Wednesday, July 28, 2023
Many Police Dept. Makes Arrests in Prescription Drug Fraud Case
As part of an effort to intercept prescription drug fraud since April of this year, the Many Police Dept. made two arrests last week, one of which occurred after a suspect fled the initial crime scene, eventually speeding to 110-120 mph on Hwy. 171 south out of Many. A full investigation is ongoing by Many PD Detectives Mark Holder and James Young.
The arrests made resulted from an incident at Curtis Family Pharmacy last week when a woman attempted to fill fraudulent prescriptions, one of which was for a Schedule II controlled substance. A man waited in the car for her but when he realized police were there, he sped onto San Antonio Ave. and then onto Hwy. 171. After traveling south at speeds around 115 mph, then hitting a curb, police were able to stop the man and arrest him.
According to Chief Cheryl Wooley, who spoke to Observations on Monday, a third suspect is in the process of being identified.
“[The suspects] are hitting mom and pop pharmacies, not large chains,” Chief Wooley shared. “They have hit multiple pharmacies in this state and elsewhere,” she noted. Because of that, the case is expected to end up becoming a federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) case as the investigation develops.
The woman and man arrested are both from Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, but names are not being released at this time due to the continuing investigation.
The method used so far in the scheme is a person presents fraudulent prescriptions, which will include something common and harmless, such as an antibiotic, along with a controlled substance prescription in hopes that the inclusion of a common Rx will make the transaction appear less suspicious.
The man who sped away from the pharmacy last week was charged with several traffic violations and Conspiracy to obtain prescriptions by fraudulent means – Schedule II controlled substance.
As the high-speed chase unfolded outside, the woman involved was arrested and charged with Conspiracy as well as Attempt to obtain prescriptions by fraudulent means – Schedule II controlled substance.
Hats doffed to the Many Police Dept. and Detectives Mark Holder and James Young for their hard work on this case. Looking forward to seeing what else their investigation turns up.
(Thanks to my wife Laurie for her work on the above article.)
Laurie and I recently spent a few days in El Dorado, AR and got to visit with Many native Robert L. “Bob” Risor. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Risor and at 85 is still blowing and going. His sister, Ann Delatin, lives here in Many as do several nieces and nephews. Bob comes down to visit from time to time. He also enjoyed coming down to a Many High class reunion held at Ft. Jessup awhile back.
I first met Bob many moons ago when we were both students at Northwestern. He headed the Black Knights which is the crack marching group of the Army ROTC. I guess Bob had the best unit at the time that NSU has ever had.
After graduating college, he joined the Army where he served 20 years as Nuclear Weapons Security Officer, among other duties. Including Reserve and National Guard time, he ended up with a total of 26 years of service. He went through six major campaigns in Viet Nam and took a bullet to the knee from an enemy ambush while flying overhead in a bubble helicopter trying to warn U.S. ground troops of the impending ambush. Years later when meeting with Army buddies, he saw for the first time since his injury the medic who came to his rescue.
“When we met again after all those years, that guy asked, ‘Do you remember what you told me when you got shot?’ I told him I didn’t have a clue. The former medic said, ‘You told me I hope you didn’t sleep through that class on stopping the bleeding!’” Bob recalled with a laugh. “When we have our reunions every two years, we don’t talk about the bad times. We were in some major conflicts, and we lost a few, but when we get together, we dwell on all the good times.”
He married El Dorado native Margaret Kay Boardman and later moved to El Dorado in 1980, a place he dearly loves. Unfortunately, Kay died Jan. 6, 2003, at the age of 62. Bob never remarried.
When Bob and Kay wed, her two sons were age 7 and 3. “When they became of age, they voluntarily went down and had their name changed to ‘Risor,’” Bob shared. “Man, I was speechless. We have had a good life,” he smiled. Son Richard now lives in Cape Girardeau, MO, and son Jeff lives in Benton, AR.
While in the service, the family lived for three years in Germany and did a lot of traveling across Europe and the world. After his Army years, Bob was persuaded by friends Bill Nolan of Murphy Oil and Russell Marks to join the Warner Brown Hospital administration in El Dorado, and he went right to work recruiting doctors to the facility. He was happy to report that many of the 40 doctors he helped bring to the city during his 20 years at the hospital still remain in town.
A founder of Timberland Bank in El Dorado, which boasted assets of $125 million within five years of opening, Bob remained with the bank when it sold to Southern Bancorp. He remains on Southern’s Board of Directors and also heads up Community Relations. As Bob showed us around El Dorado last week, he noted, “I haven’t missed a day’s work in 40 years.”
Surely, his work schedule and zest for life are two things that keep Bob youthful and optimistic. He is the kind whose friendship is a blessing. It was great to get to catch up with him last week and visit.
On Sunday afternoon, Laurie and I were going to borrow my daughter’s truck and we went downtown to pick it up. Well, as luck would have it, the truck wouldn’t start.
It was hot, 100 degrees hot. We located some jumper cables and tried to jump it off but were not successful. So, we kept on trying.
A short while later, a young gentleman in a red truck slowed down in the street and asked if he could help. When I told him of our plight, he pulled into the parking lot and went to work. It probably took about 30 minutes, but he finally got it cranked. His tireless efforts included lying down on the hot concrete and looking under the truck.
When he got through, I had some money ready to pay him, but he told me he could not take it because he believed in helping people. I told him I believed in helping folks, too, so to please take the money. He again refused saying, “If I take it, you’re going to deprive me of a blessing.” I replied, “If you don’t take it, you’ll be depriving me of a blessing!” I asked him again to please take the money, buy his kids a snow cone, and finally he reluctantly agreed.
As we parted, he said if I wanted to do something for him, I could vote for Jeff Evans for Sheriff.
The young man who was our Good Samaritan was Logan Langton of Belmont. Thanks so much, Logan. We appreciate you.
The Sabine Parish and Sabine County Chambers of Commerce are delighted to announce the upcoming 2023 Patriotic Weekend on Toledo Bend Lake. This exciting event, hosted on both sides of the lake in Louisiana and Texas, promises a weekend filled with thrilling activities and heartfelt celebrations. The holiday weekend starts this Friday, June 30 and continues until Sunday, July 2, to honor our great nation with a series of engaging events.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 30 with Singin’ in the Park from 6 until 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hemphill, TX. Also on Friday, there will be some wonderful sets of live music by Tommy G & Stormy Weather at Lost Frontier in Hemphill, TX.
Saturday, July 1, will be the highlight of the weekend with a multitude of activities for everyone to enjoy. Kick off the day with the Boat/Motorcycle Poker Run, starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until 2 p.m. at participating marinas. Participants will have the chance to win fantastic door prizes, compete for the Biggest Loser prize, and even get a shot at the big $1,000 Grand Prize.
For those seeking all-age entertainment, head over to Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park at Wildwood Resort in Zwolle from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where you can enjoy a round of free Putt-Putt Golf. Golf enthusiasts and automobile aficionados won’t want to miss the Toledo Bend Cruisers All American Car Show, taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sabine River Authority Park. This spectacular event will showcase an array of classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. There will be a $10 fee to enter the car show, and registration for participants will be held on the morning of the show from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
On the Texas side, festivities continue at the Hemphill Square Festival from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a wide range of activities and attractions. Sports enthusiasts can join the Pickle Ball Clinic at Hemphill City Park, scheduled for 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Later, admire some of the finest vehicles at the All-American Car Show, located at Hemphill Square, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Movie buffs can catch a free movie showing at Hemphill Little Theater at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The excitement continues with the Poker Run Finale, set to take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lost Frontier (360 Frontier Dr., Hemphill) where the Poker Run winners will be announced, a Patriotic Weekend raffle winner will be drawn, and there will be live music and more.
Don’t forget to visit Tasty Treats on the Bend ice cream shop in Toledo Town during the weekend. They have their own calendar of events taking place Saturday through Tuesday, with a bounce house, cornhole, a blacksmith demonstration, foam machine for kids, adult bingo, food trucks and more!
On Saturday witness the grand Boat Parade at 6 p.m., where a stunning procession of red, white and blue will grace the waters of Toledo Bend Lake starting at the Sabine River Authority Park. As the day starts to wind down, local singer-songwriter Derrick McClendon will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. at Martone’s in Many.
A handclapping, toe-tapping good time will cap the daylight events as the talented Stewart Family & Friends present their “For God and Country” annual God Bless America patriotic concert at the historic Sabine Theater in downtown Many from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The show will feature rousing Country, Bluegrass and Gospel performances by Willie Stewart and wife Debbie on guitar, vocals and harmonica, Bo Stewart on mandolin and vocals, Kelly and Clancey Stewart on championship fiddle, drum box and vocals, Steve and Mark Birdwell on guitars, mandolin and vocals, John Brittain on dobro and bass, and Laurie Gentry on autoharp, bass, spoons and vocals. Admission is free and it’s always packed, so arrive early to get a good seat. It will be a stage full of music selected especially for Independence Day.
Concluding the day’s festivities, prepare to be mesmerized as Toledo Bend Lake lights up the night sky with dazzling fireworks displays. Toledo Bend Fireworks Shows will be held at 9 p.m. at various marinas along the lake.
The excitement continues into Sunday, July 2, with Church Services in the Park from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at four different area parks along Toledo Bend [see below.] Revel in the enchanting melodies of the Lacour Trio as they perform a Red, White & Blue Concert at Gilligan’s on the Bend, starting at 5 p.m. Sunday evening.
Not only will this weekend provide unparalleled entertainment, but it also supports a noble cause. Event profits on the Louisiana side will benefit Pink Sisters of Sabine, a local nonprofit that serves breast cancer patients throughout Sabine Parish with recovery supply totes filled with helpful items including gas and food cards. They also offer encouragement, mentoring, prayer, a Facebook page and financial assistance upon approved application.
For more event details or to purchase Poker Run tickets, visit toledobendlakecountry.com.
Many kudos to Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce Director Shanna Gaspard, the Chamber of Commerce Board and Sabine Tourist Commission Director Georgia Craven for organizing a fabulous 4th of July weekend. It’s sure to be a great time!
(Thank you to my wife Laurie for the report above.)
There are lots more things to do this holiday weekend, including a big shindig at Anderson’s Produce in Coushatta.
Anderson’s is having a Summer Bash on Saturday, July 1 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with food, snow cones and live music featuring Victoria Wells.
While you’re there, stock up on tomatoes, purple hull peas, cucumbers, squash and more!
Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm is located at 110 Anderson Ln. in Coushatta. Call (318) 932-1432 for more information.
It was interesting to learn recently that Shreveport’s proximity to Arkansas and Oklahoma elevates that city to the “most likely in Louisiana to see a tornado,” according to USA.com’s Tornado Index. The northwest quadrant of Louisiana is closest to the “tornado alley” area of Oklahoma and Arkansas and, according to the report, is the most likely location in our state to experience intense winds and potential tornadoes. Of course, we’ve seen a few local tornadoes, too. We have had a lot of unusual weather lately, including extreme heat and powerful thunderstorms. Take care and be safe during this area’s unpredictable weather.
The Stewart Family & Friends will entertain again in fine style at their annual God Bless America patriotic concert upcoming this Saturday at Sabine Theater [Many Community Center] in downtown Many. The show starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
This year’s show is called “For God and Country,” and attendees can expect to hear a lot of toe-tapping good Bluegrass, Country and Gospel mostly in the patriotic vein, with a few straight up Gospel quartet and other Gospel numbers.
The group is comprised of patriarch Willie Stewart on vocals, guitar and harmonica, his wife Debbie on vocals and percussion, Willie’s son Bo on vocals and mandolin, Willie’s grandson Kelly on vocals and percussion, Kelly’s wife Clancey on vocals and fiddle, father and son Steve and Mark Birdwell of Marthaville on vocals, guitars and mandolin, John Brittain of Anacoco on dobro and bass, and my wife Laurie on vocals, bass, autoharp, and I hear she’s going to play the spoons on one.
Everyone brings their unique sound to the show, and Clancey is an Arkansas and Louisiana fiddle champ, so make plans to attend.
At every concert in the past, Bo has raked me over the coals best he can with lots of comedy so I’m looking forward to his efforts this year. It’ll be a good time, as always.
The Stewart Family & Friends draw a big crowd each year, so arrive early for a good seat. See you there.
Alderman Rodney French says he has put together a big Independence Day Weekend Celebration at the Robeline Park. He invites everyone to attend the Independence Day in the Park celebration to be held this Saturday, July 1.
He said there will be entertainment and anyone who wishes may perform on stage. He said there will be waterslides and other fun things for the kids. In addition, there will be food venders.
Rodney invites folks to come early and stay late. Terri Matthews, who is known to everyone around Robeline, has volunteered to play the National Anthem on her flute. That alone should be worth the trip.
For more information, interested persons may call Rodney at (318) 315-4169.
Robeline Village Alderman Rodney French issued a statement this week saying that the government is run by a dictator, that being Mayor Gordon O’Con.
His complete statement follows:
“This letter is to express my concerns with the leadership in The Village of Robeline. It is my belief that the current Mayor is not looking out for the well-being of the village, nor the people. The Village is run by a Dictator and the Council is left powerless.
“The Village will have a Budget Meeting on June 29, 2023, and Mayor Gordon O’con stated, if the Council does not approve the proposed Budget he will have them charged with Malfeasance in Office. This is what Mayor O’Con told me. With this type of leadership and the threats from the Mayor, these meetings should be called ‘Mayor’s Meetings’ instead of ‘Council Meetings.’ The current leader will not allow the Council nor the citizens that he was elected to represent, to participate in the budgeting process in any capacity.
“The way Mayor O’Con has the Budget set up, it gives him and his Clerk (O’Con) complete control of Robeline’s assets. In the proposed budget, Mayor O’Con has almost all of the village assets allotted to Payroll. The Village has the following 7 people on its payroll:
“1. Mayor O’Con $3,650/mo
2. Clerk O’Con $2,650/mo
3. Council Rodney French $600/mo
4. Council Lovace Sowell $600/mo
5. Council Mike Solice $600/mo
6. Chief Shelby Borders $3,050/mo and
7. Police Officer Tommy Fatheree $4,000/mo
“The total Gross Payroll is $15,150/mo which includes Federal and State Taxes. Clerk O’Con reports to the Council and citizens on the Monthly Expense Statement, about $24,000/mo in payroll which is inflated by about $9,000/mo. If questions about the payroll arise at the ‘Mayor’s Meeting,’ people will be thrown out of the meeting.
“The Village has $5,000/mo drafted from our bank account to allegedly pay the IRS. I question whether this money is actually going to the IRS.
“The Current Administration will NOT release the Bank Statements to the citizens or Council although the last Administration did. Mayor O’Con said HIS lawyer told him not to. Jennifer Shay, the lead Attorney at the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office in Baton Rouge, said these are PUBLIC Documents.
“The monthly Expense statements do not reflect the activity of the Bank Statements.
“On the current budget that Mayor O’Con is trying to pass by July 1st, (a Budget he alone created, with no Council participation), he has documented $322,612.00 in the Payroll Expense Account, even though the actual Payroll for the year is $181,800 (12 mo. x $15,150/mo = $181,800) This is $140,812 that is being inflated in the Payroll Expense Account line-item of the budget. Mayor O’Con does this so he can have complete control over all of the Village of Robeline’s assets/money. Every penny that comes into Robeline is placed in some sort of expense account by the mayor. So, like I said previously, the Council is powerless without allotted funding in the budget to improve Robeline’s streets or anything else beneficial to the citizens or the village.
“Also, in the Budget Mayor O’Con has $105,500 on the Revenue side under an Account he calls ‘Excess Revenue.’ When I asked the Mayor where he got that figure, he could not provide me with an answer. When I asked him to offset that amount under Expenses for the Betterment of Robeline he first said, ‘We can do that,’ then he said ‘No.’ …Mayor O’Con then stated he would look at it, and finally, he said he wouldn’t look at it.
“John Vercher, our Auditor, seems to Approve of these TACTICS… John also has listed under the Village assets a $209,048 Recreational Complex in the Village that we do not have, along with $93,259 worth of office furniture and equipment we do not have.
“So, there it is, folks. Dictatorship is still alive and well in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.”
Terri Matthews, long a critic of the way the Robeline Village government operates, on Tuesday morning issued a copy of the law dealing with budgets, indicating that the Village of Robeline is not following the law.
She published the following copy of the law:
§1307. Public participation
A. Political subdivisions with total proposed expenditures of five hundred thousand dollars or more from the general fund and any special revenue funds in a fiscal year or other similar budgetary period shall afford the public an opportunity to participate in the budgetary process prior to adoption of the budget.
B. Upon completion of the proposed budget and, if applicable, its submission to the governing authority, the political subdivision shall cause to be published a notice stating that the proposed budget is available for public inspection. The notice shall also state that a public hearing on the proposed budget shall be held with the date, time, and place of the hearing specified in the notice. The notice shall be published at least ten days prior to the date of the first public hearing. Where applicable, publication shall be in the official journal of the political subdivision. Where there is no requirement that the political subdivision have an official journal, publication shall be in the official journal of the governing authority of the parish in which the political subdivision is located. In cases where the political subdivision is located within the boundaries of more than one parish, publication shall be in the official journal of the governing authority of each parish.
C. No proposed budget shall be considered for adoption or otherwise finalized until at least one public hearing has been conducted on the proposal. Nothing herein shall prohibit one or more political subdivisions from conducting joint public hearings.
D. The political subdivision shall certify completion of all action required by this Section by publishing a notice in the same manner as is herein provided for the notice of availability of the proposed budget and public hearing.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 504, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1980; Acts 1999, No. 775, §2, eff. July 2, 1999; Acts 2004, No. 552, §1, eff. June 25, 2004.
Terri noted, “If you look at C, it says we have to have a public meeting before they can consider voting on it if the budget is over $500,000. …ours is over $595,000. I don’t think it’s legal for a vote Thursday night till the public has input which is something we have NEVER had yet this year on the new budget… Gordon made the budget without any Council input or public discussion…”
There’s a new ice cream shop in town and, boy, are they ever getting it. We stopped Sunday at Tasty Treats on the Bend, and the place was full of happy customers. This business has been around since the summer of 2020 at different locations, but since early this year they’ve had a spot all their own just south of the four-way stop in Toledo Town.
Husband and wife Rick and Kim Tuttle own the place, and it’s our understanding Kim develops all the fantastic homemade ice cream recipes. The shop also offers coffee and coffee-based treats.
We are very impressed that Tasty Treats on the Bend not only provides a superb product, but they are community-minded and eager to do what they can to support others. They have a lot of fun activities planned for this 4th of July weekend, so plan to stop by and give them your business.
We were told customers say their new “Sunrise on the Bend” orange-pineapple ice cream tastes exactly like what the old Strahan’s Restaurant in Many used to serve. It was absolutely delicious and refreshing on a hot day, that’s for sure.
While there, we noticed a nice, big party room, so keep that in mind for your next gathering. Who wouldn’t love to gather at a spot with great, homemade ice cream?
Tasty Treats on the Bend is located in Toledo Town, just south of the Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 191 intersection. Their address is 30425 Hwy. 191, Many. They usual hours are Thursday, 5 – 9 p.m., Friday, 5 – 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, 1 – 6 p.m. but they’ll be open extended hours this upcoming 4th of July weekend [see schedule.]
He’s got a great big green thumb: John Brittain, that is, from down around Anancoco. Earlier this year, just after the last frost he planted a regular ol’ cherry tomato plant and that thing has grown into a Jack and the Beanstalk legend. As of Tuesday afternoon, it measured 12’ 10” high. He’s the only guy we know who has to use a ladder to pick tomatoes. If it keeps climbing, he may have to invest in a bucket truck.
When he was interviewed by KALB-TV in Alexandria at the end of May about his huge tomato plant, John shared a gardening secret.
“I dig the hole, fill it full of water and transplant the tomato in there,” he said. “About two weeks later, I’ll put a Rolaids or Tums in there and let it dissolve naturally on top of the ground, and it goes into the roots. It’s got a lot of calcium in there that the tomato needs.”
He said he planted a cherry tomato plant this year especially for his granddaughter, who loves them. In addition, he planted three other varieties, but the cherry type was the only one to grow to record-breaking size.
John has other talents as well. He plays a great bass fiddle, dobro and guitar with the Stewart Family & Friends group and performs with other musical groups as well.
Our friend Jill Horton, daughter of the late Lawayne and Melva Horton, hosted a fun house concert at the old Horton homeplace near Fisher last week for her special friend Joe Cuellar, a singer-songwriter from Lufkin, TX. A great time was had by the crowd, made up of family and friends of Jill.
Joe treated the group to several cover songs and also presented his newest single, “Tonight I’ll be Drinkin’.”
He works a regular circuit in east Texas including 58 Junction Café, Front Porch Distillery, Guacamole’s Mexican Grill and Banita Creek Hall, all in Nacogdoches, Ralph & Kacoo’s, Rusty Axe Brewing Co., Restoration Bistro and Jim Ann’s, all in Lufkin, and Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp with locations in Lufkin and Henderson.
Joe also keeps a busy schedule of various private and public functions like the recent SpringFest street festival in downtown Lufkin, and 80 Acre Market and Rowdy Creek Ranch in Gilmer, TX. He mentioned that last week’s concert was only his second or third time to perform in Louisiana. He has performed in this area at Lost Frontier in Hemphill, TX in the past and looks forward to returning there and appearing at other places here that use live music as opportunities allow.
We would describe Joe’s sound as white soul meets backroads, with raw, edgier, more husky-sounding vocals than today’s generic, polished Pop-Country ballad sound. As such, he and his guitar are equally at home presenting his own heartfelt originals or covers – everything from Pat Green to Lionel Richie to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Whatever the song, Joe delivers his sound with confidence and authenticity.
Upcoming Lufkin show dates include concerts at Ralph & Kacoo’s on Wednesday, June 28 at 6 p.m., Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp on Thursday, June 29 at 6 p.m., a Boys & Girls Club fundraiser at JM Chevrolet on Saturday, July 1, at 11 a.m., and on Saturday night he again plays Ralph & Kacoo’s at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, July 4, Joe will be featured at the “4th of July Celebration” at Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin at 6 p.m. The event will have fireworks, live music, food, artisanal crafts by local vendors and plenty of kids’ activities. Admission is free.
You can learn more about Joe Cuellar on his Facebook page. He has almost 6,000 followers, and we bet that number grows as he continues to spread the music and the love.
(Thanks to my wife Laurie for the three articles above.)
Sheriff Mitchell Announces Federal Sentencing of Sabine Drug Dealers
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces three Sabine Parish drug dealers were sentenced in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport this month.
Eugene Patrick Kavanagh, age 58, of Many was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearm in the furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
On Jan. 27, 2022, Kavanagh was arrested after Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) executed a search warrant at his home in the Pirate’s Cove area on Toledo Bend Lake. TNT Agents located and seized methamphetamine, marijuana, a glass smoking device, sandwich bags, two .38 revolvers, a .380 pistol, a 9mm pistol, and an illegal length barrel shotgun.
Clifton Davis Williams, age 48, of Many was sentenced to 100 months (8 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for Possession of a Firearm in the furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
On Feb. 10, 2022, Williams was arrested after the Sabine Parish Sheriff TNT executed a search warrant at his home in Many. TNT Agents located and seized methamphetamine, a scale, a box of sandwich bags, and a loaded .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine. Williams was serving time on federal supervised release for his conviction from 2011 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.
Julius Theodore Winfield III, age 44, of Zwolle was sentenced to 78 months (6 years, 6 months) in prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine.
In early 2022, TNT Agents began investigating Winfield’s illegal drug sales activity in the Many area. Winfield was later indicted in U.S. District Court in Shreveport where he pled guilty.
To date, there have been 19 criminals sentenced to federal prison for illegal narcotic and firearm charges in Sabine Parish since Sheriff Mitchell and his staff took over in July 2020. Several more suspects have pled guilty in federal court and are awaiting sentencing at this time.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the information shared above.)
Danny and Kathy Warmack of Many were the very first passport customers at the Post Office in Many. They applied for passports on Tuesday shortly after lunch.
Many Postmaster Lisa Crockett said the local USPS started providing the service last week.
The office handles both first time applicants and passport renewals. For now, passports are available at only certain USPS locations.
The Many Post Office will soon also be able to take the photos required on passports.
Passport photos are currently available at Walgreens in Many.
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