AUSTIN – The reward for Jerry Don Holmes, 43, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender and this month’s featured fugitive, has been increased to $8,000 for information leading to his capture if the tip comes in during the month of February. Holmes is wanted for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements, assault and bond surrender forfeiture. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

Holmes, whose last known address was in Pearland, has ties to several Texas cities, including Shepard, Livingston, Pasadena and Houston. He also has ties to several Native American tribes in northeastern Oklahoma near Tulsa and Glenpool. Holmes has been known to work in the boating and trucking industries. His criminal history includes indecency with a child by exposure and assault. For more information and updates in the event of his arrest, see his wanted bulletin at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/SexOffenderDetails.aspx?id=241.

Holmes is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds. He has tattoos on his right arm, left leg and left hand; and a scar on his forehead.

One offender from the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program is featured each month in hopes the higher reward money from the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division will generate additional tips. The higher reward amount will only be paid if the tip comes in the same month the fugitive is featured. All calls, texts, emails and Facebook tip messages are anonymous.

To be eligible for the cash rewards, there are five different ways to provide anonymous tips:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Text the letters DPS – followed by your tip – to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.
• Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about, and then clicking on the link under their picture.
• Submit a Facebook tip at http://www.facebook.com/texas10mostwanted by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
• Submit a tip through the DPS Mobile App. The app is currently available for iPhone users on the Apple App Store: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/texas-dps/id902092368?mt=8) and for Android users on Google Play: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microassist.texasdps&hl=en).

All tips are anonymous – regardless of how they are submitted.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive and Sex Offender lists. You can find the current lists – with photos – on the DPS website at http://www.dps.texas.gov/texas10mostwanted/.

Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.

The Stripes Store presented a $1,000 check to Magnolia High School

In this week’s Monday Memo podcasts, the per taxpayer costs of ObamaCare as the House prepares to take a full repeal vote.

The new Congress is moving quickly to pass serious energy legislation that will create jobs as India says “No, Thank you” to President Obama’s global warming pleas.

Congressman Brady filed a bipartisan bill to make Texas’ sales tax deduction permanent. Lawmakers show their support for school choice and a new bill filed in the House Ways & Means Committee is designed to stop IRS political targeting.

A new study shows 60% of 2014 job growth was the result of extended Unemployment Insurance being allowed to expire and what’s the full story of the deficit drop.

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(AUSTIN) — Texas families seeking to lock in the cost of undergraduate tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities are urged to enroll their children in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund® prior to the close of the current enrollment period, which ends on Feb. 28.

The Texas Tuition Promise Fund, the state’s prepaid college tuition program, allows participants to purchase tuition units based on current prices and avoid future increases in the cost of undergraduate tuition and school-wide required fees at Texas public colleges and universities.

“Prepaying tuition and most required fees at Texas public colleges and universities through the Promise Fund can give peace of mind to countless Texas parents concerned about the rising cost of college and the future success of their children,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “Families can feel secure knowing they are locking in today’s rates for tomorrow’s tuition and fees at Texas public colleges and universities. The plan’s range of options gives budget conscious Texas families the flexibility needed to provide future opportunities for their children.”

Under the plan, families can prepay tuition and school-wide required fees for a four-year degree, two years of community college or just a few semesters at Texas public colleges and universities by purchasing tuition units.

Enrollment in the program at 2014-15 prices will close Feb. 28. This deadline extends to July 31 for children younger than 1. The next annual enrollment period begins Sept. 1, with new contract prices based on Texas public college costs for the 2015-16 academic year.

Complete plan information, current prices, enrollment forms and more are available online at www.TuitionPromise.org, or call 1-800-445-GRAD (4723), Option 5.

Around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, a Pct. 4 Deputy Constable and two Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a suspicious person call at the Walmart located at 23561 US 59 in Porter. Montgomery County dispatch warned deputies a white male wearing a camouflage jacket was seen donning body armor and circling his SUV, which he also moved several times. The dispatcher also provided the suspect’s parking location

As the Precinct 4 Deputy arrived, he saw the suspect. As he drove toward the suspect, the man opened his car door and began to reach into the vehicle. The MCSO deputies were also approaching and all three officers drew their weapons. The Precinct 4 Deputy told the suspect to place his hands on his face and walk backwards to him. The deputy then patted down the suspect, 27-year-old Christopher Longoria, and found a pistol in his front right pocket. He also removed a hard sunglasses case that was hanging on a lanyard the Longoria was wearing around his neck, and a pill bottle containing Hydrocodone from his shirt pocket. The sunglasses case contained a small digital scale and multiple small clear and colored zip locking plastic bags containing methamphetamine. The vehicle contained multiple boxes of ammunition; a mask; rifle bipods (used to steady when shooting); loose ammunition; and more small plastic bags with methamphetamine residue inside.

The Precinct 4 Deputy had dispatch check Longoria’s criminal history and learned he had two prior felony convictions. Soon after, the deputy noticed Longoria had a blood stain on his camouflage jacket and asked him about it. Longoria told him it was his own blood and that he’d been shot two days earlier. The deputy then called for medics, who checked Longoria and confirmed he had a gunshot wound. They said he would be alright, but might need medication.  Longoria was transported to the emergency room at Kingwood Hospital, where he was checked out and only needed a tetanus shot.

Longoria told deputies the narcotics in his possession were to keep him awake and make sure no one would harm him. He claimed he was shot at a gas station in Harris County and didn’t know the shooter or his motivation.

The evidence recovered included nine Hydrocodone, 52 empty blue small clear plastic bags; 92- 25MM ammunition (including 6 in the magazine in the pistol); a black digital scale; a green lanyard with sunglass case; 16 green small clear plastic bags containing 65.3 grams of methamphetamine; a black body armor plate carrier with no plates; a 25 automatic chrome pistol with full magazine; two LG smart phones; and .40 ammunition.

Christopher Longoria, 27, of Houston (unemployed) is charged with first-degree felony Manufacture / Delivery of a Controlled Substance (penalty group 1) more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams; third-degree felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (penalty group 3) more than 28 grams, but less than 200 grams; and third-degree felony Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon.

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ARRESTS:

Narcotics Violations:

On 01/18/2015, Cpl. Manickas arrested a 22 year old man from Hockley for Possession of Marijuana.  Cpl. Manickas conducted a traffic stop in the 28500 block of Tomball Pkwy., and when he searched the vehicle he discovered marijuana.

On 01/18/2015, Officers Finney and Tikal arrested a 25 year old man from Houston for Possession of Marijuana.  The officers conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of E. Main St., and when they searched the vehicle they discovered marijuana.

On 01/20/2015, Officer Garrett arrested a 22 year old man from Hempstead for Possession of Marijuana.  Officer Garrett conducted a traffic stop in the 27000 block of Tomball Expressway and when she searched the vehicle she discovered marijuana.

On 01/22/2015, Sgt. Davis arrested a 23 year old man from Katy for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Sgt. Davis conducted a traffic stop in the 28400 block of Tomball Pkwy.  When Sgt. Davis searched the vehicle he discovered a glass pipe with marijuana residue.

On 01/24/2015, Officer Garrett and Cpl. Manickas arrested a 24 year old man from Houston for Possession of a Controlled Substance.   The officers made contact with a suspicious vehicle in the 300 block of Willowick.  During a search incident to arrest, Officer Garrett and Cpl. Manickas discovered ecstasy and marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle.

Driving While Intoxicated:

On 01/18/2015, Officer Diaz arrested a 36 year old man from Cypress for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 01/18/2015, Officer Sampson arrested a 23 year old man from Tomball for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 01/21/2015, Officer Sampson arrested a 55 year old man from Spring for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 01/23/2015, Officer Tikal arrested a 61 year old man from The Woodlands for Driving While Intoxicated.

Theft:

On 01/19/2015, Officer Garrett arrested a 31 year old woman from Tomball for Theft.  Officer Garrett responded to a theft in the 27600 block of Tomball Pkwy., and the suspect was arrested without incident.

On 01/22/2015, Officer Ferguson arrested a 20 year old woman from Pinehurst for Theft.  Officer Ferguson responded to a theft in the 27600 block of Tomball Pkwy., and the suspect was arrested without incident.

On 01/24/2015, Officer Diaz arrested a 25 year old woman from Houston for Theft.  Officer Diaz responded to a theft in the 27600 block of Tomball Pkwy., and the suspect was arrested without incident.

Criminal Mischief:

On 01/20/2015, Sgt. Gorman arrested a 36 year old man from Tomball for Criminal Mischief.  Sgt. Gorman responded to a disturbance in the 15600 block of FM 2920, where the suspect damaged a vehicle by throwing rocks at it.  The damage was approximately $350.00.

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon:

On 01/22/2015, Cpl. Manickas arrested a 19 year old man from Conroe for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.  Cpl. Manickas conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of W. Main St., where the suspect was in possession of a Ruger 9mm handgun.

OFFENSE REPORTS:

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle:

On 01/23/2015, Officer Maglitto responded to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle in the 13500 block of Sleepy Ln., where tools valued at approximately $250.00 were stolen.

On 01/23/2015, Officer Maglitto responded to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle in the 1300 block of Spring Forest Way, where a purse and wallet valued at approximately $250.00 were stolen.

Failure to Stop and Render Aid:

On 01/21/2015, Officer Burns responded to a Failure to Stop and Render Aid in the 600 block of Clarence, where a suspect hit the victim on a bicycle.

Aggravated Assault:

On 01/24/2015, Sgt. Davis, Officer Tikal and Officer Maglitto responded to an Aggravated Assault in the 1000 block of Sutton Ln., where the suspect was arrested for assaulting the victim and breaking the victim’s cheekbone.

(HOUSTON, TX) – HCSO robbery investigators are looking for a person of interest in connection to a December 30, 2014 attempted carjacking at an east Harris County gas station in which a customer pumping gas was wounded. A photo of the person of interest is attached. Investigators would like to talk to the young man; he is not considered a suspect at this time. The carjacking attempt was captured by surveillance video cameras and can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/bncjSggiK-s The suspect approached the victim as he was fueling his red 1985 Toyota 4Runner and demanded his keys at gunpoint. He shot the victim once in the leg and that’s when the victim gave the suspect his keys. The suspect got into the vehicle but for some reason was not able to drive away in it; he was last seen walking away, heading north on John Ralston Rd. The victim was transported to LBJ Hospital with a non-life threating gunshot wound to his leg. The suspect is described as a black male, slender built, approximately 5’5” to 5’6” in height and in his early 20s. He was wearing a two-tone blue hoodie and dark pants. If you have any information about the person of interest and/or the suspect’s identity or location please call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477), or submit a tip via iWatchHarrisCounty. See something? Say something! iWatchHarrisCounty is the HCSO’s free mobile phone app that allows the public to report suspicious persons and/or activity anonymously, anywhere, any time. For more information please visit www.iWatchHarrisCounty.com. We watch Harris County and so should you.

For full details, view this message on the web.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced that three fugitives on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list were captured recently. Paul Ray Bass, 53, was arrested on Jan. 23 in Houston; Derrick Kyle Garton, 29, was apprehended on Jan. 23 in New Boston, Texas; and Charles Leon Carr, 57, was deported from Mexico on Jan. 22.

Bass (above left) was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force in Houston. DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force assisted with the investigation. Bass was wanted for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. (The arrest was not the result of a tip, and no reward will be paid.) For more information, see his captured bulletin at http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/SexOffenderDetails.aspx?id=268.

Garton (above center) was arrested after a traffic stop in New Boston. DPS CID, Texas Highway Patrol and the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office were involved in his capture. Garton was wanted for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements and forgery. (The arrest was not the result of a tip, and no reward will be paid.) For more information, see his captured bulletin at http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/SexOffenderDetails.aspx?id=271

Responding to tip information, the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force coordinated with Mexican federal authorities to locate Carr (above right) in Vera Cruz, Mexico. He was deported from Mexico on Jan. 22, and he is now in custody in Houston. The arrest was the result of a tip, and a reward up to $3,000 will be paid. Carr was wanted for probation violation, parole violation and failure to register as a sex offender. For more information, see his captured bulletin at http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/SexOffenderDetails.aspx?id=172.

So far in 2015, DPS and other agencies have arrested five Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders, and $10,500 in rewards has been paid for tips that resulted in arrests. The cash rewards are funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.

To be eligible for the cash rewards, there are five different ways to provide anonymous tips:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Text the letters DPS – followed by your tip – to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.
• Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about, and then clicking on the link under their picture.
• Submit a Facebook tip at http://www.facebook.com/texas10mostwanted by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
• Submit a tip through the DPS mobile app. The app is currently available for iPhone users on the Apple App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/texas-dps/id902092368?mt=8) and for Android users on Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microassist.texasdps&hl=en).

All tips are anonymous – regardless of how they are submitted.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives featured in the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program. To view the current lists – with photos – visit the DPS website at http://www.dps.texas.gov/texas10mostwanted/.

Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.

The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Dr. Don Stockton through December 31, 2019 at the Board meeting on January 20, 2015.

At the meeting, Dr. Stockton thanked the Board and commented on what an honor it is to work for them and the District. He went on to say, “This is my twenty-ninth year in Conroe, so it’s my life. There are so many people who give their time to our school district; there are so many people who spend most of their life doing something they love, and I’m one of those people.”

Board President John Husbands stated, “While under his leadership, the District has grown in size from 38,000 students and 43 campuses to nearly 57,000 students and 60 campuses. I know of no other Fast Growth District that has consistently maintained top academic performance and financial transparency while lowering the tax rate significantly. Dr. Stockton is not only the longest-tenured, large-district superintendent in Texas, but he has also consistently increased performance on all fronts, both financial and academic. We could not be prouder of him or our District.”

Dr. Stockton was appointed Superintendent of Schools in August of 2003. Prior to being named Superintendent, he served as Interim Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, and Coach. Dr. Stockton has 31 years of experience in education, serving 29 of those years in Conroe ISD.

During his tenure, Conroe ISD received a Gold Leadership Circle Award by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts five years in a row for financial transparency, the new Platinum Leadership Circle Award in its first year of existence, the Texas Honors Circle District Award for receiving a five-star rating from the Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST) for having high academic standards with spending efficiency five years in a row, and a 1-1 rating from Education Resource Group for Academic and Financial Performance five years in a row. In 2010, Dr. Stockton was featured on the FAST website for smart practices to raise the District completion rate. Under his leadership, Conroe ISD is the largest school district to ever receive an “Exemplary” Texas Education Agency (TEA) rating (2010).