Henderson County Sheriff’s Office press release
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigator Wick Gabbard obtained a narcotics search warrant for a residence on Martin Street in Athens. The search warrant was issued by Henderson County Justice of the Peace Milton Adams and authorized the search of the residence for narcotics.
Henderson County Sheriff’s Officers Investigators Wick Gabbard, Kendall Wellrnan, Brad Gray, John Long, Billy Valentine, Robert Powers, Cayce Hampton, Deputy Kyle Pochobradsky, Lt. Charlie Severn, Chief Deputy Botie Hillhouse, Sheriff Ray Nutt, Athens Police Department Sgt. Don Yarbrough, Athens Police Detectives Saylors, Bonnette, and Passons went to the residence to execute the search warrant at approximately 2 p.m.
Investigators seized a quantity of marijuana, Xanax bars, and suspected crack cocaine inside the residence The suspected narcotics will be sent to the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab to be analyzed.
Carlos Hull was charged with Possession of Marijuana over two ounces but under four ounces and Tampering with Evidence. Possession of Marijuana over two ounces but under four ounces is a Class A misdemeanor punishable up to confinement in county jail for one year and a $4,000 fine. Tampering with Evidence is a 3rd Degree felony punishable up to two to ten years confinement in TDCJ and a fine up to $10,000. Hull was placed under arrest and transported to the Henderson County Jail.
Michael Carthen was charged with Possession of Marijuana under two ounces which is a Class B misdemeanor punishable up to 180 days confinement in county jail and a fine up to $2,000. Carthen was arrested and transported to the Henderson County Jail.
On Wednesday October 1, 2014 both Hull and Carthen were arraigned by Henderson County Justice of the Peace Randy Daniel. Hull’s bail was set at a total of $1 0,000 and Carthen’s bail was set at a total of $3,500. Both Hull and Carthen have posted bond and have been released from custody at this time.
With great power comes great responsibility. Officers are in a position of power, but should not abuse this power. The greater responsibility of the situation being handled correctly rests upon the officers. They are the ones who have been trained in the proper manner to interact with citizens – mothers with young children present. It was obviously mishandled. Jessica did not create those injuries herself. She was in a state of panic and fear connected to her children being present and voiced many times that she would in fact comply if they would allow her to do so herself. The aggressiveness that was manifested was inappropriate and wrong. Is Chief Hill condoning what took place?