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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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Law enforcement articles in the on-line edition of the Courier:

Stealing spree lands local man in clink	Published Dec. 27, 2007
Mireles arrested, charged with Sander's murder	Published Dec. 27, 2007
Arrest may spell end to burglary spree	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Two area youths charged with selling pot	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Missing dynamite mystery ends, but without a bang	Published Dec. 13, 2007
Body of former Bandera student found in Kansas	Published Dec. 6, 2007
Weed whackers bust Pipe Creek man	Published Nov. 29, 2007
Deputy ‘cuffed’ at TRIAD event	Published Nov. 29, 2007
Local indicted on intoxication manslaughter	Published Nov. 15, 2007
More meth outlaws collared for illegal cookin'	Published Nov. 15, 2007
Misery manufacturers caught	Published Nov. 8, 2007
Beer bandits busted	Published Oct. 18, 2007
Beer burglars plague local businesses	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Caught cookin' up a mess o' meth	Published Oct. 4, 2007
Local man leaps into 'Long Arm of Law'	Published Sept. 27, 2007
Another meth lab bites the dust	Published Sept. 20, 2007
Sheriff’s department gets kudos for capture	Published Sept. 6, 2007
Sheriff hires three deputies	Published Sept. 6, 2007
DWIs still concern city’s top cop	Published Aug. 23, 2007
Man shoots goose in city park	Published Aug. 23, 2007
Lakehills resident indicted on capital murder charge	Published Aug. 16, 2007
Wilke goes ‘on the record’ about capital murder	Published Aug. 16, 2007
Aqua Mules – animal cruelty or just ‘good clean fun?’	Published Aug. 16, 2007
Thieves take conservation group's recycle bins in 'Un-American' act	Published Aug. 16, 2007
DWIs need prosecuting, said BPD’s Eigner	Published Aug. 9, 2007
Local officers set for ‘National Night Out’	Published Aug. 2, 2007
Capital murder suspect nabbed	Published July 26, 2007
New BPD patrols pedal around Cowboy Capital	Published July 12, 2007
SO gets new boat	Published July 5, 2007
'Red flags' noticed, arrest followed Local businessman arrested on lewdness charges	Published May 24, 2007
Vehicle strikes dog Driver charged with animal cruelty	Published May 17, 2007
Pipe Creek woman charged with sexual assault of children	Published May 17, 2007
Deputies take down meth lab	Published May 10, 2007
Hoosegow on track now	Published May 3, 2007
300 Volunteers save a life	Published April 19, 2007
Telecommunicators lauded during ‘their' week	Published April 12, 2007
Dead deer dump leads to arrest	Published Feb. 1, 2007
Drug dealers fund their own arrests	Published Feb. 1, 2007
Survey shows fewer Texas retailers selling tobacco to minors	Published Feb. 1, 2007
Sheriff's Reports	Court Articles
Accident Articles	Fire Articles
Current Law Enforcement articles
Law Enforcement articles from 2006	Law Enforcement articles from 2005

Stealing spree lands local man in clink by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Dec. 27, 2007 Stephen Zody    Following the arrest of 50-year-old Stephen Zody on unrelated charges, more than $10,000 worth of stolen goods were found in the Pipe Creek resident's possession Wednesday, Dec. 19.     According to Bandera County Sheriff Weldon Tucker, serial numbers on some items seized from storage units rented by Zody identified them as having been reported stolen more than two months ago.     "Whenever we receive a report of a theft or burglary, and the owner of the stolen item can provide us with a serial number, it goes into the computer database of our Criminal Investigations Division," Tucker explained in an interview.     "My investigators were contacting owners (of the stolen property) the same day Mr. Zody was arrested."     Prominent among items seized from Zody by BCSO deputies included a large commercial log splitter which appeared unused.     Surrounding it in the temporary storage area was a commercial welding rig, contractor grade air compressor and a variety of power tools, among other equipment.     Besides individuals, retail outlets such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart had allegedly been victimized by Zody. Tucker said tape from a surveillance camera at a Home Depot in Seguin reportedly showed the accused man drive a truck up to curbside display of Cub Cadet riding lawnmowers. A few moments later, the tape recorded the suspect casually drive off with one of the mowers in the bed of his truck.     Other loot recovered by Bandera County Deputies was reportedly stolen from the Boerne Independent School District in Kendall County, according to personnel with the Boerne Police Department. Zody remained in custody at the Bandera County Jail as of Dec. 24.

Mireles arrested, charged with Sander's murder by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Dec. 27, 2007 Israel Mireles Emily Sander    Israel Mireles, wanted in connection with the brutal slaying of a former Bandera Independent School District student, has been arrested in Mexico. His capture was credited to Mexican police officers working with the United States Marshal Service.     On Wednesday, Dec. 19, Mireles was apprehended at a relative's home in Melchor-Muzquiz, Mexico, on a homicide warrant issued by authorities in Butler County, Kansas. The suspect remains behind bars in a Mexican jail pending extradition back to this country, according to the US Marshal Service.     Melchor-Muzquiz is located southwest of the Texas border near Del Rio.     Mireles, 24, has been charged with capital murder, rape and aggravated criminal sodomy in the death of Emily Sander, 18. Prior to relocating to Kansas to live with her grandparents, Sander attended elementary, middle and high schools in Bandera. She was majoring in business administration at Butler Community College.     After graduating, Sander planned to return to Texas "where her friends and family were," she had been quoted as saying.     Law enforcement authorities had sought Mireles since Nov. 23, the last day Sander was seen alive. Six days after her disappearance, her body was found about 50 miles from El Dorado and identified by dental records.     In a press conference held shortly after Mireles' arrest, Butler County District Attorney Jan Satterfield said the suspect would face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of capital murder.     Mireles is not subject to the death penalty due to a treaty with Mexico which prohibits extradition of a suspect facing execution, she explained. Initially the death penalty had been placed on Mireles' arrest warrant; however, a revised warrant eliminated the possibility of execution.     "Because of an international agreement with Mexico, we had to promise we would waive seeking the death penalty if he were apprehended in Mexico instead of Texas or somewhere in the United States," Satterfield said at the press conference.     Kansas authorities had reportedly received tips from several sources about Mireles' whereabouts in Mexico. Their Mexican counterparts had monitored his movements since Monday, Dec. 3 — the date he was charged with Sander's murder in Butler County, she added. However, according to Satterfield, Mexican authorities did not arrest Mireles until "assured of the legitimacy of Kansas prosecutors' case," and until the Mexican warrant for his arrest had been issued.     Mireles had reportedly traveled to Mexico with his 16-year-old, pregnant girlfriend, Victoria Martens. A spokesman for the US Marshal Service said Martens was also found unharmed and in good health in Melchor-Muzquiz. Now eight-months pregnant, she apparently was not living with Mireles when he was apprehended.     Despite an offer of assistance by state authorities, Martens has refused to return to Kansas. Since she does not face criminal charges, she cannot be legally forced or compelled to return to Kansas, law enforcement officers stated.     However, family members, who have spoken with her, are reportedly trying to convince Martens to return to the US prior to the birth of her baby the last of January.     A native of Mexico, Mireles had been living and working in the US legally for approximately three years.     He became the focus of a nationwide manhunt after police found large quantities of blood in his El Dorado Motel room.     Authorities indicated a bedspread reported missing from Mireles' motel room was found near Sander's body, along US 54 near the town of Toronto, Kansas. Mireles' rental car was found on Nov. 27 in Vernon, Texas, where he has relatives.     According to reports, Sander met Mireles at the bar located across the street from her apartment.     Eyewitnesses told officers she and Mireles later left together.     Authorities speculated the pair returned to his motel room. Law enforcement officers reportedly responded to a disturbance at the El Dorado Motel late Friday night or early Saturday morning.     The next morning, the case took an ominous turn after Mireles failed to show up for work. His employer found Mireles' motel room in "disarray."     At that time, police officers discovered a "large quantity of blood" in the room and took reports of a missing bedspread. In an unexpected twist, after Sander's disappearance, authorities discovered her alter-ego, "Zoey Zane," an online nude model. However, El Dorado Police Chief Tom Boren maintained Sander's homicide had nothing to do with her cyber avocation.     According to a friend, Sander posed nude online to earn extra money for college. "Nobody in El Dorado knew except for close friends," she said. Mireles' extradition from Mexico is expected to take about 60 days, Satterfield said. "This case must go to the Department of Justice within 30 days and it must be received in Mexico City by Feb. 15, 2008, in order to successfully extradite Israel Mireles."

Arrest may spell end to burglary spree by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Dec. 13, 2007 Stolen tools and other equipment recovered by deputies with the Bandera County Sheriff's Office awaited being claimed by owners. Authorities believe the arrest of a Bandera resident may solve dozens of burglary cases here and in neighboring counties. Staff Photo by David Arny     John Rodriguez    Shortly after midnight Monday, Dec. 10, a routine traffic stop by a deputy with the Bandera County Sheriff's Office resulted in the recovery of a missing rental truck and an estimated $50,000 worth of stolen tools and appliances, in addition to breaking up a suspected burglary ring headquartered in Bandera County — a ring also thought to be operating in as many as four nearby counties.     John Rodriguez, 39, of Bandera, was pulled over while driving a Penske rental truck near FM 1283 and Heisler Road in Pipe Creek after he failed to signal for a turn. When BCSO Deputy Sgt. Gerald Johnson ran the truck's Vehicle Identification Number, he was informed the truck had been reported stolen. Rodriguez was placed under arrest and the truck was searched.     Johnson and fellow deputies summoned to the site discovered the cargo compartment literally packed to the roof with tools, appliances and commercial contractors' equipment.     Among seized items included a refrigerator, industrial air compressor, diesel fuel tank, heavy duty gas-powered water pump, HILTI brand fastening tool, fiberglass step ladders, surveyor's equipment and a variety of hand and power tools. Several license plates from trailers reported stolen were also retrieved from the swag.     Once the arduous process of unloading the items, registering their serial numbers and contacting burglary victims began, a steady stream of grateful owners started showing up at the corner of Pecan and 12th Street to reclaim their missing property. By late Tuesday morning, nine people had recovered their belongings.     Bandera County Sheriff Weldon Tucker said Rodriguez was "cooperating with investigators," leading them to locations such as a storage unit in Leon Valley where other items were added to the growing list of stolen goods. As of press time, however, no additional arrests had been made.     "We don't believe (Rodriguez) acted alone in these thefts," said Tucker. "There's evidence linking this individual to burglaries in Kerr, Bexar and Medina Counties, besides here in Bandera. So far, there are three teams of investigators working this case, including one from the Texas Department of Public Safety's auto theft division.     "Our Criminal Investigations Division works every burglary reported to the sheriff's office and we maintain a computer inventory of stolen items. We're pretty sure more people will be going to jail before this investigation is complete."     According to Tucker, one individual expressed his appreciation at the BCSO's recovery of his equipment by saying, "This is the best Christmas I ever had!"

Two area youths charged with selling pot by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Dec. 13, 2007 Jacob Villarreal Jonathan Weymouth    Bandera Police Chief James Eigner, a cadre of his officers and two local constables recently broke up a suspected marijuana ring operating a stone's throw from Bandera Senior High School.     The bust occurred at the Oaks of Bandera Apartments, 451 Old San Antonio Highway, across the street from BHS, shortly after 8 pm, Saturday, Dec. 8. Members of the ring had allegedly used a popular local fast food restaurant as one of their retail outlets.     In what Precinct 3 Constable Don Walters referred to as a "cooperative effort" between the BPD, Precinct 1 Constable Phil Tobin and himself, marijuana thought to be an extremely potent variety known as "Hydro" was found at the apartment. Short for hydroponic, "Hydro" is grown in containers of water instead of soil. Walters said the pot confiscated at the scene appeared to be identical to that sold by at least one of the suspects at the Sonic Drive-In, among other venues.     According to Eigner, Walters' information led to the warrant being issued in the case and the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in marijuana production and distribution.     "We executed the warrant without incident," Walters said of the operation. "I'd been working (the investigation) several weeks and it came together real well."     Bandera residents Jacob Villarreal and Jonathan Weymouth, both 18, were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, in addition to other drug-related offenses. They were booked into the Bandera County Jail and remained in custody as of press time, Tuesday, Dec. 11.     "We think it was a pretty busy venture," said Eigner.     "With police work of this kind — if it's done right — the police always have the advantage, taking it slow and building a good case."     Christi Woodworth, director of external communications for the Oklahoma-based Sonic Corporation, issued a prepared statement following the arrest of Weymouth, stating, "Leadership of the drive-in had no previous indication that anything illegal might be occurring at the drive-in. Sonic does not tolerate criminal activity at its drive-ins and, in accordance with policy, will terminate all employees connected to any such criminal activity."     The statement continued, "We are cooperating with local officials to help them in their investigation of this incident... Because further comments could interfere with the investigation, any additional questions regarding the incident should be directed to the police.     "At Sonic, we pride ourselves on providing customers with the best food and friendliest service available. We strive to make Sonic a safe and pleasant place to work. This is a very unpleasant situation and we regret any difficulty this may have caused our loyal customers."

Missing dynamite mystery ends, but without a bang Published Dec. 13, 2007    A speeding motorcyclist evading law enforcement officers in the Lakehills area inadvertently helped deputies recover a stick of dynamite stolen over a year ago — the object of a search that had included federal agents.     In summer 2005, a local contractor involved in excavation work and licensed to use explosives reported to the Bandera County Sheriff's Office that six sticks of TNT were missing from a storage area in Lakehills.     Investigators later arrested members of a local burglary ring responsible for the theft, but were told by the suspects that the stolen dynamite had been traded to their San Antonio dope connection in exchange for drugs. According to Sheriff Weldon Tucker, the thieves were told by their San Antonio connection he wanted the dynamite so he could "blow up SAPD patrol cars."     Teaming up with the San Antonio Police Department, in addition to federal agents with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), deputies located and recovered five of the six explosives but were unable to develop new leads regarding the whereabouts of the remaining stick of TNT.     Tucker told The Courier that three officers with a BCSO burglary task force met at the intersection of Eighth Street and Avenue M in Lakehills Friday, Dec. 7, preparing to question several suspects living in the area. A motorcyclist traveling at a high rate of speed was heard approaching the group and soon appeared, headed in their direction and followed closely by a BCSO patrol car, lights blazing and siren blaring.     When the hapless speedster realized he was seconds away from a very chilly reception by the lawmen just ahead, he veered off the road onto one of the many dirt trails that intersect with Eighth Street. Attempting to detain the biker, two officers fanned out into the adjacent woods while others stayed behind to intercept him should he try doubling back onto the road.     While Investigator Scott Sharp made his way through the woods, he spotted a orange-colored cylinder laying approximately 20 yards from the road. He thought at first it was a common road flare, then remembered working with ATF on the stolen dynamite case.     "He realized it wasn't a flare and that he'd better get away from it," said Tucker.     When contacted at their San Antonio field office, an agent with the ATF referred BCSO investigators to the San Antonio Police Department Bomb Squad, who took possession of the dynamite later that afternoon.     The motorcyclist was arrested for speeding and evading arrest.

Body of former Bandera student found in Kansas by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Dec. 6, 2007 Emily Sander    After a six-day search, Kansas law enforcement officers discovered the body of a missing 18-year-old former Bandera High School student.     According to unconfirmed reports, the girl attended BHS for "two to three years," but is not a graduate.     The evening of Thursday, Nov. 29, a body matching the description of Emily Sander was found in high grasses along US Highway 54 approximately 50 miles east of El Dorado, Kansas.     The girl had disappeared Friday, Nov. 23, after being seen leaving a bar with a Hispanic male.     On Dec. 1, law enforcement authorities confirmed that a forensic dentist had identified the body as that of Sander, but refused to comment on the condition of the body. An autopsy was performed, but the results, including cause of death, remain unavailable.     In an unexpected twist to the case, after Sander's disappearance, authorities discovered she had been living a double life as "Zoey Zane," an online nude model. However, according to El Dorado Police Chief Tom Boren, authorities feel her homicide had nothing to do with Sander's cyber avocation.     On Friday, Nov. 23, Sander was seen leaving The Retreat bar in El Dorado with Israel Mireles, 24, who has alternatively been called a suspect and a "person of interest" in her murder.     A subsequent search turned up Mireles' abandoned rental car in Vernon, Texas, approximately 350 miles south of El Dorado, where Mireles' parents live. Authorities believe he and his 16-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Victoria Martens, had crossed the border into Mexico where Mireles also has family.     His 2007 Ford Taurus was found parked at a Best Western Motel, Tuesday, Nov. 27, but Mireles was not registered as a guest.     Authorities believe the motel was used as a drop spot for the vehicle.     Law enforcement agents interviewed Mireles' relatives in Vernon. An Associated Press report quoted Boren as saying, "We got no information from them at all and very little cooperation. We feel they know where he is at, but they haven't shared that with us."     According to reports, Sander met Mireles at the bar located across the street from her apartment.     Eyewitnesses told officers she and Mireles later left together. Authorities speculated the pair returned to the El Dorado Motel, where Mireles was living temporarily. Apparently, law enforcement officers were called to the room late Friday night or early Saturday morning because of a disturbance.     The next morning, the case later took a more ominous turn after Mireles failed to show up at Bella Casa, an Italian restaurant where he had worked "on and off" for the past three years. His employer, Joe Terzui, went to the motel and discovered Mireles' room in "disarray."     According to police reports, a "large quantity of blood" was found in the room and a bedspread was reported missing. In addition, the motel owner, Isaac Patel, said a window beside the door had been broken and a telephone cord possibly cut. At that time, authorities designated the room a crime scene. Police do not believe Mireles' pregnant girlfriend was involved in the altercation and alleged crime.     Martens had apparently been staying with her grandmother in Baxter Springs, Kansas.     According to the grandmother, Sue Martens, Mireles arrived on Saturday, Nov. 24, and her granddaughter left willingly with him.     Sue Martens told a local television news station FBI officials questioned her about the pair. In addition, authorities allegedly discovered a knife, clothing and car keys in a trash can outside her house with blood supposedly on some of the items.     After Sander's disappearance, authorities discovered the Butler Community College student's soft porn internet site. A friend was quoted as saying, "(Emily) did it for extra money. She loved movies and wanted to be in movies. Nobody in El Dorado knew except for close friends."     According to another friend, Sander had just started college, and, after earning her degree in business administration, planned to "move back home to Texas where all her friends and family were."     Although Sander posed nude on the now offline www.zoeyzane.com, she carefully kept her online life a secret from her family.     During Thanksgiving weekend, however, Sander reportedly informed her family she had recently signed a contract to appear as a "solo nude model" on an adult-oriented website.     In an AP report cited in The Wichita (Kansas) Eagle, Sander's brother confirmed the nude photos were of his sister, but declined further comment.     At a Wednesday, Nov. 28, during a candlelight vigil held on the campus of the community college, Sander's grandfather offered, "All I can say to you young folks is be careful. It is a cruel world out there."     As it turned out, Clement Sander's words were prophetic. His granddaughter's funeral will be Thursday, Dec. 6, in El Dorado.

Weed whackers bust Pipe Creek man by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Nov. 29, 2007 Justin Cherry    Confidential informants led recently to the arrest of a suspected local pot dealer.     Following several marijuana purchases made by undercover operatives with the Bandera County Sheriff's Office, deputies obtained a search warrant for an apartment at 10568 Highway 16 South in Pipe Creek.     Shortly after 6 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 20, deputies executed the warrant. According to Sheriff Weldon Tucker, officers found 32 bags of marijuana weighing approximately .25 ounce each Inside the residence. Justin Cherry, 18, of Pipe Creek, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.     Two juveniles also present when deputies arrived were detained and later released to their parents. It was later determined that a fourth individual wanted for questioning by investigators in the case had left the location a short time before their arrival. He currently being sought by law enforcement personnel.     Cherry was held overnight at the Bandera County Jail and released from custody the following day on a $7,500 bond.

Deputy ‘cuffed’ at TRIAD event Published Nov. 29, 2007    Cuff him! Bandera County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Don Berger got the squeeze put on him when Dustin Losstron, an Emergency Medical Technician with Bandera County EMS, checked his blood pressure.     The Thursday, Nov. 15 TRIAD get-together at the Lakehills Civic Center brought together area law enforcement personnel, emergency services workers and senior citizens to create a dialogue regarding health, safety and security concerns.

Local indicted on intoxication manslaughter by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Nov. 15, 2007    As the adage goes, "The wheels of justice grind slow, but they grind exceedingly fine."     John Heinen, 31, learned the meaning of the words when he was indicted on a charge of intoxication manslaughter in connection with last April's death of his brother in a one-car vehicular accident on King Ranch Road off Highway 16 South in Bandera County.     A special grand jury, convened Monday, Nov. 5, returned the indictment against Heinen, who apparently "couldn't remember" if he had been behind the wheel when the pickup truck flipped, causing his brother's fatal head injuries. However, during subsequent investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Michelle Kosmalski, Bandera Police Lt. Neil McLean and forensic investigator Kendall Wells put together sufficient evidence that enabled the grand jury to make an "educated assumption."     The decision was a definite win for BPD Chief Jim Eigner, who had earlier expressed disappointment when a previous grand jury failed to indict Heinen.     "Mr. Heinen's first DWI was in Oklahoma in 1997. He received his first DWI in Texas in 2001," Eigner said in an interview. "In January of '07, he received another DWI in Oklahoma and in April that same year, he had the wreck that killed his brother." According to Eigner, at the time of his last arrest, Heinen had accumulated seven DWIs, and a rap sheet that underscored the criminal justice system's revolving door.     Apparently Heinen was prosecuted for driving while intoxicated two times in Bandera County.     A guilty verdict on one of the charges led to his 2004 conviction and four months confinement in the county jail. He subsequently pled out on the second DWI charge and received a suspended sentence and a fine.     "A third DWI becomes a felony charge and he should have gone to jail.     Unfortunately, that didn't happen," Eigner said. "Mr. Heinen kept on drinking, getting picked up, being let out and was back on the road again. Texas and Oklahoma fell down on their responsibility to their citizens."     After January's fatal crash, Heinen's blood alcohol level allegedly tested twice the legal limit.     In August, McLean arrested Heinen on four charges — a felony motion to revoke probation and a misdemeanor warrant from an outside agency, as well as two capias pro fine warrants, legalese for Heinen's failure to comply with the terms of two previous court judgments.     Later that month, however, a grand jury passed on indicting Heinen on intoxication manslaughter in the April vehicular accident in which his brother was killed.     At the time, Eigner responded, "I assume District Attorney Bruce Curry plans to ask for additional clarification or evidence on certain aspects of the case. It's an indictable case that all comes down to establishing Heinen was behind the wheel when the accident occurred."     He continued, "An article in the San Antonio Express-News reported that Texas leads the nation in DWI fatalities. Here in Bandera County we can't get a man with (seven) previous DWIs indicted on the charge. Maybe this county is a good place to have a DWI."     After the recent indictment, Eigner felt Heinen would not be offered a change to plead to a lesser charge. "There's been too much publicity on this case and the DA for that to happen," he said. "Besides, if it did, it would just add another turn to the revolving door."     Eigner blamed the system for allowing Heinen to stay out of the prison system for so long. "This was not one person's fault, but rather the lack of interaction between the states."     However, he felt that since Heinen could not be rehabilitated, he should be in prison. "I hope a jury finds him guilty," Eigner said, adding, "If he is not incarcerated, he will drink and drive and probably kill someone else."     He continued, "During my years as a law enforcement officer, I've seen many people killed because of drunk drivers, families and children — a litany of death. The first thing an inebriated driver says when you pull him over is, 'I didn't hurt anyone'.     I always reply, 'Not yet'."

More meth outlaws collared for illegal cookin' by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Nov. 15, 2007 Deputies with the Bandera County Sheriff's Office and HAZMAT technicians catalogued evidence after a meth lab bust at Lost Valley Guest Ranch. The scene would be repeated two more times in the next 24 hours. Staff Photo by David Arny Kelly Lynam Patrick Blume Jerry Witt Christopher Nail Joseph Doyle Cynthia Kreisler    Keeping Bandera County Sheriff's Investigators busy until the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 10 and 11, the Lost Valley Ranch was the scene of two consecutive meth lab busts, followed by yet another seizure in Pipe Creek.     The trifecta of strikes against local dope manufacturers netted a total of more than five pounds of the liquid chemical precursor to the powdered finished product. The operation landed six area residents behind bars.     The apprehensions bring the total number of illegal drug labs broken up this year to 13 and Sunday's raid was the 10th operation of its kind in the past six weeks.     On the morning of Friday, Nov. 9, Bandera County Sheriff's Office Deputy Thomas Cuellar went to cabin number 32 at the Lost Valley Guest Ranch to serve a felony DWI warrant to an individual residing in that apartment. While arresting Joseph Doyle, 28, a second man was discovered hiding in a bathroom.     Deputies learned that Patrick Blume, 47, had a previous restraining order against trespassing on the Lost Valley property. In addition, deputies discovered a loaded revolver in the felon's possession. Both men are listed as having Bandera addresses.     The duo's already bad situation got even worse when deputies noticed equipment consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine in the room. They arrested the two acquaintances and contacted investigators, who obtained a warrant based on evidence found "in plain sight" and conducted a more thorough search. By late afternoon, additional lab equipment and certain chemicals used in the production of a controlled substance had been collected and removed from the site.     Bail for each man was set at $15,000.     As that investigation was being concluded, an anonymous tipster saw a live KENS 5 television report of the Lost Valley arrests and told a dispatcher with the BCSO where deputies could find a second illegal laboratory in operation — a stone's throw away from their first weekend bust.     Since an anonymous tip is insufficient for the issuance of a search warrant, deputies decided to do a "knock and talk" with anyone present at the second apartment.     The person who answered the door shortly after midnight was told of the allegation and asked their consent for the deputies to enter the residence. They agreed, despite a hypodermic syringe and several other incriminating items strewn about inside the bungalow.     A warrant was procured and investigators mobilized to repeat the procedures undertaken hours earlier. Eventually, over 400 grams of the now-familiar meth oil was recovered at the site legally designating it a methamphetamine laboratory.     Cynthia Kreishner, 39, of Bandera and Jerry Witt, 38, of Center Point were arrested on charges of manufacturing a controlled substance and transported to the Bandera County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail each. Several hours later, at 7:40 pm Saturday evening, deputies responded to another tip regarding a possible meth lab in the Pipe Creek area. When they pulled up to a house at 171 Cowboy Haven, an individual who was standing outside the front door suddenly ran into the residence.     Deputies heard what sounded like locks being secured from inside the door and their orders for the occupants to come out were ignored.     A strong chemical odor often detected around meth labs was noted by the officers and a warrant was requested from, and issued by, Justice of the Peace Lynn Holt. While deputies waited outside for the arrival of the warrant, an unknown number of people inside were allegedly busy attempting to destroy evidence by pouring various toxic chemicals down the dwelling's drains.     That strategy could have proved fatal for the two men inside. Sgt. Gerald Johnson said that when the hapless duo exited the structure, they were followed by a thick cloud of acrid smoke produced when the cocktail of potent chemicals was combined.     EMS technicians on hand helped stabilize the suspects, described by one deputy as being "incoherent."     When the air cleared and evidence was collected and weighed, approximately five pounds of meth oil was confiscated from the site. Kelly Lynam, 25, of Bandera and Christopher Nail, 26, of San Antonio were charged with felony evidence tampering, felony possession of certain chemicals and felony manufacturing a controlled substance, over 400 grams. Bail was set at $50,000 for each man.     BCSO Sgt. Scott Sharp explained the increase in drug lab busts in part to citizens with information about suspicious activities coming forward in greater numbers. In addition, he and BCSO Lt. Alan Tucker were recently certified after attending a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) training course in Quantico, Va. The addition training streamlined the process and eliminated the need for summoning outside agencies in San Antonio and Austin whenever a bust is made.     Another bonus to the meth busts being processed by local law enforcement is a financial one.     "Now that Deputy Tucker and myself are certified in handling hazardous materials, along with Sgt. Gerald Johnson and Deputy David Vaught, the DEA picks up the tab for the disposal of these chemicals instead of Bandera County residents," Sharp said, adding, "Chemical disposal can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per site."

Misery manufacturers caught by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Nov. 8, 2007 Donald Cox Sr. Donald Cox Jr. James Keammerer Carrie Wilson    Like playing the carnival game "Whack-a-Mole" ­ where every time an ugly pest's head is smacked with a mallet, another pops up ­ two more clandestine methamphetamine labs in the county were recently put out of business by the Bandera County Sheriff's Office. This was the seventh local meth lab busted in the past five weeks and the 10th to be taken down so far this year.     A father and son team of suspected dope chefs, Robert Cox Sr., 52, of Mico, and Robert Cox Jr., 23, of Lakehills, were arrested at the Bandera Lodge on Sunday, Oct. 28, purportedly as a fresh batch of their poisonous commodity was being processed for eventual sale.     Sources at the BCSO told the Courier that deputies observed the pair carrying a number of shopping bags into a room of the motel at 700 Highway 16 South. Later that evening, when a drug-sniffing canine was walked through the adjoining parking lot and around the Cox's truck, the dog indicated the presence of narcotics ­ and the younger Cox was discovered sleeping in the truck's passenger seat.     A subsequent search of the suspect revealed a plastic bag which contained a small amount of a powdered substance in the young man's pants pocket. An investigation ensued and Robert Cox Sr., who was inside the motel room, gave deputies his consent for a search of the room. Items described by law enforcement personnel as "components involved in the manufacturing of a controlled substance" were found in short order, as well as 900 grams of "meth oil," the toxic liquid chemical precursor of powdered methamphetamine.     The pair were arrested without incident and transported to the nearby Bandera County Jail. At the time of his arrest, Donald Cox Jr. was awaiting trial on felony charges of manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine over 400 grams, stemming from a previous arrest last April 10. His earlier bond was pulled after the Oct. 28 arrest and he remains in custody at the Bandera County Jail in lieu of a total of $90,000 in bail.     Donald Cox Sr., charged with one felony count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of certain chemicals to manufacture a controlled substance, must post a $40,000 bond to secure his release from detention. In a similar incident, Pebble Beach residents Carrie Wilson, 37, and James Keammerer, 47, were pulled over for two minor traffic violations on Nov. 1. Deputies asked for and received permission to search the couple's vehicle.     Law enforcement officers discovered chemicals used to produce meth, as well as 200 grams of processed meth oil in their vehicle's back seat. Wilson and Keammerer were arrested on felony charges of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and a warrant was obtained for a search of their residence. When investigators found the telltale chemicals and processing equipment for making meth in the house shared by the couple, volunteer firefighters and Bandera County EMS were summoned while Sgts. Scott Sharp and Gerald Johnson suited up in their hazardous materials (HAZMAT) gear in preparation for removal of evidence. Certified hazardous site safety overseer Deputy David Vaught supervised the process.     Several hours later, the operation was completed ­ another toxic chemical site cleaned up and two more area residents found themselves behind bars as a result of their affinity for methamphetamine. Bail was set for each of the two individuals at $40,000.     (Note ­ a gram, or 1/28th of an ounce of finished methamphetamine powder, also known as "crank" or "crystal," typically sells for between $60 to $100, depending on its potency and availability, according to "KCI The Anti-Meth Site," formerly the Koch Crime Commission website. For more information, go to www.kci.org/meth_info/links.htm)

Beer bandits busted by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Oct. 18, 2007    Like an episode from CSI Bandera, a shoe print led to an arrest in the break-in and burglary of the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th Street, the night of Friday, Sept. 20.     Bandera resident Allen Calloway, 19, is accused of felony theft after more than $1,000 worth of beer and approximately $800 in damages were discovered by employees of the popular bar the morning following the incident.     Another suspect in the case has provided a written confession after being questioned by police. His case will be referred directly to a 216th District Grand Jury in Bandera County on Monday, Oct. 22. Because the 18-yearold suspect proved cooperative, his arrest was deferred and his name is being withheld at this time.     Bandera Police Chief James Eigner credited the "good police work" performed by Lt. Neil McLean and others, in addition to the forensic analysis by Kendall Wells, in leading them to the suspects.     "I was impressed with my officers' capabilities," said Eigner. "Patrolmen in San Antonio don't handle evidence. My guys have to follow through with investigations ­ they don't have the luxury of calling in an evidence team (to collect and analyze data)." Besides the footprint, investigators scrutinized tire marks found near the site of the break-in, as well as a partial fingerprint recovered from a doorknob, to crack the case.     Eigner said it was "virtually impossible these days" to commit a crime without leaving behind some kind of evidence.     "When I began working with the San Antonio Police Department, we used hand-drawn diagrams, photos, fingerprints and blood-typing to solve crimes. It's amazing we had the ability to solve very many crimes at all," he said. "There are so many more avenues today for evidence collection ­ video footage, new fingerprinting techniques, ultraviolet imaging and, of course, DNA databases."     Eleventh Street Cowboy Bar owner and Bandera native James McGroarty was grateful the case had been resolved in such a timely manner.     "I'd just like to publicly thank the Bandera Police Department for their professionalism and outstanding work," said McGroarty. "I hope the quick apprehension of the suspects will be a lesson to other would-be thieves thinking of attempting something like this."     Eigner was unassuming, simply saying, "We really hate to see burglary cases go unresolved."

Beer burglars plague local businesses by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Oct. 11, 2007    A recent burglary, which targeted a local business popular with visitors to the Cowboy Capital, has prompted the owner to offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.     James McGroarty, owner of the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, arrived at his business the morning of Friday, Sept. 20, to learn his popular watering hole and music venue had been broken into the night before. In the early morning hours, thieves entered the premises through an outbuilding on the perimeter of the property, causing an estimated $800 dollars in damage. In addition, the thieves absconded with ice chests, beer, wine and snacks worth "well over" $1,000.     "This is the second time we've been hit this year," said McGroarty. "I'm pretty sure these are the same individuals who have been stealing beer from other local businesses and individuals."     McGroarty said that although he had lost a considerable amount of inventory, his was not an isolated incident. He indicated area thieves had even coined a new term to describe this type of crime.     "Someone I know told me they'd heard the expression 'ice chest surfing'," said McGroarty, adding, "Supposedly, that's what they're calling stealing ice chests out of the back of pickup trucks around here."     He continued, "You have tourists coming to Bandera and out-of-town hunters getting their leases ready for deer season. These (thieves) wait until these folks go into the OST or a convenience store, then grab their ice chests and disappear. How does that make us look to visitors?"     The entrepreneur, a native of Bandera, said he was aware of dozens of instances this year which involved thefts of ice chests from vehicles, many occurring in parking lots of businesses within the city limits.     Bandera Police Chief James Eigner remains optimistic the individuals responsible for McGroarty's burglary will be arrested. "We turned up some good, strong leads," he said. "A thorough investigation was carried out and we recovered some evidence which should be helpful. We have a couple of suspects in mind. Hopefully, there will be some arrests soon."     Eigner added, "We don't like our business owners being hit like this."

Caught cookin' up a mess o' meth By David Arny & Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writers Published Oct. 4, 2007 Amy Lynn Tow    In the continuing battle against the trafficking of dangerous drugs, Bandera County law enforcement personnel recently apprehended a young woman at what was later determined to be a substantial methamphetamine laboratory.     According to Investigator Scott Sharp with the Bandera County Sheriff's Office, deputies arrested Amy Lynn Tow, 19, at the Texas Star Motel off Highway 16 South on Monday, Sept. 24. She was charged with "possession of certain chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance" ­ a second degree felony.     At the time of her arrest, Tow had been awaiting trial on identical charges following her April 13 arrest for possessing approximately 400 grams of what authorities refer to as "meth oil." This clear liquid is considered a precursor compound of powdered methamphetamine. Additionally, when a grand jury indicted Tow on that offense, she was on probation for a 2006 conviction after being found with less than a gram of methamphetamine.     If found guilty of the current second degree felony charge, Tow faces a sentence of not more than 20 years or less than two years in a state correctional facility. In addition to imprisonment, she could be fined a maximum of $10,000.     According to a judicial source, the prior offense cannot be used to enhance punishment for Tow's latest charge. However, the previous charges can be brought up during the sentencing phase should she be convicted of meth production. If the previous charges were used in the punishment phase, Tow typically would not be tried on those charges, said 216th Assistant District Attorney Steve Wadsworth.     While executing a search warrantb the morning of Sept. 24, deputies forced entry through the front door of the motel. They immediately detected the telltale chemical odor of a meth lab.     Local firefighter and EMS personnel were summoned and evacuated approximately 30 other residents of the building as a precaution against injuries from the toxic and highly flammable materials subsequently discovered in a nearby room. A hazardous materials (Hazmat) team from San Antonio later arrived to dispose of the dangerous chemicals.     In an adjacent area strewn with drug paraphernalia, Tow was handcuffed, placed under arrest and read her Miranda rights before being transported to the Bandera County Jail, where she remains in lieu of posting a $25,000 bond.     Acting on a reliable tip, Sharp wrote up the search warrant which was signed by Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Lynn Holt.     In a later interview, Sharp described how first-time users of methamphetamine become virtual slaves to the drug, often sacrificing their health, jobs and relationships with family and friends in pursuit of the next high.     "The first time someone does meth, their brain secretes huge amounts of a substance called dopamine. This is what causes the person to feel euphoric ­ better than they've ever felt before," said Sharp.     "But after that first experience, the amount of dopamine the brain secretes as a response to ingesting the drug tapers off. Users never have the same intense high again, but they keep trying to repeat that first encounter."

Local man leaps into 'Long Arm of Law' by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Sept. 27, 2007 William Anderson    Bandera Police Department officers, backed up by other local law enforcement personnel, took a suspect into custody early Sunday, Sept. 23, who had been sought on a variety of charges since June.     William M. "Wild Bill" Anderson, 45, was originally charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. However, additional charges of evading arrest and a so-called Blue Warrant for revocation of his probation ­ a result of an earlier felony conviction for burglary ­ made his apprehension a priority for Bandera County authorities.     Acting on a tip on Anderson's whereabouts, Bandera Police Chief James Eigner assembled a team of BPD officers and notified the Bandera County Sheriff's Office of the planned sortie. A sheriff's deputy scheduled to accompany the party was called away at the last minute and two Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens subsequently volunteered as backups.     Prior to the group's entering a residence near Polly's Peak, Eigner stationed four officers at the front entrance of the house and five near a back door. He told the Courier that his experience with the San Antonio Police Department's Repeat Offender Program taught him the importance of presenting an overwhelming show of force when arresting an individual with a history of evading arrest, as well as weapon and drug violations, such as Anderson.     "During my 11 years with the ROP team in San Antonio, I probably kicked in 200 doors. You always go in expecting the worst," Eigner said. "This apprehension went pretty well."     The highlight of the operation came when Anderson attempted to evade authorities once again by leaping from a rear upstairs porch after police entered through the front door.     Unfortunately for the would-be escapee, he landed ­ sans shoes and shirt ­ in the middle of the team of officers covering the back exit.     "It was a heck of a jump, especially barefoot. He was graceful, like a gazelle, going over that railing. We were just grateful he took the time to put on a pair of jeans beforehand," said Eigner, smiling.

Another meth lab bites the dust by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Sept. 20, 2007 Roger White    A simple civil standby recently culminated in the take down of a methamphetamine lab.     The incident begin innocently enough as deputies with the Bandera County Sheriff's Office performed a civil standby as a Lakehills resident removed her personal belongings from a residence at 128 Canyon Circle Drive. At that time, the woman informed law enforcement officers that another occupant of the house had allegedly assaulted her with a deadly weapon on the previous evening, Saturday, Sept. 8.     The accused individual, Roger White, allowed the deputies to enter the residence. Once inside, the deputies noticed several drug paraphernalia items, and subsequently searched White for weapons.     After he admitted to possession of illegal drugs, White was arrested for delivery of a controlled substance. Later, a BCSO spokesman confirmed that deputies had discovered what was described as "a large amount" of suspected methamphetamine in White's pocket.     The following Tuesday, Sept. 11, deputies returned to the residence after BCSO received a report of vandalism and burglary. When county criminal investigators arrived, they discovered equipment in and around the residence which they described as frequently used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.     Due to the extremely dangerous nature of chemicals commonly found at clandestine drug laboratories, investigators immediately contacted the Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Department and Bandera Emergency Medical Services. A short time later, law enforcement personnel obtained a search warrant.     After collecting evidence, investigators determined that a methamphetamine lab had been operating at the site. A Drug Enforcement Administration-certified contractor then removed all hazardous materials from the scene.     In addition to the charges of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, White may also be charged with felony aggravated assault if it is established that a firearm was involved in the alleged altercation on Sept. 8.     He currently remains in the Bandera County Jail on bond of $11,000.

Sheriff’s department gets kudos for capture by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Sept. 6, 2007    Deputies with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office continue to receive kudos for their part in the apprehension of Karl Anthony Hodson, 22, of Lakehills. Along with Jenilee Ann Sheppard, 23, of San Antonio, Hodson was charged with capital murder in the death of Leon Poe, 27, of San Antonio.     In a letter to Sheriff Weldon Tucker, dated August 14, Sgt. Kyle Dean of Company “F” Texas Rangers, wrote, “Please accept my thanks for the assistance provided by you and your staff during the investigation of the capital murder of Leon Poe that occurred in Kendall County on 07-20-2007, and the capture of defendant Karl Anthony Hodson by your agency.”     Dean singled out Investigator Scott Sharp for particular commendation. According to Dean, Sharp “… spent many hours assisting in locating witnesses and securing an evidentiary search warrant to further this investigation, even though the crime occurred in a neighboring jurisdiction.” Scott, along with several of his colleagues, also received praise from Investigator Ernie Lobello of the 216th Judicial District.     In a laudatory letter to Tucker, also dated August 14, Lobello wrote, “I want to express our gratitude to you, Chief Berger, Lt. Tucker and all the deputies in your office who responded in assistant to the situation at the Lakehills Annex on July 24, 2007.” Lobello recapped the incident in which Hodson fled through a window during an interview after purportedly admitting his involvement in the capital murder that had occurred in Kendall County.     “A thorough search by deputies of your office was immediately conducted, and an apprehension was made the next morning. Your efforts were greatly needed and appreciated,” Lobello wrote. “I would also like to offer a special thanks to Sgt. Scott Sharp, David McGilvary and James 'Bubba' Popham for their efforts preceding the incident at the annex.”     His letter continued, “The manner in which Sgt. Scott and his unit willingly responded to a cause they initially had no personal obligation to, is to be commended. Sgt. Scott acted professionally, and using his skills, proved to be most helpful in the investigation. The actions taken proved to be helpful, and expedited arrests being made … Their assistance, given freely and willingly, exemplifies the spirit and attitude that should prevail between all Criminal Justice Agencies.”     Lobello asked Tucker to commend Sharp, as well as CID Deputies McGilvary and Popham. “It is ability and attitude such as this that makes a department stand out, and generates a positive attitude with others.”     Lobello requested that the sheriff pass on his thanks to all the deputies who assisted in the apprehension of Hodson.     Commenting on the accolades coming from his colleagues, Tucker said in an interview, “It feels good for a change. During (our respective) campaigns, we all pledged to work together. When you get help from your neighbors, it’s always better. I’m sure Duncan, Brice and Brown will step up to the plate when we need assistance.” Roger Duncan, James Earl Brice and Randy Brown serve as sheriffs for Kendall, Real and Medina counties, respectively.     Tucker said he meets frequently with his peers to discuss additional ways to assist one another. He added, “Counties to the north and east may have more resources, but, in the end, we’re all in this together.”

Sheriff hires three deputies by David Arny BCC Staff Writer Published Sept. 6, 2007    Continuing to wage a war of attrition against resignations among deputies, Bandera County Sheriff’s Office personnel conducted seven interviews during the last week of August to fill three recently-vacated positions.     According to Sheriff Weldon Tucker, the relatively high turnover rate among deputies in his office is due primarily to the considerably higher salaries offered to peace officers in counties surrounding Bandera. The three deputies who recently left the BCSO were hired by the Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, Kendall County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety.     Referring to those law enforcement agencies and others in nearby counties and municipalities, Tucker said, ”In some cases, there can be a $10,000 difference between the salaries we’re able to offer our personnel and what they can. That’s a big gap.”     Tucker said the time-consuming process of interviewing applicants means members of his staff must periodically place the investigations of active cases, as well as patrol duties, on hold while they attempt to fill positions. In addition, a new recruit can require up to eight weeks of orientation, procedural instruction and field training – all of which represent a major investment of time and effort by BCSO deputies.     Tucker said the last pay raise he requested from Bandera County Commissioners for his deputies fell far short of his proposal.     “I had asked commissioners to raise my deputies’ salaries 10 percent and I received a 2.76 percent increase, or a basic cost of living raise,” said Tucker. He went on to say the commissioners did agree to ask the Austin law firm of Allison and Bass to review the pay scales of law enforcement personnel in similarly-sized counties.     “They’re taking a first step to improve the situation,” said Tucker.     Precinct 2 Commissioner Bobby Harris recently voted to give county deputies a $1,000 a year pay raise.     “I think the deputies are way underpaid,” Harris told the Courier.     Referring to Deputy Brian Blackburn, who captured Lakehills murder suspect Karl Anthony Hodson last July 25, Harris added, ”You just had a deputy chase down on foot a suspected murderer – he risked his life for $26,000 a year.”

DWIs still concern city’s top cop by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Aug. 23, 2007    A Bandera County Grand Jury recently passed on indicting Bandera resident John Heinen for intoxication manslaughter, a charge that stemmed from an April vehicular accident in which his brother was killed.     To seemingly no avail, 216th District Attorney Bruce Curry presented the case against Heinen to the grand jury on Monday, August 20. However, the grand jury can reconsider the case against the defendant when it reconvenes in October.     Previously, the 31-year-old man had been arrested “at least eight times” for driving while intoxicated, but had been convicted only once, according to Bandera Police Chief Jim Eigner. In addition, Heinen has allegedly been cited several times for having open containers in his vehicle and for driving with a suspended license.     “I assume the DA plans to ask for additional clarification or evidence on certain aspects of the case,” the Eigner said in an interview. He added, “It’s an indictable case. I’ve investigated hundreds of DWI and I know an indictable case when I see it. I’ve also worked with ADAs assigned to District Attorney Susan Reed in Bexar County and know they pursue these types of cases very aggressively.     “It all comes down to establishing that Heinen was behind the wheel when the accident occurred. As it stands now, no law enforcement officer actually saw him behind the wheel. In the past, that might have been problematic, but now, with proper evidence, both investigators and grand juries can make an educated assumption – and often do.” Eigner added that the system has another shot at Heinen in October.     He continued, “In today’s San Antonio Express-News, an article reported that Texas leads the nation in DWI fatalities. Here in Bandera County we can’t get a man with (seven) previous DWIs indicted on the charge.”     According to statistics compiled by the US Department of Transportation, Texas had 1,345 deaths last year, an increase of 34 from the previous year. The Lone Star State, along with Arizona and Kansas, shares a dubious honor as the states having the largest increase in traffic-related fatalities within a one-year period. In response to upwardly spiraling DWI fatalities, federal transportation officials have announced plans to launch a national law enforcement crackdown on drunk driving.     “Keeping that in mind, this only proves to me that maybe this county is a good place to have a DWI – especially if you’re a politician’s son or someone faced with a less-than-aggressive DA,” Eigner said.     One of the problems, he said, was keeping up the morale of officers continually faced with non-prosecution of DWIs after an arrest. “I always tell them, ‘You got one drunken driver off the street that night. You prevented one drunken driver from killing someone that night’,” Eigner said.     In a related matter, city police officers will participate “Labor Day Impaired Driving Mobilization” push sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation, he revealed.     “The initiative began Friday, August 17, and continues through Monday, Sept. 3,” Eigner said. “During this time, police officers will be more diligent in patrolling with impaired drivers in mind.”     Mindful that one of the area’s biggest weekends, “Celebrate Bandera,” is approaching, he said, “We want everyone to come here and ‘Celebrate Bandera,’ but we also urge people not to drink and get behind a wheel. If you do, it will cost you thousands of dollars and you will lose your license. Drink and drive and you will go to jail,” Eigner said unequivocally. “Our main goal is to keep our city and citizens safe by keeping drunk drivers off its streets.”

Man shoots goose in city park by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Aug. 23, 2007 A gaggle of geese at Bandera City Park Staff Photo by David Arny    It’s not goose-hunting season in Texas, but, even if it were, hunters wouldn’t be allowed to bag the pet geese waddling happily by and paddling in the Medina River. Yet, that’s just what one dunderhead attempted to do recently.     Bandera Police Chief Jim Eigner announced that officers in his department intend to apprehend and prosecute two men who allegedly injured a goose in Bandera City Park at approximately 5 pm, Monday, August 20.     “We received a report at 5:30 pm that someone had shot one of the city geese with a .22 rifle and left it suffering on the river bank,” Eigner said. “Apparently the man shot the goose as it came up to him expecting to be fed.”     Park Manager Joe Frazier took the injured goose home with him for the night. The following day it was transported to a veterinarian in Kerrville where it is currently undergoing care. “We intend to send a message this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Eigner continued. “When we apprehend the persons responsible, we will charge them with animal cruelty and ask the court for payment of vet bills, which are mounting daily.”     He said his department has a license number and description of the “very distinctive” truck used by the two men, who were reportedly in their 20s. “The vehicle is not registered in Bandera County,” Eigner said, reiterating, “We are making a very determined effort to find the person responsible for this.”     Even in the “land of deer blinds and exotic hunts,” Eigner felt locals would respond with sympathy to this sort of wanton destruction. He urged anyone with information they believed could help in the investigation to contact police at 830-796-3456.

Lakehills resident indicted on capital murder charge by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Aug. 16, 2007    A Kendall County Grand Jury recently indicted a Bandera County resident and his girlfriend on capital murder charges stemming from last month’s murder and robbery of a pizza delivery man near Boerne.     Karl Anthony Hodson, 22, of Lakehills, and Jenilee Ann Sheppard, 23, of San Antonio, were charged with capital murder in the death of Leon Poe, 27, of San Antonio. Wasting no time, Bruce Curry, district attorney for the 216th Judicial District, brought the case before the grand jury Friday, August 10.     On Friday, July 22, Hodson and Sheppard allegedly lured Poe to a site off Herff Road in Kendall County, where they robbed him of $30 cash and various food items. At the time of his death, Poe was working a second job delivering pizzas in Boerne to augment his income. He was married and had two small children. Since the alleged murder occurred during a robbery, charges against the pair were ratcheted up to capital murder.     During the robbery, Hodson allegedly stabbed Poe a single time. The blade apparently nicked the aorta of Poe’s heart, causing him to bleed internally. Death could have occurred in minutes. Poe’s body was discovered concealed under plastic bags in the backseat of his 1993 Chevy Cavalier, according to Kendall County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Larry James, who pronounced Poe dead at the scene. The body was found Sunday afternoon.     Officers have speculated the altercation leading to the stabbing might have occurred while Sheppard was purportedly attempting to secure Poe’s arms and legs with duct tape during the robbery.     Hodson was apprehended by deputies with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office after an all-night manhunt from the evening of Tuesday, July 25, through the morning of Wednesday, July 26. At approximately 8:17 am on Wednesday morning, Bandera County Deputies Brian Blackburn and Charles Wehmeyer apprehended Hodson at gunpoint after spotting him at Leibold Baseball Field, on FM 1283 in Lakehills.     The manhunt was initiated after Hodson had dived through a window at the BCSO Lakehills annex the previous night. Although not under arrest, as a “person of interest,” Hodson was being questioned about the murder by Texas Ranger Sgt. Kyle Dean of F Company in Kerrville. After Kyle left the room, Hodson inexplicably took a header through a window.     According to an officer involved in the incident, Hodson’s father, who was also in the interrogation room, attempted to persuade his son to cooperate with law enforcement officers – to no avail. “He actually grabbed hold of his son’s shoe trying to prevent him from going out the window,” the officer reported.     After Hodson’s escape, Sheppard allegedly confessed to the crime, but later changed her story, claiming instead, “she had been framed.”     Apparently the grand jury failed to be convinced by her quasi-recantation for she now faces a capital murder charge along with Hodson.     Both Hodson and Sheppard remain in the Kendall County Law Enforcement Center on $750,000 bond. They are likely to remain incarcerated until the trial, which could take place within one to two years, according to 216th Assistant District Attorney Lucy Cavazos Wilke.     However, in an interview, Lt. Louis Martinez, commander of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, speculated that eventually bond would be lowered for the pair. “Everybody has a right to bond,” he said, “It would be up to the district attorney’s office to show compelling reasons why a judge should not agree to a lower bond.”     Martinez continued, “This is a really good case and we hope the citizens and criminal elements in this county take heed. Law enforcement will do everything in our power to apprehend criminals for prosecution. Everyone should note that this murder occurred on Friday and the alleged perpetrators were in custody by the following Wednesday.”     Law enforcement officers in both counties worked together to bring a swift end to the search for Poe’s murderers. In a letter dated July 30, Kendall County Sheriff Roger Duncan commended Bandera County Sheriff Weldon Tucker and his officers.     Duncan wrote, “We would like to extend our gratitude to you and your deputies for the professional assistance extended to our agency during the recent murder investigation. The diligence in responding to this incident and subsequent collaboration rendered is a testament to the outstanding caliber of the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office and its leadership. We are deeply appreciative of the exceptional job performed by your team in the active investigation and subsequent arrest of the suspect. Again, thank you for lending your valuable assistance during this investigation.”     “I’m sorry one of the suspects is a resident of Bandera County. I don’t wish a capital murder case on any county,” Tucker said.

Wilke goes ‘on the record’ about capital murder by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Aug. 16, 2007 216th Assistant District Attorney Lucy Cavazos Wilke    Recently, 216th Assistant District Attorney Lucy Cavazos Wilke discussed the probable prosecution of capital murder suspects, Karl Anthony Hodson, 20, of Lakehills, and Jenilee Ann Sheppard, 22, of San Antonio.     On Friday, August 10, a Kendall County Grand Jury indicted the pair for last month’s slaying of pizza delivery man, Leon Poe, 27, of San Antonio.     “District Attorney Bruce Curry and I will both prosecute the case with Mr. Curry taking the lead,” Wilke wrote in a Tuesday, August 14, email.     Due to the logistics surroudning of a capital murder charge, she declined to speculate exactly how long it would take for the case to get to trial. “It’s difficult to predict, but since the defendant will be in custody, more than likely, the case will probably be tried in one to two years.”     She continued, “All the other capital murder cases, except for two, have gone to trial within a year. One took two years due to competency issues and the other took approximately two years due to an interlocutory appeal.” An interlocutory appeal is an procedural appeal that that takes place before a trial.     If the death penalty is not waived, the trial could cost approximately $75,000, according to Wilke.     “It depends on whether or not the defense requests court-appointed experts and what type and how many,” she said. In death penalty cases, defendants are appointed two attorneys, as opposed to defendants in non-death, capital cases, who are usually appointed one attorney. “Until the state waives the death penalty, the case proceeds as a death penalty case,” she noted.     According to Wilke, the state doesn't give notice that it intends to seek the death penalty; rather, the state abandons the death penalty should it not wish to pursue it.     “I know your next question will be, ‘Will the state be seeking the death penalty against one or both defendants’?” At this point, Wilke said, the decision has not been made.     “That decision is usually not made until two to four months prior to the trial date. Once the pre-trial process is complete and the judge sets a trial date, the court will inquire as to whether or not the state intends to seek the death penalty.”     A capital murder charge is incumbent upon the prosecution proving the defendant poses a continuing threat to society, even in prison, she explained. “Also, under the law of parties, the prosecution must prove – beyond a reasonable doubt – that the defendant could have anticipated that a life would be taken.”     In the end, Wilke also did not discount the possibility of a guilty plea negating the necessity of a trial.     Hodson’s criminal defense attorney is Kurt Rudkin of Kendall County, while Kerrville attorney Harold Danford is acting as Sheppard’s defense attorney. The accused pair remain incarcerated in the Kendall County Law Enforcement Center on $750,000 bond.

Aqua Mules – animal cruelty or just ‘good clean fun?’ by Judith Pannebaker BCC Staff Writer Published Aug. 16, 2007 A view of the mule-diving platform at Lightning Ranch. According to an investigator with the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office, the diagonal platform evident was not designed to breakaway and hurl mules to the water tank below. Instead, the animals ostensibly shove off the slanted board with their front hooves during their diving exhibition. Photo by James Henry Frazar    Being cowboy-centric, most residents of Bandera County are used to working around livestock. Horses are ridden, broncs bucked, calves roped and steers wrestled without a murmur. However, the so-called high-diving mules, currently on exhibition at a local dude ranch, have left local animal lovers crying, “Foul.”     For the past six weeks, the “All-American High Diving Aqua Mules” have been performing on Saturday nights at Lightning Ranch, located off FM 1283 near Pipe Creek. A witness to the sideshow described the mules as seeming “skittish and scared” before they plunged off a 24- to 30-foot platform into a tank filled with six feet of water.     The story first broke last week on a 10 pm KENS 5 Eyewitness newscast when a woman attending a performance surreptitiously filmed the activity with a video cam and forwarded the tape to the television station. In turn, investigative reporters brought the tape to the attention of Bandera County Sheriff Weldon Tucker.     Since an animal cruelty complaint had already been filed about the high-diving mules, Tucker was obliged to open an investigation into the charges.     During the Thursday, August 9, of Bandera County Commissioners Court, he updated commissioners on his investigation, saying that he’s submitted his findings to County Attorney Kerry Schneider for review.     According to Tucker, three area veterinarians have opined the show does not constitute animal cruelty. “On the other hand, one veterinarian associat