HSCO discovered 5 Kilos of Meth and a .45 ACP in an operation

Photo Credit: HCSO

On February 27, 2020, HCSO Homeland Security Bureau and District II deputies conducted an operation in East Harris County.

HSCO discovered 5 Kilos of Meth and a .45 ACP.

2 suspects were arrested.

Harris County Urges Caution for City of Houston Water Customers

In addition to the boil water notice issued by the City of Houston, Harris County has advised utility districts and wholesale water providers from across the County to perform testing of water to ensure the safety of the water supply.  Water testing conducted by these entities - which operate independently from the City of Houston and Harris County - takes approximately 24 hours. 

Local municipal utility districts and water wholesale providers are required to inform their customers if their water does not meet safety standards established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They are also required to perform water quality testing, which can take 24 hours or more. Residents should expect to be informed by their water utility provider if they need to boil water before they use it. 
These graphics from Harris County Public Health provide easy to understand directions on how to boil water. 

Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted charges against Jimmy Stevens

On February 26^th at 6:22 p.m., officers observed a subject at the McDonalds in the 7000 block of Garth who they recognized by sight as 39-year-old Jimmy Stevens of Baytown, and who they knew had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest out of Harris County for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Officers contacted Mr. Stevens and took him into custody at which time they also located approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine in a backpack he was carrying. Mr. Stevens was transported to the Baytown Jail and booked on the outstanding warrant and additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance through the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

A new program implemented by Harris County District Attorney puts more prosecutors in courts free to taxpayers

The
Harris County District Attorney’s Office has partnered with four of
Houston’s most prominent law firms to let recently graduated civil
litigation attorneys handle misdemeanor prosecutions
in the county’s 16 justice of the peace courts.

“The
program puts some of Houston’s best new lawyers in courtrooms to get
trial experience while lightening the workload for prosecutors assigned
to those courts, without costing taxpayers
a dime,” said District Attorney Kim Ogg. “Because the lawyers are
employed by large law firms, there is no added cost for Harris County.”

It’s a win for the law firms too. Baker Botts, Bracewell, Hunton Andrews Kurth and V&E are participating.

“We
appreciate any opportunity for our young lawyers to get in the
courtroom,” said Tony Visage with Bracewell. “The Harris County DA
program provides real world experience, including working
with opposing counsel and interacting with the Court.”

Jason
Powers, a partner at participating firm Vinson & Elkins, said
“We’re excited about this program, both because of the experience it can
provide our lawyers and because it is an honor
to provide a public service like this here in our hometown.”

V&E associate Anna Johnson, who tried her first case as a volunteer prosecutor, agreed.

“Being able to try a case before a jury as a first year associate was an incredible opportunity,” she said.

The program is overseen by Yvonne Taylor, chief of human resources and Johanna Craft, chief of the justice court section.

The
program allows civil litigation attorneys, working with the approval of
their law firm and under the authority of the Harris County District
Attorney, to volunteer as pro bono attorneys
in the high-volume JP courts, generally for one day a week for six
months.

Before
they begin, they attend three day-long trainings: a trial skills boot
camp, a docket management training and shadowing a prosecutor for a day.

“It’s
important for the development of the young lawyers at the law firms,
not just for the trial advocacy skills, but also to expand their view of
the community,” said Taylor, the HR chief.
“It gives them an opportunity to give back, to make the community safer
and helps them develop a sense of compassion for people in situations
they might not see otherwise.”

Craft, chief of the justice section, said the help is welcome.

“These
kinds of partnerships ensure that young lawyers get trial experience
while law firms are able to use their pro bono hours to give back to the
community in a coordinated and meaningful
way.”

Participating Law Firms and Attorneys

Baker Botts

Kelly Hannen

Jeremy Walter

Bracewell

Daisy Puente

Matt Mallett

Hunton, Andrews, and Kurth

Michael Bender

Vinson & Elkins

Jessica Pagano

Andrea Cohen

Anna Johnson

Ben Betner

Brooke Noble

3 lbs of Marijuana and a stolen pistol found in Harris County

Earlier Saturday morning, the Harris County District 1 Sherriff deputies found a male passed out at wheel at the 20399 block of Champion Forest. The deputies found over 3 lbs of Marijuana and a stolen pistol in the vehicle. The driver going to jail from the hospital.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez released a statement:

https://twitter.com/SheriffEd_HCSO/status/1231199830774550533

Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted charges on Wilson

On February  20^th at 2:2 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 3400 block of west Baker Road.  upon stopping the vehicle the officers contacted the occupants. During the stop the driver gave a fictitious name, however  her true identity was established and determined to be  39 year old Jolean Wilson of Port Arthur, it was learned that she had outstanding traffic warrants. The driver, 28 year old Anthony Jones, also of Port Arthur, was also found to have outstanding local warrants for theft and failure to appear.  Both subject s were placed under arrest and transported to the Baytown Jail where they were booked. Ms. Wilson was also charged with an additional charge of Failure to Identify through the Harris County District Attorney’s Office

32lbs of Marijuana and 564g of Cocaine seized in Harris County

On February 17, 2020, Harris County Sherriff District 1 DTU Units filed Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and seized 32lbs of Marijuana and 564g of Cocaine.

Statement from an official from the H.C.S.O., "Over the past 2 months we have added 10 member Tactical & street level Gang Units to North & East Harris County. Northeast Harris County team will be in place end of March. West Harris County is next."

Harris County DA Office accepted charges of Evading in a Motor Vehicle and Possession of Dangerous Drugs against James

On Wednesday, February 19th at 9:17 a.m., Baytown Police attempted to stop a gray Honda Accord in the 900 block of West Texas for traffic violations. The driver, later identified as 21-year-old Jacory James, failed to stop and evaded the officer until finally stopping on Laredo Street. The driver was searched and the officer recovered Oxycodone, Xanax and several plastic bags containing marijuana in his pants. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and Evading in a Motor Vehicle and Possession of Dangerous Drugs were accepted on James.

Investigators need the public's help identifying the suspects responsible for the murder of Ebenezer Sewornoo

Harris County Homicide investigators need the public's help identifying the suspects responsible for the murder of Ebenezer Sewornoo

On
Sunday, February 24, 2019, at approximately 07:20 A.M., deputies
responded to a shooting at the Vienna Lounge located at 13699 Bissonnet
Street in far west Harris County.

Upon arrival, Sewornoo, was found in the inside of a vehicle in the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound.

Witnesses’ said suspects possibly fled in a dark color Toyota Tundra.

They are described as black male and a black female. Both suspects appeared to be in their late 30’s or early 40’s.

The male was wearing a white t-shirt, dark color pants, short hair, heavy build, 5”10 to 5’11, possibly 200 to 215 lbs.

The female was wearing dark clothing, black hair, approximately 5'7" tall.

Anyone with information is urged to call the HCSO Homicide u
nit at 713-274-9100.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for
information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect in this
case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or
submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tips may also be sent via a
text message by texting the following: TIP610 plus the information to
CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous

Harris County Homicide investigators need the public’s help for information on the unsolved murder

Harris County Homicide investigators need the public’s help for information on the unsolved murder of 27-year-old Frederick Charles Kennedy Jr, in west Harris County.

On Thursday, August 2, 2108, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Harris County Sheriff's Office Patrol deputies were dispatched to 5751 Greenhouse in regard to an in progress call for service.

Upon arrival, deputies found Kennedy Jr, lying in a common area of the complex.

Kennedy suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

Witnesses stated that four males were seen fleeing the scene.
Robbery is believed to be the motive.

Three
different vehicles were observed leaving the complex directly after the
shooting, they are a light colored Lincoln MKZ, a dark colored GMC or
Chevrolet truck and a gray colored Ford Edge.

The surveillance video link is here: https://bit.ly/2M5xuNS
<
br />Anyone with information is urged to call the HCSO Homicide unit at 713-274-9100.

Crime
Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging
and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported
by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at
www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All
tipsters remain anonymous.

Shooting at Miri Colima and Rio Torcido

Photo Credit: HCSO

Channelview - Late Tuesday, Harris County Sheriff’s Office units have responded to a shooting at Miri Colima and Rio Torcido. HCSO found a victim shot multiple times. Deputies applied tourniquets and EMS transported in critical condition.

If you have any information please call us at 713-221-6000 or CrimeStoppers at 713-222-8477.

The same deputy that made media coverage last time that applied the tourniquet was on scene tonight and applied two tourniquets.

Press briefing from @SheriffEd_HCSO on shooting at Miri Colima and Rio Torcido. #HouNews https://t.co/rWSUrSDbbr

— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) February 19, 2020

The 17-year-old male gunshot victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital

Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Partners Announce Results of “Operation Kickoff 2020” Human Trafficking Initiative

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with partner law enforcement agencies and social service organizations – known as the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance -- on a five-day initiative in January called “Operation Kickoff 2020.” The operation focused on East Harris County, with the objective of identifying and rescuing human trafficking victims, identifying and arresting traffickers, and providing an array of services to help victims escape their abusers. The results of this initiative will be presented.

Representatives from the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Baytown Police Department, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Homeland Security, FBI, U.S. Department of State, Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners, YMCA International, The Landing, and Deliver Fund.

HCSO looking for a black male after HCSO confirmed 1 male died from a gunshot wound

HOUSTON - About 7:00 p.m., Harris County Sheriff Deputies arrived at an apartment building in the 5600 block of Aldine Bender, where a black male between '30s - 40 years of age, has died from an apparent gunshot wound in the head.

HCSO is looking for a suspect possibility of a light-skinned black male with a Mohawk Haircut and a beard. Maybe in a red shirt, it might be in a dark Nissan Altima.

Currently, HCSO Homicide Investigators are interviewing witnesses, and actually still at the early stages of the investigation.

According to a spokesperson with HCSO, they will release a video soon of the make of the vehicle.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates

One male transported after suicidal attempt

Earlier Sunday afternoon, the HCSO Mental Health CIRT deputies, along with HCSO District One Patrol units, responded to a suicidal male hanging off a 2nd-floor apt balcony with a knife to his chest. The male refused to drop the knife but was eventually safely detained with no injuries. Transported to the hospital for treatment.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez quickly released a statement:

https://twitter.com/SheriffEd_HCSO/status/1229195198107934720

Stolen truck in Highlands - HCSO is investigating

HIGHLANDS - Late Saturday night, HCSO District 3 deputies tracked a freshly stolen truck at the 8400 block Oleander. According to law enforcement, the truck was abandoned however, the vehicle was processed for prints and the owner picked up the truck shortly later.

Currently, HCSO is investigating the incident.

Two people were killed Friday morning in a major crash in northeast Harris County

Around 6 a.m. in the 15400 block of Old Humble Road, just north of Beltway 8, two people were killed Friday morning in a major crash in northeast Harris County that may have been caused by a lost load of cement in the road, authorities said. One of the vehicles involved was northbound on Old Humble Road when it swerved to avoid spilled cement in the road, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The northbound vehicle ended up in the southbound lanes when it collided with another vehicle.

The roadway will remain closed as deputies investigate the crash, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Check back for updates as they come in.

Who Killed Geramiah De Silva; Investigators Need Public's Help

Harris County Homicide investigators need the public's assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of a 21-year-old Katy man.

On
Monday, July 22, 2019, at 11:30 p.m., the body of Geramiah Anthony De
Silva was found lying in the roadway of the 5900 block of N. Fry Road at
Plantation Grove Trail in west Harris County.

De Silva was found unresponsive with a single gunshot wound to the head.

He was transported to a local hospital by Life Flight, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Anyone with information on this murder is urged to call the HCSO Homicide unit at 713-274-9100.

Crime
Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging
and/or arrest of the suspect in this case. Information may be reported
by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at
www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All
tipsters remain anonymous.

Harris County Investigators Charge Two with Capital Murder

Harris County Sheriff Investigators have charged two men with capital murder for the shooting of two men outside a Cypress area bar.

Jason Cisneros, 21,was arrested on February 5, and Xavier Fletcher,19, was arrested on February 7, 2019.

The two men are currently in the Harris County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility awaiting arraignment.

On December 22, 2019, at approximately, 2:00 a.m. two males were shot while sitting inside of a vehicle in the parking lot of the Headliners Sports Bar located at 9804 Jones Rd. in Harris County, Texas.

One of the males was pronounced deceased at the scene and the other was pronounced at Memorial Hermann Hospital. It's believed the deceased males met the suspect(s) in the parking lot of the bar for a marijuana sale.

COUNTY ATTORNEY VINCE RYAN SUES MRH CLEARING TO STOP ILLEGAL BURNING

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan filed suit against MRH Clearing, Inc., on Jan. 30, alleging violations of numerous environmental laws.

The County Attorney’s lawsuit says that the defendants illegally disposed of solid waste, conducted illegal outdoor burning, and improperly operated an air curtain incinerator during land clearing operations, in violation of the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Texas Clean Air Act, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations.

Since 2016, MRH Clearing, Inc. has disposed of land clearing waste on-site by burning it at various locations in Harris County. Sometimes the defendants conducted open burning and sometimes they used air curtain incinerators. These incinerators operate by forcefully projecting a curtain of air across an open pit in which combustion occurs. When used properly, air curtain incinerators emit less smoke and fewer air particulates than open burning. When used improperly, they do not.

Investigations by the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department repeatedly found that the defendants failed to operate air curtain incinerators properly and that they sometimes burned tree debris without any incinerator. Some of the burn sites were close to places where people work or live and smoke from the burn locations blew into these areas. Employees from Pollution Control Services repeatedly attempted to educate the defendants about the requirements of Texas law with the hope that defendants would voluntarily come into compliance, but the defendants continue to break the law. 

County investigators say the company burned at various sites in Harris County including on Highway 90 in east Harris County, Moonshine Hill Loop in Humble, and 6627 FM 1960 West in northwest Harris County. Investigators also found a massive amount of land clearing, construction, and demolition waste, over 1000 cubic yards, stored on the property at Moonshine Hill Loop in Humble. 

In his lawsuit, County Attorney Ryan is requesting an injunction requiring the defendants to comply with Texas law, maintain their air curtain incinerators in good working condition, and provide annual training to their employees. In addition, the County Attorney seeks civil penalties for past violations. The Court can potentially assess civil penalties up to $25,000.00 for each day of violation.

“Because of MRH Clearing, Inc.’s continued failure to follow Texas law, I have filed suit against them to protect the people of Harris County from smoke blowing into areas where people live and work,” said County Attorney Ryan.  “Keeping the air safe for residents is a priority for my office.” 

Click here to see a copy of the petition.

Click here for a photo taken November 26, 2018 showing wood waste burning at 6627 FM 1960W.

Click here for a photo taken November 26, 2018 showing smoke from burning at 6627 FM 1960W.Share

COUNTY ATTORNEY VINCE RYAN SAYS WATSON BANKRUPTCY WILL NOT STAY COUNTY LAWSUIT

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan today said the bankruptcy filed by Watson Grinding and Manufacturing on Thursday will not stop the lawsuit his office filed last week.

“The bankruptcy may impact lawsuits filed by others,” Ryan said, “but because the purpose of our suit is to protect the public, we will be able to move forward with it.”

The County’s Lawsuit was one of several filed in the wake of a January 24 explosion at the company’s site on Gessner Road in Houston.  The explosion caused damage to 450 structures and killed two Watson employees and a nearby resident.

The County Attorney’s lawsuit alleges that Watson discharged air pollutants into the atmosphere when a 2,000 gallon propylene tank exploded. Flying glass and debris injured many residents while they slept. As a result of the blast, many nearby residents cannot occupy their damaged homes while others now live in damaged structures.

On Thursday the company filed a petition for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

The County’s lawsuit seeks to prevent the company from resuming operations until an independent third-party expert completes an analysis and finds that operations will not cause further fires or explosion. The County is seeking a detailed inventory of all substances, products, and materials located at Watson and wants Watson ordered to share any air, water or soil samples it took.

County Attorney Ryan said that under bankruptcy law a county’s lawsuit to stop a violation of environmental, safety, or similar laws is not stayed under the rules normally applicable to bankruptcy cases.  He cited a 2005 case, In re Gandy, as a similar case where theUnited States Bankruptcy Court, held that these type of lawsuits are not stayed by bankruptcy actions.

“While our lawsuit is not seeking to recover for the damages the neighbors suffered, we are working to make sure that this facility and others like it don’t operate in ways that are hazardous to their neighbors,” Ryan said.

Click here to view the county’s lawsuit.