News Blotter
Mills County Sheriff’s Office conducts drug raid at residence in Mullin
On Sunday, January 15, 2017, the Mills County Sheriff’s Office assisted by the Texas Highway Patrol executed a narcotics search warrant at 208 East Sherman In Mullin, Texas. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office had obtained enough probable cause whereby Mills County Judge Kirk Fulk issued the warrant. During the execution of the warrant a small amount of methamphetamine was seized along with a firearm. 35 year old Jessica Lorrene Thornton and 41 year old David Kendall Gossett of Mullin were arrested and charged with numerous felony charges ranging from manufacture of methamphetamine in a drug free zone and possession of firearm by felon. 40 Year old John Wesley Gossett was also taken into custody for felony possession charges in a drug free zone. Sheriff Hammonds stated that his staff have been working diligently to pursue local individuals that are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in our community. Sheriff Hammonds stated that during the investigation it was learned that David Gossett and Jessica Thornton are members of the Aryan Nation a documented criminal prison and street gang.
In other news on December 26, 2016, 32 year old Malinda Marie Sims of Goldthwaite was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Sims had been stopped for a traffic violation when the drugs were discovered. Sims has since been released on bond. On January 02, 2017, Mills County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on US 183 south. During the stop deputies gained consent to search the vehicle and recovered two handguns. 47 year old Ervin Halmayr and Rodney Paquinn both from New Mexico were arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon. This charge stemmed from Halmayr and Paquinn’s affiliation with the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle club and their possession of a firearm. Both individuals have since made bond and are awaiting trial.
Finally on January 19, 2017, Mills County Deputies and Texas Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on US 183 south of Goldthwaite. The driver identified as 26 year old Jason Daniel Toner of Goldthwaite was arrested for driving while license invalid. Deputies then were attempting to identify a female passenger who had given her sisters identifying information. Through a photograph officer were finally able to identify 37 year old Geneva Costello of Mullin. Costello had given false information in fear she might have a warrant but it was discovered that she was not wanted. Costello was then arrested for giving fictitous identifying information. During Costello’s arrest a small amount of methamphetamine was located and prescriptions pills. Costello was also charged for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a dangerous drug.
Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported that his office has been very busy during the end of October into November transitioning from the old Jail into the new Law Enforcement Center. Sheriff Hammonds commended his entire staff for the work that they have done during the move and going into operation at the new facility. “Unfortunately for a couple of weeks we were minus a jail for the move but that did not stop calls for service and arrest” said Sheriff Hammonds. Sheriff Hammonds stated “ I want to Thank Comanche County Sheriff Jeff Lambert for doing all of our booking and intake of prisoners while we were closed”. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards commissioned the Mills County Jail on November, 9 and prisoners were moved into the new jail on November 14th. The following were arrests that were made in the recent month.
On November 3, 2016, Deputies responded to a report of an individual attempting to get in a car with a crow bar in front of Subway on Fisher Street. Deputies arrived and identified the individual as 29 year old Stephen Scott Smith of Austin, Texas. Deputies soon discovered that Smith was accompanied by two other individuals identified as 33 year old Stacey Aleman and 56 year old David Tobias Bland both of Lampasas, Texas. Deputies had seen Aleman go inside the business while they were approaching and began interviewing Smith. Deputies began trying to identify Smith and his connection to the car. Deputies saw an object in the waistline of Smith during the interview forcing them to draw their weapons and securing Smith in handcuffs. Deputies then recovered a loaded .357 magnum handgun from the waistline of Smith. Deputies then went inside the store and were finally able to make contact with Aleman who had been in the restroom for some time. Deputies then searched the restroom and recovered another loaded handgun in the trash can in the restroom. The individuals had met in Goldthwaite and were traveling in two different vehicles one of which belonged to Bland. A search was conducted on all parties and vehicles and the following arrests were made. Smith was charged with 1) Unlawful Carrying of a weapon, Aleman was charged with 1) unlawful possession of firearm by a felon, 2) tampering with evidence, 3) possession of methamphetamine, 4) fail to identify fugitive from justice, 5) fraudulent use of identifying information and 2 Felony Lampasas County, Texas warrants. Bland was charged with 1) Possession of methamphetamine and 2) Unlawful possession of firearm by felon. Also during the investigation deputies seized approximately $5,000 in cash and one vehicle.
On November 4, 2016, 23 year old Travis Wayne Gossett of Mullin was arrested on a warrant for a motion to adjudicate probation for the offense of Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled substance in a drug free zone. Gossett has since made bond and is awaiting trial. Also on this date 27 year old Alejandro Cabrera of Hutto was brought back to Mills County on charges from an incident earlier this year for felony driving while intoxicated, escape from custody and unlawful use of identifying information. On November 7, 2016, Deputies responded to a report of an individual that had just broken a window out of a residence in the 900 block of East Front in Goldthwaite. Deputies responded and as a result of the investigation 52 year old Gina Micheline Beaulieu of Goldthwaite was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and currently free on bond awaiting trial. Then on November 11, 2016, Mills County Deputies responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver on US 84 west of Mullin. Deputies responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description parked on the side of the road. Deputies made contacted with three males identified as 24 year old Juan Guzman-Chacha, 37 year old David Huerta Hernandez both of Del Valle, Texas and 22 year old Elmer Vasquez of San Antonio. Deputies determined all three individuals were intoxicated and all were placed under arrest for public intoxication.
On November 14, 2016, 42 year old Edward Joseph Dotson turned himself in to the Mills County Jail to serve 30 days for a probation violation for criminal mischief. Deputies then responded to a local business in regards to an unwanted individual and identified 24 year old Jonathan Bennett of Goldthwaite who was wanted on a probation violation for endangering a child. Bennett was placed under arrest and later made bond. Also on this date as a result of 35th District Court 42 year old Marty Ray Crawford of San Saba, Texas was sentenced to 5 years prison for his involvement in some recent burglaries in Goldthwaite investigated by Mills County Sheriff’s Office. Then on November 16, 2016 as a result of Mills County Court 44 year old Misty Dawn Berryhill was arrested for motion to revoke probation for driving while license invalid.
On November 18, 2016, 36 year old Lacee Brena Geeslin of Goldthwaite was arrested on warrants for bail jumping and failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance violation and was later released on bond. 28 year old Norma Correra was sentenced to serve 30 days in the Mills County Jail for violating her probation for injury to the elderly. On this same date Texas DPS Troopers stopped a vehicle west of Mullin and arrested 30 year old Antonio Rioz and 24 year old Leigh Andra Garcia for multiple warrants out of Lubbock and Ector Counties ranging from assault to the theft. Finally on November 19, Texas Game wardens were patrolling the west part of Mills County and stopped a suspicious vehicle on County Road 549. As a result 30 year old John Hays Stockton III was arrested for 1) driving while license invalid, 2) possession of marijuana and 3) unlawful possession of a firearm by felon.
Sheriff Hammonds and the staff of the Mills County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!
Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported numerous arrests at the end of September through the first part of October, beginning with the arrest of 24 year old David Matthew Hollbach of Goldthwaite. On September 19 Mills County Sheriff's office responded to a report of a small child in the middle of Texas Highway 16 N. The Sheriff's office was able to identify the residence were the child belonged on US 84. Sheriff's deputies made numerous attempts to contact individuals in the residence and only after other family members arrived were they able to awaken Holbach. Holbach was unaware that the child had left the residence. Holbach was arrested for abandon or endangering a child with criminal negligence. Holbach has since been released on bond and is awaiting trial. On September 20 at approximately 3 PM Mills County deputies investigated a report of a possible assault. As a result of the investigation 51-year-old Kelly Knight was arrested for a Class C misdemeanor assault. Knight paid the fine a short time later and was released from jail.
On September 20 at approximately 7:30 AM Mills County deputies were called to investigate criminal mischief at a business on Fisher Street. While investigating the scene it was discovered that someone had thrown a rock through the front window of the business. Mills County deputies reviewed security video footage from the business and were able to identify 43-year-old Charles Christopher Cravens of Goldthwaite. Mills County deputies were able to obtain a probable cause warrant for Cravens arrest for criminal mischief. On September 21 Cravens was arrested by Mills County deputies for the offense of criminal mischief. During the interview with Cravens he admitted to the offense and was later released on bond. On September 22 at approximately 2 PM Mills County deputies responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver on US 84 west of Mullin. Mills County deputies were able to locate the vehicle and as a result 57-year-old Martha Sue Ostrander was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated second offense. On September 28 at approximately 11 AM Mills County deputies responded to report of a disturbance in the 1400 block of Hutchings Street. As a result of this call 32-year-old Matthew Belveal of Goldthwaite was placed under arrest and charge with assault bodily injury against a family member. Belveal has since been released on bond and is awaiting trial.
On October 2 at approximately 12:20 AM, Mills County deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1500 block of Parker Street. As a result 31-year-old Randy Clay bolt of Goldthwaite was arrested for disorderly conduct. Then on October 3 at approximately 11:30 PM Mills County deputies arrested 31-year-old Adam Byron Coston for public intoxication at the intersection of US Highway 84 and FM 573 W. in Mullin. October 7 at approximately 1:47 PM, Mills County officials arrested Alexander Dylan Warren 33 years of age from Abilene Texas. The city of Goldthwaite requires that all solicitors report to the Mills County Sheriff's office to register for a solicitors permit. When potential solicitors to come to the Sheriff's office they are identified and checked for any potential criminal records. As a result of this routine work Warren was arrested for a theft of property warrant out of Taylor County, Texas.
On October 7 at approximately 7:15 PM Mills County deputies were working routine traffic enforcement on US 183 S. of Goldthwaite. Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Hyundai for a registration violation. Contact was made with the driver, 23-year-old Jory Shelton Cameron of Clyde Texas and one passenger, 21-year-old Angela Mackenzie Cotton of Austin, Texas. During the contact the smell of burnt marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Mills County deputies assisted by the Texas Highway Patrol initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle and recovered approximately 5 pounds of marijuana, a considerable amount of methamphetamine and cocaine. Also during the search almost $6000 in cash was discovered inside the vehicle along with articles believed to be used in the distribution of illegal narcotics. Both Cameron and Cotton were charged with numerous controlled substance violations, possession of marijuana and money laundering. Both individuals have since made bond and are awaiting trial.
****************Employment Opportunity***************
The Mills County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for a full-time Patrol Deputy. This position performs a wide variety of law enforcement activities. Tasks are service and protection oriented, and includes collecting and dispensing information, arbitrating disputes, providing assistance, protecting and recovering property, preventing and investigating crime, and providing other public protection services. Duties include an element of personal danger; i.e., exposure to life-threatening circumstances, apprehending criminals, and transporting prisoners. The candidate must be able to act without close supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgment. Deputies perform duties in accordance with Federal, State, and Local statutes and established policies and procedures of the Mills County Sheriff’s Office. Minimum Qualifications: Must hold a current Basic (or higher) Peace Officer Certification from TCOLE, must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license. Mills County offers competitive pay and excellent benefits. Applications may be picked up at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office 1007 5th St. Goldthwaite, TX 76844.
Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported several arrest in the recent weeks for warrants, drugs and arson. On Sunday September 4, at approximately 11:30 PM, 50 year old Irene Arellano of Sweetwater, Texas was arrested during a traffic stop for a warrant for theft by check in Scurry County. Arellano has since posted bond and has been released. On Wednesday, September 7, at approximately 10:30 PM, 47 year old Timmy Lee Sims of Mullin, Texas was stopped by Mills County Deputies for an expired registration on US 84 west of Goldthwaite. During the stop deputies noticed Sims was extremely nervous and deputies asked for consent to search the vehicle. Sims consented and deputies recovered approximately 1.5 grams of Methamphetamine from the seat area of the vehicle along with other drug paraphernalia. Sims was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance a Third Degree Felony and was released the following day after posting $12,500 bond. On Monday September 12, 43 year old Joseph Hilscher of Dublin was arrested by Mills County Deputies for warrants out of Comanche County, Texas for bail jumping and failure to appear for offenses in Comanche County.
Sheriff Hammonds was is also pleased to report that there has been an arrest made in the July 20th fire of the playground at the Methodist Church in Goldthwaite. Mills County Deputies have been working continuously with fire investigators and the state crime lab in Austin, Texas. Through the collection of evidence and interviewing numerous individuals Mills County Sheriff’s Inv. Stephanie Brown and Chief Deputy Chris Green arrested 20 year old Pedro Buriciago Delgado of Goldthwaite on Tuesday, September 13th. Delgado is in custody being held in Burnett County for the offense of First Degree Felony Arson. This case is still under investigation at this time and no further details will be released.
On September 15, 2016, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division executed a search and arrest warrant at a residence in Mullin, Texas. As a result 41 year old Jason Whisenhunt of Mullin was arrested for Online Solicitation of a Minor Child. Whisenhunt was released on bond later that day. On this same date Mills County Sheriff’s Office were called to assist the United States Marshall’s Service in executing a felony warrant at a residence near Mullin on County Road 508. The Marshall’s Service and Mills County Authorities were able to arrest 64 year old William James Carr of Cross Plains, Texas for a warrant out of Parker County, Texas for Motion to Revoke Probation/Aggravated Assault w/a Deadly Weapon.
