7/19/2024 ONALASKA

NEW POLICE CHIEF NAMED

Byron Dunaway, a former PCSO deputy has been hired as the police chief for the City of Onalaska and has now been on the job for two days.  Former Chief, Jessica Stanton has taken a job with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.  In an interview, she touted, "Politics" as the reason for her departure when asked by an investigative journalist but friends claim on FB that it was just for, "a better opportunity".  

    Our last investigation by open records request into Byron Dunaway showed no complaints or reprimands in his file before the one The Sentinel submitted in writing to sheriff Ken Hammack.  I just have to wonder if that one  made it into his file.  Dunaway and I had a run in over here in SJC while he was in uniform and a marked patrol vehicle for Polk Co. S.O. when he tried to be a bully me and push his weight around in my county.  Dunaway found out quick that The Sentinel pushes back.  We have not had anymore complaints since then.  

7/18/2024 ANGELINA COUNTY

STUA TAKES OUT DA, AIMS FOR JUDGES

Greetings to the Judges of Angelina County,

On October 19, 2018, I sent an email to multiple Judges of Angelina County notifying them I was going to sue them.  A copy of that email is contained in the attachments.  The name of the file is “2019-10-28 Filed No. 2019-0291 Defendant's Amended Motion for Recusal of Trial Judges .pdf.”  See pages 4-5.  I was arrested for false charges for a Facebook live video that I produced and broadcasted on December 6, 2018.  I believe the arrest was the corroborative effort and conspiracy involving Doug Conn, Judge Ball, Judge Inselmann, Joe Martin, and Judge White.  While I don’t directly accuse Judge Cassels or Janet Cassels in the conspiracy, their actions over the years contributed to the arrest.  Both of them sought to demonize me for requesting public information.   They couldn’t go within 1000 feet of the aforementioned Judges without telling them how bad I was and that I would harm them as well.  They set the stage for the events that happen regarding the false arrest at a minimum. 

In today’s previous email, I sent a notice of intent to sue. I am anticipating false charges as before.  Be well advised anyone that involves themselves in a conspiracy to falsely arrest me will see a different result than the last time.   I am well prepared and will make sure the property authorities are notified or others will on my behalf. 

7/17/2024 COLDSPRING

Commissioners Court did NOT act on the resignation letter of Vicki Shelly today and will consider the issue at the next meeting instead.  

    The integrity of our Election Administrator is top notch. No one, including SheriffCapers has questioned her integrity as she has earned and retains the trust and respect of every elected official I know.  Something is out of whack because no candidate has come from behind in early voting to win on election day in the last 40 years that I know of.  The massive influx of new voter registrations is also an oddity.  Ms Shelly is in the same position as the county clerk.  If someone brings in a deed that is signed and notarized, by law, she has to file it.  Same with voters registrations.  If they "moved" to SJC, they have a right to register.  It is the ones that didn't move but just said they did that interferred with our election.  People like Peter Sparta who lied on his voter registration and his application to be on the ballot in the constable race.  

     To give you an inkling of the stickler for election laws that Ms. Shelly is, during the first election Donald Trump was in, one of her long time trusted election workers named Ed Trump was not allowed to wear his name tag with Trump on it in the polling place.  He was just 'Ed' that day.  This last election, Sam Houston Electric workers were not allowed to wear company shirts into the polls because they had the same name as a candidate printed on their work shirts.    I know Ms. Shelly is frustrated and tired of the constant barrage of questions and accusations from those who want to place blame but it is my hope that the commissioners will not accept her resignation too quickly.  If Ms. Shelly can just hold on until after the hearing in August and if the judge lets the evidence speak,  the truth will come out.  There is no doubt that the influx of "new voters" that registered here and voted and then moved their registration back to their home county speaks volumes about the cheating going on.  No one I know wants to just re run the election.  They all want to know what actually happened to make this race so beyond the normal SJC election.

    Please Ms. Shelly, temper your frustration with some more patience.  We don't want to lose a great Election Administrator.  

7/15/2024 COLDSPRING

ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR SUBMITS RESIGNATION

Long time SJC Election Administrator, Vicki Shelly submitted her letter of resignation this afternoon just weeks before the hearing scheduled for Aug 5th, to determine if the sheriff's race will be overturned.   Commissioners Court is having an emergency meeting this Wednesday.    The conditions at the jail are, I am sure, the main agenda item.  Sentinel readers and long time residents will remember that SJC Sheriff, Greg Capers has been warning the commissioners of the need for a new jail for years.  Under Capers leadership, the jail has produced income for several years.  That will cease  and be replaced by added expenditures to Polk and Walker County for housing our inmates now.  The projected time fame is three to six months tentatively.  

EMS RADIO TRAFFIC FROM BUTLER CO WHEN DJ TRUMP SHOT

7/15/2024 COLDSPRING

SJC JAIL SUFFERS FROM ROOF LEAKS

A problem that has plagued the SJC Jail since it was constructed has reared it's costly ugly head  forcing commissioners court to seek repair bids again.  

    High winds from the recent storm lifted the roof up causing major damage and the building has been condemned for human habitation by the jail commission according to county sources, forcing the movement of all inmates to other jails.  According to one source, it was, "raining inside" the building.  

    In order to keep the inmates safe, the moves were necessary.  We did interview two commissioners that did not know the extent of damages 

   Inmates have been moved to Polk County and Walker County.  Our jailers are working the Polk County facility because Polk Co did not have enough jailers to meet the jail standards with the sudden influx of SJC inmates.

POLK CO 6/17/2024      HON'S HOOEY HALTED

SANCTIONS APPLIED 

William Lee Hon's former ADA, Tommy Coleman was sactioned  and fined 25,000 dollars plus ordered to pay lawyer fees in a civil case Coleman filed and lost.   In Hon's desperate attempt to silence Polk County Publishing during his failed efforts in a judge race, he had his lil buddy file a lawsuit against them.  

   Hon proved his involvement in provoking the lawsuit by publishing a scathing legal opinion that attacked the premise of my origianl story.  He also made a  personal endorsement of Tommy Coleman.  Having authored the first story that led to the lawsuit, it was only after the Enterprise reporter, Valerie Reddel picked up the story and used the evidence The Sentinel published as proof in her publihed story that Coleman sued.  

     A more accurate estimate of total costs to Coleman for letting Hon manipulate him into a stupid lawsuit has been stated as nearer to ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

    Forgive me for chuckling when I remember Coleman's FB post early on after filing the suit that a reader submitted.  Coleman commented about how someone was going to buy him a new Corvette.   That reminds me of the FB meme Coleman posted two days after having me indicted on several felonies.  It said, "It is all fun and games until someone gets indicted".  The Sentinel published the meme a reader submitted with the reply, "Do you think I am playing Mr. Coleman?"  We the people had the victory.

    Coleman moved to Jefferson County DA's office after his sound defeat of any political ambitions here.  

    As an investigative journalist, I did feel compelled to warn that office that they had hired a lieing, cheating lil exculpatory evidence witholding punk as ADA that would compromise the integrity of their office.  

    Latest word out of Jefferson County is that Coleman has been disciplined there for just such actions.  The Sentinel is seeking records to confirm or disprove those allegations.   

   An attorney friend asked me, "Steve, why do you think they sued The Enterprise for the story and not you?"

  " That one is easy.   My attorney and that I don't own anything. :

A  Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) often makes it difficult to find employment unless the supervisor decides to overlook the BCD.

Also, there is a complete loss of military benefit because congress does not recognize those with a BCD as veterans.

THE BIG CHICKEN DINNER

as the less than honorable discharge is referred to by the real marines.  

FINAL ANSWER ON BODY CAM

Another responsive and informative call from Matt Parish, LPD Chief of Police in Livingston got to the crux of the matter.  "She (defendant) has the right to revoke consent for you to see the video anytime just like she has the right to revoke consent to search her vehicle anytime."  Chief clarified that the LPD consent to view  form's language not only documented her consent to let us view the body cam footage, it also informs her of her right to withdraw or revoke consent in the midst of the viewing.  "She might remember there is something she doesn't really want you to see and stop it" Parish added, "and she has that right"

    Our discussion continued a little more when Chief Parish offered to play the  portion of the audio of her and Officer Stuart's initial interaction.   Not only was Officer Stuart professional, courteous and accomodating just as chief stated I would see, the driver plainly gives consent to search the bag.  Not just once but twice.  Just as predicted in the first story written about this incident, a conclusive finding that LPD Officer Stuart did conduct himself within dept policy has to reaffirm the public trust and confidence that the P.D. holds.   

UPDATE 6/14/2024

SENTINEL TO VIEW BODY CAM

A written statement by the driver involved in the traffic stop over 'defective' license plate lights has signed a written statement authorizing us to view the body cam footage of the stop and arrest.  The only remaining contention is whether the officer obtained consent from the driver to search her purse.  She says he didn't.  Lt. Parish says he did and the BWC footage will prove it.  We are seeking opportunity to take advantage of Chief Parish's offer to let us view that BWC with written permission.  Stay tuned for the results of this effort at determining the Truth.

UPDATE 6/16/2024

LPD MODIFIES  REQUIREMENT

A previous offer to allow Sentinel to review the body cam of an arrest with a written release from the defendant  was "modified" to the requirement that the defendant come into the station in person amd sign a form they prescribe.  What started as a simple, "written permission" has evolved into an intimidating hoop jumping opportunity for the PD to present the fine print.  The Lt.'s  Contention that it is a reqirement is not expressed in the code pertaining to open records.  It is the individual agencies right to release what they decide to release barring personal identifiers.  Just calling me and playing the section of audio Lt Parish claims exonerates his officer would suffice.  Instead, one more hurdle is put in placebetween us and getting to the truth with proof . . . . our favorite kind.

6/13/2024 LIVINGSTON

PD OFFERS COMPROMISE ON RECORDS

After aknowledging that although the license plate lights were lit up the night of the stop, Lt. Matt Parish of the LPD noted that they were, "grungy".  He correctly stated that the law requires the plate to be able to be read from 50 feet away.  (Transportation code 547.322)Parish contends that the lights were not illuminating the plate sufficiently to meet the legal requirements.  As for the search of the driver's purse, Lt. Parish did offer to let The Sentinel review the BWC footage as long as the driver would consent to it in writing.  Parish contends that his officer did plainly ask for and was granted permission to search the purse on video before he found the little bags of white powder.  Parish shared that if we took opportunity to review the tape, we would not only hear the request to search and consent given but would also see a very professional and courteous officer that conducted  a good stop on the vehicle.  

    "I am all for transparency" Parish said, "but I do have an obligation to preserve the evidence in the case as well."

     Lt. Parish and I have had other interactions over the years and my experience is that he is a man of his word and that he will back his officers all the way when they are right.  

    We will advise the defendant of the fair offer that LPD has made and see where that leads. My money would be on the tape saying exactly what Lt. Parish says it says but our obligation at The Sentinel is to seek the truth.  We did contact the LPD prior to the story being written and were met with the OAG opinion.  We had evidence the lights were working and went with the proof we had.  As publisher of The Sentinel, I do appreciate anytime someone will make contact so we might both be fully informed.  My prayer has been that if this young mother is on drugs that she would get help.  My constant prayer is that Truth and Justice prevail.  

MADE IN CHINA

VOTER FRAUD IS REAL   Gov Abbott

POLLS CLOSE AS MASSIVE VOTER FRAUD SURFACES

The total number of proveable fraudulent votes cast in SJC has increased to a number north of 800 votes.  Sam Houston has failed to answer the petition for a contested election by the time prescribed by law.  Reliable sources state the more than one state agency is investigating.   Manifold voters voted in two counties.  At a minimum, the fraud effects Liberty and Montgomery County also.  The legal action is technically not against Sam Houston but rather the administration of the election.  

   It is unlikely the entire SJC election would be overturned if no other candidates join the suit. It would only be the sheriff race.   All indicators are that the process is on the fast track to get the initial ruling so the matter can move forward.  We will keep an eye on the 411th docket for a posting.   

SAN JACINTO CO 6/5/2024

APPOINTED JUDGE HEREDITARY SERVICE 

The Honorable 506th District Judge, Albert McCaig Jr. who has been appointed to preside over the contested sheriff race case in San Jacinto county has a lifelong history of service.  His dad served as county judge in Waller County before him.  Judge Albert McCaig Jr was appointed to the District bench by Governor Rick Perry in 2007  and has run mostly  unopposed since then.  As an attorney, he served as the Waller County District Attorney and has served as special prosecutor. His private practice ran the gambit from Intellectual property rights to personel injury.  

    Judge McCaig was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and got his under grad from S.H.S.U.  and his J.D from South Texas College of Law.  

5/30/2024 CAMILLA 7 AM

BODY FOUND FLOATING IN LAKE LIVINGSTON.  A resident of Camilla Lake Sites is said to have gone to his dock to secure his boat during recent storm and was knocked or fell into the lake and drowned.  The body was recovered this morning.  

Sentinel contributor notes that a good portion of the 'undecided' under vote may be folks only  interested in voting in the national election.  

SAN JACINTO COUNTY 5/8/2024

DID YOUR INDECISION MAKE THE DECISION? 

   With the republican primary run off elections bearing down on us in a couple of weeks, the question has been asked, "Was it your indecision that made the decision?"  

   In reflecting on the voting nubers in our recent sheriff's race , it was decided by less than 110 votes.  the undervote was 189 votes.  When you tally the total votes of each candidate and subtract that from the total number of voters who voted, 189 registered voters  stood at the computer and could not make a decision between the two men.  

   Are the undeciders going to decide the run off's too?  Every vote counts.  Devote to vote

SAN JAC CO 

EARLY VOTING INFO AVAILABLE

4/9/2024 Livingston

DISMISSED

Interference with public duty charges were dismissed against Brandon White, "In the interest of Justice" according to documents filed in Polk County.  ADA Pierce made the motion and the court granted it helping rid the halls of justice of one more 'stinker' that Lee Hon 'let' on his way out the door.  

    Lee treated Polk Co Kind of like a soccer mom that has all the door and window locks at her mini van finger tips and some  bad gas.  Kids don't mind. . the process (ride) is the punishment.

Now the question is all about the crime of Stolen Valor.  It is, after all, illegal.

    For those who would fault me for putting this information forward, I will share my motive.  A REAL MARINE asked me to go to bat for the young father and Father's rights as a friend of his about a year ago.  An 80 year old Marine I mistakingly called, "an ex-marine" in conversation with his bride.  "Oh no, he is still a Marine" she corrected me.  "He is just not deployed anywhere at the moment."  She also vouched for the integrity and credibility of the young father denied his child for 3 years.  Only because Hon is friends with the step father (Woods) , who was' a Marine. 

   I will plainly mention, Sherry Sprayberry  as the criminal facilitator of this crime against a child and his father.  Sprayberry was a former employee of Hon, and now with Polk Co S.O. as the person charged with making sure the court orders were followed.  She didn't.  The S.O. was the meeting place for custody exchange.   She was an EYE WITNESS to the criminal acts of Grady  EX  Marine, Woods and did NOTHING.  

     Another real Marine and supporter read the story and commented referring to Woods, "THAT is an EX Marine" 

  Further reading of Woods' court martial documents show it was posession and use of a controlled substance he was arrested and confined for,   

To you, Grady Woods.  For every time you denied a parent their child.  For every time you demeaned that child's father calling him names and making false accusations about the man's character and integrity,  For every time you leaned on your friendship with the prosecutor to get away with your CRIMES.   here are your come uppins.  

Steve Watson

50 W Oak Tree Dr.

POINTBLANK, (as it gets) Tx 77364

4/3/2024 CANYON PARK

SQUATTERS BECOME 'VOTING BLOCK'

Up to a dozen houses in just the Canyon Park subdivision in Onalaska. Tx have become squatter domains according to property owners there.  A group from New York City have reportedly adverse possesed more than one structure by having gotten one house then called in 'family' to squat in another.

    Florida has recently passed legislation to curb the practice.    So far, Polk Co private property rights have not been fully enforced.  

4/3/2024 COLDSPRING 

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY - RADIO SILENCE . . . . . . . . AGAIN

San Jacinto County dispatch went quiet again this morning when the their system shut down.  An early morning call to The Sentinel questioning why no SJC radio traffic on the 'Lake Area Scanner' linked to our top banner for several hours very early.  A just as early morning inquiry brought the answer that the system had crashed again.  Sheriff Capers answered a 7:18 am question within minutes.  "Just broadcasting over the VHF, not the 800 as they are working on that end of it."

     Moments later, the webmaster of the scanner program called to say he was getting SJC calls over the radio again.  "They must have rebooted" was his observation.  

     Different points of view see several solutions to the problem but none have been persued.  All will take capital investment.  In the meantime, it is the officers and the public left at risk when communications fail.  Cell phones are great but when seconds count, a minute to place a call is too long.  

     The 800 mghz system and the current VHF system can be 'patched' or bridged together to give greater range.  TxWarn system seeks to link up emergency responders all across the state and in one demonstration, allowed Sheriff Capers to speak with SJC dispatch in his vehicle from Galveston.  

   Another Federal program is also powerful and also allows communications with federal agencies.  More information on that program is available HERE.  

    Several have made their thoughts known.  Some want to convert to the 800 mghz system and others want to beef up what we have in VHF.  Either way will take investment for infrastructure in towers and equipment.  

LIVINGSTON ISD 3/21/2024  

SCHOOL EMPLOYEE ARRESTED

A Livingston ISD employee was arrested today at the Transportation Facility for posession of a fire arm on school property.  No name was released yet but the employee is on administrative leave and denied access to ISD property.  Supt Hawkin's statement was that the firearm was not brandished in a threatening manner.

LUFKIN – Crews will switch traffic on US 190 beginning Monday, March 25, weather permitting, to allow motorists to use the newly constructed bridge sections at Choates Creek and Menard Creek in Polk County.

The bridge sections are part of a $29 million construction project on US 190 that is designed to widen the roadway, bridges and add safety improvements from the Livingston city limits to 4 miles west of FM 1276. Vulcan Construction, San Antonio TX, is serving as contractor.

Traffic will remain in this new pattern until completion of this project when it will be switched to final configuration, which is expected in coming months. Motorists are urged to stay alert for the traffic switch, reduce speed through the work zone and obey all traffic control.

ABBOTT AND HOLT'S TIK TOK MONEY SOURCE

3/8/2024WORLD WIDE WEB

TIK TOK TAKES AUDITOR'S  TAK TIK

In a focused effort, Tik Tok told it's subscriber audience to bombard the U.S. legislators with phone calls opposing pending legislation requiring tik tok to divest connections with the Chinese Communist Government.  

    What a sad day for East Texas that now has a state rep elect Holt that is ALREADY ON THE TIK TOK PAYROLL. Not only is she on the payroll, her and the KOCH Bros backing demonstrated plainly how the Goebels teaching on communist propaganda tak tiks work this election.  Goebels said, " If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. 

too bad she drug a good governor and county chairman down with her.  

   Fortunately we have Dan Patrick in the wings because if Abbott doesn't pull out of his blind blunderingendorsements, we will need to elect a new one.  That means a new Lt. Gov too.  Hmmmmm.   

KEN PAXTON SCORED VICTORY PROTECTING MINORS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2024 www.texasattorneygeneral.gov PRESS OFFICE: (512) 463-2050 Communications@oag.texas.gov

Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Five Businesses for Refusing to Allow Law Enforcement Officers to Carry Firearms   AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed five lawsuits to enforce state law against establishments that refused to allow police officers to enter the premises with their firearms, thereby jeopardizing public safety.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY S.O. TAKES 'BOOTLICKER' BRIBES

Apparently channel 13's boot licking style is all the Montgomery County S.O. needed to prove their bias for that particular media outlet.  The Sentinel was the first to break the story below and the first to seek more information.  None was forthcoming and the Montgomery Co S.O. is still witholding info from The Sentinel but Channel 13 had all the info immediatly after reading my story and requesting it.  They were able to run the story the next morning, opening with, "Only on 13" because Montomery County S.O. open records division is CORRUPT and violates the law.  When I called simply asking for the deceased deputy name, I was met with, "Why do you want that information?"  That is a violation of law.  Then the unequal treatment between The Sentinel and channel 13 is another violation of law.  Ligon operates his county with the knowledge that there are NO TEETH in the open records laws and he can violate them with impunity.

MONTGOMERY CO 2/25/2024

DEPUTY KILLED IN ON DUTY CAR WRECK

    We were able to confirm the accuracy of our source in that the accident did occur but MCSO would not release the deceased deputy's name over the phone.  This lack of transparency is frustrating especially with them quoting the open records "Ten Day" rule.  That rule is for figuring a bill if it is a lot of records or redactions.  The spirit of the law is give us the info.  No reason not to.  Next of Kin has been notified.

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a major victory in defense of the United States Constitution, with a court ruling that the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was unlawfully passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 without a quorum physically present as constitutionally required. The Court enjoined the defendants—the United States Attorney General, the United States Department of Justice, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and their officials—from enforcing a provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 against the State of Texas that was proved to impose unjust cost burdens on the State.

POLK CO 2/16/2024 

ALL HAT NO CATTLE HON/COLEMAN LOSES

TEXAS SUPREME COURT SMACKS DOWN

Tommy Coleman lost his bid to punish the Polk Co Enterprise for a story they published after The Sentinel had published the information.  The suit was filed to silence the Polk County Enterprise.  That effort was effective on them to the point they even cut the reporter loose for her accurate, honest and true reporting.  Publisher Bowed down to pressure.  

A win for journalism no doubt.  Winner journalists don't bow.

2/6/2024  COLDSPRING PCT 3

"MINI TRIAL", BIG RESULTS

An 'Administrative Hearing' held in the SJC County Courtroom was referred to as a, "mini trial" by the Channel 13 reporter, "Mica" on yesterday's news cycle.  Her and her camera man were busy interviewing several of the key players in the case brought by Robert Finley over seized property.  

   What stood out to me were several characteristics of the hearing.

    Civil in nature, the hearing was well conducted by the Honorable JP 3, Randy Ellisor.   Having been the judge that signed the original search warrant, Judge Ellisor kept the focus on the facts pertaining to the property seized.  Understanding a citizen's desire to right every  'wrong', Judge Ellisor also stayed constant on the objective of the hearing.  He stopped Finley in his tracks on several rabbit trails, though true, not germain to the purpose of the hearing.  SJC District Attorney, Honorable Todd Dillon gave Finley some leeway in his pro se efforts but never the less, made several objections,all of which were sustained by Judge Ellisor.  Ellisor was not playing favorites but sustained them because DA Dillon was exactly right on his objections.  Dillon would almost apologetically but patiently and fully explain his objection to Mr. Finley.  In his duty to protect SJC, he had to stand on the principle that you cannot just enter statements into the record without providing evidence.  Either in testimony or exhibits.   

    Finley was fairly cool under pressure taking the objections in stride and respecting the input of DA Dillon on his efforts.   Finley was able to get Sparta and Sam Houston on the stand and ask some pointed questions.    Sam offered a lot of, "I don't recall" answers to Finleys query.  Houston tried to pass off the black powder rifle as one of the guns with no serial number on the list.  Finley asserted that the gifted gun has a serial number.  Sam did confirm he had seen the gun and had it in his lock up.

   When Sparta was put on the stand, Finley got right to what was on his mind.  "Do you always pull and AR-15 and point it at a pregnant woman when you conduct a search warrant on such a minor offense?  

   Sparta aknowleged that he pointed the gun athis son's wife with, "It is normal proceedure when . . ."  Finley probed deeper with, "You considered her that much of a threat?"

  Having interviewed Finley to some tlength and followed this case as it developed, it is my impression that THIS incident was the root cause of Finley's drive to seek justice.  The anger wasn't obvious but resided in the underlying circumstances.  

 Judge Ellisor made sure every single person had opportunity to speak their mind.  He even followed up with the two S.O. deputies that secured the perimeter of the operation and testifed they saw the guns but that none of the evidnce or property was ever in thier posession.  After all was done, Judge Ellisor said, "I have twenty four hours to render my decision on a case like this but I will do that in two minutes."  Judge ruled that the property was to be returned to Finley within 7 days.

Long time child advocate, Rosemary Covalt who did for H.I.S.D. what the legendary, Marvin Zindler did for TDC many years ago was so disappointed that Gov Abbot endorsed the Dark Money candidate, Holt over the staunch defender of our public schools system, Ernest Bailes.  "Why would you (/gov Abbott) want to tear down something we have all worked so hard to build?"   Covalt asked.  

    Abbotts T.E.A. seems determined to wrest the local control of public schools away from local voters one way or another.  Either decimate the funding source with vouchers or just flat change the values of X and Y in their arbitrary grading formulas till they "fail" and  take it over.  Then they can appoint their own board like they did in Houston and Shepherd.  Bring in their own 'boss'.

1/30/2024 

COLDSPRING 1//26/2024

JP HEARING AT COURTHOUSE

A Grassroots level hearing has, "gotten some traction" according to one criminal justice worker in San Jacinto County.  A hearing to resolve the dispute over personal property seized by the corrupt pct 3 constable has been moved from the JP office to the San Jacinto County courthouse dockett for February 6th.  The Honorable JP RandyEllisor wil conduct the hearing.  In an interview in one of three conversations with Peter Sparta yesterday, he shared that Sam Houston had called and told him he (Sparta) was the arresting officer and would have to testify.  

  Other documents received at the Sentinel Offices shows a request for subpoena for the SJC deputies who were at the scene.   The complainant was able to produce photographic evidence of a beautiful hand crafted muzzle loading black powder flint lock rifle that any prudent owner would keep in a safe.  

Below are  the top ten cities  in the USA that viewed The Sentinel yesterday.  

1/28/2024 SAN JACINTO COUNTY

TWO STAR GENERAL CALLS SJC 'HOME'

Reports of a life long military man who traversed the globe in our nations defense settling in lil ole SJC have made their way to The Sentinel.  General Gerald Schutte chose to reveal his honorable service to friends he has made at the local senior citizens events  One pretty senior citizen 'filly' even commented what a commanding figure he is in his dress uniform adding, "and it still fits"

   We hope to have opportunity to interview General Schuette in the near future and see if we can coax a few 'war stories' out of him to share with The Sentinel readers.  What an honor to have him settle into our simple rural community.  

 1/24/2024 POLK CO 

BYRON'S BUSTED BUDGET BALANCES

Allegations that current Polk Co Sheriff, Byron Lyons is, "unable" to  operate within his budget were sustained by open records documents received at The Sentinel offices this morning.   The Polk County documents not only confirmed the problem of Lyons exceeding his budget causing Polk County to dip into the General Fund to cover his overages, the report notes it to be a chronic problem.  So chronic that at least one vendor threatened to stop doing business with Polk Co. S.O. unless they paid their bills on time from that point forward.  

1/22/2024 SAN JACINTO COUNTY

CORRUPT CONSTABLE COVERS CORRUPT COP

    Records recently received at The Sentinel offices  may be 25 years old but still reflect the character of the person they pertain to and the constable who keeps on covering for him.  Granted a deferred adjudication is not a conviction and thus the arrest could not prevent Sparta from obtaining his TCOLE but they do serve as proof he was arrested and charged.  Felony Robbery and Misdomeaner Theft are the two crimes recorded in the public record.  In case Sparta starts claiming 'Photoshop' again, we included the case numbers and other pertinenent info.   Not only does this document lend more credibility to the property owners claim that several guns seized by the Corrupt constable and his sidekick were not listed,  It also makes me wonder if allegations by a woman some years ago that Sparta took 800 dollars out of her purse during a stop may be true.  No proof was found and no charges were filed but the allegations were made in writing to the S.O.   "Yeah they tried to pin that on me but never did", Sparta explained when we discussed those allegations.

    This article is not really about Sparta.  It is about Sam Houston's hiring practices.  All of the info below was available to him as constable.  How does the ole saying go?  "Birds of a Feather"  

1/19/2024 CORRUPT CONSTABLE COVETS COLLECTIBLES

In a major breaking story out of Pct 3 of San Jacinto County, proof documents show a property seizure following a minor arrest have all the earmarks of out right theft.  Constable Sam Houston and his Captain Sparta served a search warrant on one of his constituents in Pct 3.  During that search, it is alleged that Houston found four empty CBD cartridges for a vape pen in a garbage can and a few marijuana plants in an outbuilding.  "I was growing them for my personal use" the property owner stated.  

    According to seizure documents obtained by The Sentinel, Houston seized a Jeep, several pieces of equipment, over a dozen rifles/shotguns and a quantity of ammo.  

   All of the charges were dismissed and the owner made several attempts to regain his property.   According to the owner, even our district attorney sent out written instructions to Houston to return the seized property to the rightful owners. 

    As I was interviewing Sparta about his recent arrest in Montgomery County, I broached the topic of this seizure and the property in question.  It is a case that The Sentinel has been investigating for over a year now.  When I asked Sparta how come the DPS lab results on the marijuana came back inconclusive for THC leading to the dismissal of all charges, Sparta's reply was, "There was not enough weight there for them to get an accurate test".  As far as all the guns and and ammo, Sparta stated, "They are locked in a room in Sam Houston's office."  

   The property owner had reached out to The Sentinel with a sense of frustration over a year ago so when I relayed Sparta's claims to him, he stated, "That is odd because just what was in a jar on my coffee table was enough to test."

    When you consider that the seizure of plants was in late May, the owners description of the age and maturity level of the plants proves there is a quantity of 'evidence' missing that was never turned in.   What became of it?  was the natural question.

    After The Sentinel obtained the seizure inventory list and spent time going over the documents with the property owner and his wife, they both agreed and claimed that there were at least 4 rifles that were not on the inventory list. Two SKS rifles belonging to the owner and his grown son, an AR 15 his wife purchased and owned and the most valuable being a hand made octagon barreled black powder rifle  in .50 calibre that was gifted to him.    They both expressed great concern that the ambigious numbers associated with seized ammo do not describe any where near what Houston and Sparta took.

   After reflecting on the situation and evidence questions, the owner shared, "I wondered why Sam never splashed my arrest and pictures of the guns and plants on his FB page like he usually does."  "Now I am convinced he just did not want any proof out there of what he took from me".

1/24/2024  FELONY ARREST CONFIRMED

Open records receieved today from the DA in Waller Co confirm that Sparta was arrested on a felony warrant for "Impersonating a Public Servant".  True to his word, Sparta did forward me a copy of the warrant when he got it but my copy arrived at the same time.  

1/19/2024 SPARTA DENIES FELONY CHARGE

In a lengthy interview with The Sentinel, Sparta claims he has only been charged with a misdomeaner charge out of Waller County.  Sparta claims that the 'Montgomery County Police Reporter' article is not only false but that the entire incident has been contrived.  

   On a FB comment, Sparta goes so far as to claim that he has not even been in Waller County.  

    The Sentinel did reach out to the Waller County DA and confirmed that as of yesterday, there is no indictment against Sparta in Waller County.  When questioning those findings to a seasoned criminal justice person, They stated, "As recent of an incident as this is, it would be highly unlikely for an indictment to come down this soon."   Sparta does admit the arrest did happen in Montgomery County at his ex wife's house.  Sparta was booked in at Montgomery County and made bail but was never transferred to Waller County.

   In reviewing the article, it does not state that Sparta was in Waller county but that the charges are out of Waller county.  During the interview with Sparta, he revealed that he has been on other I.S.D. Property attending U.I.L. Competitions recently that a Waller I.S.D. bus may well have been at.  

   The Sentinel did determine that the Waller County Judge, The Honorable Judge Duhon signed the warrant for Sparta's arrest.  His secretary, per the judge's instructions,  would not confirm or deny the Felony vs Misdomeaner question but required an open records request in writing.  Those have been submitted.

MONTGOMERY CO

SPARTA ARRESTED AGAIN F3 CHARGE

The beleagured constable candidate has been arrested yet again in Montgomery County.  The Montgomery Co S.O. arrested and charged and booked Sparta on a felony charge of impersonating a public servant in Waller County.  He missed the candidate 'meet and greet' held tonight in Coldspring.  Not to fear, the void on Houston's coat tails was quickly filled when Michael Flynt showed  up.  Stands to reason that he was not there to meet candidates since he has either run 'with them' or against them all.  Was Flynt in'candidate mode'?

POLK CO 1/11/2024

OLD SCHOOL DIES HARD

Mitchell Newman, Pct  1 Deputy Constable has decided to run for commissioner.  Nothing wrong with that.  When Newman has to  devolve back to the Lee Hon tactic of using a lawsuit filing against someone and pass that out but fail to include the final disposition paperwork, that stinks.  Even though those documents that prove their intended victim won and was exonerated are there too, you are stirring stink that smears on your self instead of your target by witholding that info from the voters.  

    Sentinel sources have pictures and even video of Newman passing out page one but shuffling the final dispostion documents to the back.  All that tells me Mr. Newman is that you KNOW you can't beat Commissioner Guylene  Robertson fair and square so you want to cheat.  Not happening.  Here is your come uppins.  Two things tell me all I need to know.  Using a Lee Hon tactic and you and Byron Lyons signs butting up together on the same T posts around Pct 1.  You know well that the attorney apologized for MISTAKENLY filing that lawsuit when the record proves all was paid in full long ago.  You ruined your credibility Newman and did it on video.  Not smart.  Earth to Newman, Those days are OVER.

1/8/2024 PCT 3 SJC 

SJC SIGNGATE

Multiple reports of campaign signs disappearing right after The Triplets signs show up have made it to The Sentinel office.  Political observers in the PCT have seen Sheriff Greg Capers signs go missing.   Then there are Mrs Dominy's 'for commissioner' signs too.  Dale Lowery makes the same complaint.   Might be interesting to have a female perspective oncommissionerscourt for a change.  Signs or no signs, folks know Ms. Dominy is running and her competition needs to be worried.  That pesky, 'word of mouth' far outpaces advertising.

1/9/2024TYLER UTMB Spokesperson confirmed Gibson is alert and conscious and is, "Doing fine."  He could not take the call because he is in custody and the Sheriff's policy did not allow it.

1/8/2024NACOGDOCHES  SJC INMATE INJURED AGAIN

The San Jacinto County inmate who brought the prosecutorial misconduct case against ADA Freyer  has been injured again.  Lana Shadwick's client,Kenneth Gibson was moved to Polk Co Jail 'for protection' and Lyons brought in a TDCJ inmate, failed to find a weapon on him and exposed Gibson to him.  Gibson was stabbed and cut ending up in the hospital.  Byron Lyons failed to notify SJC Jail their inmate was injured until after The Sentinel ran the story.  

    Subsequently, Gibson's attny Shadwick  proved ADA Freyer had illegally searched his cell and taken lawyer client papers in Polk Coright under Byron Lyon's nose. Gibson was then moved to Nacogdoches County Jail for 'protection'.  

   Now Sentinel sources proved Gibson was in the hospital with spinal injuries and a brain bleed.  The Major at the Nacogdoches jail claims there was no assault and that Gibson, "took a fall".  

    We are seeking more information.

1/11/2024 SAN JACINTO CO

EMERGENCY ORDER SOUGHT

A motion to go ahead amd release Kenneth Gibson on a plea deal reached with the new prosecutor, Pro Tem  BEFORE the  life threatening incident occurred has been submitted by Gibson's attorney, Lana Shadwick.   To a court observer, like The Sentinel, it appears that intentional stalls in executing a 'time served' plus plea deal has allowed two seperate distant jails to  exppse an Arian 'tatted' prisoner to a known environment dangerous to him.  

    When questioned as to why he craw fished on the plea deal he already offered, the prosecutor Pro Tem admitted he had been pressured to do so by his phone, "blowing up".  Now we have three seperate counties involved with Liability for Gibson's safety.  

    Granted, ADA Rob Freyer took a butt chewing from The Honorable 12th District Judge, David Mooreman who stood up for the inmates, "lawyer/client privilege rights.  Still  this whole stalled out mess REEKS of retaliation.   Stabbed and sliced with razor wire in Polk Co.  No one reports it to SJC until I run the story.  Now a spinal injury and a brain bleed that was not reported to SJC until The Sentinel called Gibson's attorney asking why he was moved from Nacogdoches jail.   We were expecting to hear that the offered plea deal had been completed but, upon inquiry, we were notified that Gibson was in the Tyler UTMB hospital with a spinal injury and brain bleed.   

BODY FOUND, MURDER CHARGES FILED

The suspect cornered and arrested by SJC Sheriff Dept with help from Mont Co and Polk County has been charged.   The body was recovered out of The Trinity River.  

SAN JACINTO COUNTY 12/31/23

DOG CATCHER RUNNING TRAFFIC COUNTY WIDE

The recently hired dog catcher for SJC under the leadership of sam houston is doing traffic stops in his dog catcher truck for speeding.  The truck is not equipped with any radar and doubltful the speedometer is accurate with new tires installed so how?   

LIMA WALKS 

According to the last attorney appointed to Chris Lima, all Walker Co matters are 'disposed' of.  All of the restraining order violations and the drug dealing charges in Walker Co. are gone.    Lima still cannot pick up his TCOLE commission but that will be the only punishment apparently for dealing drugs in Woody's uniform and marked patrol vehicle.  .

   The Polk Co charges are still pending.  

WALKER CO 11/2/2023

LIMA CASE SLOW ROLL TO COURT

Lima's case will be in court for sentencing soon.  More details as they unfold.

SAN JACINTO CO PCT 3    12/21/2023

SNACK TIME FOR SAM HOUSTON  AND HIS BUDDY

or, "A LEGEND IN HIS OWN MIND"

Some folks oughta just stay off of FB.  Peter Sparta is one of those.  There are a series of screen shots below off of Peter Sparta and Sam Houston's FB pages that have been submitted to The Sentinel by women in the community.  They speak for themselves.

    From sam Houston  threatening an attractive young female with jail and losing her kids if she did not meet up with him one on one  to later claiming he was "having Peter for Dinner", not the brightest bulbs in the box.  Sparta goes on to splain it in pictures. These two are over compensating for something.  Just how close are you two?  Sam has defended and endorsed Sparta for years and never did pull his support.  Even after Sparta had several arrests for domestic violence,Houston was batting for him.  Just ask yourself, is sam i am who you want hiring deputies in the county?

FOUND HARD COPY OF AUTOPSY.  Will distrubute to those who requested in the next couple of days.  

DENNIS RAY HOLLIS AUTOPSY  or  LOU ROGERS LEGACY

Any readers who would like a copy of the autopsy report for the young man Lou Rogers killed at The Sundance, just email me for it.  The autopsy report proves several things.  Number one, DESPITE Lou's years of lies, the killing WAS NOT ruled a suicide.  The autopsy report proves that DRay was not drunk or stoned and it proved DRay did NOT have any gun powder residue on his hands.    Lou Rogers is a damned liar.  The autopsy report proves that Lou held the gun so hard against DRAY's temple that it left a 'gun site' bruise 'at ten o'clock'  by his ear.  The autopsy report proves the trajectory of the bullet would have been nearly impossible to self inflict but matches perfectly the eyewitness accounts that Lou had DRay by the hair of his head from behind and his gun to DRay's temple.

    Constable Ken Hammond took the gun out of Lou's hands seconds after the shots were fired.  

   In the report, the medical examinaer pleads for more investigation and information.  Cause of death was a bullet to the brain.  Manner of death was 'undetermined'.  

     The most frustrating part is that despite the fact that I have an eye witness that saw Lou Rogers pick up Carter White the evening he was murdered and the bullet dug out of his brain and his body discarded on Harrell Road, the Texas Rangers will NOT investigate it.   

TEXAS12/13/2023

DARK MONEY RIDES AGAIN

Those Koch brothers are trying to buy up Texas legislative seats again but don't want you to know.  Hiding in the guise of, "Americans For Properity", a  Dark Money front, those boys want to effect education in our neck of the woods.   

     There have been several candidates out of that neck of the woods that have accepted the Dark Money support and tried to 'urbanize' our children's education by unseating Bailes.  

    Keith Strahan, Emily Cook and Janis Holt all took money from the "Texas Right To Life" Dark Money front.   How embarassing for Ms. Holt and the Dark Money Cartel when their political director, Luke Bowen, was arrested and prosecuted for soliciting a minor online in Conroe.  

  STORY HERE.    

 Since Bowen ruined any image of  caring for kids, it seems Dark Money took a cue from the prosperity preachers.  

   I am no school finance expert but it seems to me, diverting money away from our public schools in SJC would have a negative impact.   What is the alternative here?   A mismanaged "Christian" school that had hired a thief and liar to run the show before?  Or the doublewide she took the records and ran to?  

    Nah.  You dark money candidates can can try it, "One more time Cincinnati" if you want but some day you will figure out that our home grown native son is our grass roots answer to your Koch Bros 'Rich man north of Richmond" efforts.    

AUSTIN 11/30/2023

LAWSUIT AT SUPREME COURT

The lawsuit Hon's  FORMER ADA Tommy Coleman filed in retaliation against Polk County Publishing's "Enterprise" news paper and Valerie Reddel over an expose' article she wrote has been argued before the Supreme Court of Appeals in Austin.  :It has been about a month and we could hear any day but they have till June 4th to render a decision" a spokesperson shared with The Sentinel.

   The big questions seems to be if Tommy Coleman working for the prosecutor 15 years into Morton's prison term and working diligently to keep him in prison by intentionally withholding exculpatory evidence qualifies as, "prosecution".

    Hon argued in his rebuttal letter to the article that Coleman did not even work in the Williamson County DA's office when Morton went to prison.   What  has been documented is that Coleman did work for the DA and was 2nd chair at Morton's later hearings.   When he was quoted by a journalist being a smart a$$ in court saying, "Ewwww, bloody bandana, bloody bandana" in the hearing Morton's attorneys were trying to get that exculpatory evidence to clear Morton's name, Coleman was prosecuting Morton.   The bloody bandanna Coleman fought to withold did end up clearing Morton and leading to the murderer.  To me, that would count as "prosecuting".  

Here is Webster's for 'PROSECUTE'

to follow to the end : pursue until finished

The lawsuit has definately had a chilling effect on Polk Co Publishing and they and the journalist who wrote the Expose' article have parted ways.  

   Why didn't Coleman sue The Sentinel?  I wrote the story first and rebutted Hon's letter with the same arguement back then.  If Coleman wins this case, the Supreme Court will be rewarding Coleman for being a lying, sniveling little punk.  But then he learned from the best.  

POLK CO 11/21/2023

"TOOTHLESS" VICTORY FOR FATHER'S RIGHTS

"THIS Doesn't involve you!" Polk Co Court at Law Judge, Honorable Tom Brown told a step father who has blatantly interferred with court ordered child custody for years now.  "It is between him and her", Judge Brown made plain from his bench pointing first at the natural father and then the mother of the minor child with eyes fixed on the step father.

        With years of history of denying the father access to his son in blatant violation of the court orders and Hon's ABSOLUTE FAILURE as FORMER da to enforce the law against his buddy, the interfering step father.  Judge Brown told the tale of devastation with one comment.  After counseling with the sons and ordering the weekly visitation with the natural father and his family, a, "Let's see if we can repair this"   emanated from The Court.   We could all see  that the potential for parental alienation was afoot.  A crime in the State of Texas.  Fortunately for non custodial parents in Polk county, the Top law enforcement officer in the county, DA, Honorable Shelly Sitton was in the courtroom to hear the judge's order.  A child and parental rights advocate who put light on the injustice weeks ago calling for a Sheriff's dept investigation did question Ms. Sitton about that.  "Their report has been given to my office."  Ms. Sitton allowed.  

So much for hope springing eternal.  Two more weeks have passed and none of the enforcement aparatus in POLK county has been willing to go against former corrrupt DA Lee Hon on this father's rights case.  Apparetly if you are Hon's buddy, you can violate court orders with impunity.  

AP IMBEDS WITH HAMAS OCT 7th RAID

Associated Press SELF DESIGNATES AS HAMAS OUTLET

When hamas propaganda is released, you hear it first on AP 

COLDSPRING 11/4/2023

AP FAKE NEWS PROVOKES LOCAL IRE

Yet another round of fake news quoting bogus sources from the AP reporter, Jake Blieberg about our SJC Sheriff evoked this complaint to the AP organization from a long time resident and supporter of truth and Justice in San Jacinto Co.

   "

  "

His name is spelled bleiberg but we think bLIEberg is way more fitting.  When Jake the snake wrote his last paid for hit piece against Sheriff Capers, The Sentinel forwarded him the complete personnel file of the pervert and failed sheriff candidate, Michael Flynt so he might be fully informed as to who he was relying on.  

    This time Jake the snake Blieberg added Jennifer Jones to his stable of disgruntled axe grinding 'sources' to get his scandal fix with.  

    Jennifer is the sister of the man killed that went on another man's property threatening him.  The  death of John Wayne Dodge was tragic but justified.  Dodge and another man, a grown relative went on to the property of a young man named Hopkins threatening him with an aggravated assault.  Hopkins stated  The disagreement stemmed from some wreckless driving and escalated.  Dodge and his relative entered Hopkins' property and threatened him.  Hopkins had a young wife and baby in the house to protect and was assaulted by the two men.  According to sources, the trajectory of the bullet Hopkins fired matched his account of having been knocked to the ground because the bullet entered Dodge's body in his stomach and took and upward trajectory.  The detectives on the scene did not arrest Hopkins and the DA did not prosecute Hopkins but considered the killing justified.  Jennifer Jones has made her 'murder' claims but no investigative agency has ever found them to be credible.  For Jones to be willing to play politics with the tragic death of her brother is dispicable.  For Flynt and his money man, Laddie McAnally to still be trying to get milage out of Flynt's failure and firing from the sheriff's dept is desperate and cheap to say the least.  We do have the Flynt personnel file available to any who want to be fully informed this election season.  Just email me and request a copy. Although Flynt was able to force all of the public agencies to delete their copies after the law suit settled, he can't touch my copy by open records before the judges order.  I share it to make sure it is backed up somewhere.  

The irate citizen quoted above vowed to do what it took to  find the source of funding the AP propaganda pieces but I say, "Nay Ma'am, just see who signs up to run against Sheriff Capers and who his biggest donor is.  

   Why do I say, "Paid for hit piece"?  Because when Flynt went to run against Sheriff Capers the first time, his money man, backer and some say 'buttie' brought me money wanting me to write the bogus story.  I took the money then twisted Flynt up with his personnel file.  He was SOUNDLY defeated.  

"

POLK CO 11/2/2O23

Constitutional activist Brandon White, known for his high-profile arrest amidst a transition of power in the District Attorney's office, is set to appear in the 258th District Court on November 28th for a pivotal hearing on Motions to Quash and a Motion to Inspect Evidence. The latter motion seeks access to a confiscated cell phone, which is rumored to contain evidence challenging a key element of the State's case, and a sworn statement by a Livingston PD officer. This development is yet another twist in a growing controversy surrounding law enforcement in the area as the current top headline on our Polk Co page highlights.

Brandon White's legal battle has attracted significant attention, with many viewing his arrest as a desperate effort by the outgoing District Attorney. The Motions to Quash and the Motion to Inspect Evidence could potentially reveal vital information that could sway the course of his case.

The contentious cell phone, warrantlessly seized by the State at the time of his arrest, has been a subject of speculation, as it is believed to contain evidence challenging a critical aspect of the State's case. If proven true, this revelation could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing legal proceedings. Furthermore, the sworn statement by a Livingston PD officer would be proven lies. It raises questions about the credibility and integrity of the law enforcement involved.

The situation is compounded by the recent lawsuit filed by Michael Hodge against another officer in the department. This legal action points to a broader pattern of allegations against members of the Livingston Police Department. With seven officers now accused of misconduct, this represents more than a quarter of the department, raising concerns about the overall state of law enforcement in the area.

As Brandon White's court hearing approaches, the community and legal observers await the proceedings with keen interest, hoping for a transparent and just resolution in a case that has garnered significant public scrutiny.

ONALASKA  10/30/2023

LONG TIME MUNICIPAL JUDGE RETIRES

Honoable David G. Johnson, the municipal judge for Onalaska has announced his upcoming retirement effective November 9, 2023.  Judge Johnson has served the city of Onalaska for 34 years.  He is appreciated and "will be missed" according to Onalaska city officials and constituents we interviewed this morning.  In that interview, we were able to confirm that the Onalaska City Council has appointed, Polk Co  JP 1, Terri Mayer as the new city court judge.  Terri Mayer was elected JP 1 in the last county wide elections.  

    Retired SJC JP 4, Honorable Greg Magee, who serves as the associate city judge for Onalaska and long time contemporary of Judge Johnson also commented that Judge Johnson has served honorably and, "is a really good man".  

   In a brief exchange with Judge Johnson's bride of many years, she called his retirement, "A bittersweet" event noting his hearts desire to serve his community contrasted with the opportunity for the two of them to continue this grand adventure and see some new sights.  All agreed that Judge Johnson deserves a heartfelt, "THANKYOU" for his dedication and love of our community.

EAST TEXAS 10/20/2023

CHILD ADVOCATE MAKES FULL CIRCLE

A longstanding track record of advocacy for children, women, minorities and any  oppressed, Rosemary Covalt has now taken on the man (father) eating monster known as unenforced  family court  'orders'.  Long a domain many women used to deny father's visitation rights.  When fathers rights are ignored and unenforced, he has no rights.  

    In Texas, the laws are fairly written on child support and visitation but the inequality is all in the non enforcement.  

    As Ms. Covalt is fond of saying, "Their power is in ignoring us".  Her interest in a case in East Texas has already proven hard for them to ignore. A case where It is  (sadly common) in which  a step father is interfering in child visitation and engaging in intentional parental alienation efforts.  Those proveable crimes coupled with serious allegations of physical abuse of the child were delivered with a bow on it to investigators who did take notice.  

    Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for father's rights in East Texas?  

"It is public information and public knowledge", Ms. Covalt is also fond of saying  Armed withphotos of at least a half a dozen sritten reports of child interference to the S.O by the father, when the secretary checked their 'official' files, she reported not a single call slip in their file.  "Isn't that interesting" one member in the conference was heard commenting as Ms. Covalt hammered her with the copies.  "Let me look again" the secretary said exiting then returned saying, "I found three of them".  Another, "isn't that interesting" rose from the meeting as the investigators began looking over all of the evidence.

 Can a mother steal her children from their father right under his nose?  Only with the full cooperation of corrupt law enforcement or should I say, corrupt non enforcement?

"That is a civil matter" is the pat response of the non interested party.  

NEWS FLASH  Interference with child custody is a State Jail Felony.  

https://youtube.com/shorts/-NhsAvFiDOU?si=3LUFoG8ZDDZlq78- https://youtube.com/shorts/-NhsAvFiDOU?si=3LUFoG8ZDDZlq78-

After the video was denied, I requested opportunity to just view the video.  Here is Chief Lowerie's response: 

  No sir, it would still be the same as us releasing the video. If I was able to let you view the video, then I should just give you the video for viewing. We will have to wait for the AG's opinion on this request.

My Reply:

UPDATE 11/2/2023  

NO ARREST RECORD FOUND

Despite a diligent effort to verify the arrest of the motorcycle operator involved in the high speed chase, nothing has been found.  We have submitted an open records request to find if the operator was arrested or charged with a crime.  

POLK CO 10/10/2023

S.O. DENIES DASH CAM ON HIGH SPEED CHASE

Recently promoted chief deputy, Andy Lowerie notified The Sentinel via email that they wll be seeking an attorney general opinion on my request for footage of the high speed motorcycle chase that ended on Kickapoo Creek bridge near Onalaska.

POLK CO HIRES OPEN RECORDS SPECIALIST 

A fairly straight forward statement.  Doesn't say when, how, exactly who or why, just that the county 'hires open records specialist.'

For those who reacted to the 'story', and even questioned it, thanks for letting me know you are reading The Sentienel and care abut accuracy.    

Too answer your notice, here below is the documentation that I base my statement on.   One is a letterhead and the other a salutation.  Please let me know if there is any correction or clarification that The Sentinel needs to make.  As always, we strive to be accurate and timely in our reporting. . . .  and have the documents to back it up.  

UPDATE 10/25/2023

Polk County has contracted with the private attorney firm of Mike MathewsII.  "I wouldn't call myself an 'open records specialist' , Mathews responded to The Sentinel inquirey but did confirm that he is handling open records requests at the Polk Co S.O. and is now listing the Church St address of Polk County and the phone number of the DA's office as means to contact him.   Mathews, records show, works full time for the Humble P.D. and offices there also.  

    On the surface, it appears that Byron Lyons has taken a page out of the Woodrow Wallace opaqueness 101 playbook.  Place a private law firm between your agency and any hope of the public getting a straight answer on anything controversial.    When we submitted open records requests to find out how much woodrow wallace was spending on his "Iglasius with an 'I" attorney firm,  Wallace paid them to fight that request too.  What a never ending, self consuming circle for the tax payers.

    We could be wrong because we have been wrong before.  Maybe this will be a more transparent time.  We will see.

"

Judge Kitchens: "If they arrest somebody they can't keep that phone without a search warrant"

ADA Ferguson: "They arrest people all the time without a warrant"

Judge Kitchens: "They get their phone back when they make bond. They don't get to keep the phone as evidence unless they seize it, they have to have a search warrant to seize it. The fourth amendment and Article 1 Section 9 of the Texas Constitution are clear on this"

LIVINGSTON 9/26/2023

ADA WINGTIP TOES HAVE CAN KICKIN HOLES

POLK CO ADA, Ferguson showed up for court again with absolutely nothing.  Not even an argument in the case against Brandon White.  White is a local constitutional activist who has consistantly poked a finger in the eye of the corrupt among us.  All ADA Ferguson wanted to do was kick the can down the road again with ANOTHER reset.

    As predicted in a prior Sentinel Article, ADA Ferguson does NOT have a bullet proof vest in evidence, any video of a bullet proof vest and it doesn't appear that the officer who swore in the affidavit that he saw one of the accused put on a bullet proof vest is going to stick to his story.  According to Sentinel sources, that officer is back tracking to, "I thought I saw him put on a bullet proof vest".   No evidence has been offered in the case and what is especially troubling on this particular indictment is the language.  The Polk Co Grand Jury indicted White for allegedly organizing the crime of obstruction by 'creating the appearance of an imminent attack on a police officer'.  

    In the hearing, an observer quoted the judge as inquiring, "How are you keeping this man's phones without a warrant?  The ADA's stuttering reply was met with what that  court room observer described as, "an impatient directive" from The 258th District Court Judge, The Honorable Travis Kitchens.  He stated that Ferguson had until the 14th to submit his argument in writing.  Judge Kitchens went on to only give Attorney Seth Evans a week beyond that to respond wih his written argument by the 21st.  Hearing set for the 28th.    

SHEPHERD 9/18/2023SHEPHERD PD LAUNCHES, SHERIFF CAPERS SPEAKER

Much planning and groundwork has been completed by The City of Shepherd and Police Chief Clint Headly leading to the official launch of the Shepherd Police Dept.  A community wide gathering proved that even tragedies like the one out of Woodville told below  cannot deter the calling on someone's life to serve.  

   Having been following this developing story for some time,  I've seen a lot of 'i" dotting and 'T' crossing going on.  

    We all know the mayor, city council and the chief of police did a lot to get this off the ground but just let it be said, we all know who keeps the ducks in a row at The City of Shepherd.  Thanks to Ms. Hagler for her service to our community.  

NOT GUILTY was the verdict handed to The Honorable Tom Brown, Polk County Court At Law Judge by the jury  in the case of State Vs Amberly Lambert.   The first day saw the completion of the voir dire process and a few of the witnesses testifying.    The second day saw completion of the trial, jury charged and sent out to deliberate.  That process took about 4 hours before the jury returned the 'Not Guilty' verdict based on the evidence presented.  

    The State did use the junior ADA, Jim Spencer on these misdemeanor charges but the most experienced ADA Ferguson was there giving advice and counsel to ADA Spencer as the trial progressed.  Both of the prosecutors demonstrated a good knowledge of the law and Ferguson was seen to prompt the younger ADA to "object"  a few times and lean over and give him counsel.  Still, ADA Spencer handled the trial from beginning to end including his closing statement.  ADA Spencer's experience has been mostly as a defense attorney but you could see he had worked on the case and was well prepared for the most part. What he wasn't prepared for was the lack of integrity of his star witness, OPD officer, Tammy Heeth.  

    Defense Attorney, Seth Evans of the father / son 'Evans Law Firm' was not only prepared for Tammy Heeth, his line of questioning forced her to expose that lack of integrity right in front of the Jury.  

    When The Sentinel was first made aware of this case, we wondered how a mother sitting in the car rider line at an elementary school to drop off her kids could end up facing first degree felony charges and twenty plus years in prison.

   Tammy Heeth answered that question under oath when asked why she went for such an extreme charge when so many lesser ticketable offenses might have been persued instead.  

    "It was the policy of the former DA (ie: Lee Hon) that we pass on the lower charges and only go for the most serious charges we possibly can." Heeth testified throwing Hon under the bus.  What The Sentinel investigation revealed but was not allowed to be fully disclosed in court was that Tammy Heeth had it in for Ms. Lambert.  Her verbal complaint against Heeth was testified to by the Assistant Principal, Larissa Grubbs but the confrontation in Brookshire Bros was off limits per Judge Brown's instructions.  The Jury did not hear the story of how Heeth had run her buggy into Ms. Lambert's buggy in the store days after Ms. Lambert made her complaint to the school administrator.  

   The day Heeth chose to escalate the situation was April Fools day.  According to Lambert, days prior, Heeth, as traffic control let the car infront of Lambert take the short route, forced Lambert to turn and take the long route that caused her kids to be tardy, then let the car behind Lambert take the short route also.  

   On April 1st, Lambert came in on 356 and Heeth got in the middle of her lane and stopped her with palm raised but then made a circling motion intended to convey, "turn around" but Lambert took as come on through.  There is no statute, ordinance or even an official ruling about coming in on 356 but only a school preference.  

   Both Heeth and Lambert testified that she was only moving 3 mph having taken her foot off the brake but not accelerated or swerved at all.  Both testified that Heeth got infront of her car and struck the front quarter panel.  Lambert saw it as an expression of anger and Heeth testified she struck the fender to "get leverage" enabling her to "roll step".  Both testified that Heeth jumped up on the running board and was reaching into the vehicle ordering and then trying to force Lambert out of the truck.  Heeth denies pulling Lambert's hair.  Lambert was adamant that Heeth did pull her hair.  Lambert was belted in according to both of the women.  

   It was at about this time that Onalaska JP, Honorable Sarah Rasberry arrived on the scene dropping off a friend's child.    She called 911 but it was testified to that Ms. Lambert had also just called 911 requesting another officer on the scene.  

     Judge Rasberry testified that she did see Heeth on the running board but did not see Lambert's vehicle strike Heeth.  

   One thing that had to have influenced the jury's decision was that despite several officers on the scene, no exculpatory video evidence was available despite Lambert demanding all of the video on the scene, later and then through her attorney.  The only video that made it into state's evidence was video showing Heeth wearing a high visibility vest with 'police' written on it, Lambert walking to the transport cruiser in cuffs and video in the police station of Lambert being processed.  Ms. Lambert's 911 call made it to states evidence but despite the fact the two calls were within a minute of  each other, Judge Rasberry's 911 call recording failed  to be available.   

    The most damning evidence presented was when Seth Evans elicited testimony from Heeth that she had no serious bodily injury resulting from the incident.  Her only concern was to make sure that her breast implant, "wasn't leaking".  Then Attorney Evans submitted Heeth's sworn statement from nearly a month after the incident charging Lambert with the felony and swearing that she suffered, "serious bodily injury" in order to justify the Hon preferred felony charges.  Not only did that prove Heeth willing to lie on a sworn statement, it has the effect of clouding any sworn statement or even arrest report Heeth has ever made or ever will make.  She has lost all credibility as a proven liar.

    The great thing for the community of Onalaska is that their elected JP Rasberry, despite being raised with Heeth's children and knowing Heeth most of her life, JP Rasberry did not falsify her testimony to benefit Heeth.  She was matter of fact with no hesitation in her answers.  JP Rasberry openly stated that she had used some 'colorful' language toward Ms. Lambert when she intially arrived on the scene but all that did was bolster her credibility.   By aknowledging and admitting that her language was an error in judgement along with the transparency her office has always demonstrated goes a long way with this reporter.  

    I can't say enough about the quality of representation Seth Evans gave his client even as a court appointed attorney.  He was very well prepared and had evidence he didn't even use.  What I appreciate about Mr. Evans effort was that he used what he needed to destroy Heeth's credibility in this matter but did not over do it to the point that her stink would have smeared onto the rest of our law enforcement in Polk County.  

    This trial was my first opportunity to watch The Honorable Judge Tom Brown in action.  I understand now why people speak so highly of him and his ability and why The Sentinel has never gotten the first complaint on him.  His clerk has always been transparent and helpful when we had a question.

   Judge Brown proved to be quite appreciative of and protective over the jury panel.  They were shown every respect and courtesy and every effort made to not waste their time.   Judge Brown would not allow any nefariousness of either counsel negate their time with errors that would trip up this trial.  

   Judge Brown was fair and even handed to both sides in his rulings and held both attorneys to the highest standard.  Some of the most interesting parts were when Judge Brown would remove the jury from the courtroom and let the two attorneys hash out their differences of opinion.  Both attorneys were knowledgeable, respectful to each other and did make their best arguments.  

    ADA Spencer made a good closing arguement because The jury asked for all the evidence shortly after entering deliberations.  Some comments waiting in the break room  were, "I know she is innocent but Polk County does back their law enforcement"   Even with Tammy Heeth being dismantled on the stand, the jury still took 4 hours to reach a verdict.  Usually a relatively quick decision does not go in favor of the accused but this one did.  Seth Evans did one thing that defense attorneys are often reluctant to do and that is he put his client on the stand.   That leaves her subject to an often brutal cross examination by the prosecutor.  Spencer was aggressive in his questioning and garnered several objections by Evans.  Ms. Lambert came across as what she is.  A responsible parent, business owner and honest.  She was offered several plea deals all the way down to a ticket for disorderly conduct but stedfastly refused, determined to prove her innocence.   Her and her attorney did just that.  With all that 'burden of proof thingy on the State, Poor ADA had to show up with a big bunch of nothing.  

Justice was served all the way around in Polk County today.

LIVINGSTON 8/21/2023

'RESISTING ARREST' CHARGES MOVE FORWARD

What started as a mother filing a verbal complaint with the school against the Onalaska ISD resource officer for her conduct in the car rider line was greatly escalated by OPD officer, Tammy Heeth.  She got the corrupt Hon to file, "Assault with a Deadly Weapon" charges on Heeth's claim the mother used her car as a deadly weapon.  All of that felony BS was dropped when Hon was ousted and offers to drop it all for a guilty plea to disorderly conduct were made.  The mother stedfastly refused the offer and has a jury of her peers today.  

   It is the defendants position that she was strapped in by seatbelt, and had steel plates andbolts in her ankle and leg from a recent surgery.   She testified her two elementary age children were in the back seat and Heeth tried to drag her though her car window by the hair of the head.

 Heeth has a list of complaints and even one written warning from the child advocate, rosemary Covalt that Heeth, "is a liability because of her anger issues" based on prior incidents Ms. Covalt witnessed.  Funny how none of those complaints were in Heeth's file when we requested it even though we have copies of the originals from Ms. Covalt.

    We will follow up on this story when the trial is over.

7/25/2023 COLDSPRING

SJC CHIEF DEPUTY SMACKS DOWN LYING REPORTER

To: Jake Bleiberg                                                                                                                                                         1

From: Tim Kean

Subject: Associated Press Article, Filed 7/8/2023, Sheriff Greg Capers

Mr. Bleiberg:

My name is Tim Kean, Chief Deputy, San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office. I am named in several articles you have written about the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Greg Capers. I want to make this very clear from the beginning, what I express here is my own opinion. We have the Constitutional right in this nation to express our opinions. I speak only for myself in this matter. Even you should be able to comprehend that statement.

I would like to start by paying you a complement, sir. I appreciate greatly, the fact, you did not choose the profession of law enforcement. The investigative abilities that have been displayed by the article you have written would never get inside a courtroom in this nation. What saddens me is you purport to be a journalist. Even that profession has standards, however, they apparently are ignored and have fallen into disuse.

 Below I quote the beginning of your narrative:

“COLDSPRING, Texas — Sheriff Greg Capers was the classic picture of a Texas lawman as he announced the capture of a suspected mass killer: white cowboy hat on his head, gold star pinned to his chest, white cross on his belt and a large pistol emblazoned with his name on his hip.”

Even I know, and I’m not the “professional journalist” you are, that what you have done in paragraph one is define your enemy. In my opinion, you not only are going to take down a Texas Sheriff, but maybe even Texas itself. The target is to ruin the image of all Texas Lawmen, the image of the State of Texas, maybe even the Governor while you are at it. Absolutely despicable.

The interaction I had with you concerned a phone interview conducted on 6/27/2023 at 11:10hrs which lasted 1-hour 52minutes and 8 seconds. Do you recall that interview, sir? Myself and our Dispatch Supervisor spent 35 minutes explaining to you the timeline concerning response time for the Oropeza case. I recall being very patient and open with you sir, and you responded as if you understood the entire sequence. We covered every single line of the CAD (Computer Aid Dispatch) printout and all of the radio transcripts. Every detail. I will address your fraudulent response here.

Your contention is the time to respond to an active shooting was 46 minutes. You sir, are a liar. The response was explained to you in detail. The initial call is a noise disturbance at 11:34:50. The call must be routed through a translator service. The dispatcher does not understand what is happening until the translator tells her at 11:43:00. The translator informs the dispatcher it is a noise disturbance with someone shooting a gun in their yard. This is a rural area and it is legal to shoot guns. The call is about the noise disturbing the neighbors. I TOLD YOU THAT, SIR. At 11:45:00 the units are enroute to the noise disturbance. No lights or siren low priority call at this time. At 12:08:32 the complainant calls back, call routes through translator, and states the neighbor is back out in his yard shooting again. This is still a noise issue, however, there was more urgency to the tone of the complainant. Deputies start to increase their speed because this call is escalating. At 12:11:44 the call states the shooter is crossing onto                complainants property.  At 12:11:56, 12 seconds later, the shift sergeant confirms with dispatch the shooter is on the complainants property. At 12:12:08 the call is Priority One, lights and siren response. At 12:15:49, 3 MINUTES AND 41 SECONDS LATER UNITS ARE IN THE AREA. The entire time on the road for the first two arriving units is 30 minutes and 49 seconds. As I told you, sir, it takes that long to drive there from the Sheriff’s Office in Coldspring. The call initiated as loud noise, when it became urgent the deputies were justified in responding emergency conditions. The call could not have been answered any faster with the information had at the time, the road conditions and the distances involved.

However, Mr. Bleiberg, none of this mattered to you, did it? Your blind drive to destroy the reputation of this Agency, Sheriff and myself resulted in your falsehoods and accusations without any proof whatsoever. In fact, you disregarded the proof I provided and inserted your own narrative instead. That’s the kind of reporting Americans are growing absolutely SICK of, sir.

The next trick you had up your sleeve was the referencing of accusations against the integrity of this Agency, Sheriff and myself. I find it extremely difficult to accept, the slightest inkling, you understand the definition of integrity, sir.

 Sir, you asked questions concerning the Lion Institute and a report they presented to Commissioner’s Court. This was a company hired by Commissioner’s Court to research the working conditions at the Sheriff’s Office. I told you Sheriff Capers and myself welcomed that research as we felt a third-party analysis of our needs and environment would create more pressure to foster changes in pay and equipment the Sheriff’s Office so desperately needs. Such was not the case, sir. I told you that very fact. There was NO survey of employees, no examination of the workspace in the office, no review of training records and school availability for our Deputies, no interest in working conditions or pay for personnel. NO VISIT whatsoever from Mr. Alexander (Lion Institute CEO) or any member of the Lion Institute. The entire report was a fraud. I expressly told you that, sir. The Commissioner’s Court paid almost $50,000.00 dollars for that report, unknown to the Sheriff’s Office. A waste of $50,000.00 taxpayers money. For what I ask? I consider it your job to “investigate” and find out. What did you find sir?

I quote further form your report, “The group’s report lays out evidence that the sheriff's staff falsified training records and failed to pursue 4,000 reported crimes over the years, including 106 alleged sexual assaults.” 

That quote is another lie, sir. Where is the evidence this Agency falsified training records? Since I am the Training Officer, I take great offense at this accusation. During our phone interview, I also explained, in detail, the actual reality of the open criminal cases. Once again you pretended to understand but then pursued your own agenda. Those cases were listed as pending due to a computer entry error. The cases were actually closed. It was an error repaired by the reporting system. This occurred in 2015 with no issues since that time. That was explained to you, sir.

Michael Flynt is a former employee you reference as an authority on the subject of corruption and dysfunction at the Sheriff’s Office. Perhaps Mr. Flynt is a subject matter expert on corruption, but not for the reasons you think. I can only mention that Mr. Flynt is a former employee. There are legal reasons we cannot discuss that man. As an investigative reporter you would do well to exercise due diligence on your informants to determine their credibility before citing them as “evidence”, sir. That goes with all of your “former employee” informants. There are reasons they are referred to as “former employees”. Again, your extreme lack of due diligence is embarrassing to the world of investigative journalism.     

Sir, you crow mightily about a $240,000.00 lawsuit, you titled ‘whistle blower lawsuit” That again is a lie, sir. It was a wrongful termination suit. You would do well to request depositions in that lawsuit. You would actually learn what happened. But no, your reckless, fraudulent ‘investigative report” has cast doubt on the integrity and honesty of EVERY SINGLE OFFICER in this agency. All without anything but your “quotes” from former employees and a fraudulent report from the Lion Institute which is filled with quotes from the very same former employees.

Your “report” also states deputies were called to the Oropeza home 3 times in the past 2 years. FALSE, another lie. You sir, were informed in our previously mentioned phone interview there was ONE call there and ONE follow up by a detective. The complainant dropped the charges against Oropeza.

I will sum up with what I will say is my personal opinion of you sir. We both live in entirely different worlds. I work in “Criminal Justice”, the world of facts. I am a retired Army Officer, retired police officer, a current Chief Deputy. I started my life working at age 15. I have worked and fought every inch of the way. I spent 8 years in combat. You know NOTHING of me. There was a day, in the past in this country, when a man with a reckless mouth insulted the honor of another he was challenged on the field. President Andrew Jackson defended his honor and his wife’s honor in that manner over 100 times. Sad, we live in times such as these. As for Greg Capers, corruption and Capers are two words that do not go together. Sheriff Capers works cutting hay on the weekends to make enough money to survive here. His pay is that low. So NO, he is not corrupt and I take offense to your insinuation, sir. I will tell you this. I live in a world where integrity and honor are required, not optional. When your life depends on another man’s judgement and honesty, he better be a good man, or people die.

Now for you, you work in “Social Justice”, a fantasy world of getting what you want without the hard work needed to get it.  I see a spoiled “reporter” on a social justice crusade. I read many of your articles. Fairly good work, polished and refined in the Liberal Arts, for sure. But just a word of advice, sir, get your facts in order before you start running your mouth so recklessly. Integrity and Honor are still a concept I will defend, unlike you. By any means necessary.

PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO PUBLISH THIS DOCUMENT ONLY IN IT’S ENTIREITY, UNEDITITED (3 PAGES)

Tim Kean

7/21/2023                                                                                                                                                                        

FORMER COMMISSIONER/DEPUTY EXPOSES FRAUD IN LION REPORT

Ray McCoppin did  a deep dive into the lyin report and exposes the fraud.  Follow link in headline for video.

COLDSPRING 7/20/2023

LION REPORT CALLED "GOBBLEDOGOOP".  VIDEO HERE

Former SJC Commissioner and a former Orange County Deputy Sheriff has studied the so called, "Lion Report" and offers his analysis.  Mr McCoppin's uniqe persepctive seems to be right in line with most who have read the report.  

    The Sentinel did share the Flynt File with Mr. McCoppin and quite a few others since Flynt was quoted so heavily in the report.  Any 'reporter', no matter how far removed from East Texas, who took it on theirself to write a BS hit piece on SJC based on quotes from a dirty cop that has proven himself to be a predator, was contacted and given the Flynt File.  

THE MINISTRY OF IT ALL

Before all of that, The Honorable Travis Kitchens noticed ADA Freyer milling about the court room and said, "Mr. Freyer, you can have a seat".  Freyer did not aknowledge the comment but continued to mill about prompting a much sterner, "Mr. Freyer, SIT DOWN".  

   Sentinel readers will remember that in a recent murder case, two young hispanic males were manipulated into a confrontation by the woman they both had relations with and the old boyfriend allegedly killed the new boyfriend.  He (Escobar) turned himself in the next morning at the SJC Sheriff's office.  Someone set an unconstitutional one million dollar bond.  Several weeks in, when Escobar's attorney applied for a bond reduction, Judge Kitchens did lower the bond to keep it inline with the constitutional requirements that unreasonable bond not be used to punish a person by setting the bond amount beyond the means of the defendant.  Using unconstitutional bond amounts has been the corrupt practice of some in order to let the process be the punishment without due process.  Judge Kitchens has had to correct several unconstitutional bond amounts since being on the bench especially in Polk County where the practice was used often by FORMER DA Hon. 

     Only an idiot would lamblast a Judge who follows the constitution but we have idiots who do just that.  Some because they are from a bananna republic and don't know any better.  Others because they are corrupt and/or have their own political or financial agenda. 

     When the Constitution loving judge lowered Escobar's bond, a man that turned himself in, to 75 thousand dollars, the family of the victim protested on the courthouse steps with signs demanding no bond.  Not a problem and their right.  The problem arose when ADA Freyer took it upon himself to go out as a representative of the SJC DA's office as a featured speaker at the protest.  According to the Bloo Bonnet News,Freyer assured the crowd that he would make sure that they would get justice.  As he said those words, Freyer knew the crowds idea of justice was no bond for the accused.   

     Now when Memorial day was celebrated on the courthouse steps recently to honor the men and women who fought and died defending that Constitution, NO ONE from the DA's office bothered to walk downstairs and attend the somber event much less speak to the crowd.  When SJC recently celebrated Juneteenth for the 25th year in a row, also organized by our Veteran's Service Officer, no one from the DA's office bothered to walk downstairs for that constitutional honoring event either.  

    But let a crowd gather demanding unconstitutional actions from the court and Freyer fell all over himself to attend and even be the main event speaker at the protest.  Todd Dillon didn't stop him so as the elected DA, that buck stops with him.  I did warn DA Dillon that Freyer was a liability to him based on open records obtained and interviews with former co workers of Freyer's.  Excellent sources in Montgomery Co state Freyer was terminated for showing up drunk on a crime scene.  Freyer denies it when questioned but when I got his file from Harris Co., it turns out he did have a DWI as a young man.  Freyer failed to disclose that on any paperwork submitted to Montgomery Co or San Jacinto Co.  Nor did any background check take place according to those two files.

    I do have emails from the DA assuring The Sentinel that the bloo bonnet news did not get any inside information on the case from his office but it appears fairly obvious from her articles attempting to smear Judge Kitchens that she did.  In any event, regardless of the editor and lawman  joining up to lamblast Judge Kitchens for protectiong the constitutional rights of the accused  before, Judge Kitchens did it one more time by seeking a change of venue to protect the accused's constitutional rights to a fair trial.  In that decision, Judge Kitchen's cited Oliver Wendell Holmes' assurance that our 6th ammendment rights to a fair trial outweigh the 1st amendment rights of a free press because without a fair trial, our justice system has no foundation to stand on.   In that line of reasoning, The Honorable Judge Kitchens did seek a change of venue for the accused and entered this order against publicity to protect Escobar's constitutional rights to a fair trial.  He did indicate that Angelina County had agreed that they would be willing to take on the case.  According to the order against publicity restraining all the attorneys and court personnel from speaking to the press, it will follow the case wherever it ends up being transferred to.  

    In his closing remarks, Judge Kitchens commented that in his 50 years practicing law in many capacities including as a prosecutor, he had NEVER seen anything like this and never has seen the need for an order of this nature.  Judge Kitchens further assured the Prosecutors that he has submitted an ethics complaint to the State Bar of Texas.  

   During the Judge reading of the order, DA Dillon did get up and head to the side door of the courtroom.  When challenged by Judge Kitchens as to where he was going, Dillon replied, "I am removing myself".  "I have not dismissed you", Judge Kitchens stated firmly and instructed him to remain in the courtroom.  Dillon did comply and stood facing the judge for the duration.  His stoic composure respected the dignity and decorum of the court.  

COLDSPRING  5/23/2023

Allegations of illegal search and seizure of legal mail and attorney/client privilege information have been leveled  against ADA Rob Freyer.  Where could he, in all his training, have learned it was ok to violate civil rights for a victory in court?