The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for Daniel Ray Jones, a fugitive who has been hiding to avoid detection by law enforcement. Jones has FIVE outstanding felony warrants issued out of Nolan County District Court for Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance – Felony 1, Burglary of Habitation – Felony 1, Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon – Felony 2, Tamper with Evidence – Felony 3, Possession of Controlled Substance – Felony 3.
The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office needs your help to bring Jones to justice. He is a 30-year-old white male, 5’10”, 190 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Jones was last known to reside at 1404 Henderson, in Sweetwater and is known to frequent 1400 East 14th Street, 810 East 15th Street, 404 East Arkansas Avenue, 410 East Texas and 104 Alexander, in Sweetwater and 911 4th Street in Roscoe.
If you have information on the whereabouts or activities of this fugitive, you are encouraged to contact the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office at 325.235.5471, or your local law enforcement agency. If you would like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 325.235.TIPS (8477); you may also submit a tip online.
Fireworks are an American tradition, and as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office would like for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday. Beautiful and exciting to watch, fireworks are nevertheless explosive devices that can cause severe injuries and property damage. If using fireworks, please do not consume alcohol and have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, or bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
As a reminder, The City of Sweetwater has a city ordinance that prohibits the use or discharge of fireworks inside the city limits.
You can, however, use fireworks outside the city limits (out in the county), on private property. When using fireworks, on your private property, outside the city limits, please remember to read and follow all instructions and avoid lighting the fireworks near flammable items or in areas where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire. Just a reminder, Nolan County is under a burn ban, which means conditions are right for grass/brush fires; we hope that you will consider using smaller, less incendiary fireworks as a result of the burn ban.
The following things are prohibited under the Texas Occupations Code Title 13, Subtitle D, Chapter 2154:
Sec. 2154.251. PROHIBITED USE OF FIREWORKS. (a) A person may not:
(1) explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization;
(2) sell at retail, explode, or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;
(3) explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;
(4) ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle;
(5) place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle;
(6) conduct a public fireworks display that includes Fireworks 1.3G unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic operator;
(7) conduct a proximate display of fireworks that includes Fireworks 1.3G or Fireworks 1.4G as defined in NFPA 1126 Standards for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic special effects operator and has the approval of the local fire prevention officer; or
(8) sell, store, manufacture, distribute, or display fireworks except as provided by this chapter or rules adopted by the commissioner under this chapter.
(b) A person may not manufacture, distribute, sell, or use fireworks in a public fireworks display without an appropriate license or permit. Fireworks manufactured, distributed, sold, or used without an appropriate license or permit are illegal fireworks.
In addition to extra patrols focused on intoxicated driving over the holiday, deputies will be prepared to enforce laws related to illegal fireworks, issue citations, and confiscate fireworks being used outside designated areas (on public property).
Each year deputies respond to complaints of Fourth of July gatherings that get out of hand due to intoxication and disturbing the peace. These complaints include physical injury, property damage, or neighborhood disturbances. If you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others. Citizens should consider that damage or injury caused by a careless act involving fireworks can bring significant civil liability.
If camping with family and friends, please remember to use extreme caution with your campfires and grills. Only light fires and grills in designated areas, never leave a fire or grill burning unattended, and always have plenty of water available. As you enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations, please remember to have a designated driver if you’ve been consuming alcohol – do not drink and drive.
On Thursday, January 2, 2020 at approx. 7:26AM, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a resident on County Road 126 about a suspicious subject. A white male began knocking on the resident’s door and was asking to buy some bottled water. This individual was acting strange and said he had been lost in the area for over 6 hours. The man was given some water and provided with directions to the Interstate (I-20) highway. The man left walking in the direction of the interstate.
At some point later, the man was given a ride to the I-20 Rest Stop
located at about the 257 mile marker of I-20, about 4 miles inside the east
side of Nolan County. The resident then
called the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office to report this individual and his
unusual behavior.
A Nolan County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched and upon arriving at the
I-20 E. bound rest area, encountered the male subject. The man was very evasive with the Deputy and
appeared to be providing a potentially false identity and conflicting
information about his actions and movements.
Shortly afterwards, around 8:30AM, another NCSO Deputy arrived and
recognized the subject as Edward Weldy.
Mr. Weldy has been a previous resident of the Nolan County Jail on
several previous occasions.
The two Deputies recontacted Weldy and learned that there was an active
arrest warrant issued for Weldy for Parole Violation. The warrant was a “no bond” violation warrant
issued by the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole. Once Weldy was aware that the Deputies knew
who he was, he bolted and ran away on foot to the south of where the Deputies
had located him. Weldy ran south from
Interstate 20 into a heavily wooded area.
The initial Deputy gave pursuit on foot and other law enforcement
officers and agencies began responding.
The entire pursuit of this fugitive lasted almost exactly three (3) hours
with Edward Weldy being taken into custody at 11:35AM. The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office received
great assistance from the following agencies:
32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Investigators
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department – Game Wardens, including a
specialized K-9 Game Warden stationed in Nolan County along with another
traditional Game Warden.
Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Troopers
Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) tracking dogs and horseback
search crew.
The quick response and assistance from so many officers was instrumental
in keeping the suspect contained within a particular area. A subsequent spotting of the suspect by a
BNSF Supervisor was crucial in narrowing the search area leading to the
ultimate capture of Weldy.
Weldy will have an additional charge of Evading Arrest added to the
parole violation.
Edward Van Weldy, white male, age 33, current address – Nolan County Jail, forwarding address – Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
2019 has been a busy year for
the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office. An area
that the Sheriff’s Office continues to excel in, is in the area of illegal drug
investigations. Our success is due to a
great collaboration between the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the
Nolan County Sheriff’s Office along with the 32nd Judicial District
Attorney’s Office and the Abilene office of the Criminal Investigations
Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A key part of our success has
also been due to the excellent level of cooperation our office has received
from citizens. Residents calling in tips
and giving us valuable intelligence is a crucial part of the effort to combat
this type of criminal enterprise.
“Without your help and confidence in us, we would not be this effective”
said Nolan County Sheriff David Warren.
The Patrol Deputies of the
Sheriff’s Office are to be commended as well for their daily efforts of being
the eyes and ears throughout the county.
These Deputies have stopped numerous offenders and violators, made many drug
arrests and continued to feed valuable information to the Criminal
Investigation Division all while performing their multitude of other duties. “I am truly blessed to have such a dedicated
and competent staff” stated Warren.
A focus for 2019 was to take
as many drug dealers off the streets of our county as possible. Starting in 2017, the CID section of NCSO has
conducted a series of operations, with the other two entities previously listed,
that have netted a total of 34 felony arrests of drug dealers with most of those
being arrested in 2019. These particular
players were not just the “low lying fruit” or just “users” but instead were
dealers well up the supply chain that were responsible for bringing in large
quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marihuana
and other illicit and illegal substances.
“These substances have ruined many lives in Nolan County and are always
responsible for a myriad of other crimes committed against our friends and
neighbors” Warren commented. Several of
the ones arrested have come here to Nolan County from other parts of Texas or
the United States, simply to profit from selling their poison here in Nolan
County.
There have thankfully been
some tough sentences handed down thanks to the efforts of committed citizens,
diligent prosecutors and strong judges here in Nolan County. The sentences handed down thus far range well
over 200 cumulative years with a 90-year sentence on one major drug dealer handed
down just a couple of weeks ago. Several
of these offenders remain in our jail awaiting their turn for prosecution.
You may have seen some of our
successes in the headlines throughout the past year, but our efforts continue
night and day and many times going unnoticed.
Over the last three years, we have made a total of 310 drug arrests, 27
burglary arrests, 20 Unauthorized Use of Vehicle arrests and many other felony
cases against criminal offenders in Nolan County. During this period we have recovered 12
stolen vehicles and a substantial amount of assorted stolen property including
guns, jewelry, knives, tools, etc.. “We won’t
slack off and we don’t give up. We work
for you, the citizens of this great county, and we will continue to make Nolan
County a safer place to live, work and raise your family.” stated Sheriff
Warren.
On Friday, December 20, 2019, Investigators with the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) executed an operations plan to affect the arrest of Dalton Dauel, a known fugitive. Mr. Dauel has been avoiding detection by law enforcement and in the meantime, was believed to be armed as he has been committing numerous crimes against persons and property. The investigators along with an officer with the Sweetwater Police Department found Mr. Dauel barricaded in a residence located in the 800 block of Sam Houston. Once discovered, he fled the area on foot and after a brief pursuit, Mr. Dauel was apprehended without incident in the 600 block of West Arkansas. He was then transported to the Nolan County jail and released to jail staff.
On Wednesday,
December 11, 2019, the 32nd Judicial District Court sent a very
strong message to those who choose to poison our community with illegal drugs,
by sentencing a prolific supplier of Methamphetamine and Heroin to a total of 90
years in a Texas prison.
Zackary
Dewayne McDonald, 35, of Coleman, pled guilty for his role in an organized
crime ring, dedicated to the sale of illegal drugs in Nolan County. McDonald
was arrested, as part of a joint investigation involving Nolan County Sheriff’s
Office – Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Department of Public Safety –
Criminal Investigations Division (Abilene) and Investigators with the 32nd
Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
McDonald
began bringing drugs into our community sometime in April of 2018 when he would
bring in approximately two ounces of methamphetamine every other day. This
amount quickly increased to a pound a week and eventually to two pounds a week.
In addition to the methamphetamine, McDonald was also bringing in an ounce of
heroin every three to four days.
Investigators
caught wind of McDonald’s activity on September 13, 2018, and immediately began
an extensive investigation. This investigation led to the arrest of McDonald,
six days later, on September 19, 2018.
Through
investigation, it was discovered that McDonald was the main source of supply of
methamphetamine and heroin for Matthew Lee McQueen II, 28, and his girlfriend,
Sierra Cheyann Jones, 24, both of Sweetwater, who would then disburse the
illegal drugs into our communities. The couple at the time were two of the most
prominent drug dealers in Nolan County, but their activities would come to an
abrupt end after being arrested.
McDonald was eventually
released on bond, after his arrest, so the investigation into his illegal
activities continued. McDonald was placed under surveillance, which resulted in
his arrest again on November 14, 2018, when he was headed to Sweetwater with
approximately 11 ounces of methamphetamine. After this arrest, McDonald
admitted to investigators that since his release on bond in September, he had made
an additional three or four trips to Sweetwater, bringing in approximately a
1/4 pound of methamphetamine each time, to McQueen.
Estimated
quantities of methamphetamine that McDonald brought into Nolan County, based on
his own admission are in the range of 22 pounds, an estimated street value of
approximately $211,200.00.
Members of the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (Abilene) and Investigators with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office began a sweep of 25 defendants who helped move or sell methamphetamine and heroin in the Nolan County community and abroad.
As part of
this joint investigation, Matthew Lee McQueen II was arrested on January 8,
2019, and Sierra Cheyann Jones was arrested on January 10, 2019. McQueen pled
guilty and would go on to be sentenced to 54 years in a Texas prison and Jones
pled guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in a Texas prison.
Also arrested
in part of this organized crime ring were, Eric Acosta, Lizette Ann Acosta,
Chance Brooke Benson, Charles Ray Carrington, Daniel Lee Cosby, Jason Lee
Cosby, Arnulfo Delgado, Adam Martin Garza, Shawn Lucas Garza, Christopher
Joseph Hamm, Jody Shane Jones, Moses Jacob Lara, Michael Alan Ledbetter, Katie
Louise McQueen, Curtis Mathis Mahula III, Douglas James Monday, Michael David
Morgan, Mark Randall Murry, James Allen Parker, Francisco Javier Pena, Tyler
Scott Polk, Monica Rodriguez and Helena Jade Tollison.
Sergio Salinas, 26, of Dallas who was the main source of supply to Zackary McDonald was arrested in Nolan County on November 9, 2019, along with his brother, Jose Alberto Salinas, 20, also of Dallas. The brothers were in possession of over a pound of methamphetamine, destined for Sweetwater, Texas. Sergio Salinas is currently in Federal custody, and his brother, Alberto was released on bond. Both are pending judicial process in Nolan County for engaging in organized criminal activity.
Of the 28
defendants, 16 have been adjudicated. All cases in this investigation that have
been resolved have yielded over 200 years of Texas prison sentences.
The same team
of investigators and agents had recently dismantled several other drug
distribution organizations within Nolan County, which resulted in numerous
arrests. The defendants in these arrests received sentences exceeding 300 years
combined, in Texas prisons.
There are other illegal organizations in Nolan County that are currently being targeted and like all the others, they too will be dismantled.
