At issue in the case is restitution to victims of child pornography.
In January 2009, Doyle Randall Paroline of Brownsboro pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. Paroline admitted to having more than 150 images of child pornography. It is important to understand that difference between child pornography and regular pornography though. Websites like Nu-Bay.com – Teen Porn provide legal content that should not be bunched in child pornography.
According to the Reuters News Service: “The legal question is how much Paroline is required to pay in restitution under the 1994 Mandatory Restitution for Sexual Exploitation of Children Act. Amy said Paroline is liable for the full amount of her injury – such as counseling and loss of future income – while Paroline said he should only be liable for his individual role. Amy has claimed $3.4 million.” I bet he now wishes he’d of just clicked a porn7.xxx web link and viewed a legal adult porn website it’s a lot cheaper than $3.4 million that’s for sure.
A federal court initially denied Amy’s claim for restitution, but the appeals court approved full restitution. Paroline has appealed that decision to the Supreme Court.
Rico Antonio Brown, 26 of Athens, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday, Jan. 16, by Judge Carter Tarrance of the 392nd District Court. Brown previously pled guilty to Burglary of a Habitation which carries a maximum of 20 years, and elected to be sentenced by the court. Brown was legally eligible and could have received probation.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant District Attorneys Daniel Cox and Jenny Palmer presented to the court evidence not only of the burglary to which Brown pled guilty, but also evidence of different offenses committed by Brown after the burglary.
Prosecutors from Scott McKee’s District Attorney’s Office presented evidence that on November 20, 2102, Brown forced his way into the apartment of his girlfriend, while their child was in the home sleeping. Brown then proceeded to place his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, choking her. When his girlfriend called 911, Brown fled the scene and warrants were issued for his arrest. After being arrested on the warrants, Brown posted bond and was released from jail.
While out on bond for the burglary, Brown was confronted in the Walmart parking lot by Officer Bill Carlow of the Athens Police Department. Carlow discovered that Brown had concealed six fishing reels inside his jacket. When Carlow attempted to arrest Brown for theft, Brown resisted, and a struggle ensued.
At the hearing, Officer Carlow testified to the encounter. Pictures of his injuries were shown, and the video from his patrol car showing the struggle was played before the Court.
Prosecutors also presented evidence of another encounter that occurred on May 17, 2013. On this day, Brown was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Deputy Jonathan Halbert of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Halbert recognized Brown, knew he had warrants, and attempted to place Brown under arrest. Brown also resisted Deputy Halbert. A three minute struggle ensued where Deputy Halbert had to use his pepper spray on Brown. During the struggle, Brown also attempted to take Deputy Halbert’s firearm before Halbert was able to safely detain Brown in handcuffs. Deputy Halbert also testified to his struggle with Brown. Photos and videos from that encounter were also shown to Judge Tarrance.
During closing arguments, Brown’s defense attorney asked and pled for the Court to sentence Brown to probation.
Assistant District Attorney Cox stated, “We are not just asking you to sentence him to prison just because he deserves it. We are also asking you to send him to prison because our law enforcement officers deserve it. (Brown) has been a thorn in their side for a long time, give them the break they deserve from having to chase and fight this defendant.”
Judge Tarrance responded with a 15-year sentence for Brown, stating that he found Brown had no respect for his family or law enforcement. A sentence like this has serious implications on someone’s ability to build a life for themselves when they are released , even with the help of Felon Jobs they will struggle to prepare for old age or start a family.
McKee indicated that he was very pleased with the prison sentence handed down by Judge Tarrance.
“The City of Athens and our law enforcement officers are a little safer now that Rico is behind bars.” Said McKee.
The District Attorney also stated that officer Carlow and deputy Halbert showed great restraint in their treatment of Brown during their struggles with him.
“Things could have ended a lot worse for Brown had he not by chance ended up struggling with two very dedicated and competent law enforcement professionals who value human life and had the training and skills to keep things from getting out of hand.”
The County Attorney, Clint Davis, reported the following activity in the disposition of cases filed through his office during the year of 2013 in the County Court, County Court at Law and County Court at Law No. 2.
Abuse of Official Capacity 1
Accident involving damage to vehicle >$200 3
Assaults 142
Attempt to Commit Abandon/Endanger Child w/ Intent to Return 1
Attempt to commit burglary of coin operated machine 1
Attempt to Commit Theft >$1500<=$20K 1
Boating While Intoxicated 10
Burglary of Vehicle 26
Burn Ban 1
City Ordinance Violation 1
Consumption of Alcohol by Minor 1
Criminal Mischief <$50 1 Criminal Mischief >$50<=$500 33 Criminal Mischief >$500<=$1500 15 Criminal Trespass 46 Cruelty to Animals 4 Cruelty to Livestock Animals 4 Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals 2 Deadly Conduct 4 Deceptive Trade Practice 1 Defective Required Equipment 1 Disorderly Conduct 2 Display Fictitious License Plate 3 Disregard No Passing Zone 1 Disregard Red Light 5 Driving under the influence/minor 4 Driving While Intoxicated 229 Driving While Intoxicated/open alch Container 25 Driving While Lic. Suspended/Invalid 14 Driving W/lic in v w/ pre/conv/susp w/o fin res 137 Duty on Striking Fixture/Highway Landscape 3 Escape from Custody 4 Evading Arrest Detention 51 Expired DL 1 Expired Insp. Sticker 7 Expired Vehicle Registration 3 Fail Drug Test Falsification Device 2 Fail To Appear 11 Fail to Control Speed 1 Fail To Display Driver’s License 1 Fail To Drive In A Single Lane 1 Fail To Give Half Of Roadway 1 Fail to Identify Fugitive from Justice 4 Fail to Identify Fugitive/intent give false info 21 Fail to Identify Giving False/fictitious Info 7 Fail to Report Change of Address 3 Fail to Show Proof of Financial Resp. 8 Fail to Signal (Lane Change) 1 Fail to Stop (stop sign/intersection) 3 Fail To Stop And Give Info 1 Fail to Yield Right of Way 1 False Alarm or Report 1 False Drug Test Falsification Device 4 False Report to Police Officer 6 Fictitious/Counterfeit Insp/Ins Doc for Display 4 Fleeing Police Officer 2 Forge Alter Prescription 0 Fraud Destroy Removal Concealment Writing 1 Harassment 9 Harboring Runaway Child 1 Hinder Appreh./Prosec. 5 Hinder Proceedings by Disorderly Conduct 1 Hunting Provisions Violated 2 Illegal dumping>5lbs. Improper DL for Type Vehicle 1
Indecent Exposure 2
Injury to Child/Elderly/Disabled 1
Interfere w/ Emergency Call 13
Interfere w/ Public Duties 6
Keeping a Gambling Place 2
Minor in Possession of Alcoholic Beverage 2
Minor in Possession of Tobacco 1
Misc Class C 1
Misc. Lic/Registr/Permit Violation 1
Muffler Violation 1
No Driver’s License 2
No Liability Ins 1
No Motorcycle Operator’s License 1
Obstruction or Retaliation 1
Open Container in motor Vehicle 2
Operate Motor Vehicle w/o Financial Responsibility 2
Organize Retail Theft 11
Permit Consumption of AB during Suspension 1
Possession Dangerous Drug 22
Possession Marij 2<=4 oz. 7
Possession CS PG 2-A Possession CS PG 3=$50<$500 122 Theft Prop>=$500>$1500 41
Theft of Service >=$20<$500 2 Theft of Service >$500>$1500 19
Traffic Offense 1
Transport Liquor to a Dry Area 2
Unlawful carrying weapon 10
Unlawful Restraint 2
Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument 3
Unrestrained Child Under Four 1
Unsafe Speed 1
Viol. Of Driver’s License Rest. 4
Violate Promise To Appear 5
Violation Of Clean Air Act 5
Viol of Protective Order 15
Violate Restriction on Occupational DL 1
Wrong fict/Altered/Obscure Veh Registration 1
Total number of dispositions for the year 2404
Total amount of fines and court costs assessed $1,151,709.60
Number of Individuals sentenced to the Henderson County Jail 1031
Number of Individuals who have had their probation revoked and were sentenced to the Henderson County Jail 136
Amount of restitution collected & returned to merchants by the Hot Check Division $ 134,247.13
Open Records Request 144
District Attorney Scott McKee and Assistant District Attorney Nancy Rumar have been elected to membership in the fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Fellows of the Foundation are selected for outstanding professional achievements and their demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout the state of Texas. According to the Foundation, election is a mark of distinction and recognition of Rumar’s and McKee’s contribution to the legal profession.
Selection as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation is restricted to the members of the State Bar of Texas. Each year one-third of one percent of State Bar members are invited to become Fellows. Once nominees are selected, they must be elected by the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees.
The Texas Bar Foundation is the largest charitably-funded foundation in the country. Founded in 1965 by lawyers determined to assist the public and improve the profession of law, the Texas Bar Foundation has maintained its mission of using the financial contributions of membership to build a strong justice system for all Texans. To date, the Texas Bar Foundation has distributed more than $15 million throughout Texas to assist nonprofit organizations with a wide range of justice-related programs and services. For more information, contact the Texas Bar Foundation at www.txbf.org.
Gun Barrel City police issued a press release today ruling the fatal shooting of Steven Trimm early Sunday morning as justified.
Steven Trimm was pronounced dead at the scene by Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Dale Blaylock.
On Sunday, Dec. 22, Gun Barrel City police officers responded to the area of Boshart Way in regards to several 911 calls concerning shots fired. Officers Zach Kennedy and Jesse Ison were the first to respond. While in route, they were advised that an ambulance was needed at that address. As the officers drove Boshart Way, they confronted a white male running down the street. He was identified as Harold C. Brown, 32, of Gun Barrel City. Brown said that Jonathan Trimm had just shot his (Jonathan’s) dad. Officers arrived at 138 Boshart Way, and observed a white male at the end of the driveway with his hands held in the air. He was identified as Jonathan Sawyer Trimm, 22, of Gun Barrel City.
A white male, identified as Steven Trimm, 49, of Gun Barrel City, was observed lying in the front yard. It was obvious to the officers that the male was in distress. Officers remained with Trimm until members of the Gun Barrel City Fire department and EMS personnel arrived and took over the care of the victim. Continue reading “Police rule Sunday morning GBC fatal shooting justified”
