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August 27, 2026 - Indictments on the Shelby County jailers and one deputy have been unsealed following their arrests on Tuesday, August 27, 2026, regarding the in-custody death of James Perry Jr., on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
A grand jury impaneled for the July 2026 term of the 273rd Judicial District Court was convened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, and they delivered 15 indictments on those parties charged. The three jailers including Andrew Valadez, Phillip Youngblood and Jayne Sharnberg were equally indicted for manslaughter, second degree felony; official oppression, misdemeanor a; tampering with government records, state jail felony; and violation of civil rights of person in custody, third degree felony.
These indictments remained sealed until arrests were made on those who were indicted.
Those indictments allege (manslaughter) that on or about July 18, 2026, Sharnberg, Youngblood, and Valadez recklessly caused the death of James Elliott Perry, Jr. by leaving him restrained in a chair restricting his ability to move (official oppression) and intentionally subjected Perry to detention or mistreatment by prolonged restraint in a chair and which the jailers allegedly knew was unlawful while acting under their employment as a public servant, namely a Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Jailer. The indictments further allege (tampering with government records) that the jailers are alleged to have knowingly made a false entry of a government record in that of the restraint chair log and face-to-face log indicating the observations and verification of said observations.
The jailers are further alleged (violation of civil rights of person in custody) that while they were employees of the Shelby County Jail, and while knowing their conduct to be unlawful, the jailers intentionally denied or impeded Perry while in custody in the exercise or enjoyment of a right or privilege, namely to be detained in a safe and humane manner and to be provided food, medical attention, bathroom facilities and release at the earliest appropriate time by placing him in a restraint chair and failing to follow the Texas Jail Standard Commission mandated policies for the use of the restraint chair.
Separately, Shelby County Deputy Angela Neal was indicted for aggravated perjury, third degree felony; tampering with a government document, state jail felony; and official oppression, misdemeanor class a.
The indictments allege (aggravated perjury), on July 18, 2026, Neal had intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement’s meaning made a false statement under oath or swore to a false statement previously made, namely that James Elliott Perry Jr. had appeared in a public place and exposed his genitals to a child. Such sworn statement is required by law to be made under oath, and the alleged false statement is made in connection with an official proceeding, namely a probable cause affidavit relied upon by a magistrate and is material in such a proceeding to determine the validity of an arrest.
The indictments further allege (tampering with a government document) Neal knowingly had intent to defraud or harm another by knowingly making a false entry into an offense report (government record) with the false entry being that there was no exterior door on a structure. Neal is also alleged (official oppression) to have intentionally subjected a person to arrest that she knew was unlawful while acting under color of her employment as a public servant, a Shelby County Sheriff’s Department deputy.
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.
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August 26, 2026 - A Presidential Proclamation honoring the passing and memory of Dolly Parton has been issued. All flags of the United States should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
See the Proclamation by clicking here here
All flags flying with the United States Flag should also be lowered. If you have a flag that cannot be lowered, respect for the day can be shown by tying a black ribbon or cord to the top of the staff.
August 26, 2026 - Shannon Metcalf, Commissioner Precinct 2, announces that a portion of CR 2799 near FM 2427 will be closed for culvert installation on Monday, August 31, 2026, until completion on Tuesday, September 1.
Anyone traveling this area is encouraged to use an alternate route until the project is finished.
August 25, 2026 - Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, has announced that County Road 1490 will be closed Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 7am until 3pm for repairs.
The section of road that is affected between Huana Creek and County Road 1443
Travelers are encouraged to please use an alternate route until the work has been completed.
Shelby County District Attorney vehicle in the S.A. Jail parking lot.
August 24, 2026 - Three Shelby County jailers and a deputy have been arrested following an investigation into the in-custody death of Jamie Perry on July 19, 2026.
All surrendered to the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Department at the John W. Mitchell Law Enforcement Center on Monday, August 24, 2026, on varying charges.
This follows a Texas Ranger investigation led by Ranger Jim Hicks into the death of Perry while in custody at the Shelby County Jail and a special grand jury that was held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Shelby County jailers Jayne Michelle Scharnberg, 47, of Shelbyville has been charged with manslaughter, felony 2, $45,000 bond; tampering with government record, state jail felony, $10,000 bond; official oppression, misdemeanor a, $5,000 bond; and violation of civil rights of person in custody, felony 3, $35,000 bond. Phillip Lee Youngblood, Jr., 49, of Center has been charged with manslaughter, felony 2, $45,000 bond; tampering with government record, state jail felony, $10,000 bond; official oppression, misdemeanor a, $5,000 bond; and violation of civil rights of person in custody, felony 3, $35,000 bond. Andrew Jadon Valadez, 23, of Center has been charged with manslaughter, felony 2, $45,000 bond; tampering with government record, state jail felony, $10,000 bond; official oppression, misdemeanor a, $5,000 bond; and violation of civil rights of person in custody, felony 3, $35,000 bond.
Shelby County Deputy Angela Kay Neal, 44, has been charged with official oppression, $5,000 bond; aggravated perjury, $35,000 bond; and tampering with a government document, $10,000 bond.
All had preset bond amounts and were arraigned by Magistrate J.D. Miller, San Augustine County Justice of the Peace, Precent 4.
As additional information becomes available it will be updated.
Related Article: Sheriff's Department Confirms In-Custody Death (Update - July 21)
August 24, 2026 - Hot conditions continue with a Heat Advisory in effect for most of the region. Afternoon high temperatures will range from the upper 90s to near 104. Heat index values will range from 105-110 degrees. Continue to prioritize heat safety when spending time outdoors!
Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible later today into the evening hours, mainly across portions southern AR and northern LA. Damaging wind gusts will be the main threat along with flash and urban flooding potential.
Scattered thunderstorms will be possible today, mainly across South Central Arkansas and portions of Northeast Louisiana. This could help to temper temperatures across these regions. Otherwise the oppressive heat will continue.
The prolonged heat wave shows no signs of giving way as flash drought conditions continue across the entire Four State Region. As a result, much of the region is under a Burn Ban at this time. The wildfire threat will continue.
With oppressive heat expected to continue through much of this week, remember these heat safety tips.
August 22, 2026 - Shelby County Sheriff’s Department responded to a possible aggravated kidnapping call at the car wash in Tenaha Thursday night, August 20, 2026.
A call was made to the Sheriff's Office at 11pm from a juvenile female reporting her stepmother and her father were at the car wash when two men pulled up in a black truck, discharged a firearm, and then took the stepmother.
Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to the 9 1 1 call looking for the black truck which left the scene traveling southbound on US Hwy 96 towards Center with two men and a female inside.
Sheriff Deputies responded and secured the scene along with any evidence. Sheriff’s Department Investigator Micah Buzbee began interviewing witnesses and communicating with area law enforcement from Center and Nacogdoches who were also assisting with locating the allegedly kidnapped individual.
Law enforcement was able to located the stepmother and she stated she had left the car wash willingly and stated the firearm had been fired in self-defense.
Shelby County Criminal Investigative Division and Tenaha Police Chief Michael Davidson are working together as the investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed at the time of this report.
August 21, 2026 - Severe thunderstorm watch outline update for WS 611 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 3:25pm CDT Fri Aug 21 2026.
Severe thunderstorm watch 611 is in effect until 9pm CDT For the following locations
Texas counties included are: Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, and Tyler.
August 21, 2026 - Hot conditions to continue with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for portions of East Texas, Northwest Louisiana, and South Arkansas today. A Heat Advisory remains in effect elsewhere across the ArkLaTex.
A few storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts will be possible across portions of Northeast Texas and north Louisiana later today.
The Heat Wave shows no signs of giving way as flash drought conditions continue across the entire Four State Region. As a result, much of the region is under a Burn Ban at this time. The wildfire threat will continue.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms expected this afternoon and evening with highs continuing to range from near 100 to near 105 degrees with higher heat index values.
Extreme Heat Warning Until 9pm Today
Heat Advisory Until 8pm Saturday
The National Weather Service, Shreveport, LA issued a Extreme Heat Warning at 11:21am on Friday, August 21, 2026. The Heat Advisory in effect from 9pm this evening to 8pm Saturday and the Extreme Heat warning remains in effect until 9pm this evening.
For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 113. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 112 expected for portions of south central and southwest Arkansas, north central and northwest Louisiana, and east and northeast Texas.
For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 9 PM CDT this evening. For the Heat Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 8 PM CDT Saturday.
Impact:
Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Precautionary / Preparedness Actions:
- Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
- Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
- Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
August 21, 2026 - The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Flat Fork Water Supply Corp. public water system, TX2100007, to issue a Boil Water Notice on August 18, 2026 for CR 4293, North of CR 4310 and South of CR 4415 and 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 August 21, 2026.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Elise Neuwirth at 936-590-6451.
August 18, 2026 - Due to a water leak and low water pressure on CR 4293, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Flat Fork Water Supply Corporation public water system, TX2100007, to notify all customers on CR 4293 North of CR 4310 and South of CR 4415 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 Elise Neuwirth at 936-590-6451.
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