NCSO News

The 58th Annual World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up is upon us, and as the Sweetwater Jaycees gear up to welcome over 40,000 guests, Thursday, March 10, through Sunday, March 13, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrol presence on public roadways, highways and event locations.

Sheriff David Warren would like to remind the citizens and visitors of Nolan County that deputies will be out in force and aggressively looking for impaired pedestrians, impaired motorists, speeding, seat-belt and other traffic/non-traffic violations.

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office would like for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Rattlesnake Round-Up weekend and is asking for public support to help keep everyone safe. If you suspect someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol in public, and is to the degree that the person may endanger him/herself or another, please dial 9-1-1.

As you enjoy the festivities, please remember to be responsible and have a designated driver if you’ve been consuming alcohol – do not drink and drive. Driving impaired is not worth the risk, so don’t take the chance. ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’

On Sunday, February 21, 2016, at approximately 5AM, a Nolan County deputy stopped a red Ford SUV for a minor traffic infraction. Contact was made with the driver, Regino Franco, who was accompanied by passenger, Rebecca Juarez, both of Sweetwater.

During a roadside investigation, the deputy detected indicators of criminal activity; thereafter consent to search the vehicle was requested and received. A Texas State Technical College police officer arrived and assisted the deputy, while a search of the vehicle was conducted that subsequently lead to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and paraphernalia used in is consumption.

Mr. Franco and Ms. Juarez were placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were both charged with the felony offense of possession of methamphetamine. This case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

On Saturday, February 20, 2016, at approximately 8PM, a Nolan County deputy located a gray Ford SUV that was parked in the dark on county road 220. The deputy stopped to check on the welfare of the occupants, where contact was made with the driver, who was accompanied by passenger Amy Hobbs, of Sweetwater.

While speaking with the occupants, indicators of criminal activity were detected and consent to search the vehicle was requested and received. During the investigation, suspected methamphetamine was seized after finding it had been tampered with.

Ms. Hobbs was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where she was charged with the felony offense of tampering with physical evidence. This case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

On Thursday, February 18, 2016, at approximately 8:00am, a Nolan County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford F350, for a minor traffic infraction in the 3200 block of East Broadway, Sweetwater. Contact was made with the driver, Marcus Buckaloo, of Irving who was accompanied by Stephanie Henthorne, of Hamlin. During a roadside investigation, indicators of criminal activity were detected and consent to search the vehicle was attained. During the search, suspected marijuana packaged for sale and paraphernalia used in the consumption of methamphetamine was discovered. Both occupants were arrested and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the misdemeanor offense of possession of marijuana. The case will be filed with the Nolan County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

A deputy sheriff thwarted an armed robbery Wednesday afternoon at the Check-Mart convenience store on Lamar, Sweetwater.

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, a Nolan County Sheriff’s Deputy who was in the parking lot was approached by an employee, and was made aware that an intoxicated man with a gun was inside the store. The deputy took immediate action and just before entering, he confronted the man outside as he exited the business. The deputy quickly disarmed the man without incident and detained him in the parking lot.

Sweetwater Police, DPS, 32nd Judicial District Attorney Investigators and other Nolan County deputies arrived on scene and assisted in the incident. After an investigation was conducted, stolen property was recovered and it was found that the man made threatening statements to an employee, and displayed a gun when confronted about concealed merchandise the man had in his possession.

The male subject identified as James Lee Schorer, 52 was taken into custody and charged with the felony offense of aggravated robbery.

“We are thankful that this incident did not result in a deadly force incident and that no one was injured in any way.” Sheriff David Warren

On Monday, February 8, 2016, at approximately 11:59pm, a Nolan County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a blue Dodge sedan, for a minor traffic infraction in the 500 block of Newman, Sweetwater. Contact was then made with the driver, of Sweetwater and three passengers. During a roadside investigation, indicators of criminal activity were detected and consent to search the vehicle was attained. During the search, deputies discovered substances determined to be methamphetamine as well as paraphernalia used in its consumption. Tanner Guerra and Daisy Salas, passengers in the vehicle were placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the felony offense of possession of methamphetamine. The case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.