NCSO News

On Saturday, December 16, 2017, a Nolan County deputy stopped a white Ford Fusion in the 500 block of West Avenue D, for a minor traffic infraction. Contact was then made with the driver, who was accompanied by a female passenger and a male passenger that was identified as Nicholas Bryan Haley, of Sweetwater.

During a roadside investigation, the deputy detected indicators of criminal activity that led to the discovery of suspected marijuana. Haley was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the misdemeanor offense of possession of marijuana. This case will be filed with the Nolan County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of individuals becoming victim to scams when dealing with Facebook online trading and selling sites. We are urging citizens to use caution with purchasing online, after receiving reports from victims who have tried to purchase items and never received them.

Unlike websites such as eBay there is no secure payment facility such as PayPal or feedback systems in place, which means it is up to buyers and sellers to agree on prices and payment methods.

Caution advised

People using these trade sites should exercise caution as it is possible for fraudsters to post pictures of items for sale that either do not exist or are counterfeit.

In some cases, fraudsters have been offering items for sale and demanding that payment is made by bank or wire transfer. When victims ask if payment can be made through PayPal, a variety of excuses are given as to why they cannot.

Victims have reported transferring money directly into fraudsters bank account, or to a pick up location such as Brookshire’s or Walmart.

Items never received 

In one report an out of town buyer purchased an item listed for sale and after wiring the payment to the seller, it was agreed that the item would be held for the buyer to pick up. When the buyer asked to meet the seller in person they were given an excuse as to why the seller couldn’t meet. The victim never received the item.

In another occasion, the seller then suggested if an item could be sent by recorded delivery with payment by bank transfer instead of cash. The buyer then transferred the money to the fraudsters bank account. The victim never received the item and the fraudster blocked their messages.

How to protect yourself 

• If someone’s message or profile looks suspicious, trust your instincts and walk away.
• Meet people face to face, beware if they refuse.
• Never transfer money directly into a sellers account without viewing the item in person first.
• Always carefully inspect items before purchasing.
• When purchasing smaller items, do the exchange in a public place such a local law enforcement agency.
• Beware of offers involving shipping.
• Watch for suspicious email or text messages.
• Use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.
• Do not accept cashiers/certified checks, money orders. If you deposit or cash a fake check, the bank will hold you responsible. Only consider this type of payment if meeting the buyer/seller at a bank for large transactions to verify payment.
• Don’t send money wires to people you don’t know.
• Refuse transactions with anyone who sends over-payment in advance.
• Avoid transactions requesting third-party escrow services.
• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never give out personal or financial information.
• Do not agree to background/credit checks unless you have met the landlord/employer in person.
• Facebook does not offer any buyer/seller guarantees or protection, anyone who claims to have such a guarantee is a scammer.

On Saturday December 9, 2017, a Nolan County deputy stopped a tan Chevrolet Suburban on State Highway 153, for defective equipment. Contact was then made with the driver, who was accompanied by several passengers, one passenger that was identified as Normando Alonso Villarreal Martinez, of Mexico.

During a roadside investigation, the deputy detected indicators of criminal activity that led to the discovery of THC, marijuana, and paraphernalia used in its consumption. Martinez was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the felony offense of possession of a controlled substance. This case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, a Nolan County deputy stopped a black Chevrolet truck in the 1200 block of Lubbock Street, for a minor traffic infraction. Contact was then made with the driver, Anthony “Tony” Brown, of Sweetwater who was accompanied by Christopher Bryant, and Matthew McQueen, also of Sweetwater.

During a roadside investigation, the deputy detected indicators of criminal activity which led to a request for assistance, where officers of the Sweetwater Police Department arrived, and a K9 was subsequently deployed. A probable cause search of the vehicle was then conducted, that led to the discovery of firearms, suspected methamphetamine and heroin.

The three men were placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the felony offense of manufacture/delivery controlled substance; weapons charges were also filed.

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, a Nolan County deputy conducted an investigation on a suspicious white Ford sedan that was parked on the shoulder of the roadway on State Highway 70, just outside of Blackwell. Contact was made with the driver, Samuel Yamron, of Round Rock who was accompanied by a female passenger, of Austin.

During a roadside investigation, the deputy discovered that Mr. Yamron had an outstanding warrant, and immediately arrested him. In continuance of the investigation, firearms, suspected Heroin, and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) wax were discovered, along with a substantial amount of paraphernalia.

Mr. Yamron was placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where he was charged with the felony offense of possession of a controlled substance, and the misdemeanor offense of unlawful carrying weapons.

On Sunday, October 1, 2017, a Nolan County deputy responded to the report of a suspicious white pickup that was parked in the roadway on county road 182, in Roscoe. Contact was made with Raygan Andrews, of Colorado City, who was accompanied by Crystal Brown, of Odessa.

During a roadside investigation, the deputy detected indicators of criminal activity. An Investigator with the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office then responded and assisted with the investigation. A probable cause search of the vehicle was then conducted, that led to the discovery of stolen property, a firearm, suspected methamphetamine, and paraphernalia used in its consumption.

Mr. Andrews and Ms. Brown were placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the felony offense of possession of controlled substance. Mr. Andrews was charged with an additional felony offense of unlawful possession of firearm by felon.

Upon further investigation, the couple was found to be in possession of items stolen during a recent burglary. Investigators with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office assisted in recovering additional stolen items from the burglary, which had been taken to those counties. These items recovered were returned to their owner, and Mr. Andrews and Ms. Brown were charged with the felony offense of burglary of a building.