Legal-Henderson County Now

Guthrie sentenced to life for 2012 murder

District Attorney’s Office press release

Jackie Martez Guthrie, 23, of Frankston was sentenced to Life in the penitentiary last month after pleading guilty to the July 2012 shooting death of Chantel Barrett.
Barrett was found dead outside a Coffee City residence by police on Thursday, July 19, while responding to a call about gunshots. Guthrie, 23, was quickly identified as a suspect and a manhunt was initiated. Guthrie was believed to have also kidnapped 19-year-old Tiffany Hurd, who was eight months pregnant with Guthrie’s child at the time.

Approximately 24 hours later, Guthrie was spotted by former classmates vacationing in Galveston and was taken into custody without incident. Guthrie had in his possession what prosecutors believed was the weapon used to shoot Barrett. Henderson County District Attorney’s Investigators along with an investigator from the Henderson County Sheriff’s office traveled to Galveston to interview and transport Hurd back to Henderson County.

Continue reading “Guthrie sentenced to life for 2012 murder”

U.S. Supreme Court to hear Brownsboro child porn case

By Michael V. Hannigan

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a child pornography case which originated in Brownsboro.

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, he should have just stuck to watch adult porn on dosexvideo at least that’s legal.

According to the Courthouse News Service, at least two of those images were of a girl listed as “Amy” in the court record. Amy’s uncle “sexually abused her, filmed his actions and shared them with others.”

A Reuters story explained why the case is before the Supreme Court:

“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.”

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.

The Courthouse News Service reports that Amy has received restitution in at least 174 child pornography cases across the country.

Fugitives caught in Henderson County

District Attorney’s Office press release

Tuesday marked the end of a long road for two Henderson County fugitives. Joy Lynn Everett and Pete Quinonez had been on the run from law enforcement but were finally brought to justice.

Everett was convicted in early February 2012 for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Assistant District Attorneys Justin Weiner and Nancy Rumor prosecuted the case on behalf of Scott McKee’s District Attorney’s Office. All it took was seven minutes for a Henderson County Jury of six men and six women to deliver a convicting verdict.

On April 3, 2012, a month later, the court heard evidence at a punishment hearing where Weiner said, “This is someone who has failed to take responsibility for their actions on every level. While she was out on bond, and awaiting a trial in this court, she was caught with even more suspected methamphetamine, and went to great and extremely bizarre lengths to try to conceal evidence.”

The court sentenced Everett to a term of eight years in prison. She appealed the case, was granted bail while the appeal was pending, and ultimately was out on bond yet again. On April 24, 2013, the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler affirmed the conviction securing Everett’s eight-year sentence.

Everett had been on the run ever since, until some hard work Continue reading “Fugitives caught in Henderson County”

County Attorney’s Report

Henderson County Attorney Clint Davis reported the following activity in the disposition of cases filed through his office during the month of May in the County Court at Law, County Court at Law No. 2, and County Court:

Assaults, 11;
Criminal Mischief >$50<=$500, 5 Criminal Mischief >$500<=$1500, 1
Criminal Trespass, 6
Display Fictitious License Plate, 1
Disregard Red Light, 1
Driving Under The Influence/Minor, 2
Driving While Intoxicated, 24
Driving While Intoxicated/Open Alcohol Container, 1 Continue reading “County Attorney’s Report”

Assistant DA Justin Weiner recognized for community service

Justin Weiner (left) and Chief Ken Holder.

District Attorney’s Office press release

Monday morning, Eustace Police Chief Ken Holder along with District Attorney Scott McKee took time to recognize efforts made by one of McKee’s prosecutors for his dedication and service to the citizens of Eustace and Henderson County.

Justin Weiner, who also is the city prosecutor for Eustace, was presented a “Community Service Ribbon,” which is typically displayed on a peace officer’s uniform. The award was given to recognize Weiner’s outstanding efforts and involvement within the community including his participation in the East Texas Crisis Center’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” The event, held last month, raised money and awareness for women who have fallen victim to physical and sexual violence.

Living in Athens with his wife and 1-year-old son, Weiner is deeply committed to and involved in the community. He serves as the chairman of the Henderson County Child Welfare Board, overseeing funding for and assessing the needs of foster children here in Henderson County. Continue reading “Assistant DA Justin Weiner recognized for community service”