NCSO News

On Wednesday, June 17, 2015, a driver license violation prompted the stop of a Pontiac sedan in Sweetwater that led to seizure of suspected marijuana and the arrest of a Sweetwater man.

A Nolan County deputy stopped a maroon Pontiac Grand Am for a driver license violation in the 100 block of Texas Avenue, Sweetwater. Contact was made with the driver, Arnulfo Delgado, of Sweetwater who was accompanied by a passenger, also of Sweetwater. Delgado and his passenger were requested to exit the vehicle where a roadside investigation was conducted.

Wile speaking with Delgado, the deputy noticed indications of criminal activity, whereupon she requested consent to search the vehicle but was denied. The Sweetwater Police Department was then contacted, and a K9 unit was requested. Sergeant Rob Hohman arrived on scene and deployed a K9, where an open-air sniff operation was conducted. The K9 alerted on the passenger side of the vehicle, as it made its way to the center console, justifying a “probable cause” search.

Delgado was later found to have discarded a plastic baggie containing suspected marijuana in plain sight. He was detained and a search of the vehicle was conducted which lead to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and remnants of marijuana.

Delgado was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the misdemeanor offense of possession of marijuana and Instantered for no driver’s license (when unlicensed). The case will be filed with the Nolan County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

On Saturday, June 06, 2015, at about 1150 hours, a driver license violation prompted the stop of a GMC truck in Sweetwater that led to discovery of suspected heroine, paraphernalia used in its consumption and the arrest of two occupants.

Nolan County deputies stopped a green GMC truck for a driver license violation in the 500 block of Sam Houston, Sweetwater. Contact was made with the driver, Robert Rodriguez, of Sweetwater who was accompanied by passengers Jenny Valenzuela, and a small child, both of Roby. The adult occupants were requested to exit the vehicle and separated where a roadside investigation could be conducted.

While speaking with Rodriguez, deputies detected deception in the answers he was providing; thereafter consent to search the vehicle was requested and received. A search of the vehicle was conducted which lead to the discovery of a clear plastic baggy containing a dark substance determined to be heroin and paraphernalia used in its consumption.

The deputy placed suspected heroine and paraphernalia on the side of the truck, as he continued the search of the vehicle. Another deputy on scene was with Valenzuela, when he observed Rodriguez grab the spoon and eat the corner of the plastic baggy that contained the suspected heroin. While Rodriguez distracted both Deputies, a mailbox near where Valenzuela was seated could be heard being shut. An immediate search of the mailbox was conducted that lead to the discovery of bag containing heroin residue on paraphernalia used in its consumption.

Rodriguez and Valenzuela were both placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the felony offense of tampering with evidence. The child was released to a responsible family member who arrived on scene after being contacted by deputies. Child Protective Services was contacted and a report was filed. The case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Illegal dumping is becoming a problem in Nolan County communities; it is an insult to the citizens, raises significant concerns regarding public health and safety, property values, and the quality of life. In response to this growing problem, “Don’t mess with Nolan County” is the message Sheriff Warren is determined to get across.

Often referred to as “open dumping,” “fly dumping,” “midnight dumping,” or “wildcat dumping,” whichever way you want to put it, it’s Illegal.

Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste from vehicles late at night in an unpermitted area, typically very rural and not well traveled, or areas where there is a good line of sight in both directions. Recently, this office has received numerous reports of illegal dumping in such areas, and as a result, deputies and investigators alike have been working diligently on finding those responsible.

Although difficult to profile a “typical” illegal dumper, Investigations have concluded that approximately 80% of the dumping appears to be by automobile repair or tire shops, construction, demolition, remodeling, roofing, and landscaping contractors, local residents, and do-it-yourselfers. Materials dumped are primarily nonhazardous, and typically consist of residential, construction and demolition waste that is dumped to avoid either disposal fees or the time and effort required for proper disposal.

It is important for the public to get involved not only because of the health risks associated with illegal dumping, but also because of the costs associated with the continuous clearing of illegally dumped waste materials. These costs may be passed along to the citizens in the form of higher service fees or property taxes. If not addressed, illegal dumping often will attract more waste, potentially including hazardous waste such as asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial waste.

In an effort to combat this growing problem, Sheriff Warren is encouraging citizens in the community to call the office at (325) 235-5471, and report illegal dumping. If possible, provide a vehicle description, license plate number and description or names of the person(s) involved. There is no excuse for illegal dumping as there are several methods for proper disposal of waste materials.

For citizens on Sweetwater Water supply, there are two locations where materials can be taken and disposed of properly free of charge.

The City of Sweetwater landfill, located at 3000 West Alabama Avenue is open daily Monday through Friday from 8AM to 12PM, and on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM. For more information, call (325) 235-2063.

The Sweetwater Recycling Center, located at 807 West Broadway Street is open daily Monday through Friday from 10AM to 6PM, and on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM. For more information, call (325) 235-9973

For citizens who reside within, not to exceed a 1 mile radius outside of the Sweetwater city limits, or are on Bitter Creek Water supply, a “roll-out-service” is offered. This service consists of a 95 gallon roll-out container that is delivered to your property, and picked up on scheduled days. If your property exceeds this radius, a dump permit may be purchased at City Hall; the current rate for the permit is $6.95 per cubic yard. For more information, call (325) 236-6313.

Memorial Day Weekend – It’s a three day weekend; it’s also the unofficial start to summer and graduation season, so that means a lot of people will be traveling, and attending celebrations where alcohol may be present. Remember, having a few drinks, and getting behind the steering wheel can make for dangerous, even deadly conditions on the road. “Save a Life, Don’t Drink and Drive!”

During this holiday weekend, Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrol presence on public roadways, and highways. Deputies will be out in force looking for impaired motorists, speeding, seat-belt and other traffic violations county-wide. The office is asking for public support to keep our roads safe all summer long, and encourages you to contact the office, or dial 9-1-1 if you see anyone driving impaired.

Some of the signs could be an erratic driving pattern, weaving back-and-forth in between lanes, or over into other lanes, not stopping completely at stop signs or red lights, or rolling red lights on right hand turns.

If you think you have someone driving in front of, or beside you that is possibly impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please dial 9-1-1. That’s the only way that we’re going to get out there in a quick manner to make an arrest if necessary.

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at approximately 5:55pm, a Nolan County deputy initiated a traffic stop in the 1500 block of Elm Street, adjacent to a nearby park and school property. The stop was a result of a minor traffic infraction, and upon speaking with the driver, William Fergeson of Sweetwater, the deputy noticed indications of criminal activity, whereupon he requested and received consent to search the vehicle.

Fergeson was requested to exit the vehicle where a pat down of his person was conducted, and a small plastic baggy containing suspected methamphetamine was discovered, as well as paraphernalia used in its consumption.

Fergeson was arrested and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the felony offense of possession of controlled substance in drug free zone. The case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.