Category: Police Beat

Henderson County Jail Passes Inspection

Police BeatPress release

On Thursday, Jan. 8, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards arrived at the Henderson County Jail to conduct an unannounced jail inspection for the year of 2014. This was a two-day inspection that ended Jan. 9.

The Henderson County Jail passed the inspection. This accomplishment can only be made by the dedicated staff working at the facility.

The Jail Commission inspects inmate files, inmate medical files, grievances, check logs, life safety, annual health inspection, menus, ansul hood inspection, supervision and staffing, jailers’ licenses, contraband searches, sanitation checks, inmate disciplinary records, recreation logs, operational plans, commissary audit, ADA plan, population and paper ready reports, classification audit, classification of inmates, generator tests, courtroom holding cells, a complete walk through of the facility making sure everything is functional, conduct a fire drill, and many more items.

The Jail Commission conducts a very thorough inspection and speak with inmates while they are on the site.

WARNING: Jury Duty Scam Back Again

scam alertBy Michael V. Hannigan

WARNING: The Jury Duty Scam is back.

Athens Police Chief Buddy Hill said his department received several calls today about the scam including at least one victim who lost $500.

Hill said scammers called area residents today pretending to be a representative of one of the county’s district courts. They inform the person that they have missed jury duty and are subject to a fine or arrest if the fine is not paid. The victim is instructed to purchase a pre-paid money card (such as a Green-Dot card) for a certain amount to settle the fine. Once the victim does this and provides the caller with the card number, the money is instantly withdrawn from the card.

Hill said, “We want to remind everyone that a legitimate court will not ask for payment over the phone, nor will they instruct you to purchase a pre-paid money card. If you believe, or if you are told, that you have outstanding business with a branch of the government, contact the agency directly through a known source of communication rather than relying on what someone is telling you on the phone. There is a good chance that the person is not who they say they are.” Continue reading “WARNING: Jury Duty Scam Back Again”

Crime Stoppers Needs Your Help

crimestoppers logoPress release

Henderson County Crime Stoppers can use your help in burglary of building.

On December 30, 2014 at approximately 10:28 p.m. an unidentified male made entry into the Nelson Propane company located on Highway 175 East in Athens. Entry into the bulding was made by cutting into the sheet metal, siding, insulation and plywood. The individual was wearing a full face mask and has not yet been identified.

If you have any information about this crime or any other felony crimes please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-545-8477 (TIPS). Callers will remain anonymous. If your information leads to an arrest you could earn a cash reward up to $1,000.

Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years

Police BeatPress release

On Wednesday morning, Ray Glenn Followwell, 50 formerly of Seven Points, pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Justin Weiner prosecuted the case on behalf of Scott McKee’s District Attorney’s Office. Followwell was sentenced in the 173rd Judicial District Court with Judge Dan Moore presiding.

Followwell was indicted by a Henderson County Grand Jury following an investigation by Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Wick Gabbard. Continue reading “Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years”

Four Arrested Following Drug Search

Police BeatPress release

On Dec. 10, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office narcotic Investigator Kendell Wellman obtained a narcotic search warrant for a residence in the Willowood subdivision in Gun Barrel City after an investigation pertaining to narcotic activity at the residence. The warrant was signed by 173rd District Court Judge Dan Moore.

HCSO Chief Deputy Hillhouse, Captain Bryan Tower, Investigators Gray, Powers, Beddingfield, Wellman, Deputies Wright and Daniels and Gun Barrel City police officers executed the search warrant at the residence. Continue reading “Four Arrested Following Drug Search”