Monthly Report for August 2018

Dear Citizens,

Although we have had a very busy and active month in July, I want to emphasize the importance of our citizens not becoming victims of the numerous scams being perpetrated against our citizens daily across the county. We have had numerous reports this month from many who are being scammed out of thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. These scammers are always seeking new ideas and ways to prey on innocent victims but they primarily prey on the elderly. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you please speak with your parents, children, friends and neighbors about these scams and don’t become a victim. Always identify and verify but DO NOT release your personal information.

We have been advised that a resident received a phone call with the number spoofed to be ‪903-654-3002‬. That number is an administrative line at the NCSO. The caller portrayed himself to be a Deputy and advised that the victim owed a fine and threatened to arrest the victim if not paid immediately. The NCSO, or our Deputies, DO NOT make calls soliciting money or fines from our citizens. You are welcome to call the NCSO to verify information and report scams anytime.

I was notified that there is currently a phishing scam attacking AT&T customers. They are calling and claiming that your account has been suspended and they want you to verify information. This is a SCAM!!

A favorite scam is to call and state that a loved one is in jail and they can provide assistance with their release if you send money. The scammers are very professional in how they solicit information to perpetrate their scam against you so don t release any information to these individuals. Another scam is to send you a check to deposit into your account and then send a portion of the large check back to them or you have won a jackpot if you will send fees and taxes to receive payment.

These and many other scams are being perpetrated daily. Always be diligent in verifying the validity of any caller requesting payment for service and never give out your personal information by phone. Be aware, be diligent in verifying their complaint or any information that they might tell you or you too could become a victim. You can question and research the validity and reason for the call. Ask for a call back number, hang up and call the proper authorities or the proper business numbers on the bill, statement, website or info they are claiming to be associated with.

Please remember the five that lost their lives two years ago on July 7, 2016 as well as those injured and effected by the horrific Dallas attack. Those that convey the protective role of law enforcement officers and the strength, courage and valor that are distinctive of those who serve and protect. It is definitely not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived. Do not let the loss of life that day, the many who were involved, touched by the tragedy and will forever be effected by it, be forgotten.

I recently attended the Sheriff’s Association of Texas 140th Annual Training Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, July 21 - 24,2018. Over 1,500 were in attendance. There were over 240 exhibits at the Expo where attendees could get familiar with the latest technology and products offered to the Law Enforcement and Corrections Community.

The first Sheriffs’ Association of Texas Conference was held in Corsicana in 1878. Held annually in various cities across the state, this event allows Sheriffs, Deputies, Federal, State, and City Law Enforcement Officers to network and discuss different issues that affect law enforcement across the state and nation. This year, participants received training on a variety of topics including: State Agency Updates; Mental Health Issues in Jails; Court Security; Texas Public Safety Broadband Program; Leadership; Current Civil Process Issues; Behavioral Red Flag of Church, School, Workplace Shooters; Public Safety First Response to Active Shooter/Mass Casualty Incidents and more. Through the support of their members, Sheriff’s Association of Texas provides training, legal/technical information, and other critical resources to Peace Officers in Texas. The Sheriff’s Association of Texas also offers college scholarships to Peace Officers and their children who wish to continue their education. In addition, they honor Fallen Officers with their Lost Lawman Memorial. Also, Deputies Nick Wickliffe and Kathy Basnett attended and completed the 40 hour Court Security Specialist training in Mansfield this month.

As evolution continues at the NCSO we have purchased two new canopies. These canopies will provide shade and a place that is easy to locate during special events such as college job fairs, school visits, as well as crisis situations and criminal investigations or anywhere there becomes a need. This is something we have needed for quite a while. We have many events and scheduled responsibilities throughout the year in our community and many are during the hot Texas months.

This month our NCSO Facebook page reached over 12,000 likes. I would like to thank you, the citizens, for your continued support. It is important to me and to the NCSO to keep the community informed and up to date as much as possible on what is taking place in our county. I cannot stress enough that by liking our page and sharing informative posts such as asking for information on identifying suspects in thefts, burglaries or other crimes, YOU are supporting and assisting us in making a difference and taking steps in improving the safety in the place in which you live, where you work, play and raise your families. Communication can be key through social media and is a powerful tool when utilized properly. You the citizens are an intricate part of that. Again, thank you for your continued support, kind words, encouragement and helping our agency help the community in which we all call home.

We at the NCSO would like to thank Larry Hodge, and an anonymous donor who donated watermelons to the NCSO, Attorney Shana Stein Faulhaber for the delicious cookies, Navarro College Computer Science Club for the snacks and drinks, Navarro Donuts for the six dozen donuts they provided this month. We certainly appreciate you and all those who visit us and bring supplies or donations. Your kindness, generosity and for being a supporter of law enforcement means more than you realize.

The NCSO executed a search and seizure warrant at a location on NW 0020 Corsicana for investigation of cruelty to animals. Deputies seized six head of severely malnourished cattle and located at least eight head of deceased cattle on the property. There was no evidence of any water being present at the location for the livestock. The seized cattle were immediately transported to a local veterinary clinic for emergency treatment. The NCSO is diligent in continuing the investigation of this felony animal cruelty case with potential charges pending.

Deputy Randy Nanny conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on 7th Avenue in Corsicana for an observed traffic violation. During the course of the investigation Deputy Nanny located and seized a quantity of methamphetamine. One suspect was arrested for display of fictitious license plates and the other suspect was arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance over 4 under 200 grams.

Our NCSO narcotics unit responded to a narcotics complaint in the 1500 block of FM 1578 Brushie Prairie. During the course of an investigation at the residence the Detectives located two sets of digital scales, approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine and a useable quantity of marijuana. The suspect was arrested and charged with manufacturer/delivery of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 over 4 under 200 grams and Possession of Marijuana under 2 ounces.

Our NCSO Narcotics Detectives responded to a narcotics complaint at a residence in the 1600 block of West 10th Avenue in Corsicana. The Detectives quickly developed probable cause based on the odor of marijuana emitting from the open door of the residence. A search warrant was obtained for the location and 2.3 pounds of marijuana packaged for resale, approximately 48 grams of Xanax, a semi auto pistol, and $687 cash was seized which is subject to an asset forfeiture. One person was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana over 4oz under 5lbs, possession of controlled substance PG3 over 28 under 200 grams and on view endangering a child after a 2-year-old child was located inside the residence in close proximity to the narcotics. A second suspect was also arrested at the residence after he was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant issued by CPD for assault causing bodily injury.

NCSO-Narcotics, NCSO-SWAT, investigated a large illegal marijuana growing operation in a heavily wooded are approximately 250 yards west of the Texas Department of Transportation Navarro County Safety Rest Area on South I-45 near Richland. The marijuana field was located by utilizing the departments drone after an anonymous tip was received of suspicious activity in the area. NCSO Narcotics Detectives obtained a search warrant for the location and since have been conducting surveillance operations on the location for several days in an attempt to observe suspects at the location. The search warrant was executed by our SWAT team, narcotics unit, and other departmental personnel. The Deputies eradicated the field of about 10,000 marijuana plants in various stages of growth up to six feet tall that encompassed approximately five acres in southern Navarro County. This is the second large domestic marijuana growing operation that the NCSO has seized since June. This was a fairly sophisticated operation with camps sites, portable generators, water pumps as well as placing a fully dressed figure lying in a hammock appearing to be armed, holding what initially appeared to be an assault type rifle while appearing to provide security for the location. A portion of the marijuana was already beginning to be harvested and processed. This grow site was in such a remote area that a bulldozer had to be utilized to access the location so we could get equipment into the site. We will continue to seek these illegal domestic marijuana grows in our county and remain diligent in eradicating this type of criminal activity in our county.

The Sheriff's Office had approximately 3,055 calls for service in July and our Dispatch received 2,305 calls for assistance to 9-1-1. There were approximately 267 persons arrested and booked into the Navarro County Justice Center and the average daily jail population was 255 inmates. The Narcotics Unit arrested ten suspects, filed seven criminal cases and served twelve outstanding arrest warrants. Twenty Two inmates were transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and seven other inmates were transferred to State Jail and SAFP Units to serve their sentences.

This month we estrayed one bull, ten cows, and eight horses and transported them to our county farms at Angus and Petty’s Chapel. We sold seven estray horses at Elkhart Horse Sale for $1,251.00 and recovered $985.00 in estray fees. We sold three calves at Corsicana Livestock Market for $2,100.00 and also sold ninety four bales of surplus hay for $4,230.00.

We are pleased to announce and introduce our newest members to the NCSO team: Brandon Evans, Antonio Gutierrez, Aubyn Turner, and Keah Hawkins began their law enforcement careers as Detention Officers with us this month and Myriah Rollins and Lauren Reese were hired as our newest telecommunicators. Deputy Gary Moran retired from the NCSO after 11 years of dedicated service. We congratulate these employees all the best with their careers here at the NCSO and we wish Gary all the best in his retirement and appreciate his committed service to the citizens of Navarro County.

We had one resignation this month and we are currently accepting applications for vacancies in the detention division. As in the past, applications will continue to be taken for any vacancy until the position is filled.

"Conformity is doing what everybody else is doing, regardless of what is right. Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what everybody is doing." -Evette Carter

As always, God bless and be safe,

Sheriff Elmer Tanner