News Blotter

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported on criminal cases that had been previously investigated by his office that resulted in court actions. On May 18, 2016 Denny Beach pled guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle before 35^th District Judge Stephen Ellis. Beach was sentenced to 1 year in State Jail for his part in the offense. The charge stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on May 11, 2015 involving the theft of 2 vehicles and a firearm from a local business. During the investigation multiple suspects were identified and arrested as well.

On May 24^th and 25^th,  District Judge Stephen Ellis empaneled a jury to hear the case of 46 year old Sidney Alex Work of Bastrop, Texas. Work was arrested and charged previously for possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone and tampering with evidence. The jury deliberation returned a guilty verdict and on June 1^st Judge Stephen Ellis sentenced Work to six years for possession of a controlled substance and 2 years for tampering with evidence. Work filed an appeal and is currently free on an appeal bond until the case is reviewed by the Texas 3^rd Court of Appeals.

In other news Sheriff Hammonds stated that on May 30, 2016, Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on US 183 south resulting in the arrest of two Salt Lake City, Utah residents. The individuals were identified as 42 year old Julee Elaine Bird and Shannon Doyle Bird. A consent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded .45 caliber pistol and a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle. Julee was charged with unlawful carrying weapon and Shannon was charged with unlawful possession of firearm by a felon.

On June 3, 2016, 40 year old Brandy Dang Free of San Saba, Texas was arrested on a warrant for burglary of a building and on June 4, co-defendant 41 year old Marty Ray Crawford also of San Saba, Texas was arrested for the same offense. This charge is a result of an investigation conducted by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office into the burglary of some storage units in Goldthwaite back in March of 2016. Deputies were able to identify the suspects and recover property taken in the burglaries. Free has since posted bond and Crawford is currently in custody being housed in the Comanche County Jail.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reports that another crime stoppers tip has led to the arrest of two Goldthwaite residents for possession of methamphetamine. Sheriff Hammonds stated that on Thursday, April 21, 2016, Deputies Johnny Brown and Rick Pickard went to residence located on Farm Road 575 to follow up on a Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers Tip. Deputies made contact with and identified the occupants of the residence as 47 year old Jimmy Wilson Spurlock Jr. and 45 year old Tabby Soto Day. Mr. Spurlock had an outstanding warrant out of Henderson County, Texas. During the service of the warrant deputies were given consent to search the residence and vehicles at the home. A search revealed that both of individuals were in violation of approximately 21 controlled substance violations and a small amount of methamphetamine was recovered from a vehicle at the residence. Spurlock and Day were both charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance PG1 (Methamphetamine) a state jail felony and 21 counts of various possession of controlled substance violations. The two remain in custody with bonds totaling over $100,000 each.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office has recently been following up on Crime Stopper tips in regards to the distribution of methamphetamine in Goldthwaite. Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported that on Monday, April 11, 2016, Mills County Law Enforcement stopped a stolen vehicle from Lubbock, TX leaving a suspected drug house at 1701 Cline Street next to the Goldthwaite Elementary School. The driver 27 year old Christopher Mantia and his 27 year old wife Brenda both of Goldthwaite were arrested for felony Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. During the course of this investigation Mills County Officials later went to the residence on Cline Street and met with the resident 23 year old Chris Michael Hoffman of Goldthwaite. Deputies were granted permission to search the residence and recovered approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine and a gun from inside the house. Hoffman was arrested and charged with First Degree Felony Possession of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free Zone and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon. Shortly after the arrest Mills County Sheriff’s Officers went to a residence located at 802 Parker Street to serve felony warrants on 50 Year old Sammy Don Walls and 42 year old Stacie Michelle Walls for charges stemming from theft of a firearm in Van Zant County, Texas. During the arrest authorities obtained consent to search the residence and recovered approximately half gram of methamphetamine. Sammy was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free Zone due to the residence location to the City Park. Stacie was arrested for the warrant only at the time. Sheriff Hammonds commended the work of his staff “my deputies worked tirelessly on these cases to connect the persons involved in this distribution network of illegal drug activity in our community”. “I am extremely excited that we were able to knock down a drug house sitting right next to our elementary school” Sheriff Hammonds said. Sheriff Hammonds stated that his deputies have dedicated a lot of hours of effort and time from their families to make this impact in our community. Deputies Johnny Brown, James Purcell, Inv. Stephanie Brown and Chief Deputy Green are to be commended for their work on this case. Sheriff Hammonds also stated “I want to make sure that everyone knows the deputies are not the only ones in this fight”. “I want to send out a big public Thank You to my jail staff Melissa Womack, Deby Grba and Amy King who came in early and stayed late until all defendants were booked in”. “Jail staff are sometimes forgotten and they are an important part of the criminal justice process” said Sheriff Hammonds. Sheriff Hammonds stated that the Crime Stopper Tip was very valuable and it paid off for the community as well as the tipster who will be receiving a cash reward for their information. If you have any information about any crimes remember to submit your tips to the Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers @ 800-222-TIPS or visit our website and follow the link to the Crime Stoppers.

On Sunday, April 3, 2016 at approximately 3:35 PM, Trooper Owens conducted a traffic stop on US 183 south of Goldthwaite. 18 year old Mathew Elliott Rowe of Houston, Texas was arrested for felony possession of hash, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rowe is currently free on bond at this time.

Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies provided security for the annual Melody Oaks Ranch Festival in Priddy during the first weekend of April. As a result 41 year old David Wayne Bolton of Hamilton, Texas was arrested Saturday, April 2, 2016 for the offense of public intoxication. Shortly afterwards another subject from Hamilton, Texas identified as 21 year old Max Landon Lowery was arrested for disorderly conduct. Both subjects were placed in the Mills County Jail where they were released the next day.

On Friday, April 1, 2016, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Wheeler conducted a traffic stop on US 183 south of Goldthwaite. During the stop Trooper Wheeler Arrested 27 year old Thomas Edward Morris of Brownwood, Texas for Felony possession of a controlled substance, unlawful carrying of weapon and possession of marijuana. Morris is currently free on bond pending case presentation to the Grand Jury.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported numerous arrests recently beginning with 32 year old Denny Beach of Killeen, Texas. Beach had previously been arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in 2015 after the vehicle had been taken from a local business. Beach was arrested Thursday, March 31, 2016 for fail to appear in 35^th District Court for charges stemming from the 2015 arrest. Beach is still currently in custody of the Mills County Sheriff and is being housed in Comanche County.

On Wednesday, March 16, 2013, at approximately 3:30 PM, Deputy Johnny Brown stopped a driver of a rental car on Fisher street by the Goldthwaite City Park for speeding. The driver was identified as 43 year old Christopher Elliott of Lago Vista, Texas. During the stop Deputy Brown became suspicious of Elliott and asked for consent to search the vehicle. Elliott granted permission to search and Deputy Brown found a large duffle bag in the trunk of the car containing a larger amount of marijuana. Elliott was immediately placed under arrest and transported to the Mills County Jail. The marijuana weighed in at approximately 26.5 pounds with a street value of $160,828. The investigation has led us to believe that the marijuana was picked up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was headed to Lago Vista, Texas. Elliot was charged with felony possession of marijuana in a drug free zone due to the relation of the City Park. Elliott has since been released on bond.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office has been steadily working thefts and burglaries throughout the county. Deputies are still recovering stolen property from recent burglaries as well as taken on new cases. On Monday, February 15 ,2016, Mills County Deputies took a report of theft of two children’s four wheelers being stolen from a residence in Goldthwaite. During the course of the investigation it discovered that a familiar face had evolved once again. 31 year old Michael Ynostrosa who owns and operates a local tree trimming service had been at the residence with his employees prior to the four wheelers being stolen. Ynostrosa had been previously arrested  for possession of methamphetamine and a weapon near the Goldthwaite Middle School. Deputies worked diligently on the theft case and on Tuesday, March 1, 2015, Chief Deputy Chris Green and Investigator Stephanie Brown recovered the two four wheelers from Ynostrosa’s mother’s residence in Brownwood, Texas. At this time Theft charges are pending against Ynostrosa and his mother who has also been identified. Sheriff Hammonds is cautioning the citizens that have in the past or are considering using Ynostrosa in the future for tree services to be sure and secure your belongings and residence.

Sheriff Hammonds along with a local business owner wanted the citizens to be aware of another theft issue affecting residents. Sheriff Hammonds reported that in mid-February several local citizens had been reporting to the Mills County Sheriff’s Office of unapproved purchases on credit cards in the Killeen and Austin area. For several weeks deputies took in reports and were able to determine that most of the victims had made purchases at local businesses. Investigators began meeting with some of the local gas stations and warning them of a possible credit card breach. During their research a credit card skimmer was located that had been placed on a single fuel pump outside of a local business. It was determined that the device had been there for less than 48 hours before being discovered by the business owner. Sheriff Hammonds stated that the device is not very sophisticated and can be purchased online. Once the device is installed it has Blue Tooth technology that allows the suspects to just drive near the area to download the information without detection or affecting the normal transactions. “During our investigation we learned that this is a new trend of criminal activity that spans from the east and west coast and unfortunately they found Goldthwaite” Sheriff Hammonds said. Sheriff Hammonds wants to remind citizens to routinely check your banking accounts to ensure that they don’t fall victim and lose their hard earned money. For more information regarding credit card skimmers like this one please go to the following website: http://blogs.cisco.com/security/card_skimmers_using_bluetooth_demonstrate_security_challenges_for_borderles

Clint Hammonds

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reports that criminal activity has been steady in the area resulting in numerous local drug arrest and burglaries. Sheriff Hammonds reported that On January 8, 2016 at approximately 11:03 PM, Deputies responded to a report of disturbance in the 1700 block of Cline Street. As a result 22 year old Jorge Armando Melgoza of Goldthwaite was arrested for Assault and transported to the county jail where he was released on bond the next day.

On Friday, January 22, 2016 at approximately 2:45 Mills County Deputies Johnny Brown and Stephanie Brown were patrolling the area of County Road 510 when they located a pickup parked in the road. Deputy Johnny Brown approached the vehicle and the driver pulled away. Deputies pursued after the vehicle and witnessed an occupant discard an item out of the window. Deputy Johnny Brown stopped to retrieve the item while Inv. Stephanie Brown  stopped the driver of the vehicle. The occupants were identified as 18 year old Branden Wayne Horton (driver) and his father 40 year old Bradley Ryan Horton (passenger). After investigating it was found the item thrown from the vehicle that was recovered was methamphetamine. Both individuals admitted that they were about to smoke methamphetamine before being discovered by Mills County Deputies. Both individuals were taken into custody and placed in the Mills County Jail. Braden Horton is currently being held in Burnett County for 1. Possession of a controlled Substance less than 1 gram, 2. Evading Arrest with a vehicle, 3. Brown County Warrant for Motion to Adjudicate for possession of Marijuana, 4. Tamper with Evidence. The father Bradley Horton is currently in Mills County Jail for 1. Possession of a Controlled Substance less that one gram, 2. Young County Warrant for Possession of a controlled substance less than one gram.

As a result of these recent drug arrests Mills County Sheriff’s Office has been able to clear the theft and recovery of 2 four wheelers and solve several burglaries that occurred during mid-January. On January 25, 2016 Mills County Deputies were able to recover a 1997 Polaris that had been stolen for some time ago from a ranch on County Road 549.  The owner of the Polaris was unaware that it had been stolen. The Polaris was seized from a residence in Mullin along with an item stolen in a burglary of the Mills County Precinct 3 barn in Mullin. Then on February 6, 2016, Mills County Deputies went to Lampasas County and recovered a 2013 Honda ATV stolen from a ranch on County Road 506 and a gas compressor that had been taken from Mills County Precinct 3. Mills County Deputies recovered just under $15,000 worth of stolen items during their investigative efforts. Sheriff Hammonds stated “this is another fine example of persistent and professional work that my deputies showed during the course of the investigation”.

On Monday, January 25, 2016, Deputy Johnny Brown stopped a vehicle at Second and Fisher in Goldthwaite for a traffic offense. During the stop it was discovered that 29 year old female passenger Amber Lynn Hester was wanted out of Hardin County, Texas for a probation violation for driving while intoxicated.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at approximately 7:30 PM, Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1300 Block of Trent Street. Deputies arrived and a male identified as 31 year old Michael Ynostrosa was in the process of leaving the home. Deputies could smell a strong odor of marijuana emitting from Ynostrosa’s vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a 9mm pistol, 5.45 grams of methamphetamine and 21.37 grams of marijuana. Ynostrosa was arrested for 1. Manufature/Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone, 2. Possession of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone, 3. Unlawful Carrying of a weapon and 4. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff Hammonds stated the drug free zone enhancements were a result of the residence being located just blocks away from the Goldthwaite Middle and High Schools. Ynostrosa is currently free on bond.

On Friday, February 5, 2016 at approximately 10:25 AM 72 year old Michael David Holley of Mullin turned himself into the Mills County Jail after being indicted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Holley had been previously arrested in 2015 for possession of child pornography. Holley is currently free on $50, 000 bond for the new offense.

Sheriff Hammonds reported numerous other arrests in the county such driving while intoxicated that were conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety Tropopers.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported several arrests for the during the first to mid part of December 2015. On Sunday, December 6, 2015 at approximately 4:09 PM, Deputy James Purcell responded to a report of a female that had called 911 and stated that she was drunk and wanted to go to jail. Deputy Purcell was able to locate the female in the 1400 block of Pine Street who is identified as 52 year old Lisa Michelle Kolb of Goldthwaite. It was determined that Kolb was intoxicated to the point she was a danger to herself and was arrested for public intoxication.

On Wednesday, December 9, at approximately 2:42 PM, Inv. Stephanie Brown arrested 45 year old Harland Keith McDavid of Goldthwaite for driving without a license. Inv. Brown had earlier in the week warned McDavid about driving. At approximately 6:04 PM , Deputy Johnny Brown made a routine traffic stop on US 183 south resulting in the arrest of 43 year old Misty Dawn Kirkham of May, Texas for the offense of driving while license invalid.

On Thursday, December 10, at approximately 6:30, Deputy Johnny Brown was on patrol in Goldthwaite when he saw previous theft suspect in the 1400 block of Fisher. Deputy Brown made contact with the suspect and found that 26 year old Christopher Michael Mantia of Goldthwaite was wanted on Felony charges in Lampasas County for forgery of a financial instrument enhanced because the victim was elderly. Mantia has since been extradited back to Lampasas to stand trial.

On Wednesday, December 16, at approximately 6:37 PM, Deputy Johnny Brown was sitting in the Red Bud parking lot when he witnessed a driver stopped at the red light at Hannah Valley and Fisher Street. Deputy Brown saw that the driver of a semi-truck was traveling south on Fisher Street. Deputy Brown reported that the light turned yellow and the driver of the semi-truck accelerated resulting in the disregard of the red light and colliding with the other driver. The semi-truck driver was identified as 25 year old Viktor Myronchuk of Gresham, OR and was placed under arrest for reckless driving. Fortunately there were no serious injuries.

On Friday, December 18, at approximately 7:04 PM, Deputy Rick Pickard received a call regarding a driver traveling at a high rate of speed had just ran into a carport in the 1700 block of Parker Street. Caller advised that the suspect vehicle left the scene and was dragging pieces of the car and carport. Deputy Pickard located the driver 23 year old Jonathan Bennett in the 1700 block of Cline Street. Bennett was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and driving while license invalid along with numerous traffic citations. Bennett is currently out on bond.

On Tuesday, December 21, at approximately 6:00 PM, Trooper Mark Owens and Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Chevrolet Impala on US 183 south of Goldthwaite. Officers made contact with 19 year old Tanner Joe Thompson of Blanket, Texas. During the stop a search of the vehicle was conducted resulting in the discovery of 220 Xanax pills in Thompson’s possession. During the interview Thompson admitted that he commonly sales the pills to individuals for profit. Thompson was arrested for Manufacturing/Delivery of a controlled substance less than 28 grams a second degree felony. Thompson currently remains in the Mills County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Individuals noted in this column are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies execute search warrant on local residence Child Pornography discovered.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported Mills County Deputies have recently been heavily involved in what began as aggravated sexual assault of a child investigation and evolved into child pornography. Sheriff Hammonds stated that Inv. Stephanie Brown received report of a possible child sexual assault on July 1, 2015. During the course of the investigation numerous witnesses and victims were interviewed about many different possible sexual abuse cases stemming from many years past involving minor children related to the suspect. The suspect was identified as 72 year old Michael David Holley of Mullin, Texas. On October 14, 2015, Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant at the Holley residence located on Farm Road 574 in Mullin, Texas. Numerous electronic devices were seized during the search and were analyzed after the seizure. Several hundred images of underage female girls were discovered on some of the devices. On November 10, 2015, Sheriff’s Deputies executed arrest warrants for Michael Holley and his wife 70 year old Donna Pauline Holley for Felony Possession of Child Pornography. Both individuals remained in custody in lieu of $100,000 as of press time.

In other news Sheriff Hammonds reported the quick identification and arrest of 41 year old Michael James Coleman of Tow, Texas. On October 21 the Mills County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a pressure washer that had been stolen during business hours at a local merchants business. A newly installed video survelliance system caught images of the suspect committing the theft. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office has recently created a website (millscountysheriff.org) and a Facebook page. Chief Deputy Chris Green posted Coleman’s photo on our website and social media page and by the next day Coleman had been identified and arrested in Llano County, Texas.

Sheriff Hammonds encourages everyone to follow our website and social media page to stay up to date with occurrences in our community.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported numerous person were arrested in recent weeks for drugs and weapons offenses. On October 3, 2015, Deputy Johnny Brown stopped female driver for traffic violation on US 183 south of Goldthwaite. During the contact Deputy Brown identified 17 year old Luis Richard Campos of Santa Rosa, New Mexico that was consuming alcohol inside the vehicle. Deputy Brown obtained consent to search the vehicle which resulted in the recovery of loaded .38 revolver pistol under Campos’s seat. Campos was charged with minor in consumption and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Another Passenger identified 58 year old Joseph Eugene Garcia of Albuquerque, New Mexico was placed under arrest for prohibited weapon. The female was not charged and was released.

October 6, 29 year old Joseph Aguirre of Brady, Texas was apprehended in Michigan on an outstanding warrant out of Mills County 35^th District Court for Motion to Revoke Probation for the offense of Delivery of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon. Aguirre was transferred back to Texas and is currently in the Mills County Jail awaiting trial.

On October 13, 38 year old Tonya Sue Collins of Liberty Hill, Texas was arrested after being indicted for felony Forgery charges stemming defrauding an elderly victim. Collins is currently held awaiting trial for her offense. This same date Deputy Johnny Brown conducted a traffic stop on US 183 south of Goldthwaite. Deputy Brown identified the driver identified as 26 Jarrod Scott Smith of Houston, Texas and immediately detected marijuana emitting from the car. Other occupants in the car are identified as 20 year old Kellcee Aubra Justice of Round Rock, Texas and 32 year old Corey Trumane Vorish of Houston, Texas. While Deputy Brown was dealing with the three individuals another vehicle stopped at a distance behind them during the stop. A call for assistance prompted deputies to make contact with the other individual parked behind them. That individual was identified as 25 year old Tiffany Winzer of Stafford, Texas. A probable cause search revealed marijuana inside of the first vehicle and two handguns were also discovered during the search. Smith, Justice, and Vorish were all charged with possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a handgun. Winzer did not even have a driver’s license to drive the vehicle she was in and consented to a search of her car. A search of that car revealed Winzer was in possession of prescription pills that were unlabeled. Winzer was arrested for possession of controlled substance. All individuals were transported to the Mills County Jail were they have made bond and are awaiting trial.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 35^th District Judge Steve Ellis sentenced the following individuals to serve county jail and prison sentences in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Carlos Morales Martinez 33 years of age of San Saba, Texas was sentenced to six months in the county jail a probation violation stemming from unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. 45 year old Tommy Joe Pierce of San Saba, Texas was sentenced to three years confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported that the Mills County Sheriff’s Office has been currently busy this recent week with investigations and arrests. Sheriff Hammonds stated that on Monday, September 14, 2015 Mills County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an individual attempting to cash stolen checks at a local bank. Mills County officials arrived and identified a male individual that had been given the checks and asked to cash them. During the course of the investigation it was discovered that a 13 year old juvenile had taken the checks from a residence while visiting. The checks have been recovered and the case will be filed with the Mills County Attorney’s Office for prosecution in this case.

On Thursday, September 17, Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a burglary of a vehicle on Brim Street in Goldthwaite. During the investigation it was determined that 42 year old Yvonne  Meadows had entered her sons vehicle without permission and stolen his Texas driver’s license. Deputies arrested Meadows for burglary of a vehicle and theft of driver’s license both misdemeanor charges. Meadows is currently out on bond awaiting trial.

On Friday, September 18, at approximately 9:44 AM, Sheriff Hammonds conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of Fisher street after observing a driver passing cars on the right hand side downtown almost colliding with parked vehicles. During the stop a female individual later identified as 45 year old Deborah Castillo Melchor of Round Rock, Texas. Melchor did not have any identification in her possession and became deceptive about her identity by giving a fake date of birth. It was later determined that Melchor was driving on a suspended license. Melchor was arrested for failure to identify and was placed in the county jail where she was able to make bond.

On Monday, September 21 at approximately 5:03 PM, Deputy Johnny Brown stopped a driver on US 183 south of Goldthwaite for speeding 94 M.P.H in a 75 M.P.H zone. During the stop the occupants were identified as 25 year old Carlo Colton Gossett (driver) and 34 year old Shanna Lynn Hughitt (passenger) both of Mullin, Texas. Deputies gained consent to search the vehicle and discovered less than one gram of methamphetamine inside the vehicle. While deputies were searching the vehicle it was discovered that Hughitt had tossed a methamphetamine smoking pipe on the ground. Gossett and Hughitt were both charged with felony possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) less than 1 gram. Hughitt was additionally charged with felony tampering with evidence for the discarded pipe.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at approximately 5:37 PM, Trooper Mark Owens stopped a vehicle on US 183 south of Goldthwaite for a traffic violation. During the contact Trooper Owens searched the vehicle resulting in the arrest of 24 year old Brandon Clay Hebert of Arvada, Colorado for possession of marijuana.

On Thursday, September 3, at approximately 1;30 PM, Deputy Johnny Brown stopped the driver of a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 900 block of Fisher Street. The driver is identified as 34 year old Lacee Brena Geeslin of Goldthwaite. During the stop Deputy Brown became suspicious that Geeslin might be under the influence or in possession of a controlled substance. Deputy Brown was refused consent to search of the vehicle at which time Comanche Police Department responded with their narcotic detection dog. The dog alerted to both sides of the vehicle forming probable cause for a search. The search revealed a set of weighing scales with a powder residue substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Geeslin was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and was transported to the Mills County Jail. Deputies later found a methamphetamine pipe that had been dropped discarded in the patrol car where Geeslin was riding. Geeslin was also charged for felony tampering with evidence and is currently out on bond.

On Friday, September, 4 at approximately 9:30 AM, Inv. Stephanie Brown responded to a report of an assault that occurred at Mullin ISD. Inv. Brown arrived on scene and identified the suspect as 17 year old Hale Denise  Ramber of Mullin. Ramber had assaulted another student at the school which was recorded by school security cameras. Ramber was charged with misdemeanor assault and was arrested on a criminal mischief warrant out of Mills County Court.

Sheriff Hammonds reported that recent weeks activity have been relaxed throughout the county. Sheriff Hammonds stated that the Mills County Commissioners have been aggressively working on the new law enforcement center to prepare for the incoming contractors for construction. “I want to Thank the Mills County Commissioners and their staff for their diligent work in the recent weeks” Sheriff Hammonds said. Sheriff Hammonds also wanted to extend a big Thank You to Lee Hoffpauir and his staff at the Outdoor Superstore during construction. Mr. Hoffpauir has donated all the material from behind the Outdoor Superstore at no cost to the county saving the local tax payers what could have been an enormous cost in the construction. Sheriff Hammonds is currently using inmate labor to off-set cost that might otherwise be expended by local tax payers.

In other news Sheriff Hammonds reported that on Friday, August 4, 2015 at approximately 5:54 PM, Sheriff’s Officials arrested 26 year old Christopher Mantia of Goldthwaite for class B misdemeanor theft warrant. Mantia is charged with one count of theft from the Mills County General Store prior to this date when Mantia entered the store a stole a game camera. Mantia had fled on foot and was seen by citizens in an alley acting suspiciously. The citizen obtained  a license plate of the suspect vehicle which led deputies to identifying Mantia in this case. Mantia is also suspected in other recent thefts from business’s here in Goldthwaite. Mantia is currently free on bond and is awaiting a court date.

On Wednesday, August 26, at approximately 2:34 PM, Inv. Stephanie Brown responded to a report of  theft in progress at the Dollar General. The suspect had already left the scene and a vehicle description was provided. Inv. Brown located the suspect vehicle at a local gas station and identified the suspect as 31 year old De Juan Antonio Taylor of Comanche, Texas. Inv. Brown was able to obtain a confession and recover the merchandise that had been stolen. The merchandise was worth approximately $25 and consisted of hygiene products. Taylor was charged with a class c theft and was transported to the Mills County Jail where he later pled guilty and paid a fine and was released.

On Thursday, August 27 at approximately 9:00 AM, felony warrant was served on 32 year old Phillip Eugene Jones of Lometa, Texas. Jones came to the Mills County Jail where he surrendered on charges of unlawful possession of firearm by felon. Jones is currently in custody in the Mills County Jail and is awaiting trial.

Mills County Sheriff’s Office uncovers counterfeiting ring and makes numerous arrests.

Sheriff Clint Hammonds reported that his deputies have been very busy in recent weeks responding to routine calls and conducting extensive investigations. Sheriff Hammonds stated that on Wednesday, July 15 at approximately 9:00 PM, Deputy Johnny Brown stopped a vehicle for speeding south of Goldthwaite. Deputy Brown made contact with and identified the driver as 27 year old Angela Goldschmeding and a passenger 31 year old Larry Dwane Farmer Jr. both of Austin, Texas. During the contact Goldschmeding admitted to possessing marijuana in the car. A probable cause search revealed a small amount of marijuana, approximately 219 grams of hash in the form of edible cookies and a 9 millimeter pistol from inside the vehicle. Bothe individuals were arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana,  second degree felony possession of controlled substance penalty group 2 under 400 grams and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

On Wednesday, July 22 at approximately 5:03 PM, Mills County Deputies executed felony warrants at a residence located in the 1900 Block of Fisher Street. 24 year old Valorie Shelton was arrested for motion to adjudicate for the offense of felony theft and 28 year Daniel Kolb was arrested for motion to revoke for the offense of delivery of marijuana. Both individuals are from Goldthwaite and are currently in the custody of Mills County.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office received reports of counterfeit US currency being passed with several merchants in Goldthwaite during mid-July. Investigator Stephanie Brown began following up leads through witness’s and surveillance video where these bills were passed. Inv. Brown identified the first suspect as 46 year old Richard Wayne Humphries of Blanket, Texas. During the investigation it was discovered that 30 year old Michael Ross Burnett was residing with Humphries and was currently a fugitive from Mills County for two counts of felony theft from the elderly. Inv. Brown went to the Humphries residence in Blanket, Texas with Humphries and arrested Burnett on the outstanding warrants. A small of marijuana was recovered from Burnett during the arrest and Brown County Sheriff’s Officials were notified to assist. Also while at the residence deputies obtained consent to search a vehicle that Burnett was during the arrest. Deputies recovered numerous counterfeit $20 bill from indie the vehicle where Burnett was sitting. Through the course of interviews Deputies were then led to a barn behind the residence where electronic device and uncut printed counterfeit money was being stored. During the search deputies found that there was small room in the barn being occupied by 22 year old Richard Wayne Humphries Jr. A consent search of his room revealed that he was in possession of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed that a clandestine methamphetamine lab was located in the attic of the barn that was being searched. All of these individual have been arrested and are currently in the Brown County Jail. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the Brown County Sheriff’s  Office and the United States Secret Service as the investigation progresses. Sheriff Hammonds noted that all the deputies hard work and long hours from both agencies involved in this investigation have paid off.

On Friday, July 31, 2015, at approximately 7:55 AM, Mills County Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Farm Road 573 north of Mullin in regards to a possible active shooter. Information received was that an individual from Illinois had showed up at a residence and opened fire on the house with an automatic weapon. Numerous local and state law enforcement officers assisted in the call and perimeter was formed around the residence. Officers were in communication with the supposed victim who also stated that he was armed as well. Through the course of a couple of hours it was determined that the victim identified as a 72 year old male was have medical issues and was hallucinating as result of these issues. The individual was disarmed by a family member and was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Mills County was assisted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Wardens, Texas Department of Public Safety, Goldthwaite and Mullin Fire Volunteer Fire Depts.  

Later that evening at approximately 5:15 PM, Deputy Rick Pickard was on patrol on Farm Road 573 north when he stopped a 2007 GMC pickup for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as 39 year old Chad Lee Seider of Mullin and during the stop Deputy Pickard began a driving while intoxicated investigation. During that time consent was given to search the vehicle that resulted in the recovery of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Numerous firearms were also discovered inside the vehicle and Seider was placed under arrest for first degree felony possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 over 4 grams but less than 200 grams. “This was another major seizure by Mills County Deputies that again has interrupted the distribution of methamphetamine in our community, more especially Mullin” said Sheriff Hammonds. Sheriff Hammonds also said “I hope the area drug dealers are paying attention to our endless efforts put them behind bars and get the hint that they need to stay away from Mills County”.

On Sunday, August 3, at approximately 1:00 PM, Deputy Brown responded to a report of an assault family violence that had occurred in the 900 block of Roseman Street in Goldthwaite. During the investigation it was discovered that the suspect 37 year old Margarita Lara had left the residence and was possibly located in Mills County. Mills County Deputies located the suspect at a residence on Private Road 224 where she was placed under arrest for assault family violence. 

The Mills County Deputies have been busy during the past few weeks and here are just a few of the cases and arrests that have been made during that time. On Monday, June 29, 2015 at approximately 10:00 PM, The Mills County Sheriff’s Office received information that there was possibly a Federal Fugitive staying in a local motel. Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the United States Marshall’s Office in surveillance of the area and interviewing individuals of the motel. Through the course of the investigation officers were able to confirm that 33 year old Luis Moriel of Seminole, Texas was staying in a room and officers were given permission by a roommate to enter the room. Deputy US Marshalls and Mills County Sheriff’s Officers entered the room a were able to quickly effect the arrest of Moriel. Moriel was under sealed Federal drug indictment out of the Western District of Texas. Moriel was housed overnight before being transferred to a federal holding by US Marshalls.

On Wednesday, June 24, at approximately 4:16 PM, Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call that there was a fight in progress in the 3000 Block of US 84 east in the middle of the highway. Deputies arrived and found a tractor trailer blocking the road and mini-van on the shoulder. Witnesses informed deputies that the drivers of both vehicles stopped in the road and began fighting. Deputies identified 79 year old John Miles of Hernando, Mississippi and 66 year old Daniel Thatcher of Hamilton, Texas. During the course of the investigation it was determined that Hernando had missed a turn and failed to yield onto US 84 nearly colliding with Thatcher. Thatcher then got in front of the tractor-trailer and forced him to stop. Both individuals exited their vehicles and a verbal argument ensued. Both individuals then began to physically assault one another briefly until witness’s intervened. Both Miles and Thatcher were cited for class C misdemeanor assault and will have a court appearance date before Justice Of the Peace Leland Knight.

On Friday, June 26, at approximately 6:00 PM, Mills County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle in the city park. Deputy Rick Pickard responded and located the vehicle leaving the park driving south on Texas 16. Deputy Pickard initiated a traffic stop and made contact with driver identified as 22 year old Jacob Martinez of Goldthwaite, Texas. During the stop it was determined that Martinez did not have a valid driver’s license and was placed under arrest for no driver’s license.

Wednesday, July 1, at approximately 12:41 AM, Mills County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on County Road 403. Deputy James Purcell responded and located the vehicle occupied by 31 year old Brandon Verette of San Saba, Texas just sitting in the car. Deputy Purcell determined that Verette was under the influence of some type of chemical other than alcohol. During the investigation Verette admitted that he was there to smoke “K2” a street term for synthetic marijuana. Verette was placed under arrest for public intoxication. Verette entered a plea and served 5 days in the Mills County Jail for the offense.

On Friday, July 3, at approximately 5:00 PM, Mills County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a female subject possibly intoxicated walking in the middle of Farm Road 1047 south in Star. Deputy Johnny Brown arrived first on scene and made contact with a 30 year old woman from Florida. During the contact the female became aggressive and assaultive which resulted in a brief physical fight before securing her in handcuffs. It was determined that the female was under the influence of an unidentified chemical or drug and was in need of medical attention. It took approximately 6 individuals to restrain the female and secure her to a stretcher. She was transported to Hamilton Hospital for treatment and her name is being withheld due to medical patients right of confidentiality. Then at approximately 8:00 PM, Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers stopped a vehicle on US 183 south of Goldthwaite for a traffic violation. During the stop approximately 9 ounces of marijuana was recovered and 32 year old Christopher Monroe of Abilene, Texas was arrested for felony possession of marijuana. Monroe is still currently in custody in the Mills County Jail.

On Tuesday, July 7, at approximately 1:07 AM, Deputy Johnny Brown was on routines patrol on US 84 west of Goldthwaite when a he conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver was identified as 28 year old Arion Thomas of Lubbock, Texas. During the stop it was determined that Thomas was driving on an invalid driver’s license and also was wanted out of Lubbock County, Texas for felony Tampering with evidence. Thomas was arrested and is currently awaiting extradition back to Lubbock County.