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Statement from Sheriff Kevin W. Windham regarding sex offender registration in Shelby County:
July 7, 2023 - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for registering all sex offenders that reside in Shelby County, this includes offenders residing within the Center city limits.
Offenders are seen on Tuesdays and Thursdays BY APPOINTMENT only. Offenders needing to verify, and/or make changes to their registration must contact Leah Chase, SCSO registration officer, prior to appearing in person. If you show up in person to make a change, you will be assigned a time to come back.
“Appointments are required to disperse the heavy workload that this position carries. We have been as accommodating as we can in the past about letting offenders come in on their own time, but this just isn’t a possibility any longer,” stated Sheriff Windham. “Setting everyone up with a specific time allows us to keep a better handle on registrations.”
To schedule an appointment, contact Leah Chase at the SCSO by calling 936-598-5601.
July 6, 2023 - According to the San Augustine County Sheriff's Department, murder suspect, Kenavion Marquise Baker, age 26, from Shreveport, LA, has been found and is in custody.
The San Augustine Sheriff’s Department warns everyone to BE AWARE, as they search for a murder suspect.
Murder suspect at-large in San Augustine County. Tall black male with long dreads. Approximately 6’3”, 150 lbs. Possibly wearing camo pants and a black hoodie.
Last seen around 517 Price Dr., San Augustine, TX.
Possibly armed and dangerous!
Keep All Doors Locked Down!
July 4, 2023 - State Highway 87 South of FM 147 was the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving a culvert.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Taylor Buster, at 1:35pm on June 27, 2023, a silver 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 17-year-old male driver of Shelbyville was southbound on State Highway 87 South near CR 2124.
At that time, for an unknown reason, the Hyundai failed to drive in a single lane and the driver overcorrected, jerking the wheel and taking the vehicle back onto the roadway before flipping and striking a culvert.
The driver was transported by ambulance to Nacogdoches Medical Center - Shelby Emergency Department for evaluation and of possible treatment of injuries. He was issued a citation for fail to drive in a single lane.
Emergency personnel with the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene with traffic control and in coming to the aid of the driver. Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2, and DPS Trooper Chris Cain assisted with the crash investigation.
While traffic control was ongoing, and traffic was at a slow pace to protect everyone at the scene of the crash, a truck tractor hauling a tanker passed the slower moving vehicles within the crash scene through the double yellow lines. Trooper Cain immediately got into his unit and tracked down the truck tractor.
July 4, 2023 - An area business warns fake money has again found its way to Shelby County. This time, the money isn't just $100 bills but is being smaller bills such as $5 and $20 dollar bills. The money is being mixed in with real money making it hard to recognize the 'copy' money even though it is clearly printed 'COPY' on it along with 'MOTION PICTURE USE' across the top and 'FOR MOTION PICTURE COPY MONEY' on the right side.
Be aware and diligent to check all money given whether as a business or a customer. If you have cash, check and make sure you weren't slipped any of the fake money before using it.
September 28, 2022 - A local restaurant contacted Shelby County Today to help alert business owners and the public regarding fake $100 bills being used in the area. The owner advised one $100 bill was accepted before staff realized it was counterfeit. When a second bill was attempted to be used, the staff was aware and ready.
How to tell if money is counterfeit? Check out this article on the Federal Reserve's website - https://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/currency_12597.htm
To report counterfeit currency, contact local law enforcement immediately. The Center Police Department's phone number is 936-598-2788 and the Shelby County Sheriff's Department's phone number is 936-598-5601.
Timpson Square on Saturday July 1, 2023 –
(Parade Album) (Parade, Washer, Tourney) (Cheer, Cakes) (Cakes, Carnival)
Saturday saw the downtown Timpson area alive with various Timpson Frontier Days activities. The parade and car show kicked off the early morning and the washer pitching and carnival soon followed. The Timpson Bears elementary through high school cheerleaders and cake sale finished later that night.
The finale for Saturday Frontier Day events was the cake sale which raised money for at least four $1000 scholarships. Among those selling cakes were Teri Alexander, Mrs. Higginbotham, Debbie Golden, Cindy Rhodes, Marilyn Corder, Debra Crawford, Bryan McDonald, Patsy Holloway, Sandy Jones, Sylvia McDonald, Terry Alexander, Pam Shepard, Jackie Eaves, Rachel Edwards, Valerie Edwards, Barbra Edwards, Mrs. Stewart, Reggie Caraway, and Mickie Weaver. Mr. Roger from the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service also sold six pieces of artwork to raise money as well.
Buying cakes and items were Kyle Edwards, Austin Bank, the Quick Stop, Hopkins Wrecker, Direct Buildings, McAdams Gas, McDonalds Hardware, Nix Forestry, Robert Williams, Rachel Edwards, Constable Tipton, Mayor Debra Smith, Eaves Realty, and Eugene Greely.
Washer results courtesy of Dwayne Brister are: Doubles:1st place, Nathan Marshall & Brandon Mince. 2nd place, Neil Grant & Rodney Hale. Singles: 1st place, Neil Grant, 2nd place, Colton Ethridge.
Car show results: 1st place, Tommy Des - 1955 Chevy Bel Air; 2nd place and People's Choice, Brenda and Charles Mackey - 1954 Chevy Pickup; 3rd place, Scott Tanner - 1967 Mercury M-100 Truck; Kids Choice, David Walters - 2008 Jeep Wrangler. Total prize money awarded was $750.
July 2, 2023 - A new chapter in Precinct 4 has begun as Margaret Dee Dee Green has been sworn in as the new Justice of the Peace.
A ceremony was held at the Justice of the Peace office on Friday, June 30, 2023, with a turnout of support from community members, family and friends and other public officials.
Tracy Broadway, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, has been maintaining the office following appointment by the Shelby County Commissioners' Court after the removal of Josh Ritter from the Precinct 4 office, and he administered the oath of office to Green.
“We’re super excited to have Dee Dee become one of us, JP world. I know that Karren [Price] is gonna miss Dee Dee, her office and workers there at the District Attorney’s office, but we feel your loss is our gain, and we know she’s going to be close by so that’s awesome,” said Broadway. “We appreciate the elected officials being here today, we appreciate the friends and family members being here today, Tenaha community leaders for being here today. Thank y’all.”
Following the administration of the oath of office, Green thanked all who were present, and expressed gratitude to Price for the opportunity to learn about Texas law.
“I look forward to serving the people of Tenaha, this is where I’ve come to die, so I’m going to do everything I can to do my best,” said Green.
Related article:
Commissioners Appoint Green to JP 4
July 1, 2023 - Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the arrest of Nickolas Shane Matthews, 22, of Joaquin.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunications Division received a 9-1-1 call in regards to a man with a gun on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at approximately 7am. SCSO investigators and deputies responded to the residence located on Faulkville Road in Joaquin. After three hours of trying to make contact with Matthews, SCSO investigators, deputies, DPS officers, and Constable Roy Cheatwood entered the home and located Matthews.
Law enforcement officers were granted permission to search the home by the homeowner. The search produced narcotics believed to be 271 grams of xanax, seven (7) grams of methamphetamine, 5.8 ounces of marijuana, one (1) gram of ecstasy, packaging material for the distribution of narcotics and an AK-47.
Matthews was arrested and charged with Delivery of Controlled Substance (F-1); Possession of a Controlled Substance (POCS) (F-2); Possession of a Controlled Substance (F-3); Unlawful Carry of a Weapon by a Felon (F-2); Delivery of Marijuana (SJF),and Assault (M-A).
June 30, 2023 - U.S. Highway 59 in Timpson is the scene of an 18-wheeler rollover and chemical spill June 30, 2023.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to the crash incident near the intersection with U.S. Highway 84 around 11am where a truck tractor had rolled over onto its side.
Timpson Volunteer Fire Department and Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service assisted those involved in the crash. Fire personnel then began diverting traffic around the crash scene to keep traffic moving in all directions and blocked off the remainder of the northbound traffic lanes as a chemical had also spilled from the trailer.
Lonestar Hazmat and Hopkins Wrecker Service then began working to contain the spill and prepare to right the truck tractor, while Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers investigate the crash.
As of 7:15pm the roadway is back open in both directions.
(Update): According to information released from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Troopers are investigating a one-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 59, just south of Timpson, today, June 30, 2023.
The preliminary information indicates at approximately 10:50am, a green 2014 Volvo truck tractor semi-trailer driven by Bashu Chuman, 36, from Fairfield, OH. was traveling north at an unsafe speed when the Volvo overturned and slid into the grass median, resulting in the highway being shutdown for safety purposes.
Chuman was transported to a Center hospital for possible treatment.
A hazmat team is currently cleaning up the spilled contents and there is no immediate danger to the public.
This is an ongoing investigation. Additional information is not available at this time.
June 29, 2023 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 33 indictments on Monday, June 26, 2023. The grand jury was impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
Mason Alexander Thurman was indicted for escape from custody, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 16, 2023, Thurnan escaped the custody of Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Angela Neal when Thurman was under arrest for aggravated assault family violence. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Mason Alexander Thurman was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 16, 2023, Thurman intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to Officer R. Lawhorn by shoving him open handedly and Thurman knew Lawhorn was a correctional officer lawfully discharging an official duty. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Mason Alexander Thurman was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury - family violence, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 16, 2023, Thurman recklessly caused serious bodily injury to Rachel Thompson Parrish by cutting her head while exhibiting a deadly weapon, a cell phone, during the assault. The indictment further alleges, Parrish was a member of Thurman's household. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Chase Martin was indicted for interfere with child custody, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on February 10, 2023, Martin took a child younger than 18 years of age, when Martin knew the taking violated express terms of an order disposing of the child's custody, namely a court order in Shelby County. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Chase Martin was indicted for hindering secured creditors >=$2,500<$30,000, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on April 14, 2022, Martin signed a security agreement creating a security interest in a portable building and then removed or concealed the property by removing the building that was used as collateral without consent of the secured party, Factory First. It is further alleged, Martin id this with intent to hinder enforcement of such security interest with the value of the property being $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. (123rd Judicial District Court)
James Alan Burke was indicted for online solicitation of a minor, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 2, 2023, Burke with intent that an individual he believed to be younger than 14 years of age, would engage in sexual intercourse with him, knowingly solicited by text message the individual to meet with him. (273rd Judicial District Court) Related article: Child Predator Undercover Operation Catches Timpson Man
Joshua Dewayne Denmon was indicted for possession of child pornography, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 8, 2022, Denmon knowingly possessed visual material that visually depicted, and which Denmon knew visually depicted a child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made, engaging in sexual conduct, namely actual sexual intercourse. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Joshua Dewayne Denmon was indicted for possession of child pornography, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 8, 2022, Denmon knowingly possessed visual material that visually depicted, and which Denmon knew visually depicted a child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made, engaging in sexual conduct, namely actual lewd exhibition of the genitals. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Joshua Dewayne Denmon was indicted for possession of child pornography, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 8, 2022, Denmon knowingly possessed visual material that visually depicted, and which Denmon knew visually depicted a child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the image of the child was made, engaging in sexual conduct, namely actual sexual intercourse. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Sara Francis Barrett was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on April 1, 2023, Barrett entered a habitation without the effective consent of Chanetta Mims, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed theft of a Chromebook laptop, T100 Trimble Tablet, and multiple bags/suitcases with clothes and shoes, owned by Mims. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Douglas Wayne Williams was indicted for hindering apprehension or prosecution, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 1, 2023, Williams with intent to hinder the arrest of Beverly Kay Hurst under the authority of warrant or capias, harbored or concealed Hurst. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Ricky Jackson was indicted for unlawful carrying weapon prohibited places, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 8, 2023, Jackson recklessly possessed or went with a firearm on the premises of a government court, the office of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, and Jackson's conduct was not pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the court. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Ricky Jackson was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 8, 2023, Jackson, having previously been convicted of the felony offense of possession of a controlled substance, recklessly possessed a firearm after the fifth anniversary of his release from supervision under community supervision following conviction of the felony. The indictment further alleges, Jackson's possession of the firearm occurred at 518 Nacogdoches Street, Center, Texas, a location other than there premises where he lived. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Christopher Taylor was indicted for burglary of a habitation, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 9, 2023, Taylor entered a habitation without the effective consent of Tia Caryl, the owner, and committed an assault against Caryl. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Erika Diamond was indicted for abandoning or endangering a child, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 21, 2023, Diamond recklessly, or with criminal negligence, engaged in conduct that placed a child younger than 15 years of age in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment by intentionally possessing methamphetamine at a residence with a child, and having paraphernalia devices with suspected methamphetamine residue and uncapped syringes that appeared to contain blood lying in the floor in proximity to the child. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Juan Carmen Zarate was indicted for burglary of a building, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on March 7, 2023, Zarate entered a building or a portion of a building without the effective consent of Cen[t]er ISD, the owner, and attempted to commit or committed the felony offense of theft. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Thomas Bradshaw was indicted for abandoning or endangering a child, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 21, 2023, Bradshaw recklessly, or with criminal negligence, engaged in conduct that placed a child younger than 15 years of age in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment by intentionally possessing methamphetamine at a residence with a child, and having paraphernalia devices with suspected methamphetamine residue and uncapped syringes that appeared to contain blood lying in the floor in proximity to the child. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Jesus Jimenez Hernandez was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury - family violence, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on January 22, 2023, Hernandez recklessly caused serious bodily injury to Roberto Rodriguez Reyes by cutting him in several places causing deep lacerations, and Hernandez then and there used or exhibited a machete during the assault, and Reyes was a members of Hernandez' household. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Danny Wright was indicted for assault by choking, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 29, 2023, Wright recklessly caused bodily injury to Mary Cotton, a person with whom Wright had a dating relationship. The indictment further alleges Wright recklessly impeded the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of Cotton by applying pressure to the throat or neck of Cotton. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Rodney Collum was indicted for deadly conduct discharge firearm, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 30, 2023, Collum recklessly engaged in conduct that placed Jacob Kay in imminent danger of serious bodily injury by firing shots out of his vehicle in front of his house. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Billie Smith was indicted for cruelty to non-livestock animals - kill/poison/SBI, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on March 18, 2023, Smith recklessly killed a dog by shooting the dog without the effective consent of Shannon Metcalf, the owner. The indictment continues, Smith's conduct was not a generally accepted and otherwise lawful form of conduct occurring solely for the purpose of or in support of fishing, hunting, or trapping; or wildlife management, wildlife or depredation control, or shooting preserve practices as regulated by state and federal law; or animal husbandry or agriculture practice involving livestock animals. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Jasmine Shanise Simington was indicted for abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on February 9, 2023, Simington recklessly or with criminal negligence, engaged in conduct that placed a child younger than 15 years of age in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment, by possessing Phencyclidine in their home.
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):
- Joshua Dewayne Denmon, failure to comply with sex offender registration, third degree felony (April 8, 2022). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Charles David Reed, possession of substance in penalty group 1-A (methamphetamine), state jail felony (March 9, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Sheldon Ramon Starling, possession of a controlled substance in penalty group 2 (methamphetamine), second degree felony (February 8, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Rachel Denise Coleman, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (phencyclidine), third degree felony (February 9, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Abundio Rodriguez, felony driving while intoxicated, third degree felony (April 8, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Cleveland Dewayne Casey, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (phencyclidine), third degree felony (February 7, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Jasmine Shanise Simington, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=4G<200G (phencyclidine), second degree felony (February 9, 2023). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- James Alan Burke, failure to comply with sex offender registration, third degree felony (March 3, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- James Alan Burke, failure to comply with sex offender registration, third degree felony (March 3, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- James Alan Burke, failure to comply with sex offender registration, third degree felony (March 3, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- James Alan Burke, failure to comply with sex offender registration, third degree felony (March 3, 2023). (273rd Judicial District Court)
Related article: Child Predator Undercover Operation Catches Timpson Man
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.
June 27, 2023 - During my time in office, I have always strived to be transparent with the citizens of Shelby County. I truly feel that being honest and open keeps everyone accountable and it allows for the line of communication to stay open. The time has come for me, as your Sheriff, to address a situation. I ask for your understanding and prayers during this time.
As of June 21, 2023, I have been listed as a candidate for a double lung transplant. Many of you know that over the last year, I have been experiencing some serious health issues. At this time, my team of doctors feels that moving forward with the transplant will allow me to achieve a greater quality of life. While this is a life changing surgery, I have faith in God, and I know that this will place me on the road to recovery.
With my health being the way it is, I am not able to be in the office on a daily basis. However, I am still very active in the daily operations of the office and the jail. Please know that I have full confidence in the ability of my administration as well as the entire staff at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
I would like to thank each of you who have supported me during this time. Please remember my family in your prayers as we prepare to begin this new journey. I look forward to recovering and being back in the office very soon.
Sheriff Kevin W. Windham
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