Monthly Report for August 2015
Dear Citizens,
This month has been an extremely difficult and trying time for law enforcement. Corsicana Police Department Officer Chester Jones died suddenly while on duty, Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth was murdered while on duty and a host of other officers have been shot or killed all across these United States. I would like to ask that you please continue to keep our law enforcement, military, fireman and first responders in your prayers daily. We need your support and prayers now more than ever.
We enjoyed participating in the Corsicana Back to School/Stay In School Rally. It was a privilege and a pleasure to talk to and visit with the youth of our community. We gave away 9-1-1 themed school supplies and T-shirts with the important message "Don't Text and Drive." I hope all students and staff stay safe and have a great school year.
Thank you again to State Rep. Byron Cook for his assistance with HB 549 in reference to video visitation. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards notified us that we have received a grandfather exemption to the new video visitation law.
NCSO Detectives recovered approximately $100,000 worth of stolen coins, cash and a quantity of methamphetamine while serving an arrest warrant on SWCR 2346 in Richland. Detectives went to the location to serve an arrest warrant on a white female wanted out of Harris County for theft over $20,000 under $100,000. During the arrest and consensual search of the residence, the officers located stolen gold coins, gold Krugerands and silver coins, $8,000 cash and approximately 4.6 grams of methamphetamine.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that Kerensa Kaelene Mara, age 38, James Westley Radford, age 28, Marquis Wayne Brandt a/k/a Mark Brandt, age 40, all of Eufaula, Oklahoma, and Rebel Lynn Crabtree, age 47, of Checotah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. Charges arose from an investigation by the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department in Texas, the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The defendants were indicted in July 2015. The case began in Navarro County as a traffic stop on Interstate 45 in Corsicana by Captain Stan Farmer and Lieutenant Clint Andrews where several different types of controlled substance (pills) and thousands of dollars in cash were seized.
We held a county corrections firearms course at the NCSO range for our new detention officers. I am proud to report that all 18 officers passed the course and scored a firearms proficiency of 80 percent or above, although the state only requires 70 percent to pass. Good job to all officers as well as to instructors Sgt. Jeff Harbuck and Reserve Lieutenant Jimmy Johnson. Teaching these courses in house saves our taxpayers money.
Lieutenant Raychaun Ballard along with Sergeants Shelly Sweeney and Robin Woodall attended Jail Management Issues training through the Texas Jail Association last week in Galveston. This training allows officers from across the state to become more familiar with the issues we currently face in county corrections.
The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office currently has a surplus of 450 bales of 2015 hay for sale. The hay is a mix of coastal, rye grass and johnson grass that was recently baled at our Petty's Chapel farm. The hay is 4x6 net wrapped round bale hay. The price is $40 per roll with a 10 roll minimum purchase. Loading is available. Don't hesitate to call as we have already sold several bales and it's going fast. Contact Captain Jeramy Phillips at 903-654-3002 to purchase yours today.
We have upgraded equipment at the NCSO farm by trading a 1998 Massey Ferguson 40 HP tractor for a 2010 New Holland 65 HP tractor with front assist that has 300 hours. Purchasing this used tractor saved taxpayers thousands of dollars. The tractor will be used in all phases of our farm and ranch operations.
The Sheriff's Office had 1,509 calls for service in August and our dispatch received 2,404 calls for assistance to 9-1-1.
There were approximately 306 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center and the average daily jail population was 188 inmates.
The Narcotics unit arrested 10 suspects, filed five criminal cases and served six outstanding arrest warrants. Seven inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and five other inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP units to serve their sentences.
We estrayed two horses, two donkeys, one bull, and 15 goats and transported them to the county farms at Angus and Petty’s Chapel. We sold three estray goats at Hubbard Livestock Auction for $358.05. The NCSO collected $940 in estray fees this month.
We hired eight new officers this month. Congratulations to officers Cynthia Campoz, Juan Cura, Karissa Bunch, Michelle Smith, David Herrera, Brett Southard, Zachary Richardson and Stanley Black. Again, congratulations and good luck to all.
We had two reserve deputies resign this month and one officer was terminated. We currently have two vacant detention positions and one patrol position available. We are continuing to accept applications and all positions are available until filled.
Once again, more now than ever, I ask for your prayers and support for not only your local law enforcement officers but for those across our nation. We here at the NCSO will remain committed to the highest standards of moral, ethical and professional conduct as well as continuing to take pride in our community, our department and the quality of service and protection we provide to our citizens.
“My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place-police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.”– Sidney Sheldon
As always, God bless and be safe.
Sheriff Elmer Tanner