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Reyes pleads guilty to drug charges, government recommends ‘lowest end’ of sentencing guideline

Steve Ramos
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Reyes pleads guilty to drug charges, government recommends ‘lowest end’ of sentencing guideline
Above: Guadalupe “Lupe” Reyes pleaded guilty to drug charges, according to court documents.

Seven months after his arrest in Cactus, Guadalupe Reyes pleaded guilty to trafficking thousands of pounds of marijuana, signing a plea agreement that allows him to keep his home in Etter and two other properties the government initially targeted for forfeiture, according to court documents.

The agreement doesn’t say what sentence the court will impose or has imposed on Reyes, only that “the government will make a non-binding recommendation for sentence of imprisonment at the lowest end of the sentencing guideline range.” Also, the government agrees not to bring additional charges against Reyes “based on the conduct underlying and related to the defendant’s plea of guilty.” He signed the plea agreement Saturday, and court documents show it was filed in the U.S. District Court on Tuesday.

FBI agents arrested Reyes on Nov. 9, 2015, after agents, working with other law enforcement agencies, targeted properties owned by various Reyes family members in Dumas and Cactus. Information from a confidential informant and a man who says he delivered hundreds of pounds of marijuana for Reyes led to the arrest, according to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court on Nov. 7, 2015. The complaint alleged Reyes is a “multi-pound marijuana distributor in the Cactus area and is responsible for the distribution of several hundred pounds of marijuana per week throughout the area as well as Oklahoma, Kansas, Ohio and Nebraska.”

The government charged Reyes with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and followed that with the filing of notices of lis pendens on Jan. 20, 2016, saying they would seek the forfeiture of 11 of Reyes’ properties upon conviction. However, the plea agreement shows the government is now targeting only eight of the properties, excluding Reyes’ home at 206 Regier in Etter and properties at 420 S. Highway 287 in Cactus and 209 86th St. in Lubbock. The Lubbock property was listed in the plea agreement and then crossed out.

The plea agreement further states that Reyes “is responsible for 25,000 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, this amount being the quantity distributed by the defendant or reasonably foreseeable to him.” That amount is equal to 55,115 pounds with a street value of about $55 million, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

Counterfeit money reported again

Steve Ramos
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Counterfeit money reported again

A store clerk called Dumas police because a woman tried to use a counterfeit $10 bill Tuesday. The clerk said the woman told her she didn’t know the bill was counterfeit, but she left the store before police arrived. Police reports show two women also tried to pass $20 and $5 counterfeit bills June 1. One of the woman did manage to pass two $20 bills.

Dumas police also reported the following.

June 6

  • 800 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to an accident vehicle vs. building. No injuries to report. Blue form was issued.
  • 1200 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to a motor vehicle accident. Contact was made with the drivers who advised they were both northbound in the 1300 block of South Dumas Ave. when Unit 1 (2014 KIA) changed lanes when unsafe and struck Unit 2 (2003 Cadillac). No injuries to report.
  • 500 block Hickory – Check Suspicious – Dispatched in reference to suspicious vehicle in the west alleyway. Made contact with two subjects, and it was confirmed that they were Infinity Communications employees working the cell tower at this location.

June 7

  • 600 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to an accident involving three vehicles. A Ford pickup failed to control speed and struck the rear of a Ford cargo van which was stopped for traffic. The Ford van was then pushed forward into a Dodge minivan which was also stopped for traffic. No injuries.
  • 300 block E. 14th– Public Intoxication – Dispatched in reference to several possible intoxicated subjects carrying a person. Upon arrival in the 300 block of East 14th Street, officers located a subject holding another subject on the ground surrounded by several other subjects. Investigation revealed the subjects had been at a party for the carnival employees at McDade Park and began horse playing. However, two intoxicated subjects appeared to start taking it too far, and one subject held another down to stop a possible fight. Both parties advised neither were injured by the other. However, other subjects in the group feared an assault may occur due to their level of intoxication. Both subjects were arrested for Public Intoxication and booked into the Moore County Jail.
  • 1603 block S. Dumas Ave. – Counterfeit Money – Dispatched in reference to counterfeit money. Made contact with the clerk who advised that a customer attempted to use a counterfeit $10 bill. The clerk advised it was a female subject who stated that she was not aware it was counterfeit and left the scene prior to officer’s arrival. No further information. The counterfeit money was booked into evidence at the police department.

June 8

  • 700 block E. 1st– Accident – A white 2004 Chevrolet SUV was stopped, facing east, in the outside lane of the 700 block of East 1st, at a stoplight. A 2002 Maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer was stopped behind the other SUV. A 2007 black Chevrolet pickup was traveling east and approaching the Trailblazer. The driver of the pickup was asleep and struck the rear of the Trailblazer. The occupants of the Trailblazer went to the emergency room by personal vehicle where they were treated and released.
  • 200 block E. 1st– Disorderly Conduct – Officers were dispatched to Memorial Hospital in reference to a female subject being disorderly to employees. Officer arrived and made contact with Mary Ann Dominguez who was sitting in the waiting room. Dominguez was very upset with staff and began cursing and throwing her personal items. She was placed in handcuffs and arrested for Disorderly Conduct Class C, transported to the Moore County Jail and booked without incident.

June 9

  • 200 block N. Dumas Ave. – Traffic/Warrant Service – Conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Dumas Ave. for defective equipment. Upon running the driver (James McDonald) through dispatch it was found that he had three outstanding warrants: one out of Dallas County for B/Theft $50/$500 class B misdemeanor, warrant No. M1166562F, and three out of Moore County: Warrant No. CR-15-0272 (DWLI), Warrant No. CR-15-0273 (No Liability Insurance), Warrant No. CR-15-0273F (Failure to Appear).
  • 200 block W. 1st– Reckless Driver – Dispatched in reference to a red Ford Bronco driving around the area recklessly. Officer canvassed the area in attempt to locate, unable to locate. Complainant did not wish contact.

June 10

  • 700 block Spruce – Warrant Service – Warrant service on Kelly Hutcherson. Warrants confirmed for NO DL, FTA and Forgery.
  • 800 block N. Maddox – Reckless Driver – Dispatched in reference to a reckless driver who was traveling south on Maddox. The area was canvassed, but no vehicle matching the given description, a silver Camaro, was located
  • 208 block N. Dumas – Theft – Contact made with the complainant who advised that his $800 Galaxy S7 Edge had been stolen out of the bathroom of Allsup’s North at approximately 2 a.m. He advised he accidently left it in there while washing his hands, and a female took his phone and left in a red pickup. Serial number obtained and phone entered into NCIC/ TCIC.
  • 800 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to an accident. Contact was made with a complainant who advised she and the driver of a second vehicle had backed out of a parking space at the same time which caused an accident. No injuries to report. Blue form was issued.

June 11

  • 600 block N. Meredith – Burglary of a Motor Vehicle – Dispatched in reference to burglary of a vehicle. Contact was made with the complainant who advised at approximately 4 a.m., subject(s) attempted to break into his gold Chrysler van while it was parked in the driveway of his residence
  • 100 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to a vehicle accident. Contact was made with the drivers who advised that Unit 2 was southbound in the inside lane of the 100 block of North Dumas Avenue in a Chevrolet Blazer. They further advised that Unit 1 was in the China Star parking lot in the 100 block of North Dumas Avenue, in a 2013 Ford Mustang. Unit 1 advised that a tractor-trailer stopped in the outside lane of the 100 block of North Dumas Avenue and waived him through to enter the roadway. Unit 1 then failed to yield right of way and struck Unit 2 causing left front quarter damage to Unit 1 and front right damage to Unit 2. No injuries to report.
  • 305 block W. 1st– Theft – Dispatched in reference to theft of beer. Arrived and spoke with the complainant who advised that three individuals, one female and two males, went into the store, created a diversion and left with two-18 packs of Michelob Ultra without paying. One of the male subjects was described as Hispanic, heavy set, and wearing a fish net. The second male subject who took the beer is described as Hispanic, short and wearing a blue shirt. There was no description given of the female. The complainant advised they left the scene in a white Dodge Charger traveling east on 1st
  • 900 block Braden – Disturbance – Dispatched in reference to a noise disturbance. Talked to a male subject who advised that he would make everyone go inside.

June 12

  • 100 S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Observed a 1999 F-350 fail to yield right of way to a 2012 GMC. The GMC entered the light on yellow and struck the F-350 which caused it to drive into a crosswalk machine and strike a stationary 2000 Jeep Wrangler. A 2015 GMC truck was also hit by debris causing paint damage. The driver of the 2012 was taken to the ER by Dumas EMS for minor neck pain. The 2012 and the F-350 were towed.
  • 100 block N. Dumas Ave. – Warrant Service – Warrant service on Teena Martinez out of Potter County. Warrant No. 1437112-1 Failed To Serve Weekends – Theft.
  • 100 block Oak – Loud Music – Dispatched in reference to loud music. Made contact with a male subject and advised him to turn down the music.

 

 

Cactus police chief’s sudden resignation surprised city manager

Steve Ramos
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Cactus police chief’s sudden resignation surprised city manager

The sudden resignation of the Cactus police surprised the city manager, who says he was “very happy with the chief’s performance” and had no idea the resignation was coming.

Mike Broyles resigned from his position May 31, and it was effective immediately. City Manger Aldo Gallegos wasn’t in the office and learned of Broyles’ resignation from a voice mail the former chief left. Broyles didn’t give an explanation for his sudden departure, Gallegos said.

“I was sad to see him go,” Gallegos said. “I made him chief in 2012 after terminating the previous chief. He was very good at his job, and so much of the police department’s success is because of him. He was tuned in to the community, which is one of the things that made him an asset. The city had absolutely no personnel issues with him.”

Gallegos named Sgt./Investigator Maribel Tiarzon interim chief Tuesday to run the department that when fully staffed has nine officers, including the chief. The city will begin searching for a new chief in the next couple of weeks.

“We’ll work with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the Texas Municipal League in our search,” Gallegos said.

Cactus recently opened a new police department building, a 3,975-square feet building to the south of City Hall. It’s a state-of-the art facility, Gallegos said.

While Broyles’ resignation surprised Gallegos, the department didn’t miss a beat.

“We have a really strong team, and they handled the chief’s resignation well,” Gallegos said. “They’re professional and competent, and I appreciate how they immediately organized to handle the restructuring of responsibilities.”

Broyles worked for the Cactus police department about seven years, Gallegos said.

Man arguing with clerk found to have parole violation warrant

Steve Ramos
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Man arguing with clerk found to have parole violation warrant

A clerk at a store on South Dumas Avenue called police Saturday after a customer refused to leave and was arguing about a charge on his card. Police found that Elias Terrazas had a warrant for parole violation/possession of a controlled substance and he was booked into the Moore County Jail.

Dumas police also reported the following:

May 31

  • 400 block W. 4th– Accident – A white 2013 Ford Escape was parked on the north side of the 400 block of west 4th, unoccupied and facing west. A white 2007 Ford Focus was west in the same block. The Focus experienced steering problems due to loss of steering and struck the Ford Escape. No injuries.
  • 300 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – A green 2008 International Bobtail truck was stopped, facing south, in the outside lane of the 300 block of south Dumas at a red light. A Gray Ford F150 pickup was behind the truck. The Ford was following too closely and struck the rear of the truck. No injuries.
  • 1300 block N.E. 2nd– Warrant Service – Warrant service on Veronica Fry for Moore County Warrant No. 5339, Burglary of a Habitation.
  • 200 block Beard – Assault – Officers dispatched on a disturbance. Frankie Sanchez made physical contact with the other party in an officer’s presence. Sanchez was arrested for assault causing bodily injury and booked into the Moore County Jail.
  • 900 block S. Klein – Fire – Dispatched in reference to a dumpster fire. Officer arrived, and fire department put out the fire, which was caused by hot coals from a BBQ pit.
  • 300 block S. Bliss – Check Suspicious – Dispatched in reference to a possible intoxicated person. Arrived on scene but unable to locate subject.
  • 1400 block S. Bliss – Narcotics – Officer was patrolling in the 200 block of East 14th street and observed a male subject identified as Jorge Acosta walking in the 1400 block of South Bliss. The officer made contact with Acosta, and subsequently found him to be in possession of marijuana. Acosta was arrested for possession of marijuana less than two ounces and booked into the Moore County Jail without incident.
  • 500 block Bennett – Accident/Hit and Run – Officer was dispatched to 501 Bennett in reference to a hit and run. Officer arrived and spoke with the complainant who advised someone had hit his trailer, which was parked in the street. The trailer was pushed into his Chevy Suburban causing damage as well.

June 1

  • 1200 block Beard – Burglary of a Vehicle – Dispatched in reference to criminal mischief. Spoke with the complainant who stated unknown person(s) had attempted to steal gas from her car.
  • 800 block N.E. 4th– Warrant Service – Warrant service on Cody Cox for warrant No. 27535 probation violation.
  • 300 block N. Dumas Ave. – Warrant Service – Warrant service on Ricky Hawthorne. Warrants were confirmed and Hawthorne was arrested and booked into the Moore County Jail for Moore County Warrant No. 1650 and Young County Warrant No. 26796.
  • 600 block E. 19th– Reckless Driver – Officers dispatched in reference to reckless driving by a white Volvo. Officers located the vehicle, and the driver was cited for several violations. However they were found to not be intoxicated.
  • 1000 block E. 1st– Traffic/Warrant Service – Conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of east 1st Street for a wide right turn. Subject (Cook, Shelby) was found to have two capias warrants. 1st warrant No. CR-12-6088, 2nd warrant No. CR-12-6088B.
  • 1400 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident/DWI – Dispatched in reference to a minor accident. Officers arrived and found that a white 2016 Chevrolet had been rear ended by a red 1996 Ford, while parked in the parking lot of Big R. While on scene, it was found the driver of the red Ford, Derrick Lanham was intoxicated. Lanham was booked into the Moore County Jail for DWI =>.15.
  • 1000 block E. 8th– Check Suspicious – Dispatched in reference to a suspicious subject following them home. Arrived on scene and found Htoo, Eh parked in the alley way in front of complainant. Officers made contact with Htoo who had been called in the prior evening for following a female subject home. Htoo was found to be intoxicated and arrested and booked into the Moore County Jail for Public Intoxication and driving without a DL class C misdemeanor.

June 2

  • 100 block N. Dumas Ave. – Accident – A gray 2008 Ford Escape was stopped, facing south in the outside lane of the 100 block of north Dumas Ave at a red light. A white 2009 Ford F150 was approaching the Escape from behind. The driver of the pickup looked down at the phone and struck the rear of the Escape. No injuries.
  • 1100 block Beard – Accident – Dispatched in reference to a minor accident. Arrived and found that Unit 1 backed out of the driveway and struck Unit 2 BL to L&T.
  • 400 block block E. 14th– Accident – Dispatched in reference to a motor vehicle accident. Unit 1, a blue 2013 GMC pickup, was traveling east in the 400 block of E 14th. Unit 2, a silver 2014 Chevy Malibu, was parked facing east at the 400 block of E 14th. Unit 1 struck Unit 2, ran off the road and struck the chain link fence around the Babe Ruth baseball field. Made contact with unit 1’s driver, John Hinson, who was determined to be intoxicated and arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Moore County Jail where he was then charged for DWI 2nd due to a previous conviction.
  • 600 block S. Bliss – Weapons – Officer stopped a pedestrian in the roadway in the 600 block of South Bliss. Subject later identified as Po, Ta was walking north on Bliss. During the stop, a weapon was found on the subject after he reached for his waistband, a Lorcin .380 serial No. 221139 tucked into the back of his pants. Po was arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon Class A misdemeanor and booked into the Moore County Jail.
  • 300 block S. Dumas Ave. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to an MVA blocking the roadway. It was disclosed that Unit 1, a grey 2013 Chevy truck, was at the stop sign facing west on the 100 block of E. 13th St. Unit 2, a white 1996 Ford Mustang, was traveling north on the 300 of S. Dumas Ave. Unit 1 Disregarded a traffic control device which resulted in striking Unit 2, FL to RFQ, causing minor damage. No injuries.
  • 700 block N. Dumas Ave. – Accident – A beige 2015 Freightliner and a trailer were legally parked, facing north in the parking lot of 720 north Dumas Ave. A red 2014 Volvo truck and trailer were backing into a parking space on the west side of the Freightliner. The trailer of the Volvo struck the Freightliner. No injury.

June 3

  • 405 N. Dumas Ave. – Counterfeit Money – Dispatched in reference to counterfeit money. Made contact with the manager who advised a subject attempted to use three counterfeit $20 bills at the business. The carhop who took the money could only provide that the subject was a Hispanic female and no other information. The manager also turned over two other counterfeit $20 bills they had received the previous night.
  • 405 S. Dumas Ave. – Counterfeit Money – Dispatched in reference to counterfeit money. Was also advised that a short female subject with blonde hair driving a black Tahoe was attempting to pass the counterfeit money. Made contact with employees, and it was disclosed that the suspect attempted to use three counterfeit $5 bills. The suspect left the scene prior to officer’s arrival. Unable to locate suspect vehicle.
  • 100 block E. 3rd– Accident – Driver of Unit 1, 2000 Cadillac Escalade, was pulling out of the south side of the parking lot, south bound. Driver of Unit 2, 2014 Toyota Camry, was driving west in the 100 block of East 3rd. Driver of Unit 1 failed to yield right of way, causing Unit 1’s LFQ to strike Unit 2’s FC. CR3 completed.
  • 1000 block Mills – Accident – Dispatched in reference to a minor accident. Gray 2012 Toyota backed out of a private drive. Gray 2008 Saturn backed from the private drive on the other side. Toyota struck the Saturn BL to LBQ causing minor damage. No injuries. Blue forms issued.
  • 700 block Oak – Loud Music – Officer was dispatched in reference to loud music. Officer made contact with homeowner, and music was turned down.
  • 300 Denton – Disturbance/Warrant Service – Dispatched in reference to a female subject causing problems. Contact made with complainant, who she had just left and went back to her residence. Officers made contact with Stephanie Strohm, during which a standard want and warrants check was conducted, and she was found to have three active Justice of the Peace 1 Warrants. Warrants were confirmed, and Strhom was arrested without incident.

June 4

  • 300 block Oak – Check Suspicious – Received a report of a man watching children through binoculars. It was found to be a family looking for the Dogie Days medallion.
  • 1600block S. Dumas Ave. – Theft – Dispatched in reference to delayed theft. Contact made with the assistant manager who showed video footage of a female wearing a gray jacket with a black hood covering her face entering the store at approximately 4:100 a.m. and took two 30-packs of beer valued at $53.98 and exited at 4:12 a.m.

June 5

  • 2000 block S. Dumas Ave. – DWI/Agency Assist – Assisted Moore County deputies in reference to a reckless driver northbound on Highway 287 headed into town driving a white Volvo SUV. Deputies conducted traffic stop. Driver was identified as Dar Wait who was found to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Officers assisted while deputies conducted their investigation. Child passenger was taken home by Dumas officers. Wait was arrested by Moore County for DUI w/ Child Passenger.

 

Hello, Mr. Trump? Let’s sit down, have a beer and talk

Steve Ramos
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Hello, Mr. Trump? Let’s sit down, have a beer and talk
Mr. Trump, If Mexico had built a wall, I’d be the millionaire, and you’d be mowing my lawn.

Dear Mr. Trump,

If you could find the time, I’d like for you to come over and sit down in the front yard with me and have a talk. We won’t need a translator. I’m of Spanish and Mexican descent, but I’m pretty fluent in English.

I’d like to speak with you in the hope you’ll make a sincere effort to listen to a perspective that isn’t your own. You haven’t given it much of an effort during your campaign for the highest office in the U.S., but maybe if you had a beer or two and relaxed in the coolness and quiet of a Texas Panhandle evening, your mind would settle down long enough to listen.

You and I were raised in two different worlds. You grew up with money. I grew up without it. You were raised in an English-speaking home; the softness of the Spanish language floated through mine. What you don’t seem to understand or want to understand is that even with those differences, we are Americans, too. I know, I know. You’ve said you only want to go after the illegals, but that’s one of the things I want to talk to you about.

I’m a 10th generation Texan. My family arrived in what is now Texas in 1750, the recipients of a 386,000-acre Spanish land grant. You see, my family was here before the United States was the United States, and there are many other people from Texas to California who share that history. You don’t have to take my word for it. My great grandfather nine generations ago was José Vasquez Borrego, and there are many credible internet sites that will tell you his story. His daughter, Manuela, married Juan Antonio Viduarri. My grandmother was Maria Vidaurri.

I’m not telling you this to bore you with my family history. I have a point. My family doesn’t own an inch of that vast land grant today, but we might if Mexico had built a wall. We might if Mexico hadn’t allowed American Southerners to move to Texas — some of them with their slaves. You’re not from Texas, so I don’t expect you to know Texas history. That’s OK because many Texans don’t know their history, either. Too many of them believe a whitewashed one.

Do you know what it’s called when people start a revolution against their country? Treason. The Texas Revolution was a battle for slavery. The South wanted Texas to be free from Mexico so it could enter the Union as a slave-holding state, and that’s what happened. Later, Texas seceded from the Union with 10 other Southern states, but that didn’t go too well for them. You might have heard of the Civil War and Reconstruction. But let me move on. I can see your eyes are half closed and your chin is about to hit your chest. History affects most people that way, and that’s why they’re doomed to repeat it.

When Texas became independent, the descendents of the Spanish land grant holders began to lose their lands. Well, they didn’t lose them. They were stolen. A few years later, when the U.S. took almost half of Mexico’s territory in the north, the Spanish descendants in Arizona, California and other territories suffered the same fate. All of our families were stripped of their lands. A large group of us got together about 16 years ago to try to have our mineral rights returned to us, but the laws, designed by the conquerors, were against us. To prepare for the court battle, we had to show the court what we believe is ours. My grandmother’s share of the gas royalties at that time was $10 million — a year. It was all taken from us because Mexico didn’t build a wall. It was taken from us because Mexico allowed American Southerners to immigrate to Texas. Gosh, if my family had that kind of money, I might have a New York City penthouse next door to yours. I could share tortillas with you and drop you off a bowl of caldo when you’re not feeling well.

Now before you say that I cling too much to my Spanish-Mexican heritage, let me tell you that I love my country, which would be the U.S. I served in the military and would still fight for my country, even if the war were against Mexico. I do love my culture, but I love my country enough to die for it. You didn’t serve in the military, did you? Well, that’s OK. A lot of people who are ready to bomb another country and start a war didn’t serve, either.

You have no idea what’s it like to be a descendant of people who gave their lives to build ranches and cities and have it stolen. The Native Americans know because the Spaniards did it to them, too. But that was worse. It was genocide. Still, I would be happy for just a slice of the land my family fought for and settled. If we have time, I’d like to take you to Texas Tech University down in Lubbock. They have a structure there at the Ranching Heritage Center that is a replica of the oldest standing ranch building in Texas. That would be a fort my ancestors built on their ranch, Los Corralitos, in Zapata County. Even my grandmother, as a girl, used the fort for protection during the Mexican Revolution when the ranches along the Rio Grande River were raided. Los Corralitos is on the National Register of Historic Places.

That brings me to my last point, and I’ll let you get on your way. I know you have rallies to organize and people to fire up. You know those ranches Texas is famous for? My ancestors and many of the other Spanish and Mexican settlers established that industry. We started the cowboy tradition, and we gave rodeos to Texas. Our ancestors brought the horses to the Americas, and it is our heritage that is celebrated during Dogie Days, even though few people realize it. Oh, you don’t know about Dogie Days, do you? Too bad you can’t stay a few more days. It’s a celebration of our community’s ranching and farming heritage. That would be the heritage my Spanish and Mexican ancestors handed down through the generations.

Donald — can I call you Donald? I feel like we’ve gotten to know each other a bit by now, and I can be a little a little more familiar. Your xenophobia troubles me, bubba. That horrible and hateful position you take has marred our country’s history too many times when the descendants of immigrants lashed out at the Germans, Italians, Irish and other people. I know you’re a showman, but you have to know that the public quickly gets tired of showmen, as they do all gadgets, and history has a way of knocking those carnival barkers down to their knees, or worse.

Well, you need to get on your way and stoke some more fires. Just know, Donald, that if Mexico had built a wall, I might be the billionaire, and you would be mowing my lawn. You seem to have an inexhaustible supply of energy. I wish you’d spend some of it studying history. I wish your followers would do the same.

 

 

 

 

Man drives truck through ballpark fence during game

Steve Ramos
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Man drives truck through ballpark fence during game
Above: Dumas police arrested John Hinson after he drove his truck through the north side of the Babe Ruth ballpark fence Thursday. Photo Courtesy Gilbert Falcon.

A man who has prior convictions for DWI drove his truck through the north side of the Babe Ruth ballpark fence Thursday night during a game. Police arrested 34-year-old John Hinson after he hit a parked car, swerved and then hit the fence, traveling several feet on to the field on 14th Street.

“He hit one of the fence posts dead on, and I think that stopped him from coming further on to the field,” Babe Ruth Coach Gilbert Falcon said. “He hit the fence in between center and left field.”

Falcon’s two sons, Gilbert and Diego, were playing in the game, which was stopped and will be rescheduled.

“There was a lady in the car the guy hit who always comes to the games,” Falcon said. “It’s common to see cars speeding on that street.”

Moore County Jail records show Hinson was released on a $1,000 bond.

Dumas police report 8 accidents in 8 days

Steve Ramos
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Dumas police report 8 accidents in 8 days

May 23

  • 600 block S. Birge – Burglary of a Motor Vehicle/Credit Card Abuse – Dispatched in reference to a theft of a wallet. Contact was made with the complainant who advised someone had stolen her wallet out of her 2016 Hyundai four-door car. The complainant further advised that on May 22 at approximately 5:30 p.m., she parked the vehicle curbside and left the wallet in the driver side door. When she noticed her wallet was missing, she checked her bank statement and located three unauthorized transactions on her credit card.
  • 1000 block S. Dumas Ave. – Theft – Dispatched in reference to a theft. Made contact with the complainant who stated an unknown Hispanic male came in and stole a display case filled with Mrs. Freshley’s chocolate crème filled cakes valued at $60. The suspect then ran back to a white cavalier where a white male subject was waiting. The men then drove west on West 10th Officers were unable to locate.
  • 900 block N.E. 6th– Parking Violation – Dispatched in reference to a COV, commercial vehicle parked on roadway. A 72-hour notice was placed on a 2007 black Kenworth.
  • 200 block Morton – Theft – Dispatched in reference to a theft of a bicycle. Contact with the complainant who advised his child’s white with red Dr. Pepper bike was stolen from their front porch.

May 24

  • 700 block S. Birge – Traffic/Warrant Service – Traffic stop on a 2005 gray GMC Sierra for failure to signal turn. Contact made with driver, Jose Ernesto Caldera, who had Moore County Warrants. Caldera was arrested and booked in at the Moore County Jail for Moore County Warrant (DUI minor)/ (Failed to appear). Caldera also received a citation for no DL and no insurance.
  • 124 E. 7th– Warrant Service – Warrant service on Josefina España. Warrants were confirmed, and España was arrested and booked in for Moore County Warrant No. CR-16-001/ CR-16-0012/ CR-16-0012V. Dumas PD Warrant#\ No. 81650CP/ 81651CP/ 81998CP.
  • 800 block N.E. 3rd– Criminal Mischief – Dispatched to the Dumas Police Department in reference to damage to a vehicle. Contact was made with the complainant who advised that sometime between 4 a.m. on May 20, 2016 and noon on May 23, 2016, unknown subject(s) damaged the driver’s side mirror on his gray 2013 Ford F150.
  • 400 block E. 14th– Accident – Dispatched in reference to an MVA. Investigation revealed that Unit 1, a 2008 Chevy Suburban, failed to control speed which resulted in striking Unit 2, a 2007 Saturn Aura, FC to BD, causing minor damage. No injuries. Accident report completed.
  • 200 block Chelsea – Criminal Mischief/City Ordinance Violation – Dispatched to in reference to criminal mischief to a house by a BB gun. Made contact with the complainant who advised that sometime within the last two weeks, unknown person(s) had shot the backside of the house with a BB gun. Investigation revealed BB gun shots to two windows, sliding glass doors and some siding.

May 25

  • 600 block E. 1st– Accident – A white 2012 Infinity G25 was west in the parking lot of 613 East 1st. A black 2003 GMC Envoy backed without safety, traveled northwest from a parking space and struck the Infinity. No injuries.
  • 200 block W. 14th– Accident/Hit and Run – A gray 2011 Toyota Camry was west in the 200 block of West 14th and attempted to turn south into a private drive. An unknown black Jeep SUV, possibly a Liberty, failed to yield right of way and turned from the private drive, northwest, onto West 14th. The Jeep struck the Toyota and left the scene. No injuries.
  • 1400 block S. Dumas – Accident – A gold 2006 Cadillac DTS was stopped behind traffic, facing north, in the inside lane of the 1400 block of south Dumas. A white 2004 Lincoln Town Car was behind the Cadillac. The Lincoln followed too closely and struck the rear of the Cadillac. No injuries.

May 26

  • 800 block N. Dumas Ave. – Forgery/Warrant Service – Officers contacted a subject in the Love’s parking lot. He was later identified as Santiago Ramos. It was determined that he had committed a forgery at Love’s. He was arrested for on view charges and outstanding warrant.

May 27

  • 1200 S. Porter – Disturbance – Officers spoke with the complainant who advised two male subjects went to his residence in an attempt to start a fight. The subjects were located and advised not to return to the residence. No charges filed at this time.
  • 6thSt. – Accident – Dispatched in reference to a vehicle accident. Arrived and spoke with driver of Unit 1 who advised she had backed out of a parking place and hit the LBQ of Unit 2 which was sitting at the light on East 6th and Dumas Avenue. No injuries.
  • 500 block N. Maddox – Curfew Violation – Contacted by DPS Trooper who was out with several juveniles after curfew. Juveniles transported to their residences and released to parents.
  • 400 block E. 1st– Accident – A 2007 black Pontiac G6 was stopped in the 400 block of East 1st Street, facing east, in the turning lane attempting to turn north into a parking lot. A 2010 white Cadillac DTS was behind the Pontiac with the intent of also turning into the parking lot. The Cadillac failed to control speed while approaching the Pontiac and struck the Pontiac. No injuries.

May 28

  • 200 block E. 2nd– Public Intoxication – Received a call of an intoxicated subject passed out in the hospital lobby. Contact was made with Jesus Murga who was found to be intoxicated to the point he was passed out. Murga could not explain where he was or how he had gotten there. Murga was arrested for public intoxication.
  • 700 block Spruce – Loud Music – Dispatched in reference to loud music. Arrived and spoke with the resident and advised them to turn down the music. The resident complied.
  • 100 block S. Dumas Ave. – Reckless Driver – Dispatched in reference to a reckless driver. While enroute, a vehicle matching the description, grey lifted F250, was observed traveling south on Dumas Avenue and pulling into the La Quinta Inn’s parking lot. Contact was made with the driver, who advised that he was just returning to the hotel after working in Stratford all day and was tired. Everything was found to be OK.
  • 1300 block S. Birge – Loud Music – Received a report of loud music. Contact made with homeowner who turned the music down.
  • 100 block Carson – Accident – Dispatched in reference to an accident. Unit 2, a white 2012 Kia Forte, was westbound in the 1600 block of E 1stwhen Unit 1, a 2015 Jeep, failed to yield right of way at the intersection of Carson and E 1st and struck Unit 2, causing FR to LD damage. No injuries to report.
  • 1400 Guylane Plaza – Warrant Service – Dispatched in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Contact was made with Kenneth Marshall Brooks who had confirmed warrants. Kenneth was arrested and booked in at the Moore County Jail for Moore County Warrant No. B002231.
  • 500 block W. 1st– Suspicious Vehicle/Narcotics – Observed suspicious vehicle parked in the back of Texhoma Park. Contact made with occupant Ernesto Murillo. Officers located marijuana and paraphernalia in the vehicle. Murillo was arrested and booked into Moore County Jail for Possession of Marijuana less than 2 ounces and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The vehicle, a white Dodge Charger, was inventoried and impounded.

May 29

  • 700 block Zauk – Burglary of a Habitation – Contact made with the complainant who advised that a person(s) had gained entry to her residence through the front door and taken an engagement set valued at approximately $400. Under investigation.
  • 1700 S. Maddox – Traffic/Warrant Service – Traffic stop conducted on a white Chevrolet Silverado for disregarding stop sign. Contact made with driver Gabriel Soto. He was found to have five active warrants (CR-11-446- No insurance/ CR-11-448- NO DL/ CR-11-447F-FTA/ CR-11-383-No DL / Cr-11- 383F-FTA. He was arrested for the charges and issued a citation for the stop sign and DWLI.
  • 600 E. 14th– Accident – Minor accident. White 1998 GMC truck backed into a parked two-door 2007 Pontiac. No visible damage to the GMC, minor damage to the Pontiac. Blue forms issued.

May 30

  • 100 Oak – Assault – Dispatched in reference to a physical disturbance. Arrived and found that a subject, Eduardo Vargas, had slapped a female subject during an argument. All parties on scene were intoxicated, and Vargas was found hiding in a bedroom. Vargas was being verbally aggressive and was arrested for Class C assault.
  • 1214 S. Dumas Ave. – Stolen Trailer – Dispatched in reference to a stolen trailer. Contact with the complainant who advised a trailer he borrowed was stolen from his business sometime between 6 p.m. on May 29, 2016 and 4:30 am on May 30, 2016. Trailer is a black 2011 homemade trailer TX 49666G. Trailer entered TCIC/NCIC as stolen.

 

 

County approves airport restaurant contract, construction begins

Steve Ramos
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County approves airport restaurant contract, construction begins
Above: In this file photo, Moore County Airport Manager Brandon Cox guides a $4 million HondaJet on the runway. It’s owner, Mark Leavitt, is a regular customer because of the airport’s low fuel costs. Leavitt said a restaurant at the airport would be great.

It took a few days for the Moore County Commissioners’ Court to make sure the language in a contract with Willis Construction of Dumas to build a $330,400 restaurant at the Moore County Airport satisfies the county’s legal counsel, but they approved it Friday, and construction began Tuesday. The county, though, won’t bear all of the costs.

The commissioners awarded the bid to Willis Construction during their May 9 meeting. Willis also supplied the bid specs in March, and their bid for the 3,200-square-feet restaurant came in at $289,200, which is the amount stated in the contract, but it doesn’t include kitchen appliances, a grease trap, a fire suppression system for the hood and a septic system. The commissioners approved spending an additional $41,200 for those, and they’ll be bid out. They also approved spending $18,800 to build a restroom at the recently completed hangar to accommodate the Moore County Health Foundation’s fundraiser, The Harvest, on Aug. 27, saying a restroom will have to be built at some point anyway. The foundation is using the hangar for their event, and the commissioners said they will amend the budget to cover that cost.

The total amount to build the restaurant, the restroom and adding the kitchen equipment and other needed items comes to $349,200, but the county won’t pay for all of it. Two Routine Airport Maintenance Program grants, one for 2016 and another for 2017 will contribute $186,940 toward the costs. The county’s building fund will provide another $16,000, and the addition of $7,823 that was leftover from the hangar’s construction will reduce the county’s cost to $138,436. However, the county’s outside auditor, James Allen, reminded the commissioners they are committing to spend $349,200.

Airport manager Brandon Cox said the restaurant will be “huge” for the airport, and several Valero pilots who attended the May 9 meeting agreed.

“You’ll end up bringing in more traffic,” one of the pilots said. “A restaurant is something we look for when we fly in to other places, and it’s a huge benefit to the crews. We’re looking at getting in and out as quickly as possible, and we don’t have the time to go into town to eat.”

Another Valero pilot said the airport has such a “beautiful and easy approach” that people would land just to eat.

An occupant for the restaurant hasn’t been identified, since it will have to be put out for bids, but Cox said having the restaurant on the weekends would be a requirement. A restaurant with a wine and beer license also would be a draw, Cox said, and it could boost the amount of money the county would collect.

“We could easily lease the restaurant out for $1,000 a month, and maybe get 1 to 2 percent of their food sales and then 2 percent on beer and wine sales,” Cox said. “We get a lot of people who fly in and don’t want to leave their planes. They want to see them while they’re eating. And the restaurant would give people in the community to go to the airport and see what we’re doing.”

Commissioner Daniel Garcia said the project needs to make sense to the taxpayers, and Commissioner Lynn Cartrite agreed.

“People pay taxes, and they want good services from the county,” Cartrite said. “They expect something for their tax money. The only downside I see is that I got a call from a restaurant owner who said it would hurt his business. If we catch flak, that’s going to be where it comes from. I’m for it. It would be a good deal for the community and for Valero.”

Providing services to Valero is a given, since their proximity to the airport is the major reason the airport’s fuel prices are so low. How low? Mark Leavitt flew into the airport in March in his $4 million HondaJet, and he said there are only three of four airports in the nation with fuel prices lower than Moore County’s.

“I’m a regular customer here,” Leavitt said in March. “I fly in because the fuel is cheap. It’s that simple. It would be great if there was a restaurant here.”

Law enforcement agencies, U.S. District Court silent on Wednesday’s arrests

Steve Ramos
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Law enforcement agencies, U.S. District Court silent on Wednesday’s arrests
Above: Screen shots from the Randall County Jail roster show Manuel Reyes, Juan Reyes and Maximiliano Gonzales are in custody following their arrests Wednesday in Dumas and Cactus.

A multi-agency investigation lead to the arrests of three men in Dumas and Cactus on Wednesday, but none of the agencies, including the U.S. District Court Northern Division, where the men appeared Wednesday, are releasing information. However, the arrests of Juan Reyes, Manuel Reyes and Maximiliano Gonzales are confirmed on the Randall County Jail roster.

DPS Spokeswoman Trooper Cindy Barkley said Texas Rangers, DPS Criminal Investigative Division, FBI and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office were some of the agencies “that have been involved in an ongoing joint investigation in relation to the arrests this morning (Wednesday).”

“I have been advised to refer all inquiries to the FBI PIO located in Dallas,” Barkley said.

In response to the Journal’s email to the FBI asking for information, FBI Spokeswoman Allison Mahan said, “The FBI will decline to comment on your inquiry.”

The US. District Court Northern Division also is silent. No information about the men’s appearance in court or criminal complaints shows up on a search of the court’s website. A court clerk, who asked not to be identified during an in-person request from the Journal, said he has information that Manuel Reyes and Gonzales were in court, but he has no information on Juan Reyes.

Moving forward to the Randall County Jail’s online roster. The three men are in custody there with federal holds on them. No offenses are listed.

Wednesday’s arrests are a continuation of multiple arrests in November 2015 and December 2015. FBI agents arrested Guadalupe Reyes and Marco Saucedo in Cactus, and agents arrested Adan Reyes and several other men in El Paso. Guadalupe Reyes and Saucedo are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.

According to court documents, Adan Reyes is charged with nine counts, including laundering of monetary instruments and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. His indictment alleges he engaged in illegal drug operations and money laundering since 2006.

Guadalupe Reyes and Saucedo are scheduled to go to trial June 27, according to court documents.

There go those crooked cops again — feeding hungry, abused children

Steve Ramos
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There go those crooked cops again — feeding hungry, abused children
Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum and Devonte Hart hug during a Ferguson-related protest in 2014. — The Oregonian

In the year I’ve been publishing the Journal, I can count on one hand the number of readers’ comments I’ve deleted because of their bad language or outright disrespect. The same goes for the number of times I’ve responded to a reader’s comment. However, that isn’t true for the many times I’ve wanted to respond. I’m human, a flawed one who would just as soon settle an argument outside as look at you, and knowing that, I tell myself it isn’t nice and would only draw a crowd with cellphone cameras. Also, a nagging weight gain has limited the number of shirts I have that fit me, so I have to take care they don’t get ripped while I’m being whupped on in public.

Since the number of comments I’ve had to delete are so few, I think it says a lot about the readers. Y’all are respectful, intelligent and engaging. I have to be honest with myself, though, and say that the number of times I’ve wanted to respond to a comment is only a reflection of my insecurities, a button someone pushed that should have hit a dead wire and not a live one. Those are my issues, and I know that.

But I’ve been mulling over a comment posted yesterday on the police report, and I’ve decided that comment doesn’t deserve my comment in reply. It deserves a full-blown editorial. In that post, a reader said cops will find a reason to search a vehicle even if the driver doesn’t give them permission because everyone knows how crooked the cops are. Sorry, reader, if you get angry over this, but you said it and should expect it to be challenged. Other readers are free to like his comment. But I don’t.

Are there crooked cops? Absolutely, because their ranks are comprised of humans who sometimes don’t tow the line the law and their supervisors establish. There are cops who have stolen, beaten people up or lied. But that’s not a cop issue. It’s a human issue. We don’t shut down the medical profession because there are some stupid or unethical ones. We don’t close the schools because a teacher abused a student. Why? Because they are the exception. Out of one bad cop, doctor or teacher, there are thousands of good ones.

Before you complain about a crooked cop, think about what could happen each time any cop makes a traffic stop. They don’t know what’s waiting for them inside that car. It could just be a mom in a hurry to pick up her kid at soccer practice. But too many times, it’s someone with a gun, waiting for the cop to get a little bit closer.

The cops really like to ruin our fun, don’t they? They chase down people who get it in their heads to drive 100 mph down Dumas Avenue, endangering many lives, including their own. They don’t let us shoot our guns inside the city limits or beat up our spouses. They don’t let people rob stores, all because they’re such busybodies and are always up in our business. Don’t they have anything else to do but worry about what we’re doing?

But lets’ talk about what they do that doesn’t make the news. Many times when they respond to a domestic call and see hungry children, they take money out of their wallets and buy them food. When they see a living room without a Christmas tree, much less any gifts, they go to Walmart and buy the kids in that bleak home presents. Do you think they can really afford to do that? Dumas police officers are woefully underpaid, and they do their jobs driving vehicles that should have been replaced years ago. Each time they respond to a call, they consider the danger, sometimes deadly, that might be waiting for them, but they still go. Each time they leave their homes for work, their spouses say a prayer they’ll return. One of the police reports published Monday said that when a cop stopped a man, he saw a pistol in plain sight, and he found a bag of meth. Sorry, but I’d prefer a cop arrest a guy carrying a pistol and drugs. Just not a good combination.

By no means do I think every cop is perfect and walks the straight and narrow, but I don’t expect that of any profession. Those flawed ones are exposed and weeded out. Also, anyone who thinks a cop has broken the law can address it. If you’re not satisfied with the way your complaint is handled, you can take it up another notch in the chain of command. Make enough noise, and you’ll be heard. Just as you would with a bad teacher, lawyer or doctor.

But if you think all cops are crooked, I guess you can just shrug your shoulders when your home is burglarized, when you see a child with bruises or when a speeding driver almost T-bones you. And ask yourself this. Did you feed those hungry kids whose parents spent all their money on drugs? Did you put your life on the line when a drunk and angry man held a pistol to his wife’s head, and you had to talk him down? Did you comfort a child whose father was just arrested for violent domestic abuse?

There is no profession comprised of perfect employees. But I’m glad men and women still choose law enforcement as a career regardless of its imperfections, low pay and dangers. God bless them.

 

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