACE EMS.
No citations were reported as a result of the crash.
April 3, 2016 - A vehicle nearly collided with a church building in Center on Friday, March 25, 2016 and following an investigation the driver was arrested.
According to the Center Police Department, at 5:44pm a 2000 silver Cadillac driven by Cedric Goodwin, 40, of Center was stopped on Noble Street at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive (MLK). A pickup truck was parked in a parking space in Mt. Zion church across from Noble Street. The Cadillac left from the stop sign on Noble Street, crossed MLK and went into the parking lot of the church striking the pickup truck.
No injuries were reported to have resulted to Goodwin or his child passenger.
It was determined Goodwin had been driving while intoxicated and he was arrested at the scene by Center Police Officer Steve Thornburgh for driving while intoxicated with child under the age of 15.
April 3, 2016 - Emergency personnel were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 when a vehicle took a wrong turn into a creek.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at around 5:30pm a red 2014 Dodge Dart driven by Stephanie Diane Maggard, 39, of Timpson was traveling on CR 4088 during rainy conditions and was going to turn onto CR 4020. When Maggard made the turn, it was early and dart drove into a creek, coming to rest against a culvert.
When Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Horton and DPS Trooper Buster arrived, it was determined the driver was uninjured as a result of the crash. No injuries were incurred by the vehicle either and Hopkins Towing & Recovery pulled it from the creek allowing the Dart to be driven away from the scene.
Update 11:53pm - A hazard material management team is finishing with cleaning up the diesel spill. The tanker truck has been uprighted and emergency responders are working to clear crash debri off the roadway. The fire department is still assisting with traffic. The majority of the roadway is back open to traffic. Please continue to use caution if traveling through the area.
Update 9:48pm - Some traffic is now being able to flow through one side at a time. Please use caution if traveling through the area and watch out for emergency workers. The Center Volunteer Fire Department is on scene assisting with traffic control.
April 2, 2016 - Shortly after 9pm Saturday, April 2, 2016 law enforcement have temporarily shutdown US 96 South just past the intersection of Loop 500 due to a tanker truck hauling diesel being involved in a crash. Please choose an alternate route at this time. A hazardous material management team is en route to clean up the diesel spill.
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