Polk County Headline News

1/17/2024 POLK COUNTY

PARTY LEADERSHIP IN FLUX

The Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the Polk County Republican Party have tendered their respective resignations.  A meeting will be held soon to appoint an interim Chairman with exact  location to be announced.  Below is the arratve of the announcement as received in The Sentinel office this morning.

Dear Precinct Chairs and Republican Party Officers,

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the privilege of serving under the exceptional leadership of Polk County Republican Party Chairman, Fred Grube. Working alongside Chairman Grube has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I am proud to have been a part of the remarkable journey he has led.

Chairman Grube's dedication, strategic vision, and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the success and growth of our party. Personally, I am immensely proud of the impactful job he has done in this role. His leadership style, commitment to our values, and ability to unite our community have left an indelible mark.

As Chairman Grube transitions to new endeavors, he will be greatly missed by myself and others who have had the privilege of working with him. I am confident that his legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Thank you, Chairman Grube, for your unwavering commitment to the ideals we hold dear.


In addition to expressing my gratitude for Chairman Fred Grube's outstanding leadership, I must inform you of an important development. Chairman Grube has tendered his resignation, necessitating an Emergency Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting.

The CEC meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Monday, January 29th. It is crucial that all members attend this meeting to formally accept Chairman Grube's resignation and appoint Paul Laverty as the interim County Chairman. Without a majority in attendance, our party cannot function effectively, and given the upcoming election, your participation is vital.

The location of the meeting will be announced at least a week in advance to ensure everyone has ample notice. Your commitment to attend this meeting is greatly appreciated, as it plays a pivotal role in maintaining the continuity and strength of our party.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

POLK CO S.O. 12/23/2023

'MISS 'T' IN DANGER ZONE

Miss 'T' is a pseudonym for yet another mentally deficient person being mishandled by the Polk County Sheriff's Dept. under Byron Lyons leadership.  Sentinel readers will remember the tragic cases of Ms. Alice Shine and even Antwaun Bogany that both endedwith the death of a Polk Co.  inmate.  

     Miss 'T' was picked up and brought to the Polk Co jail because she was kneeling with a bible and "praying" in the middle of the freeway lane in traffic.  When She was brought to the jail, she was claiming to be God and took opportunity to attack PCSO deputies several times.  According to our source, Miss T would calm down and act 'normal' so the deputy would reduce restraints.    Then she would suddenly attack from behind and trying to strike them in the head.

    A deputy was dispatched to take Miss T up to Lufkin to the Burke Center according to the S.O. but found them to be 'closed' for the holidays.  Miss T was brought back to Polk Co SO and promptly released after only hours in custody.  

    "Can't you at least hold her until she detoxes?" a distraught mother pleaded for her near 30 year old child.  "If you bring her here, she will wreck my house", the mother explained.  

       We are seeking more information on this story but hope it is not another tragic ending.  Members of the family are not discounting such an extreme case of addiction stemming from much deeper issues..  They are afraid of harm to her or someone else if she is not restrained.

POLK CO

CONSTITUTION MATTERS

It is a crime for one or more persons acting under color of law to willfully deprive or conspire to deprive another person of any Right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. (18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242)

On May 10, 2023, multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Texas Rangers, PCSO, Livingston PD, and the Polk County District Attorney's office, were notified of a complaint of alleged criminal conduct. The complaint, supported by video evidence, was filed by Ms. Trimble and alleged violations of Constitutionally protected Rights by an officer and a sergeant from the Livingston Police Department. Local offices informed Ms. Trimble that the Texas Rangers would be responsible for investigating the allegations, and as she had already sent the complaint to a DPS email address, local offices would not take any immediate action. However, it is important to note that the Texas Rangers typically initiate an investigation upon receiving information from the DA's office or a law enforcement agency, which creates a potential delay in addressing the matter. Ms. Trimble received an email from Lt. Marty Drake of the Livingston PD, implying that they had no intention of conducting any investigation, whether criminal or administrative.

On October 24, 2023, Ms. Trimble submitted another criminal complaint, supported by audio, to the Livingston PD, this time concerning two detectives from the department who interrogated her at the Polk County jail on February 16, 2022. Again the allegations concern violations of Constitutionally protected Rights this time of an incarcerated individual. This situation raises concerns about the accountability of city or county employees when they are accused of breaking the law or violating their oaths and public trust. It is a reminder that justice should be pursued, irrespective of one's agreement with the actions of Ms. Trimble and her associates. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?" The Sentinel has obtained "Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law" that was decided in a case earlier this year revealing that even high-ranking officials within the Livingston Police Department are found to be in violation of both the U.S. and Texas Constitution based on the facts in the case.

POLK CO 9/1/2023

WHAT IS NEXT?  AI ISSUED WARRANTS?

Recent records request have revealed that the Onalaska Police Department is now relying heavily on Facebook to solve petty theft and God knows what other crimes. In a recent post on Facebook the owner of "Small Town Glamor" asked for help identifying two people believed to have worked together to steal from the store on 07/10/2023.  In no time multiple people identified multiple other people as the perpetrators in the still shots from the security cameras. One of the people identified was Diane Wiggins. Based on this information gleaned from Facebook as well as an admittedly biased "picture picker" Chief Jessica Stanton swore in a complaint to the court alleging Mrs. Wiggins deprived "Small Town Glamour" of property at an estimated value of $67.45. This despite never interviewing the suspect, never conducting a face to face interview with any witnesses besides the shop keeper, zero evidence the woman in the security cameras stole anything, there being zero evidence anything was actually stolen, and the woman in the security camera looking nothing like Diane Wiggins. We wonder what real investigation work has been done in the case by OPD.

POLK CO 3/10/2023

LEE HON APPEARS, DISAPPEARS . . . . .

or 'BOGUS CHARGE DISSIPATES.

Former DA Hon appeared in court this morning and was first up for his client and out the door.  Only moments later, the bogus charges he filed on Melanie for causing a 911 call to bemade were dismissed but hON missed seeing his old house of cards crumbling.  His skurrying from the courtroom when done prevented that.   Long time Sentinel readers will remember the day of Melanie's arrest.  The LPD correctly stated they had arrested Melanie for the call being made and in a seperate sentence stated they had confirmeed the identity of the caller.   What they left out with their artistic linguism was that Melanie did not make the call and they knew it.  

       Here is your come uppins Hon and those compliant with his methods.  The days of getting by with rtalitory charges are over.  

POLK CO SHERIFF TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS

Multiple calls to The Sentinel regarding the story linked to this headline were met with, "Yes I know about the arrest but sheriff took care of business arresting one of his own."

Now if the theft had NOT been investigated or prosecuted, THAT would have made Sentinel headlines.   We have not been able to locate the booking info confirming she was booked in.  Ms. David was the records clerk who most often responded to open records requests.

LIVINGSTON 3/2/2023

INDICTMENT QUASHED, CASE DISMISSED

A constitution lovin, rights protecting District Judge, The Honorable Travis Kitchens was ready to grant a motion to quash (portion of text below) the retalitory indictment FORMER DA. lee hon obtained thru an uninformed grand jury against Brandon White.  We recognize that grand jurors are not usually attorneys so most of the fault for denying the rights and violating the constitutional protections afforded the accused under the Constitution were done by none other than the corrupt FORMER DA, bill lee 'the kid' hon.

   A young but bright upcoming attorney, Seth Evans took the case as court appointed counsel and could see the obvious flaws in the indictment.

     Apparently the ADA appointed to prosecute the case originally could see the flaws too because when Judge Kitchens granted the motion to quash, she had a 'Motion to Dismiiss' prepared, handed it in and the Honorable Kitchens granted it also.

     In my 30 plus years of outing corruption in our criminal justice system, the most embarassing incident ever occurred in Polk County was the day that Lee Hon bragged about his grand jury handing down over 170 indictments in one day.  

    Life long Polk Co resident and business man, Tim Martin, did the math and wrote an excoriating article on facebook pointing out that hon averaged less than three minutes per indictment that day.  That leaves no choice but to call that grand jury a damn rubber stamp or a neutered bull calf with a ring in his nose.  The law reiquires that the charges be read on a case by case basis and that the grand jury deliberate each case.  No way that was done.  

   Right after Tim Martin wrote the piece on FB, Hon filed retalitory charges on him.  They didn't go anywhere because there was no truth to them.  

    Note to new Polk County Grand Jury.  Do your homework.

CORRECTION

After re reading the PC affidavit and my emails with Livingston PD, I can not say they attributed the actual call, physically making the 911 call to Melanie.  The PD is apparently willing to let my stumble along believing that they positively identified Melanie as the actual caller.  

UPDATE 2/16/2022

SOURCE OF 911 CALL, "POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED"

According to an official source, the source of the 911 call attributed to Melanie McCrory has been "positively identified" in response to a Sentinel question.   Livingston PD did make the probable cause affidavit available to me in a timely manner and even answered my direct question about the positive identity of the caller which is not required by law.  

TEXAS 2/11/2022

AUDITOR COMMUNITY RECOILS FROM ARRESTS

Recent arrest of Melani McCrory and Brandon White along with extremely high bond amounts have sent a shiver through the ranks of the Auditor Community in Texas.    Statements leading to the speculation that there are other warrants for other auditors that were at the scene can be heard on the video of the arrest encounter at Ms. McCrory's apartment.  

    Having interviewed several of the auditors on quite a few occassions, it is clear that the prospect of showing up in Polk Co to protest the arrests may be met with a warrant of your own has dampened the enthusiam of most. Several have commented on being placed on a 'Terrorist' watch list in the last week.  

    Accordingto the Probable Cause Affidavit obtained via open records, Ms. McCrory is charged with and accused of having made the 911 call that initiated the confrontation at her apartment.  All there that The Sentinel has interviewed  deny the accusation but I cant see the Livingston PD, after multiple interactions with them, claiming to have an audio file that they don't have.  Both Parish and Wright will tell you that we have sparked and disagreed but I have never caught the PD in a lie.  Mum to my questions yes, but a lie, no.  

    My long and involved study of the auditor movment as chronicled on my "Auditor Comments' page leads me to a conclusion.  Although there are true desires by many to stand on our constitutional rights by exercising them, the underlying theme of provoking an officer of the law to do something he can be sued for and collecting on said suit seems to be a constant motive.

   I remember early on when the auditor movement first came onto the scene, even some of my longest time readers commented that they were doing what I do.  "No", I said, "they look to provoke a cop into doing something they can sue for, I take complaints and look for specific evidence of wrong doing and publish that when I find it".  

    One of my most prominent expose' articles was outing the king of audit lawsuits, New Now Houston when he did a hit piece on our SJC community and sheriff's dept.  You might say that I took away his anonymity by discovering and then posting his true identity.  My constant counsel to those who want to be credible is to not hide behind anonymity.  That is why no matter how nasty the fake profiles get and the lies they spout run round the world in minutes, my credibility is maintained by the fact that you can pick up a phone, email or knock on my door and communicate with the real me.  

   When Lee Hon filed the false charges on me for exercising my free speech, I put out a call to arms to protect free speech and free press but who helped me?  Not my church, not a sole in the auditor community.  Just me and The Lord and a good lawyer and a few veterans behind me stood on the Truth and sought justice and prevailed. 

   Having had quite a few converstaions with Melanie McCrory and Brandon White over the last few months, both will assure you that my admonition is and has always been that all it takes is one lie and you are done.  The Sentinel was sought out by them which gave me opportunity to not only counsel them on journalististic ethics but to also warn them of the consequences of sparring with the most powerful people in the county.  "You better be right and be able to prove it".   

CORRIGAN 

VIDEO PROVES SENTINEL STORY

Phillip Driver of the land mark case, "Turner Vs Driver" is featured in the video below.  WE wrote about the incident some time back and how ignorant Corrigan PD was acting in their blatant disregard for citizen rights under the tryant, William Lee Hon as soon to be former DA of Polk Co.  These officers, just as Hon's 'golden boy' Christopher Limadid,  violate the law with impunity because they know Hon will shield them from any scrutiny or legal action.

     Philip Driver was the wrong man to corner up.  He bites back.  Corrigan's chief, 'plump  boy' Gilbert has stained the reputation of law and order in Polk County by being a flat out dumbass with full cover from Bill Lee 'the kid' Hon.  Below the video is the original story I wrote when the incident took place.  

CORRIGAN 8/18/2021

CHIEF GIBSON HIDES FROM ACTIVISTS, SHUTSDOWN CITY

A half a dozen committted Constitutional rights activists apparently sent fear through Corrigan PD's chief of police as they marched toward the Police Dept with cameras at the ready today.  As chronicled in The Sentinel, his dept has already stepped in it by making multiple arrests of these activists just for daring to film on or cross over city property despite precedent setting law upholding the legality of the activists' actions.

    I say 'committed' activists because one has been arrested and had to post bond three times in Corrigan on charges that will never stand up in court.  

    According to several on the scene today, the group was spotted by one patrol officer who was preparing to leave in his cruiser that then pulled over and made a phone call.  When the group of patriots got to the door of the PD, it was locked.  One claimsthey have video shot through the glass of Chief Gibson scrambling away to hide from the group.  This is during business hours but the door was locked.

     The group then began walking toward city hall, according to my source and they found that door was locked too.  One citizen in the City Hall parking lot was interviewed who was simply there to pay his water bill and didn't understand why the door was locked during business hours.

       Corrigan PD Chief delighted in refusing my open records request in the past and threatening to call the Rangers on me back when Hon's bogus and retalitory charges were still hanging over my head.   He was a smart mouth punk then and now he needs to come out of the closet. Go figure

     What these activists have proven is that even the bullies who have badges are really scared little boys inside.  These little 'b' bullies are just a punk with a gun and a badge and don't know how to act when someone with no power, no money, no clout and especially, NO FEAR OF THEM, dares to stand up to their tyranny and rebuke it with the truth.  Chief Gibson proved today that he will hide in the closet.  How embarassing for the good honest cops that way outnumber thePUNKS like Gibson.  As the corrupt da's like to say when they get to court and can't make their case, "in the interest of justice", Chief Gibson, it is WAY PAST TIME for you to step down too.

• Bethany A. Evans

Author

It took me awhile to wake up to your biased agenda, but I'm all woke now. I think you may believe you are doing good, but you really should be careful of vetting your sources and do better research; maybe also work on becoming less bitter, it comes out in your writing. It is my opinion that your blog borders on pure slander at times. I do not support your approach to journalism, but this is all just my opinion.

Steve Watson

There are two things that you are right about. You are 'woke' (thanks for admitting it) and I am biased. I will remain biased against corrupt public servants till the day I die. My agenda is to be useful in removing the corrupt who hold the public trust as long as I have breath. My best effort in that goal is to help send the most informed voters possible to the polls. You accuse me of slander. Here is the websters definition: : "to make a false spoken statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone." I will make you the same offer that I have made Hon, Wallace, Lima, Lou Rogers, Royce Wells, etc etc the list is long. "Prove one malicious lie I ever published and I will shut down The Sentinel myself. You attacked my credibility recently in text messages between us. I challenged you then to prove just one lie on my part. Your reply was to the effect of, "I don't have the desire or the time". That is the difference in me and you. When I call you a liar, I have already published the proof. You chided me for calling Hon a liar. Hon is a liar. I have proven it over and over. I can again. Hon witholds exculpatory evidence. I have proven it and can again. There is one fact that you may not be aware of. My church, recognizing my willingness to stand up for the oppresssed has recognized the calling on my life. If you don't recognize it, research discernment. It is a facinating biblical topic. You accuse me of bitterness. Quite the opposite. I pray for Hon and have been for years. The quickest way to defeat an enemy is for them to get saved. The last DA that filed bogus criminal charges on me was also the subject of my prayers. He got saved and worships in my church now. I forgave him BEFORE he got saved for telling everyone in our community that it was me that planted all the child porn on the former judge's computers. EVERY corrupt one that I have challenged and called down for their crimes has falsely accused me of being a convicted child molestor. That last DA was no different. The next won't be ether. I am 65 now and have been doing this for 30 plus years. Granted I can get a little snarky (it is a gift) snarky means sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner. Guilty. You are not the first to call me a liar or accuse me of lying and i doubt you will be the last. Nor are you the first or last that failed to prove it when challenged. The good news is that my lab reports came back on all three polyps being benign. Corona didn't kill me and I got that bad tooth pulled. I feel good.  People who know the caliber of people that I confront warn me all the time to watch my back.  I tell them, God has my back. I am going to press forward like He told me to do. Good day young lady. Steve

!2/2/2021  HON SUFFERS HOOP BURN

Even when Hon brings in a visiting judge to get what he wants, Truth and Justice prevails.  The visiting judge upheld the order and Hon was slam dunked again.  Read more below.

12/2/2021  258th District Court Polk Co

CORRUPT DA EXPOSES LYIN VINDICTIVE RACIST AGENDA . . . AGAIN

After a long drawn out episode that exposed Li Hon's corruption to the world, Hon was forced to back off of the case of Aurther Dirden, a young black male,  when it came to light (thank you L.U.L.A.C. and N.A.A.C.P. Representatives) That the corrupt DA Hon and his side kick Coleman were REFUSING to recognize that the man had paid his debt, was through with his sentence, had passed all of his polygraph exams and that the courts had released him.  Hon/Coleman kept a bogus 'warrant' hanging over his head with threat to arrest him if he dared to show his face in Hon's office to address the illegal acts  that Hon/Coleman were engaging in. Dirden, who maintians to this day that he was not guilty and was railroaded by Hon/Coleman, with help of the minority reps and The Sentinel putting light on the scandalous actions of Hon, was finally able to get the matter resolved.  

 HON/COLEMAN  filed bogus 'probation violation' charges and even stooped to sending the former Polk Co. Texas Ranger Clendenon  by to do Probation 'compliance checks' on a man who was through with probation.

    Sentinel readers will remember it as the case that even Wayne Dolcifino started looking into and then dropped like a hot potato when he was scared off by Hon.  Dolcifino kept the money but did not do the job.  A move that cost him way more in credibility than the money was worth.

   We picked the story up and followed it through writing about Hon/Coleman being forced to come clean on their illegal (can we say abuse of official capacity) antics, drop the illegal bogus warrant and finally sign off on the man's paperwork.  

FAST FORWARD to this year.  Hon/Coleman are up to their dishonest and corrupt racist practices again.  Nothing new there except this time, it is a young Hispanic male.

    All the readers will remember the Binion case that Hon/Coleman tried to make political hay out of against The Honorable Travis Kitchens, 258th District Judge with some months ago.  In their constant action of lying, Hon accused a man HE KNEW he planned to run against this election of giving Binion, accused of a sex crime against a willing female that was just beyond the 3 year age difference  commonly known as "Romeo and Juliet" law.  Hon offered the defendant a plea deal that included some additional jail time and a deferred adjudication probation  which young Binion agreed to.  District Judge, Travis Kitchens accepted the terms of the plea deal EXACTLY AS HON OFFERED IT  and signed the order as prepared by Hon's office.  

     Hon/Coleman and the Propaganda Press (willie bootlicker   openshaw) ran with the lie that with a story that falsely accused Hon's future political opponent of going easy on "sex offenders". 

    That one blew up on Hon/Coleman when The Sentinel published the response of Binion's Counselor about the plea process pointing out that the first thing Hon did was waive a jury trial PROVING that he and Coleman were lying again.  Hon is still stuck in the old days of controlling the press and timing stories so political opponents can't respond.  Those days are over dumbass.

    Even the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals called Hon/Coleman a dumbass not long after Crystalball openshaw put out the bogus story because Hon appealed the "sentence" his own office offered the young man as a 'defective sentence'.  The appeals court reply was, and I am paraphrasing here, "You are a dumbass because a deferred adjudication is not a sentence, it is a postponed judgement.  Failure to meet the terms will result in a finding of guilt and then a sentence but as for the present, a deferred adjudication is not a sentence, it is a "deferred adjudication".  

     Hon may wish folks didn't know he made such a bush league mistake but he did.  It is almost as big a  mistake as constantly coampaigning on being "tough" on sex offenders until The Sentinel proved with public record documents that Hon's own mother was and had been living with and was common law married to a registered sex offender.  That pissed hon off so bad that he and coleman lied to the Rangers claiming that the clerk and another female had "secreted out sensitive documents".  When I proved to the Rangers that the document I did publish was a public record I paid a dollar for, the Rangers dropped the case like a hot potato.  Neither they nor their 'public integrity unit' investigated or prosecuted Hon for lying.   We all know that multiple felony  case fizzled away  simply because Hon/Coleman are liars from the pit of hell.

   Fast Forward to today.  Not satisfied with the failed political hay effort and not satisfied with the no nonsense reply of the a5th Cirsuit COA, Hon is determined to put this young Hispanic male in prison.  Why?   If they had been a little bit closer in age, there would not have even been a case.  Public records prove that the accuser dropped out and refused to take part in the prosecution as even a witness but Hon was able to get Binion to plea with his offer of time served plus additional jail time and a deferred adjudication.    It is a deal Binion could only be granted with a guilty plea.  Talk about bait and switch BS, Hon "the con" strikes again.

   Now Hon/Coleman, are pressing for the third time to undo the plea deal they offered Binion to start with.  If I know Hon/Coleman/crystal/openshaw, there will be another lying story on that propaganda rag accusing The Honorable Travis Kitchens of some made up wrong since it is coming down to the wire soon where Hon has to come out of the closet about his intent to run against Kitchens in the upcoming primary.  .  

    I have news for you Hon da Con.  STRIKE THREE YOU ARE OUT!!!

AUSTIN 11/17/2021

LIMA TCOLE CERTIFICATION 'ON HOLD'

According to Kim Vickers office in Austin, Christopher Lima's certification as a peace officer in the State of Texas is on hold until the criminal case against him is complete.  According to Sentinel sources, Lima is scheduled for an arraignment hearing December 16th.  Considering the low ball charges they put on this drug dealing cop, one step reduction in the level of the charge would mean Lima can keep his TCOLE certification.  A deferred adjudication would have the same effect.  

    Many concerned citizens are watching the case carefully and most are expecting his crimes to be swept under the rug, 'one more time Cincinatti, one more time".

ONALASKA 10/30/2021

CONSTITUTIONAL ACTIVIST ARRESTED

Brandon White was arrested right at dinner time by a Polk Co deputy and an Onalaska PD officer for back up.  They claimed to have a warrant according to White for the allegation of him 'interferring' .  

    brandon speculates that it is for a police stop he filmed of Corrigan PD officer, Albert Richards who ordered Brandon to move 1000 feet down the road.  Brandon refused what he considered to be an unlawful order stating the courts had ruled on that.  "I don't care what the court says" was the officer's reply in the video White suspects must be the impetus for the most recent arrest.

   The initial Sentinel story was in error stating Richards was involved in the arrest.  It was a late night call by a family member and limited information because White was in jail.  We have since confirmed that it was a Polk Co. Deputy who had an Onalaska PD officer there as back up.  

    Already targeted for arrest on several occassions by Corrigan PD, the only charge against Brandon that has made it to court was DISMISSED.  Now Li Hon has several charges to hang over Brandon White in his effort to squash the Constitutional activists efforts in Polk County and a free press.  

   A pattern of waiting for months to arrest  people in the Auditor movement for allegations of 'criminal' activity seems to be taking hold.  In multiple cases of record now, the auditor shoots the video of their interaction with the officer, publish it and are not arrested at the time but only after weeks or even months have passed, the auditor is arrested.  

   Several members of the auditor community ponied up the bail money so that Brandon White was free d on bond the same night that he was arrested.

    It should be no surprise to Polk Countians that the DA cannot stand a free presswhen Coleman penned that article praising a toungue in cheek ammendment put forward by a legislator stating journalists needed to be licensed by the state.  Either Coleman is a loyal communist or   he thinks the readers were idiots because the ammendment was put forward to illustrate the absolute absurdity of 'licensing' our constitutional rights.

    Li Hon's record of retaliatory arrests aimed at silencing critics remains unblemished and unsuccessful in court.   

POLK COUNTY 6/25/2020

OPEN LETTER TO VALERIE REDDELL AND DA LEE HON

Ms Reddell, I read your recent article titled “Battle Lines Drawn over Prosecutor Misconduct” with much interest after it was forwarded to me by several.  I applaud your willingness to take on the powers that be.  Your recent accurate article never the less left you vulnerable to attacks as evidenced by Bill Lee ‘the kid’ Hon’s best efforts.  We will address those shortly.

I do appreciate your work and look forward to years of your best efforts.  You kind of remind me of Martha Charrey in your feisty ways but Ms. Charrey remains one of my most admired journalists in my life.  Her integrity is of the highest caliber.  She NEVER backed up as long as you had the proof for her. 

The balancing act you guys have accomplished for so many years in our communities of employing people, paying salaries, and keeping your advertisers happy so that you can operate and bring the news to the community shows good management and business acumen.  A headache that I don’t envy and do not have in the operation of The Sentinel Alert-Town Crier which is, as you reference it, a, ‘popular blog’. 

The apparent rivalry between you and an online Polk County ‘news source’, www.polkcountytoday.com that the ADA Coleman waded into does involve advertising money.  Neither publication can escape that reality.  I can and do.  Now the situation has snared ole brer rabbit Hon too, we will find out he took a swing at the ‘Tar Baby’ he can’t pull back now that Hon put it in print. 

Mr. Hon, you are full of lies.  The truth is not The Truth unless it is the Whole Truth and NOTHING but the Truth.  Let’s examine your recent missive. 

HONS Article with Sentinel Highlights

This is in response to a Polk County Enterprise “news analysis” written by Polk County Enterprise Editor Valerie Reddell and published in today’s (June 18, 2020) edition of the paper regarding a member of my staff, (You wish it was about someone else.  The Article is about the criminal act of withholding exculpatory evidence in the Polk Co prosecutors office.  That be you.) Polk County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Tommy Coleman. In a front page article headlined “Battle lines drawn over prosecutor’s conduct. (SEE, even the headline says what the article is about and it isn’t Coleman) Part of an ongoing series about the need for criminal justice reform,” Ms. Reddell professes to “revisit one of the worst episodes of wrongful conviction in the history of Texas jurisprudence” (No she doesn’t ‘profess’ to, Ms. Redell DOES revisit one of the worst known cases of prosecutor misconduct) and “examines” how “one of the prosecutors in the case made a soft landing in the Polk County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.” Ms. Reddell then briefly recounts portions of the history of the Michael Morton wrongful conviction from Williamson County and alleges (Ahh . . . no allegation there.  Read it again. She plainly points that truth out) that “Tommy Lamar Coleman” assisted in the “prosecution of Michael Morton during his tenure at the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.” (Just to bust your bubble Hon, because I do so enjoy it, fighting the release of a falsely convicted man by CONTINUING to withhold exculpatory evidence qualifies as “assisted in the prosecution of”.)  Ms. Reddell’s article is misleading and her timing suspect. It leaves out details regarding Mr. Coleman that I feel are essential to allow a reader to make their own objective conclusions regarding the inferences Ms. Reddell seeks to raise. In fact, it is not apparent what, if any, contemporary relevance the article has.  (LOL HOW STUPED DO YOU THINK THE PEOPLE ARE??? I have personally produced and published evidence of your office withholding exculpatory evidence and filing false criminal charges.  I have more evidence too as soon as we get to court.  Evidence of Felony level criminal conduct on your and Tommy Coleman’s part. You are corrupt and a criminal right now and that qualifies as ‘contemporary relevance’!)

First, and most importantly, the article fails to note that the Williamson County prosecution of Michael Morton occurred in 1987 under the administration of then District Attorney Ken Anderson. (and that corrupt prosecution continued for 30 years INCLUDING the time Mr. Coleman worked there and took part in the efforts.)   Mr. Coleman was not even licensed to practice law until 2002 and not employed by the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office until 2006. While it is true that some of Morton’s efforts to overturn his sentence were pending during Mr. Coleman’s association with Williamson County (then under the administration of a new district attorney) I am unaware (I believe this.  You have a way of being ‘unaware’ of crimes committed right under your nose or even forgetting them if the right connection or campaign donation is made.  It shows incompetence on your part because a simple google search of the guy is all it would have taken before you hired him to know he was a criminal) of any involvement Mr. Coleman had in those legal proceedings. Further, I am unaware of any allegation of professional misconduct that was ever lodged against Mr. Coleman with the State Bar of Texas from his association with the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office or otherwise. The State Bar of Texas website page for Mr. Coleman does not reflect any disciplinary history.

Mr. Coleman’s professional resume is exceptional. Prior to becoming an Assistant District Attorney for Williamson County, he served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army for six years where he received numerous professional commendations and an honorable discharge. He served as an Assistant General Counsel for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, an Assistant County Auditor for Williamson County and an Assistant County Attorney for Williamson County. He worked in private practice in Austin for approximately two years.

Immediately after leaving the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Coleman was hired as Staff Counsel for the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct—the entity that investigates judges for allegations of ethical and professional misconduct. Presumably, that agency charged with the enforcement of ethical rules for judges’ properly vetted Mr. Coleman for any history of professional misconduct.  (They didn’t google him either then) It was in January of 2013, after I filed an allegation of judicial misconduct against former 258th District Judge Elizabeth Coker over a courtroom texting incident that occurred during a criminal trial, that I first met Mr. Coleman. He was one of several attorneys with the Judicial Conduct Commission who were assigned to work on the Coker investigation which ultimately lead to her resignation from the bench. (I don’t see you filing complaints on John Wells who conspired via text message with YOU to cook up criminal charges on his political rival.   Shall I publish that proof again?  What gives?)  I recall speaking to him approximately four or five times during the course of that investigation.  (That is enough calls to make a plan.) It is perhaps noteworthy that Mr. Coleman was no longer with the commission at the conclusion of its investigation of Ms. Coker in October of 2013. Rather, in August of 2013 he left for a position with the Republican Party of the State of Texas to serve as In House Counsel and Director of Minority Outreach.  (oh how nice when a plan comes together.  Let us get him in as party chair here with the escapee votes and I will be a shoe in forever as long as I want to be DA or  JUDGE!!  Now that I got the much loved Coker family candidate out of the way.  Hmmmmmm)

Contrary to Ms. Reddell’s assertion, it was not a “short time later” following Mr. Coleman’s departure from the Judicial Conduct Commission that he became employed by this office. Nor was his employment here a “soft landing”—whatever that term means. (you are brighter than that and so are we)  Between August of 2013 and January of 2015, I had essentially no contact with Mr. Coleman other than being aware that he had taken a position with the Texas Republican Party. In January of 2015, Mr. Coleman learned of a vacancy in this office for an Assistant District Attorney and applied for that position. Based upon his extensive professional experience (experience withholding exculpatory evidence) in both government and private practice, I felt that he was more than qualified for the position and he was hired. (This is when The Sentinel first made you and any who read aware of Coleman’s background and criminal acts.  You ignored my warning that his tenure would cloud every case he touched in Polk Co. and the speculation by me that you hired him BECAUSE of his expertise in withholding evidence.  Speculation that has proven true.)  During his tenure in Polk County, Mr. Coleman has prosecuted both felony and misdemeanor cases, served as a county government liaison to our county commissioner’s court, served as the primary office counsel on matters pertaining to open records (The state open records laws he and YOU , violate with impunity in order to protect yourselves and the guilty you are associated with.) and open government and most recently been classified as a “special projects” prosecutor with the objective of focusing on public integrity crimes.  (That is a joke) He is actively involved in our community and has volunteered to serve as Chairman of the local board of directors for Habitat for Humanity.  (That is distressing because as the money man for the Republican Club, he has ignored repeated attempts to obtain financial records thru open records that would show where the money went.  Why?) Most importantly, during his tenure with this office I was approached by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas regarding the possibility of Mr. Coleman becoming appointed to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) for the U.S. Justice Department. I readily agreed that this appointment would be beneficial to this office and the people of Polk County, as well as for Mr. Coleman. Since his appointment (That both you and Babin endorsed when you ignore probable cause and Babin proposes legislation that just does away with probable cause) as a SAUSA, Mr. Coleman has proven to be a very effective liaison between this office and the United States Attorney’s Office on criminal cases with a potential federal nexus.  (They better watch out for him withholding exculpatory evidence unless that is the skill they are after.  He still does it on the state level we both know.) would note that prior to his appointment, Mr. Coleman underwent an extensive FBI background investigation (is that supposed to impress us?  They can’t even catch YOU committing crimes when the evidence is tied with a ribbon and delivered to their office.) in order to receive this federal position and appropriate security clearances associated therewith.

It is no secret (and was no secret to me at the time of his hiring) that Mr. Coleman is a conservative Republican. (To be a ‘conservative’ requires MORAL conservatism.  No lying, cheating, stealing and bearing false witness.) Since moving to Polk County in 2015, he has been actively involved in Republican Party politics. (That is true but damn, he still won’t produce the Republican “club” financial records.  Why?) As an African-American conservative, (Is he from Africa for real?  All this time I thought he was whole American with no hyphen.  To me, serving in the armed forces grants you the right to be called an American with no hypen.) I have regrettably seen him criticized from both the left and the right. (corruption is not a partisan pursuit.  There are honest citizens in all the political parties that see thru the bs) That is frankly, sad.  (it is sad that even mind controlled democrats can see his corruption plainly)  In late 2015 he came to me and told me that he had been solicited by several local supporters to run for the position of County Republican Chairman. He had the right to do so and in the 2016 Republican primary he received almost 47% of the votes having lived here for only a year. (There goes that escapee’s influence you and Willis wield in Polk Co.  Thank God I took the time to vet the man and warn the electorate of his crimes just barely a couple of weeks before that election and informed voters turned down his offer.  If he won’t come clean on the Club finances, what a nightmare it would be with party funds.) He has served as president of the local county Republican club (yeah we covered that) and has not been hesitant to speak out publicly and privately, as a conservative, on matters of public concern.  (does his now infamous, “It is all fun and games until someone gets indicted” meme on facebook count as speaking out on matters of public concern?)

On Sunday, June 7th of this year, Mr. Coleman, on his own personal time and own social media sites spoke out very publicly in support of the First Amendment “free speech” rights of a local online news publisher who had generated some controversy regarding recent local political protests. (you mean offended the entirety of the civil minded community who were offended by the blatant racism openshaw published?  Coleman’s effort to defend openshaw’s racist rant only proves how deeply Coleman is owned by you Hon.)  The following Monday, June 8th, I received a phone call at my office from Polk County Enterprise Editor Valerie Reddell complaining of Mr. Coleman’s comments and interpreting them as a slight against her newspaper. (It is a pattern in your office Hon to try to silence ANY source of news that is detrimental to your tyrannical efforts.  As a government official, Coleman’s effort is a violation of her free speech)  Ms. Reddell stated to me that it was no secret that she did not care for her online media competitor. I explained to Ms. Reddell that Mr. Coleman’s comments were his own, made on his own personal time (But Schelena Hock’s private comments are public record you two faced dumbass?) and that he had the legal right to make them. (But Schelena Hock doesn’t?  Pulling ads is free speech.  It is ONLY when government suppresses free speech, like you do, that it is a crime.)  Nevertheless, she insisted that he was “one of my employees,” that she would be “speaking to her attorneys” and that she would “see me in court.”

It should be noted that at present, my office is comprised of six assistant prosecuting attorneys. All of them are attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.  (So far so good.  You and Coleman are the only two The Sentinel has ever had a complaint on.) They went to law school. They studied constitutional law and are quite familiar with their rights including their freedom to speak out on matters of public interest.   (Is it only the ‘bloggers’ that publish evidence of your and your ADA Coleman’s crimes that can’t speak freely mr. district attorney?  I can prove you and Coleman think so AGAIN when we get to court.  Ms Redell’s “see you in court” may be real or just a knee jerk threat but my ‘see you in court’ is an assurance, Lord willing I live long enough they way you drag this crap out.) 

Although it was never my conscious objective, the Polk County District Attorney’s Office is one of the most diverse prosecutors’ offices in all of Texas. Actually, I am somewhat proud (Pride goeth before the fall) of that. Of my six assistant prosecutors, four are ethnic minorities, three are African-American, and four are female. (Seems out of proportion compared to the community of Polk County) They represent a diversity of perspectives and political views that I think are extremely important in the administration of justice and the important decisions they make. We have robust discussions and occasional debates within our own office. I certainly expect them to have their own opinions and to feel comfortable expressing them. (But not Schelena Hock) In fact, I want them to in these difficult political times. I legally cannot, and will not, attempt to suppress their views as long as they are made within the parameters of the law and rules of ethics for prosecutors.  (if only you had the same standard for your and your ADA Coleman’s actions.)

POLK COUTY 5/9/2020

COP HATER THREATENS SENTINEL

A local Legget man has contacted The Sentinel again after a couple of years with more threats to sue me if I EVER mention his name on my website.  His name is Michael Benson.  Below are just a couple of the more than a hundred ranting emails Benson has flooded my inbox with since 2016 when he began his tirade.  I am going to create a page for him on my Polk County page and add a little along as I have a chance to show the people of Polk County how his mind works.  Benson was the first person who made allegations against our local LEO's that I felt compelled to warn our local lawmen about my opinion that he is a danger to them. 

 LIVINGSTON 8/6/2019

BOGANNY JAIL DEATH ONLY WARRANTS SLAP ON WRIST?

The ongoing saga of the multiple Polk County Jail deaths took an interesting twist Wednesday, Aug 8 when the proposed resolution was rejected by  Judge Kaycee Jones and reset for a later hearing.  OAG representaive Cloudt had made the verbal offer to the family a month or so ago of 15 days in jail, losing his jailer license for life and no gun permit for 5 years as punishment for the jailer witholding medical care causeing the death of Antoine Bogany. 

     After much pressure by The L.U.L.A.C. representaive, Rosemary Covalt,  who was appointed as an advocate for the victim, The State of Texas finally produced the video evidence long requested by the family to view.   Several things came to light from the video.

      Antoine Bogany died in agony left to wallow on the floor in his death throes.  EMS personel on hand AND the majority of the jailers there wanted to get him to the hospital.  The person tasked with making the decision had NO MEDICAL TRAINING.  It was orders from the top that kept the jailer from incurring a hosptial bill without getting specific permission from the chief deputy, Byron Lyons to transport the inmate to the ER.  Byron Lyons was NOT available to his own staff because not only was Lyons phone number not readily available, when they did finally get it and call, Lyons was NOT available but only the opportunity to leave a voice mail.   

     The Sentinel investigation into this and other jail deaths shows a direct link to the administration of the jail being at fault yet only the low man on the totem pole is called to task for the incident.  Judge Jones called the evidence file submitted to her recently for perusal before making her decision as lacking.  

       The most recent Polk Co Jail death of an elderly white woman who was also denied medical care seemed to be a Deja Vu as Judge Jones interviewed a current Polk County jail inmate about her situation.  Also an elderly female incarcerated for stealing dog food, she answered Judge Jones' inquirey as to her medical conditions with, "Yes ma'am I have heart problems, high blood pressure and I am diabetic."    Judge Jones asked, "Have you received any medical attention from the jail?"  "No ma'am, they haven't given me anything".  "Do you have concerns about your medical condition?" Judge Jones asked as a follow up.  "Yes ma'am I do" was the inmate's response.  

      As the last video arraignment before the Bogany case came before her bench, Judge Jones and the rest of us couldn't help but notice that Polk Co DA, William Hon sauntered into the court room as an observer to be there during the hearing about the Bogany death.  Instead of taking his rightful place before her bench, Hon had hired a tall and imposing black woman attorney to fade the heat that needs to be laid at Hon's feet for this death.  Lee Hon, Kenneth Hammack and Byron Lyons are all willing to shirk their responsibility for the actions and lack of action that led to Bogany's death and let the jailer, who was only following orders, bear the brunt of the punishment for the negligent death.  Not well done Mr. Hon.  You prove once again that you have no integrity, no morals and absolutely no conscience when it comes to your wrong doing.  

     For some of the folks who seem bent on making this a racial issue, let me point out that the jailer being blamed was white but the administrator who was unavailable to his staff was black, the advocate is hispanic and the only reporters writing about the incident are white.  It is NOT about race but about incompetence and injustice that cannot be tolerated. 

To answer the question, yes The Sentinel has obtained William Lee Hon's campaign finance reports for the 2014 election via an open records request and built a spread sheet so we might pluck a few plums from that 38 pages of reports. 

     To Commissioner Bob Willis;  It is my sincere hope and desire for the good of the people of Polk County that some good men will step up to run against you.  The Sentinel never endorses candidates and we won't endorse any who choose to run against you but you have my word that I have every intention of getting in the trenches with you and your corrupt operation if you run again.   The voters will be fully informed.  It is that simple. 

According to the full time caretaker, life partner and business helper that was caring for and the constant companion of Rita Hon in January, Rita Hon DID NOT request that mail in ballot.  Even though the Polk County Clerk refused my open records request, we can glean from the email that the signature on the ballot request letter matched the signature on the ballot 'carrier envelope'.  Forgive me if I am suspicious because even if you are DA, it is ILLEGAL to cast a ballot for another person.  I did accept the Clerk's position as legal and accurate and have not persued that matter any further.  Maybe someone with the power to look at those records should re examine all the signatures.

So you see Tommy Coleman, your statement of fact that 'Watson WAS provided with . . .' is just another damn lie.  You could have said, "We suspect that Watson was . . ." but you state as fact something you cannot and will not be able to prove.  On the other hand, I am going to prove that you and your boss have violated the law, my rights and every shred of decency we expect from our prosecutors.  I am going to prove that you guys withheld exculpatory evidence from the grand jury to obtain several indictments. That is not a threat.  It is not retaliation.  It is just a plain simple FACT of the matter.  I, for one am sick of you, Hon and Lima dinigrating the good name and reputation of the clerks in Polk County just to fit your thwarted corrupt political agenda. 

These are fairly tame relatively speaking and I will forgo publishing the narratives about you terrorizing your wife and kids in this request for a third protective order against you.  Nor am I going to publish the cause number or county.  The Sentinel has done all we can do to warn the powers that be about the danger you pose to this community and the fact that your criminal acts are covered up by Lee Hon's illegal protective effort.   We have sounded the alarm.  I will sleep easy tonight.

LIVINGSTON 1/25/2019

"THE PROCESS IS THE PUNISHMENT"

After extensive research into the Criminal Justice system in Polk County, the sentiment expressed this morning by former Secret Service agent, Dan Bongino on the early morning news about the Meuller Witch hunt that I quoted above seems to apply to the facts of public record in Polk County.  With a list of over 600 cases "dismissed" in the last 4 years AFTER arrest, bond and hiring an attorney, more than one victim of false charges interviewed by The Sentinel has the same story.  "I did a year in jail and they never had any evidence".  In many cases, the victim lost their job and all that was given as a reason for the dismissal is a box checked that says, "in the interest of justice"

WASHINGTON D.C. 5/1/2019

US AG WILLIAM BARR IN TESTIMONY TODAY

"We have to quit using our criminal justice system as a political weapon"

LIVINGSTON 1:44 PM 2/15/2019

JUDGE CALLS SCHELANA HOCK'S ATTY AND LEE HON INTO CHAMBERS

Hearing scheduled for 1 pm had not started when judge called lawyers into his chambers.

1:55 pm. Lawyers back in courtroom.  Packing up.  Hearing is over.  No reset at this point.

     Judging from the expression on Ms. Hock's attny's face and Lee Hon's face as they exited chambers, The Sentinel is speculating that The Honorable Richard Countiss chewed on that Hon/Coleman butt about what a stupid effort they had undertaken and told them they were going to look like fools if they pushed this any further.  

     Judge Countiss is a no nonsense by the book jurist who has no patience for BS.  It is that simple.  He made that very plain when he filled the unexpired term of SJC DA Bill Burnett when he passed away. 

ONALASKA 2/12/2019

ONALASKA COMPANY SHIELDING FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AIRCRAFT

After we shamed the Polk County DA for his lack of action on this case, Hon was finally recused and the no nonsense Liberty County prosecutor's office took over.   State records prove that Liberty County not only has a much lower percapita indictment rate than Polk County, they also have one of the lowest dismissal rates in East Texas.   The two factors should prove to any reasonable person that not only does Hon sling out false charges for political purpose and "process punishment", Polk County having the highest dismissal rate in East Texas backs up the same conclusion.  Charges filed with no evidence.

    The person who forwarded that graphic to me has assured me that they don’t care if I publish their name because they have had enough of the corruption.  This person also told me that they had put in a call to Ms. Hock to tell her the same thing.  Instead of divulging a private conversation with her friend even under intense pressure and threats, Ms. Hock stood up to the tyrants.  The only comment my source made as to their source was that ‘someone’ had snagged it before Lima took it down. 

     What strikes me as odd is that Lima is in possession of the private conversation between himself and Ms. Hock but thinks he and Hon have a right to the PRIVATE conversation between Ms. Hock and a trusted friend or two.  Granted, me posting Lima’s comment gave the Sentinel readers some insight into what makes Lima tick but him not liking the exposure does not negate Ms. Hock and her friend’s right to privacy.  Anyone who thinks different is promoting the globalist police state agenda.  It is that simple.

    Having never met Ms. Hock, all this reporter can speak to is what I have observed and what the public records prove.   We have all seen Ms. Hock drug through the mud by a prosecutor who was and is willing to make false accusations against her, even to the Texas Rangers.  A prosecutor who accused her of violating her public trust when the facts prove it is him violating his.  She stood her ground (the truth) and prevailed against that onslaught.

    Now we see her being harassed and an attempt to intimidate her by a law man who represents a danger to her.  A lawman who has had two prior restraining orders issued against him to protect two different women that he was harassing in the past.  A lawman whose Polk Co S.O. file The Sentinel open record requested months ago pertaining just to the complaints and charges made by employers and the public against him for the last ten years is a file that contains over 400 pages.  A lawman whose records show he was involved in a drunken physical altercation with a woman before.  A lawman who is quick to pick on defenseless women.

    As if that weren’t enough, there is the prosecutor who has confused his constitutional duty with his personal political agenda and sued one of the very public servants that he is constitutionally bound to defend in favor of a corrupt lawman that is his friend.  A prosecutor who already spread lies and false accusations about Ms. Hock and filed a false report to the Rangers.  A prosecutor who has fought me for months to hide the 400 plus page file that will allow The Sentinel to FINALLY fully inform the voters of Polk County about one that walks among them with a badge and a gun.

In light of all this, there are three things that I would like to say to Ms. Schelana Hock.

FIRST;  It is always the darkest just before the dawn.

SECOND; This is my favorite passage of Scripture for times like these:

2 Cor 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

¹⁰ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

THIRD;   YOU, young lady, Are my Hero!

   You are my hero because of your steadfast refusal to crumble under the corrupt onslaught that has been perpetrated against you by several who are known for their retaliatory and vindictive acts.  A resolve that speaks volumes about your love for your friends, your character, your integrity and their lack.  You are my hero because of your steadfast devotion to the commitment of friendship that puts principal above politics, love above comfort and shines out of the darkness that is trying to quench your light.  You are my hero because your SERVANT’S HEART is the very lifeblood and sustainer of the public trust that Polk County has given you but most of all, you are my hero because it is obvious that The Truth abides in you. 

     You are my hero Ms. Hock and I just want to make sure that your friends in Polk County realize that they need to TREASURE a friend like you.  I want the voters to realize they need to TREASURE a servant like you but most of all, I want you to know that even over here in my little Pointblank corner of the world, your light shines brightly. 

With the absolute greatest admiration and respect,

Steve Watson – Publisher Sentinel Alert

LIVINGSTON 12/13/2018

POLK COUNTY JUDGE EDUCATES ‘SECURITY’

The Polk County Justice Center Building that contains the courtrooms, District Judge’s offices, both clerk’s offices and the district attorney’s office was the scene of a recent violation of the civil rights of an East Texas civil rights activist whose channel is known as ‘Concerned Citizen Where Is The Constitution’.  After receiving reports that the Polk County Sheriff deputies who were working security at the Justice Center were illegally excluding cameras from the premises, the wheels were set in motion to gather proof positive that this most basic and simple right of the citizens of Polk County was being routinely violated by the on duty officers that were screening everyone who entered. 

     The Concerned Citizen, Clint, approached the check point with his video camera openly in his possession and attempted to enter.  Just as had been reported, Sgt Cabiness immediately confronted this citizen with his illegal demands to take the camera out of the building as proven in this video shot by the very camera Cabiness was objecting to.  I’ll not narrate the entire exchange but suffice it to say Sgt Cabiness illustrated his ignorance of the law or willingness to violate a citizen’s rights with impunity and blame it on the judge. The Concerned Citizen simply asked to see the judge’s order Cabiness claimed to base his illegal actions on which provoked Cabiness to the point that he pushed the citizen to remove him from the building. 

    Instead of a flashy confrontation, Concerned Citizen took his unanswered questions to County Judge, Sydney Murphy and Chief Deputy, Byron Lyons.   Judge Murphy immediately recognized the error being perpetrated against the Citizens and took action.  By state law, the sheriff is responsible for the security of the courthouse but  you cannot violate the law and citizen’s rights in order to fulfill that duty.  “If they aren’t going to allow my camera in the building”, Concerned Citizen argued against the policy, “They need to have every single person bring their cell phones up front right now and turn them in”.   Filming in the actual courtrooms is not allowed unless the judge ok's it but the public areas of the building are and long have been, legal to film in as a public space. 

   Concerned Citizen made a follow up visit to the Polk County Justice Center recently and encountered zero resistance to his camera entering the building and taking the tour.  One more time, Judge Murphy stepped up and did the right thing with full transparency.  

REPUBLICANS GET TOGETHER WITH FOOD, MUSIC AND TIME TO TALK.

LIVINGSTON 10/20/2018

REPUBLICAN PARTY BBQ BRINGS CONSERVATIVES TOGETHER

Troubadour Cody Joe Tillman was the catalyst in the mix that brought out the Blue Duck special which is apparently hosting a first class event.  His comfortable tunes kept all of our conversations from drifting too far but allowed for the friendly and respectful exchange of ideas and information between several elected officials and their constituents. 

    C0dy gave up his mike to State Rep James White for a few moments when he arrived to greet the people.  Rep White applauded the party effort to bring people together seeking common ground and was quick to give due to the local elected officials he saw in the crowd.  From County Judge to Commissioner, Constable to Clerk and the school board too, Rep White gave them all a shout out and a thank you for their service to the community.  Then he let Cody have the loft and his mike back and came down to mingle among his people, giving them his ear. 

  A couple of photos above just absolutely illustrate the Representative Republic form of govt in its purest grass roots form.  Since our state reps have to run every two years, being responsive to your constituents can only happen when you hear them.  Rep White did a lot more listening than he did talking and took time to make himself available to all. 

    In keeping with the main focus of the event, according to planner and Republican Party P.I.O. Tim Martin, much was done toward recognizing and establishing that common ground.  Rep White summed it up saying, "Go vote starting Monday and let's govern conservatively".

    For me, the highlight of the night was when I was near Judge Sydney Murphy and a grown woman came up introducing herself and said, "Ms. Murphy, you were my reading teacher when I was six years old and I just love you".  There was no doubt touching this woman's life when she was a child meant the world to Judge Murphy as they locked eyes and their faces shone with the joy of their recalled affection. 

   This reporter left the event knowing a few things for sure.  The Republican Party in Polk County is going places with a common and plain stated goal, conservative women are still the most beautiful and last but not least, a blind man could see that. 

   The things they cherish, God, Family and Country, make them the weavers of the fabric of our nation.  They bring the very threads to life and in their pattern of unity, give strength to each other, their men and our nation. 

UPDATE 8/22/2018

LIMA CLAIMS HIS EMAIL WAS HACKED

After a lengthy verbal battle ensued on Lima's fb page late into the night in which Lima professed that "that blog in San Jacinto County" was just a puppet for the Polk County G.O.P. Public Information officer and that said P.I.O. fed news about anyone that crossed him to The Sentinel, evidence came to light that Lima had 'ratted' on his fellow L.E.O.'s in Polk County via emails sent to The Sentinel last January.  The evidence was in the form of a series of emails Lima initiated with The Sentinel at that time offering us 'evidence' on high ranking public officials in Polk Co, in particular a former boss of his.  When The Sentinel got wind of the fb rant, we attempted to view it for ourself and found we were blocked from his fb page.  A group of Polk County readers did provide the transcript, confront and challenge The Sentinel to address Lima's claims that The Sentinel had a puppet master.  We responded by releasing the emails that prove Lima is lying.  His email, despite his claims and the false accusations against the men we released the emails to, WAS NOT HACKED.  The emails are original and still intact in The Sentinel Alert email account.  We are considering publishing them here in the interest of full disclosure.

ONALASKA 8/21/2018

FORMER ONALASKA L.E.O. PLEADS TO PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Three counts on a disorderly conduct charge leveled against Christopher Lima were reduced to a charge of Public Intoxication which, according to Lima, he pled "no contest' to.  Lima had initially demanded a jury trial and in communication with The Sentinel, claimed he had all the evidence he needed to prove he was not guilty of the charges.  Lima was once employed by the Onalaska PD Dept but is now a detective with the Corrigan PD.

CITY SECRETARY INDICTED FOR WITHOLDING OPEN RECORDS

POINTBLANK 7/11/2018

RECORDS ARRIVE AT SENTINEL OFFICE

A mostly un responsive effort including 14 blank pages with only a page number out of the 5o documents contained in the envelope arrived at The Sentinel office but it still provided enough evidence to prove 'Abuse of Official Capacity' against William Lee Hon. 

7/20/2018

CORRIGAN CITY ATTORNEY GOES SILENT

    A simple request to see the minutes and agendas was interpreted by the City Attorney for actual copies resulting in the big bogus three day bill presented by City Attorney, Tatum.  Since we have clarified for the City Attorney that the original request was for copies but ended when they sent, "no documents responsive to your request" answers.  My followup request was to "see" all the agendas and minutes.  I am not asking for copies of all that but just want to examine them for myself.  I felt it a necessary step when the same attorney mis interpreted my initial request for the agenda's and minutes containing payment to the PD items where Ms. Gibson was "PRESENT" to vote.  The City Attorney interpreted that simple and plain request into wanting minutes Mrs. Gibson actually voted "FOR" payment. 

      Then there was the delay of City Attorney being out of office for an extended period.  Now a request to simply "see" the documents morphed into a big big bill claiming the secretary needs three days just to pull the agendas and minutes of those meetings and make copies that I never asked for.  My last clarification, nearly two weeks old now, has been met with silence by the Corrigan City Attorney.

      Why?  It is truely my hope to view the minutes and report that all is well in the City of Corrigan business practices.

7/ /2018

CORRIGAN CITY ATTORNEY STALLS OR EXPOSES INEPT FILING

     Three Hundred and Eighty dollars is how much the Corrigan City Attorney, Luan Tatum, estimated it would cost to lay the city council agendas from during the Gibson's reign as mayor and police chief on the table for me to inspect.  Tatum alleges that it will take three full days of effort to get those most basic documents out of the file drawers.  Tatum's first response to my inquiry for copies was, "there are no responsive documents".   That response was to my original request for complaints on a  Corrigan PD officer and then my later request for the agenda minutes where Ms Gibson voted to pay the PD.   Mr./Ms. Tatum seemed confused by the phrase, 'payment to the PD' as they asked for two clarifications and sent me a big bill requiring half down before they would even start. 

LIVINGSTON 6/17/2018

POLK COUNTY DA ‘TOUGH ON CRIME’?

  Statistical data derived from The State of Texas Office of Court Administration website at first glance indicates that The Polk County District Attorney is extra ‘tough on crime’.  Research via open records led to documents proving a total of 616 felony cases were dismissed by Polk County DA's office since January of 2015 through January of 2018.  That initially seemed like an excessive amount but when you compare that with the total of cases filed for the same three year time period numbering 3035, you come up with an average of about 20 percent of the Polk County felony cases ending in dismissal. 

      If we compare Walker County cases to the Polk County numbers, we find 408 felony cases dismissed out of 1716 felony cases filed in Walker County for an average of just over 23 percent of their felony cases being dismissed.  The Sentinel has never had the first complaint on the Walker County DA’s office or Sheriff Department so we tend to view them as a relative ‘bench mark’ for what is normal or an average for an ethical operation in East Texas.

     A quick look as San Jacinto County shows 312 dismissed out of a total of 1163 filed for  27 percent dismissed.  In all fairness to DA Robert Trapp and his office, the number is higher than the the three year period prior to all the gambling raid arrests.

     Montgomery County had 3997 dismissals of felony cases out of 17,231 filed for an average of 23 percent.  

     Liberty County showed that out of 3075 felony cases filed, only 358 were dismissed for an average of just over 10 percent.  Liberty County population is 1.6 times the population of Polk County yet Polk County files just as many felony cases.

     Angelina County had 353 dismissed out of 3088 cases for 11.4 percent dismissed.  Once again, 1.6 times as high a population count as Polk County but very near the same number of felony’s prosecuted with a noticeably lower dismissal rate.

     Trinity County had the lowest percentage of dismissals of all.  16 dismissed out of 170 felony cases filed for just under ten percent dismissed.

     None of those number really jump out at you other than the lower than average percent of dismissals in Liberty, Angelina and Trinity Counties.

     Now let’s add in one other factor.  Population numbers so we can talk per capita.

Walker County’s population is 72 thousand.  2.3 percent of the population was charged with a felony crime in the three year period.  That is 2.3 people per 100 of population.  Add in the fact that Walker County has 1.5 times the population of Polk County but only half the felonies filed on its citizens.

    In San Jacinto County, population 28K, 4.1 percent of the population was charged with a felony crime in the same time period but once again, that includes all the gambling raid arrests.

     In Montgomery County, population 510K, 3.0 percent of the population was charged with a felony crime.  That amounts to 3 people out of every 100 being charged with a felony

     In Liberty County, population 83K, 3.7 percent of the population was charged with a felony.

    In Trinity County, population 14.5K, only 1.1 percent of the population was charged with a felony.

    In Angelina County, population 88K, 3.5 percent of the population was prosecuted for a felony.

    In Polk County, population 49K, a Whopping 6.2 percent of the population has been charged with a felony during the same three year period.  That figure means that on a per capita basis, in Polk County you are over five times more likely to be charged with a felony than you are in Trinity County, nearly three times more likely than in Walker County and nearly twice as likely to be charged with a felony in Polk County than you are in any other county around in East Texas.  That means that 6.2 people out of every hundred count of population in Polk County gets charged with a felony.  There must be a reason for Polk County exceeding all their neighbors in felony prosecutions.   Three possible reasons for the abnormal statistics have been proffered by Sentinel United Alliance members for consideration;

1. DA is tougher on crime than any of the surrounding District Attorneys
2. Considerably more criminals live in Polk County
3. Felony charges are misused and abused in Polk County

Political ads by William Lee Hon have claimed that he is “Tough on Crime”. 

The higher ratio of criminals just doesn’t seem plausible.

Are allegations of 'abuse of official capacity' based in fact? 

Further investigation seems to be warranted.

LIVINGSTON 8/6/2018

POLK CO REPUBLICAN PARTY MEMBERS MEET

     Texas Senator Robert Nichols, District 3 and Joshua Siegal, the  Senator Ted Cruz campaign representative, met with a room full of concerned Polk County Republicans to discuss the state of affairs in Polk County and east Texas Monday night at La Casita in Livingston.  Republican Party Chairman, Fred Grube and quite a few card carrying Polk County republicans were present and took advantage of the opportunity to get some answers.

     It was easy for Nichols and Siegal to talk about things state and nation wide but Commissioner Tommy Overstreet stood up for Polk county and brought the conversation back to what matters here locally.   After the two speakers both agreed that it was “rural Texas votes” keeping them in office, Overstreet spoke up wanting to know why then was all the Federal money going to the I 35 Corridor instead of any of that money making its way into Polk County for the I 69 Corridor. 

     411^th District Judge Kaycee Jones and 258^th District Judge elect, Travis Kitchens were in attendance and were involved in earnest conversation long after the dinner was over and some of the crowd left.  It was a great opportunity for an exchange of ideas, observations and information.  “The intersection of Business 59 and 190 is a prime example of where we are missing the boat”, Commissioner Oversteet lamented in one conversation.  “You can’t turn left without blocking through traffic because you are having to wait” 

    Mr. Wayne Woods spoke up for our nation’s Flag and The Cross of Christ in one of those after the meeting visits.   His opening prayer made it plain that is the Conservative ground he is standing on.  Another person noted that it takes more than a republican label to make an elected official a conservative.  “It is more about the decisions they make and actions they take than any label”, he said. 

     As the upcoming General Election begins approaching ever closer, there was a common thread and mutual agreement that there was plenty of work to be done and that standing on our conservative values was the way to move the Republican Party forward in Polk County and East Texas.