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February 10, 2025 – A large-scale investigation has concluded with multiple individuals being sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operating throughout East Texas, identifying Edgar Garcia, Jr. as the primary distributor. Law enforcement began conducting operations to identify numerous individuals receiving methamphetamine from Garcia. During the investigation, law enforcement executed residential search warrants, purchased methamphetamine and/or firearms directly from Garcia and other members of his drug trafficking organization, and directed traffic stops to intercept narcotics and firearms being transported for distribution. Ultimately, multiple kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the operation.
Law enforcement was also able to obtain almost a dozen firearms from various individuals in the organization. The firearms were either sold as part of narcotics transactions or being used to guard the illegal drugs.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The individuals sentenced to federal prison during the investigation and prosecution of the drug trafficking organization are:
Edgar Garcia Jr., 26, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 151 months;
Justin Michael Sanchez, 33, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 235 months;
Beverly Hurst, 26, of Center, sentenced to 151 months;
Jason Clepper, 36, of Goliad, sentenced to 150 months;
Blake Trahan, 29, of Center, sentenced to 48 months;
Austin Yarbrough, 32, of Timpson, sentenced to 188 months;
Laddarus Perkins, 40, of Timpson, sentenced to 135 months;
Jeanese Fenley, 43, of Timpson, sentenced to 70 months; and
Koury Nowell, 49, of Gary City, sentenced to 33 months.
This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; and Panola County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald S. Carter and Lucas Machicek.
February 10, 2025 - A shooting incident in the James Community has resulted in the death of one man and the arrest of another for murder on February 9, 2025.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that sometime before 5:07pm a disagreement between two neighbors occurred over a dog on CR 3240. Allegedly one neighbor shot the other neighbor’s dog, and when the owner of the dog went to confront the alleged shooter, he was also shot.
Casey Byrd, 41, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Marla Denby, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, and was transported from the scene by Watson & Sons Funeral Home. An autopsy has been ordered in Dallas.
Marty Gregg, 47, was arrested for murder, felony 1, and is being held at the Shelby County Jail.
Karren Price, District Attorney, commented, “I do not expect the grand jury will hear the case in February but could well hear it in March or maybe April. Until we have an autopsy and all the reports from the [Sheriff's Office] completed and submitted, I am unable to provide additional details."
January 22, 2025 - Chris Fleming from Shelbyville, TX has not had contact with his family since the morning of Tuesday, January 14, 2025. His last known location is Dallas, TX.
He had a bus ticket reserved to get back home. He missed his bus and spoke to his grandmother on the phone that morning telling her that he was really sick. They lost connection, and that is the last contact anyone has had with him. His phone goes straight to voicemail as if it is dead.
Christopher is a diabetic and has to take insulin.
If you have information, please contact the Dallas Police Department at (214) 671-4268.
February 7, 2025 - In response to a recent incident, Tenaha ISD Superintendent, Jerrod Campbell has released the following statement:
The safety of our students, staff and community continues to be at the forefront of responsibilities at Tenaha ISD. Unfortunately, an incident that may threaten the safety and security of our school stakeholders has been brought to light. Today, TISD administrators have had to deal with an incident that required intervention. On Friday, February 7, 2025, Tenaha Administrators were made aware of a student who had made a threat toward our school. The student who made the threat was immediately removed from campus and no longer has access to Tenaha ISD. Although it has been determined that there is no further threat from this student appropriate disciplinary and criminal procedures are taking place. Tenaha ISD thanks everyone involved in the reporting and investigation of this incident.
February 6, 2025 - Emergency personnel responded to a reported emergency airplane crash landing on February 4, 2025, east of Shelbyville near FM 417 and CR 2515.
According to information from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Troopers responded to an airplane crash in a privately owned field on County Road 2515.
Troopers were notified at approximately 7:01pm, a 1952 Cessna 170B, tail number NC2345V, was flying in Shelby County and reportedly for an unknown reason, made an emergency off-airport landing.
The command pilot of the Cessna, Hector Vallerotiz, 50, of Laurael Hill, NC, was not injured. The student pilot, Samuel Elder, 30, of Fayetteville, NC, was not injured.
The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) has been notified and will conduct this investigation.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed they are aware of the incident, but have nothing to report on the investigation or NTSB’s involvement at this time.
February 5, 2025 - U.S. Highway 96 North approximately one mile from State Loop 500 was the scene of a two-vehicle crash incident on February 3, 2025.
When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, one vehicle pulling a trailer was stopped in the middle of the highway, with damage, and another vehicle was on the northbound shoulder.
While Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers investigated the incident, Center Fire Department personnel directed traffic and assisted with the vehicle in the middle of the roadway.
According to DPS Cpl. David Shields, Jr., at around 7:25am the investigation revealed a white 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Matias Santana, 65, was pulling out of a private driveway onto U.S. Highway 96 attempting to travel south. When Santana entered the highway he failed to yield right of way to a green 2001 Ford Ranger that was southbound and was driven by Ulises Santos, 32, pulling a utility trailer.
No injuries were reported of anyone involved in the crash.
Citations were issued to Santana for fail to yield right of way private drive and to Santos for no driver’s license.
Cpl. Shields was assisted at the scene by Trooper Daniel Dellenger.
February 4, 2025 - A Shelby County Grand Jury handed down 22 indictments on Monday, February 3, 2025. The grand jury was impaneled for the January 2025 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
Darell Antwon Barnes was indicted for murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 22, 2024, Barnes caused the death of LaJagger Barnes by shooting him in the chest with a shotgun. (123rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: Center PD Investigates Shooting on Rex Street; One Suspect in Custody)
Denim Smith was indicted for murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on or about July 27, 2023, Smith caused the death of Camo Morton by shooting Morton in the head with a deadly weapon, a 12-gauge shotgun. (123rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: Law Enforcement Officials Investigate Shooting Incident on CR 4855)
Kendell Mardis was indicted for murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on or about August 2, 2023, Mardis caused the death of Camo Morton by shooting Morton in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun. (273rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: Law Enforcement Officials Investigate Shooting Incident on CR 4855)
Stacey Buford Ruth was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 28, 2024, Ruth recklessly caused bodily injury to [Center Police] Officer Brandon Tyler by wrestling him to the ground and striking him with his fists. The indictment further alleges, Ruth knew Tyler was a public servant who was lawfully discharging an official duty, namely relocating Ruth from Detox cell to a bedded cell at which time Ruth tried to escape from the Center Police Department. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Jacoban Rondarriou Kimone Pruitt was indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 22, 2024, Pruitt with intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination. The indictment further indicated the combination consisted of Pruitt, Jason Calloway, Chayse Duckett and M.J. Jr., who collaborated in carrying on the hereinafter described criminal activity, conspiring to commit the offense of aggravated assault from Sec. 71.02(a) by agreeing with each other that they would engage in the conduct that constituted the offense. The indictment further alleges Pruitt, Calloway, Duckett and M.J. Jr., performed an overt act in pursuance of the agreement, namely all occupants of the vehicle traveled to the scene to commit an aggravated assault on the family members located at the scene. (273rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: CPD Details Rex Street Shooting; Possible Retaliation Attempt Garners More Arrests)
Jason Calloway was indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 22, 2024, Calloway with intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination. The indictment further indicated the combination consisted of Calloway, Jacoban Pruitt, Chayse Duckett and M.J. Jr., who collaborated in carrying on the hereinafter described criminal activity, conspiring to commit the offense of aggravated assault from Sec. 71.02(a) by agreeing with each other that they would engage in the conduct that constituted the offense. The indictment further alleges Calloway, Pruitt, Duckett and M.J. Jr., performed an overt act in pursuance of the agreement, namely all occupants of the vehicle traveled to the scene to commit an aggravated assault on the family members located at the scene. (273rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: CPD Details Rex Street Shooting; Possible Retaliation Attempt Garners More Arrests)
Chayse Cornell Duckett was indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 22, 2024, Duckett with intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination. The indictment further indicated the combination consisted of Chayse Duckett, Jason Calloway, Jacoban Pruitt and M.J. Jr., who collaborated in carrying on the hereinafter described criminal activity, conspiring to commit the offense of aggravated assault from Sec. 71.02(a) by agreeing with each other that they would engage in the conduct that constituted the offense. The indictment further alleges Duckett, Calloway, Pruitt and M.J. Jr., performed an overt act in pursuance of the agreement, namely all occupants of the vehicle traveled to the scene to commit an aggravated assault on the family members located at the scene. (273rd Judicial District Court) (Related Article: CPD Details Rex Street Shooting; Possible Retaliation Attempt Garners More Arrests)
Harry Lee Allen, Jr., was indicted for theft of property >=$30K<$150K, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on February 25, 2022, Allen took 15.9 acres of land of the value of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 from Bessie Mae Patrick, the owner, without the effective consent of Patrick and with intent to deprive Patrick of the property. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Jennifer Michelle Byrd was indicted for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on September 11, 2024, Byrd with intent to harm or defraud another, and without the consent or effective consent of Jody Hooper, used less than five items of identifying information of Hooper. The indictment further alleges, Byrd used bank routing numbers and bank account numbers to pay a cell phone bill using the bank numbers acquired from Hooper's check. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Kevin Earl Robinson was indicted for assault by choking, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 25, 2024, Robinson recklessly caused bodily injury to Lacharah Robinson, a member of Robinson's family as described by Section 71.003 of the Texas Family Code, by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of Lacharah Robinson by applying pressure to the throat or neck and/or blocking the nose or mouth of Lacharah Robinson. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Janee Jordy was indicted for Count 1 - abandon/endangering child individual with intent to return, state jail felony; and Count 2 - abandon/endangering child individual with intent to return, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on November 26, 2024, Jordy knowingly, 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 mental impairment by leaving the child unattended and the child was in the middle of a high traffic highway clothed only in a tee shirt. The indictment further alleges, on November 26, 2024, Jordy knowingly, 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 mental impairment by leaving the child unattended and the child was in the middle of a high traffic highway clothed only in a diaper. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Allen R. Nestle was indicted for Count 1 - abandon/endangering child individual with intent to return, state jail felony; and Count 2 - abandon/endangering child individual with intent to return, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on November 26, 2024, Nestle knowingly, 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 mental impairment by leaving the child unattended and the child was in the middle of a high traffic highway clothed only in a tee shirt. The indictment further alleges, on November 26, 2024, Nestle knowingly, 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 mental impairment by leaving the child unattended and the child was in the middle of a high traffic highway clothed only in a diaper. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Chiantai Dartagnian Jordan was indicted for unlawful carry weapon with felony conviction, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 28, 2024, Jordan recklessly carried a handgun on or about his own person, and Jordan was not on his own premises or premises that were under Jordan's own control, and Jordan was not inside of or directly en-route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that was owned by Jordan or under Jordan's control.. The indictment further presents Jordan was prohibited from possessing a firearm under 46.04(a) of the Texas Penal Code, in that at the time of the commission of the charged offense he was previously convicted in 2016 for the felony offense of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and the possession of a firearm occurred before the fifth anniversary of Jordan's release from confinement following conviction of the felony. (273rd Judicial District Court)
James David Halbert was indicted for abandon/endanger child individual intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on July 21, 2024 Halbert intentionally, knowingly, 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 having marijuana accessible to the child. (123rd Judicial District Court)
James David Halbert was indicted for abandon/endanger child individual intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on July 21, 2024 Halbert intentionally, knowingly, 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 having marijuana accessible to the child. (123rd Judicial District Court)
James David Halbert was indicted for abandon/endanger child individual intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on July 21, 2024 Halbert intentionally, knowingly, 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 having marijuana accessible to the child. (123rd Judicial District Court)
James David Halbert was indicted for abandon/endanger child individual intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on July 21, 2024 Halbert intentionally, knowingly, 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 having marijuana accessible to the child. (123rd Judicial District Court)
(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
Lloyd Christopher Belrose was indicted for sex abuse of child continuous: victim under 14, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 2023, through November 2024, when Belrose was 17 years of age or older, committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than 14 years of age. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Lloyd Christopher Belrose was indicted for sex abuse of child continuous: victim under 14, first degree felony. The indictment alleges, on December 2020, through November 2024, when Belrose was 17 years of age or older, committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than 14 years of age. (273rd Judicial District Court)
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):
- James David Halbert, possession of marijuana, state jail felony (July 21, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Phillip Levi Lucas, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B >=1G<4G (methamphetamine), third degree felony (November 4, 2024). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Robert Neil Armagost, III, possession of a controlled substance PG1/1-B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (November 14, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
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.
February 4, 2025 - A Shelby County Grand Jury delivered 10 indictments on Monday, January 6, 2025. The grand jury was impaneled for the January 2025 term of the 123rd/273rd Judicial District Courts.
David Aaron McMahon was indicted for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 26, 2024, McMahon recklessly caused serious bodily injury to Jason McMahon by repeatedly punching him in the face, which caused serious bodily injury. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Deaundra Deshawn Dones was indicted for assault on a public servant, third degree felony, punishment enhancement: 2nd degree/2-20 years TDCJ-ID. The indictment alleges, on September 2, 2024, Dones recklessly caused bodily injury to [Center Police Officer] Michael Davidson by punching Davidson in the head, and Dones knew that Davidson was a public servant, namely a Center Police Officer. The indictment further indicates Davidson was lawfully discharging an official duty, namely on patrol. The indictment further presents Dones was previously convicted for assault intent recklessly impede breathing/circulation/PR, 2nd degree felony. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Jikei Cartwright was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on October 5, 2024, Cartwright recklessly caused bodily injury to Or'Larryian Moore by stabbing him in his back. (273rd Judicial District Court)
Rodney Lamar Conkleton was indicted for unlawful possession of firearm by felon, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on July 22, 2024, Conkleton recklessly possessed a firearm after the fifth anniversary of his release from supervision under parole, following conviction of the felony, and Conkleton's possession of the firearm occurred in the floorboard of his vehicle, which was a location other than the premises at which Conkleton lived. The indictment further presents Conkleton was previously convicted in 1992 for the felony offense of theft in Bowie County. (123rd Judicial District Court)
Patrick Keith McLemore was indicted for evading arrest with a motor vehicle, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on September 22, 2024, while using a vehicle McLemore intentionally fled from [DPS Troopers] Jordan Ford and Dustin Ramos, persons McLemore knew were peace officers who were attempting lawfully to arrest or detain McLemore. (273rd Judicial District Court)
(Some of the following content contained within indictments is of a sensitive nature and may not be suitable for younger viewers.)
- James Eddy Risinger was indicted for sex abuse of a child continuous: victim under 14, first degree felony. According to the indictment, on August 1, 2023 through March 26, 2024, when Risinger was 17 years of age or older, committed two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child younger than 14 years of age. (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Jermaine Alfonzo Tutt was indicted for indecency with a child sexual contact, second degree felony. The indictment alleges, on July 21, 2024 Tutt engaged in sexual contact with the complainant, a child younger than 17 years of age. The indictment further presented two enhancements referencing previous convictions for possession of a controlled substance, 2nd degree felony and possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree felony in 2011 and 2016. (123rd Judicial District Court)
(Dates in parenthesis indicate the date of the alleged incident):
- Stoney L. Runnels, possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1B >=4G<200G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (June 12, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
- Scott Tyler Stephens, possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (October 14, 2024). (273rd Judicial District Court)
- Rodney Lamar Conkleton, possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1/1B <1G (methamphetamine), state jail felony (October 14, 2024). (123rd Judicial District Court)
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.
February 4, 2025 - Emergency responders were called to a single-vehicle crash during the early morning hours of Saturday, February 1, 2025, on State Highway 87 South.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office confirms the incident occurred in the 3000 block of State Highway 87 South.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 4:50am, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado driven by James Sims, 22, of Shelbyville was traveling south. It is reported that the Chevrolet’s steering wheel malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to leave the road to the right, and strike a tree.
Sims was not reported to have been injured, and citation detail was not immediately available from DPS.
According to DPS, this is an ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
February 3, 2025 - FM 139 in the Dreka Community was the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving a utility pole Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The crash incident was approximately 3.9 miles from State Highway 87 South near the Precinct 2 Commissioner barn.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at 7:46am a white 2022 BMW X3 driven by Chasity Willoughby, 35, of Shelbyville was westbound on FM 139 at an unsafe speed when she lost control and exited the roadway to the left where she struck a utility pole.
Willoughby and her passengers, a 5-year-old female, and 10-year-old female went by private vehicle for medical evaluation.
Willoughby was issued a citation for unsafe speed.
Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department personnel were on scene at the location and provided traffic control until the scene was clear.
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