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Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas

Friday, March 24, 2006

Carrasco enters not guilty pleas on funds misuse

Former Reeves County Attorney Louis Carrasco pled not guilty during his arraignment on charges of misuse of funds during a hearing held last Friday in District Court. Carrasco, 40, also waived the reading of the indictment and was bonded out by his attorney, Scott Johnson.

Carrasco was indicted by the Reeves County Grand Jury on February 22, following an investigation, which led to his resignation as Reeves County Attorney on Oct. 31 of last year.

The grand jury returned nine indictments against the former county attorney. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for next Friday, March 31 and a jury trial for May 15 in 143rd District Court in Pecos.

According to 143rd District Attorney Randy Reynolds, the returned indictments involve allegations that Carrasco misused funds he held in both his capacity as a public servant as Reeves County Attorney and in his capacity as a fiduciary regarding cases he handled as a private attorney. One additional case involves allegations of theft of service as a result of Carrasco’s extended stay at a local motel early last year.

Reynolds said that in the summer of 2005 he received information that certain expenditures of money from accounts of the Reeves County Attorney’s office were highly questionable. Reynolds then requested that Lynn Owens, Reeves County Auditor, review the expenditures and report his findings to Reynolds. He also assigned his DA investigators, Freddy Contreras and Jeffery Baeza, to start an inquiry.

Based on the findings of the auditor and the investigators, Reynolds requested that the Texas Rangers begin a formal investigation involving the Office of the Reeves County Attorney in late October

Texas Ranger Brian Burzynski of Fort Stockton, was assigned to the case. Shortly after the Ranger investigation was started. Files from Carrasco’s office were seized on Oct. 26, and based on the findings at that time, Reynolds prepared a petition to remove Carrasco from the office of Reeves County Attorney.

Prior to the filing of the petition, Carrasco resigned from office and the Reeves County Commissioners then appointed Richard C. Slack, a long time Pecos attorney, to fill the vacancy.

Texas Ranger Burzynski continues with the investigation.

The indicted cases are pending in the 143rd Judicial Court of Reeves County, with the Honorable Bob Parks, presiding judge.

A total of $75,000 bonds were assessed.

“He (Carrasco) turned himself in and was arraigned by Judge Jim Riley,” said Reeves County Sheriff Andy Gomez.

Gomez said that his attorney Scott Johnson had posted his bonds.

The indictments allege: Charge: Abuse of Official Capacity; pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct that began on or about July 28, 2004, and continued until on or about July 13, 2005, with intent to obtain a benefit, intentionally or knowingly misuse government property, to-wit: U.S. Currency, which had come into the defendant’s custody or possession by virtue of the defendant’s office as a public servant, namely, Reeves County Attorney of Reeves County, by spending the said U.S. Currency on deposit in the Reeves County Attorney Pre-Trial Diversion Account for defendant’s own personal benefit, and the value of said describe property was $1,500 or more but less than $20,000 - bond set at $20,000.

Carrasco was first elected to the county attorney’s position in 2000, and was in the first year of his new four-year term of office when he resigned. Carrasco ran unopposed for re-election in 2004.

Science fair winners earn Alamo City trips

Some Bessie Haynes Elementary School students will not only have the opportunity to compete at state level, but will enjoy the sights of San Antonio next week.

Several students from the local elementary school advanced to state competition after competing locally, then area-wide at the Permian Basin Science Fair and now will have the opportunity to compete at the state level.

The group will be going to San Antonio next Wednesday to compete against other Texas elementary school students.

Annelisa Gonzales placed third in Physics at the Permian Basin Science Fair and participated in another science fair in third grade. “This is the one that really counts,” said Gonzales, who is the daughter of Kimberly and Harvey Gonzales.

She said that science is not exactly her favorite subject. “I’m very excited, because we heard about all the things we’re going to do, it sounds like fun,” she said. “I’ve never been to any competition like this before.”

Gonzales said she thinks she will do okay, but is looking forward to the trip either way. “I know it’s going to be tough, but at least we get to go,” she said.

She plans to be a pharmacist when she grows up, she said, because it pays really well. “I thought about becoming a doctor, but I can’t stand blood, or become a professional softball player, because it’s my favorite sport,” Gonzales said.

Marissa Tarango is following in her brother Mateo’s footsteps. She placed third in zoology at the area science fair.

Tarango, the daughter of Mary and Gaston Tarango, also competed in the science in third and fifth grades.

“I’m scared because when I went with my brother, they were using words I couldn’t even pronounce,” said Tarango. “I don’t think I’ll do very good, but I’ll have fun.”

She said that she doesn’t think anybody from Pecos will place at the state fair.

“There are some students who go to state that hire professionals to do their board, so it’s really hard to compete against that,” she said.

John Terrazas, the son of Terry Terrazas and Johnny Terrazas, went to the Permian Basin Science Fair last year.

“I’m excited about going to state, I guess I’ll do okay,” said Terrazas.

He said that he hasn’t really decided what he wants to do when he grows up.

Joseph Fuentes attended the area competition last year. “I think I’ll do okay, I’m just excited about going to state,” said Fuentes.

Fuentes placed first in Botany in Odessa and is the son of Margie and Johnny Fuentes.

He plans to finish school and attend college and his favorite subject is art. “I got interested in doing a science project, because of my teacher, Ms. Florez,” said Fuentes.

Victoria “Tori” Garcia placed second in Biochemistry. “I went last year and went in third, fourth and fifth grades and now sixth,” said Garcia.

“I’m really happy about going to state,” said Garcia. “I plan to become a professional basketball player,” she said.

Garcia is the daughter of Monica and James Garcia.

Mysela Alvarez placed first in mathematics. “I don’t know how to feel, I’m excited, nervous, I think I’m going to do pretty good,” she said. “I hope to place.”

Alvarez, the daughter of Maribel and Orlando Alvarez, wants to be a professional softball player.

Ryan Salcido, an aspiring lawyer, who wants to live in El Paso, placed second in Zoology. “I’m excited about going to state, my first cousin went to state, so I want to follow in her footsteps,” said Salcido. “I’m not really interested in science, but I enjoyed doing the project.”

Salcido is the son of Belinda and Bruce Salcido.

Gregory Acosta won the NACE Top Project Award at the Permian Basin Science Fair. He also won the Petroleum Engineering Award, which comes with a $250 check. “This is the second time I’ve gone to the area science fair,” said Acosta. “I placed third in Physics at UTPB last time.”

Acosta won’t be attending the state meet, but said he was happy with his awards. He is the son of Michelle Acosta.

Marissa Ybarra received the NACE Top Project Award. “This is the first time I’ve gone to UTPB,” said Ybarra. “I’m excited and happy about the science fair and hope to do another project someday,” said Ybarra.

Ybarra plans to become a lawyer. She is the daughter of Yolanda and Rolando Ybarra. Annie Cerna placed second in math at UTPB.

“I just want to go to San Antonio, I’ve been there many times, and I love it,” said Cerna. “I’m not sure how I’ll do at state, but I know I’ll have fun.”

Cerna plans to become a doctor when she grows up. She is the daughter of Lila and Orville Cerna.

Kebbah Darpolar placed second in Behavioral Science at UTPB. “I think I’ll do good,” said Darpolar, who plans to become a surgeon, and who, like Cerna, is the child of one of the local doctors.

She is the daughter of Fatu and Joseph Darpolar.

Nathan Box placed first in Environmental Science.

There were 32 people that competed in this category and Box went last year to the area science fair.

“I’m excited about going to state,” said Box. “I think I’ll do okay, I’m just happy to be going.”

Box is an employee at the Pecos Animal Clinic and hopes to become a veterinarian when he grows up.

He is the son of Melissa and Ron Box.

Israel Rey Espudo placed third in computer science. He attended the competition at UTPB last year.

“I feel excited, and I think I’ll do okay,” said Espudo. “I plan to attend college after graduation, but I don’t know for what,” he said.

He is the son of Amelia and Israel Espudo.

Three fifth grade students who attended the area science fair, came back with awards as well. Michael Hardwick placed second in Physics at UTPB. His favorite subject is math. “It was pretty cool to go to the area meet,” said Hardwick.

He is the son of Myra and Kyle Taylor and Jerry Hardwick.

Marissa Hinojos won the NACE Top Project Award.

This was her first time to attend the UTPB meet.

Her favorite subject is social studies.

She is the daughter of Diane and Hector Hinojos.

Alfred Garcia’s favorite subject is math. He also won the NACE Top Project in Physics. “I had a good time and I plan to do another project next year,” said Garcia.

Garcia said he doesn’t know yet what he wants to do after high school.

He is the son of Christina and Alfred Garcia.

Skelton gets fine, no time, in Barstow shooting

A Barstow man charged last August with shooting another Barstow man reached a plea bargain deal last Friday on the charge in 143rd District Court in Monahans.

Gary Wayne Skelton appeared before 143rd District Court Judge Bob Parks on Feb. 17 for the attempted murder of 37-year-old Roque Rameriz of Barstow.

Skelton plea bargained and received eight years deferred adjudication, a $1,000 fine, $252 in court costs and $15,864.07 in restitution.

Skelton shot Rameriz three times with a .22 caliber rifle on Aug. 17, 2005. One report stated the two men had an argument over their dogs while they were at a trailer home at 301 Barstow Ave. in Barstow. After the incident, Skelton fled the scene in his pickup, but later turned himself in to Loving County constable Vance Jones in Mentone.

Ward County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Deishler transported him from Mentone to Monahans following his arrest.

Rameriz was transported to Medical Center Hospital following the shooting. His wife, Irene, said he suffered a collapsed lung, two fractured ribs and internal bleeding, in the shooting.

“The doctors said it missed his spine by 1/16 of an inch,” she said in the week following the shooting, adding that her husband was suffering from some spinal cord pain in addition to his other injuries.

Ward County sheriff’s deputies conducted a search for the weapon used to shoot Rameriz, which Skelton said he threw out of his pickup somewhere between Barstow and Mentone. “They brought in helicopter, but they couldn’t find it,” sheriff Mike Stickland said in the week following the incident. “That’s a pretty big area to search out there.”

Skelton’s bond was set at $100,000, and he was released after posting a $10,000.

‘Visiting’ workers increase tax funds, motel occupancy

Sales tax collections in Reeves County have been going consistently upward for the past 15 months, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office.

But the number of jobs and the workforce in Reeves County has declined by 7 percent, and the total number of jobs by 2 1/2 percent over that same period, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, with ‘visiting’ workers in the oil and gas industry a main reason for the conflicting numbers.

Tax rebate checks to the Town of Pecos City were up nearly 10 percent for all of 2005, and for the first three months of 2006, have increased by 10.68 percent over that total.

Balmorhea’s tax rebates for the first quarter of 2006 are up 41.42 percent, Toyah’s total is up 85.98 percent, and the total for the Reeves County Hospital District has risen by 70.51 percent compared to the January-March period last year.

In contrast, the TWC’s numbers show the total number of jobs within Reeves County in January, the latest reporting period, have dropped from 3,996 at the start of 2005 to 3,900 this year, while the workforce has fallen from 4,400 to 4,221 in the past year. It’s also down from 4,505 in January of 2004, when the county had 4,010 people employed.

Part of the reason for the drop in jobs in Reeves County at the same time tax collections are on the rise is the definition of where the jobs are located.

Most of the boost in tax revenues can be attributed to the growth in oil and gas exploration and drilling in the past two years in Reeves County. But while people are working within the area, filling up local motels and spending money at local businesses, many of those jobs aren’t listed as belonging to Reeves County.

“It depends on where the job is placed,” said Asension Banuelos, manager of the TWC’s Pecos office. He talked with area supervisor Lupe Villanueva, who told him that for companies who hire workers in other parts of the Permian Basin or Texas who then bring them into the Pecos area, those jobs aren’t considered local jobs.

“If the post their job with me, then it’s counted with Reeves County,” he said. “Even if it was posted here and someone from Monahans took the job, it would be considered a Reeves County job.

“If they hire them over there, and bring them over here for a job, it would count where the job is placed,” he added.

Only a few companies in the oil and gas industry have opened local offices in the past year. Most are still operating out of other cities, including Midland and Odessa, both of which are reporting their number of jobs are up by 3,000 in the past 12 months.

“We also have Patterson UTI coming in from Fort Stockton to work in this area. If they hire somebody to work in Pecos, they come through town and pick them up at a convenience store,” he said.

He said he’s had a few local postings from Patterson UTI and other oilfield related companies for workers. “They’re calling mainly for tongs, drillers and floor hands. Floor hands are what they mainly want.”

Banuelos added that service industry jobs, such as restaurant workers, cashiers and store clerks, remain the main jobs posted at the Pecos TWC office, along with truck drivers.

While the job numbers haven’t matched the jump in sales tax collections in the area, the increase has matched up with the rise in occupancy rates at local motels. Most are reporting near-capacity rates, and the city will be getting one of its former major motels back in few operation in a few months, with the renovation of the former Ramada Inn on West Third Street that will be affiliated with the Howard Johnson’s motel chain.

Quarterly hotel receipts for Pecos for the final quarter of 2005 showed the city’s six motels, with 386 rooms, brought in $968,208 in the period from October to December, with $742,948 of that taxable.

The bulk of hotel/motel tax goes towards tourism-related activities, as opposed to regular sales tax revenues. Part of the funds also are designated to the city’s approved, but non-operational, venue tax board.

On Interstate 20, Jean Winget, general manager of the Swiss Clock Inn, said “We’ve been doing great. We’re at 100 percent occupancy, and we could do 30 or 40 more rooms.

“We’ve been sending people to other motels when we’re booked,” she said. “We help them find a room instead of letting them go on down the road.”

Winget said the current occupancy rate has been near capacity since late last year and at capacity since the start of this year.

“It had been running about 60 percent,” she said.

Winget did voice a concern about excess taxes on local motels. “We have one of the highest tax rates in the state,” she said, adding that crews working to the north of Pecos also have the option of staying over in Carlsbad, N.M., if costs here were to get too high.

The Swiss Clock Inn has been by far the busiest of the local motels, with $411,705 in taxable receipts for the final quarter of 2005. the Quality Inn with $167,062 was next, while the Oak Tree Inn also was near capacity, but under its agreement with Union Pacific Railroad to house rail workers on crew changes, less than 10 percent of the $189,832 it collected as taxable.

Philip J. Wolcott, general manager of the Quality Inn said his motel has reported about a 90 percent occupancy rate since Christmas, above the normal 50 percent level. “We have a few extended stay people. The gas companies have come in, and we’ve had drilling crews and seismologists who have been here. We also have 4-5 land men who are extended stay people.

“Our revenues are way higher than the projected budget for the year. We’re having to turn people away at night, especially the last couple of weeks,” Wolcott said.

With oil and natural gas prices not expected to take any major downturn in the near future, drilling activity should continue in the area, which means the motels will remain full of workers, even if they’re not counted as actually working in Reeves County.

“My projection for the near future is for us to remain around 80 percent, which is pretty good,” Wolcott said. “But it’s subject to change any day, and at any time.”

Fight delaying effort to repair rodeo grounds

Town of Pecos City voters couldn’t have picked a better time than last May to approve a new venue tax proposal, designed to go towards the renovation of the Buck Jackson Rodeo Arena and the Reeves County Civic Center.

But voters may have to go back to the polls sometime in the future to decide the same measure all over again, due to a dispute between city officials and Reeves County over appointment of a board to oversee usage of the venue tax funds.

Voters approved a 2 percent tax on hotel and motel fees within the city, with the money designed to go towards repair of the aging 70-year-old rodeo arena. The city and county have made emergency repairs to the arena’s south stands prior to the last two years of the West of the Pecos Rodeo due to severe termite damage to the stands wooden support beams.

Funds also are to go for improvements to the Civic Center, which was expanded to its current size 20 years ago, and to improving electrical connections and facilities both there and within the rodeo arena.

City officials estimated that the venue tax would bring in about $42,000 annually when the issue was passed a year ago, but the increased activity in oil and gas drilling in the Pecos area has resulted in most of the local motels operating at near-capacity in recent months, with occupancy rates about 40 percent above normal levels of recent years.

However, for now, the funds coming from the venue tax are just sitting in escrow, and the measure authorizing the venue tax board will expire at the end of April if no appointments are made. If that happens, voters will have to go back to the polls to approve the same measure a second time.

The chances of any action before the April 30 deadline appear to be slim, due to the dispute between the city and county, which is part of a larger dispute over the city’s recent water rate increase. Reeves County has filed legal action against the Town of Pecos City over the increase, which sharply raised water costs for the county at the Reeves County Detention Center.

County Judge Jimmy Galindo said the city has been misdirecting its water revenues towards filling budget gaps in the General Fund on that issue, while in discussions on the venue tax board, Galindo has said the city needs to take a bigger financial stake in the operations of the Civic Center, rodeo arena and other recreational facilities in the area. City officials have said many of the items listed by Galindo are not part of the venue tax board talks, while adding that the judge has failed to meet with city officials on the issue several times.

“After six meetings of which only three were attended by Judge Jimmy Galindo, the city and county have been unable to resolve issues regarding appointment of a Board of Directors for the Venue District, intended to raise city hotel and motel bed tax funds to renovate the rodeo arena and Civic Center,” Stafford said in a written statement.

“It is possible that the entire project will be scrapped due to the county’s position,” she said in the statement.

Galindo countered that the city wants to do the project without agreeing to a 50-50 split in the expenses.

“They want this pie-in-the-sky plan, but they don’t want to pay their share of it,” the county judge said last Friday.

“The first thing they said is ‘we appoint the majority of the board’,” Galindo said. “I said ‘OK, but the first thing is you pay half the bills’.

“We’re spending $40,000 to $50,000 a year maintaining the rodeo arena and Civic Center,” he said. “They want to use this venue tax for the improvement of the rodeo arena and related infrastructure, but they don’t consider the Civic Center as related infrastructure.”

“The mayor has made every effort to meet with them, but the judge hasn’t been cooperative,” said city councilman Gerald Tellez, who along with Stafford has been one of the representatives for the city in the talks. Galindo and county commissioner Roy Alvarado have been among those involved with the talks on the county’s side.

Galindo said that while the local hotels and motels are full right now, pushing the tax revenues above projections, that could change in the future.

“They are very optimistic about the estimated dollars coming in on an annual basis. The question is what if there’s a shortfall in the tax? Who pays the cost of the annual debt service for 20 years?

“These are very solid points that need to be resolved before we assume any financial responsibility,” Galindo said.

City manager Joseph Torres said on Tuesday that the venue tax itself is only a in-town measure that was approved by 80 percent of the voters, and does not apply to any motels within the county that are outside the city limits. However, only half of the rodeo arena and none of the Civic Center, are within the city limits, with the result that the county has handled primary maintenance responsibilities.

Torres added that the funds can only be spent on venue-related structures, under the terms of the state law authorizing the tax.

“The mayor and the judge are the ones who are responsible to fulfill the joint venue tax operations,” Torres said. “When we first started everyone was for it. Now the county judge and the mayor have to set it up.”

Galindo said the city and county have spent about 30 hours discussing the situation, but complained that the city doesn’t want to discuss the current financial divisions at the Civic Center and rodeo grounds.

“Under the circumstances you’ve presented, why don’t you do the project on your own, and accept the deed for the Civic Center and the rodeo arena,” Galindo said he told city officials. “It’s your baby. But she said ‘No, we don’t want that baby’, and that’s not fair.” “The county administration continually tries to tie the project to issues unrelated to legal purposes for which the tax may be spent,” Stafford said in her statement. “Until a change occurs in the county administration’s position, the tax funds will be held in escrow, in the hopes the projects can be completed in the future.”

“When you get a city tax, if you’re the county, you don’t get to nominate the majority of the board,” Torres said. “The county judge has put other issues on the table.”

143rd District Court

(Ward, Reeves & Loving Counties) Judge Bob Parks, Judge Presiding Feb. 1, through Feb. 28, 2006

New Civil Cases Filed: LVNV Funding, LLC, Assignee of Sears vs. James E. Thomas, account-note-contract suit filed 2-3-06; State of Texas vs. 2000 White Chevrolet Tahoe, et al, notice of forfeiture and seizure suit filed 2-3-06; Green Tree Servicing, LLC, et al vs. Sulema Ulate, application for foreclosure suit filed 2-9-06; Diane Go Gunderson vs. Joshua J. Hill, injury damage with motor vehicle suit filed 2-13-06; Juana Velasco vs. Manuel Rayos et al, injury damage suit filed 2-14-06; Brandon Michael Sazon vs. Ford Motor Company, et al, petition for letters rogatory suit filed 2-13-06; LVNV Funding LLC vs. Fermin Aldaz, account-note-contract suit filed 2-15-06; WID Powell, et ux vs. M&W Hot Oil, Inc., injury damage other suit filed 2-17-06; Discover Bank vs. Lola L. Garcia, account-note-contract suit filed 2-22-06; Lisa Stewart vs. Reeves Co. Teachers Credit Union; application for writ of garnishment suit filed 2-27-06; The following delinquent tax suits were filed 2-27-06: Town of Pecos City, et al vs. Janet Jean Bradley. Town of Pecos City, et al vs. Joe O. Pena, et al. Town of Pecos City, et al vs. Saul A. Mendoza, eet al. Town of Pecos City, et al vs. J.R. Malett, et al. Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD et al vs. Kenneth Terry, et al. Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD et al vs. Gilbert R. Valencia, et al. Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD et al vs. Caroline Lewright, deceased, et al. Reeves County, et al vs. Eustaquio Natividad. Nine new family suits were filed. Nine family cases were re-activated on motions to enforce child support, motion to revoke community supervision for failure to pay child support, motion to modify child support and petitions for non-agreed child support review orders.

Civil Cases Disposed: State of Texas vs. $40,020 U.S. Currency; agreed judgment entered 2-24-06 wherein $28,014 is contraband and subject to forfeiture and $12,006 of the $42,000 is not subject to forfeiture. The $28,014 plus any and all interest accrued is forfeited; 2/3rds to the Reeves County Sheriff’s Department., 1/3rd to Reeves County District Attorney’s Office, to be placed in the appropriate fund, to be administered by both the Reeves Co. Sheriff’s Office and the Reeves Co. District Attorney’s Office in compliance with their local agreement and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 59.06(c)and audited in according with Art. 59.06 (g). State of Texas vs. $1,787 U.S. Currency; default judgment wherein $1,787 is found to be contraband and order that any and all interest of Jesus Valeriano Gomez in the $1,787 including any and all interest having accrued on said funds, is forfeited to State of Texas, namely the Town of Pecos City, Texas Police Department to be distributed in accordance with Art. 59.06 of the Code of Criminal Procedure as follows: 2/3rds plus accrued interest at the same rate to the Town of Pecos City, Texas Police Department and 1/3rd plus accrued interest at the same rate to the 143rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, to be placed into the appropriate fund; all to be administered by the agency and in compliance with their local agreement, the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 59.06(c), and audited in accordance with Art. 59.06 (g). Citifinancial Auto Corporation et al vs. Alison Unland, et al, account-note-contract suit was dismissed without prejudiced 2-10-06. Carlos Porras eet al vs. Unknown Heirs et al, judgment entered 2-8-06 wherein it was found that title to the property has been proven by Plaintiffs by adverse possession and all claims to said property by Connie Carrasco and Veronica Carrasco have been settled, and upon payment of $1,140 by Plaintiffs, Connie Carrasco and Veronica Carrasco are ordered to execute a deed to said real property to Plaintiffs.

Delinquent tax suits disposed 2-17-06; Reeves County, et al vs. Christopher Marchan, et al, delinquent tax suit was disposed by judgment entered 2-17-06 wherein $5,184.30 of delinquent taxes id due and owing to Plaintiffs together with all costs of suit and sale now or hereafter incurred, including abstractor’s fees in the total amount of $175; Reeves County, et al vs. Jose Tersero, et al, delinquent tax suit was disposed by judgment entered 2-17-06 wherein $9,576.83 of delinquent taxes is due and owing Plaintiffs together with all costs of suit and sale now or hereafter incurred, including abstractor’s d fees in the amount of $175. Reeves County, et al vs. Oscar N. Goode, Deceased, et al, judgment granted to Plaintiffs in amount of $2,100.04 in delinquent taxes, together with all costs of suit and sale now or hereafter incurred, including abstractor’s fees in the total amount of $175 and costs taxed in the case including $200.00 attorney ad litem fee. Town of Pecos City, et al vs. Israel Matta, judgment granted to Plaintiffs in amount of $2,983.61 delinquent taxes, together with all costs of suit and sale now or hereafter incurred, including abstractor’s fees incurred in the total amount of $175.00, and costs of court including $200 for attorney ad litem fee. Town of Pecos City, et al vs. Ruby Wilson, judgment granted to Plaintiffs in amount of $10,990.41 delinquent taxes, together with all costs of suit and sale now or hereafter incurred, including abstractor’s fees incurred in the total amount of $175.00, and costs of court including $200 for attorney ad litem fee. Reeves County, et al vs. Isaiah D. Tunson, et al, judgment granted to Plaintiffs in amount of $1,075.21 delinquent taxes, together with all costs of suit and sale now or hereafter incurred, including abstractor’s fees incurred in the total amount of $175.00, and costs of court including $200 for attorney ad litem fee. One petition for expunction was granted. Abraham Reimer vs. Pedro Castillo et ux, a breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing was disposed by judgment 2-27-06 wherein (i) Defendants, Pedro and Dina Castillo, are ordered to convey the property to PI, free and clear of all liens except for the first lien in favor of FSA, and that no other liens be created by Defendants; Plaintiff is entitled to present possession of this property by virtue of a contract of sale between the parties; (ii) Defendant, Pedro and Dina Castillo, shall cause the Deed of Trust to John Forrester, recorded in Reeves County. On 11-14-00, to be released prior to conveying title to Plaintiff; (iii) PI will pay into registry of the Court, within seven days of delivery of the Warranty Deed $35,000 to be paid as directed upon further order of the Court; (iv) Defendants are ordered to execute any necessary documents required by FSA in order for Plaintiff to occupy the property and to apply for assumption of the Defendant’s outstanding debt on the property to FSA; (v) costs are assessed against Defendants; (vi) reasonable and necessary attorneys fees for trial in the amount of $4,500 are assessed against Defendants. Additional attorneys fees for trial in the amount of $3,000 are assessed against Defendants in the event of an unsuccessful appeal to the Court of Appeals or the Texas Supreme Court. (vii) All relief not granted is denied.

Family cases disposed: Three agreed judgments on a child support review order; One case was disposed on appeal of associate judge’s ruling. One case was disposed on a Motion to Confirm. One case was disposed on a Motion to Enforce.

The following indictments and/or informations were filed: State of Texas vs. Juan Carlos Martinez; offense; evading arrest. State of Texas vs. Priscilla Wright Orosco; offense; conspiracy to commit felony offense of tampering with evidence. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: misapplication of fiduciary property. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: misapplication of fiduciary property. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: misapplication of fiduciary property. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: misapplication of fiduciary property. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: theft of service. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: theft of service. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: theft. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: abuse of official capacity. State of Texas vs. Louis Carrasco; offense: abuse of official capacity. State of Texas vs. Jose Herberto Garcia; offense: aggravated sexual assault of a child. State of Texas vs. Roger Matta; offense: aggravated assault. State of Texas vs. Adam Huertas; offense: aggravated assault. State of Texas vs. Alberto Lira Jr.,; offense: credit card abuse. State of Texas vs. Theresa Lucretia Strain; offense: credit card abuse. State of Texas vs. Norma Barrera Avila; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). State of Texas vs. Arturo Franco Jimenez; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). State of Texas vs. Jeanette Florez; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). State of Texas vs. Omar Valles Medina; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). State of Texas vs. Omar Valles Medina; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). State of Texas vs. Raul Dominguez Gabaldon; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine). State of Texas vs. Ridessa Cherie Wright; offense: possession of a controlled substance (cocaine).

Applications of Writs of Habeas Corpus were filed as follows: State of Texas vs. Paula Gutierrerz Marquez. Motions to Adjudicate were filed in the following cases: State of Texas vs. Ruben Contreras; original offense: forgery. Motion to Revoke Community Supervision was filed: State of Texas vs. Jeffrey Eugene Ephriam; original offense: assault. Criminal cases were re-activated on the following motions: State of Texas vs. Felipe Sanchez Jr.; offense: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; motion for nunc pro tunc. State of Texas vs. Raul Pando; offense: drug possession; motion for early termination of deferred adjudication. State of Texas vs. Imelda Jimenez Garcia; offense: forgery; motion for nunc pro tunc. State of Texas vs. Becky Lee Jamison; offense: forgery; motion to reduce time.

Criminal Case Dispositions: State of Texas vs. Juan Carlos Martinez; offense: evading arrest; defendant sentenced to three years deferred adjudication with a $1,500 fine and court costs of $227.25. State of Texas vs. Priscilla Wright Orosco; offense: conspiracy to commit felony offense of tampering with evidence; defendant sentenced to four years deferred adjudication; $1,000 fine and court costs of $227.25. State of Texas vs. Hector Briceno; offense: aggravated assault; Motion to Adjudicate was dismissed and Defendant’s terms and conditions of community supervision were amended as follows: Defendant shall 1) pay $500 probationary fine to Reeves Co. CSCD before being released from jail; 2) serve a term of 60 days in the Reeves Co. Jail with no credit for good behavior; 3) get current on all fees that are in arrears before being released from Reeves Co. Jail; 4) have his term of probation extended one year to expire on Aug. 10, 2008; 5) repay Reeves Co. CSCD for court-appointed attorney fees in the amount of $375.00 and 6) participate in Surveillance Supervision Probation for a term of not less than three months and not more than 12 months as outlined and directed by the SSP officer. State of Texas vs. Melissa Rena Silvas; offense: forgery; Motion to Adjudicate was dismissed and Defendant’s terms and conditions of community supervision were amended as follows: Defendant shall (1) participate in the Surveillance Supervision Program for a term of not less than three months and not more than 12 months as outlined and directed by the SSP officer; (2) pay a probationary fine in the amount of $500 to the Reeves Co. CSCD within 180 days of this order being signed; (3) have her term of community supervision extended for an additional one year to expire on Feb. 4, 2009; (4) attend and participate in counseling services as outlined and directed by the Staff Therapist of Reeves Co. and under direction of Community Supervision Officer; (5) attend Narcotics Anonymous and/or AA no less than two times per week; and (6) complete an additional 60 hours of community service at 20 hours per month under the direction of the Reeves Co. CSCD. State of Texas vs. Adrian Santana; offense: possession of a controlled substance; motion and order dismissing case as it has been or will be filed in Federal Court as the case has been referred to the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution and that office has accepted the case. State of Texas vs. Clarissa Fobbs; offense: burglary; motion and order dismissing case as the State is exercising its prosecutorial discretion and not proceeding to trial on this defendant at this time. State is pursuing a co-defendant first and intends to pursue further charges against Clarissa Fobbs after the case against co-defendant is concluded. State of Texas vs. Conrado Gonzales, Jr.; offense: aggravated assault; Motion to Adjudicate was dismissed and Defendant’s terms and conditions of community supervision were amended as follows: Defendant shall: (1) participate in the Intensive Supervision Program for a term of not less than three months and not more than 12 months as outlined and directed by the ISP officer; (2) pay a probationary fine in the amount of $500 to Reeves Co. CSCD within 90 days of this order being signed; (3) pay community supervision fees in the amount of $60 per month to the Reeves Co. CSCD; (4) attend and participate in counseling services as outlined and directed by the Staff Therapist of Reeves Co. and under direction of CSCD Officer; (5) complete an additional 80 hours of community service at 20 hours per month; reimburse Reeves Co. for court-appointed attorney’s fees in the amount of $480.00 at a rate of $10 per month. State of Texas vs. Tomas Salgado, Jr.; offense: drug possession; Motion to Revoke Probation was dismissed and Defendant’s terms and conditions of community supervision were amended as follows: Defendant shall: (1) participate in a treatment program; (2) participate in ISP program for not less than three months nor more than 12; (3) serve 30 days in the Reeves County Jail with no credit being given for good behavior; jail sentence to begin as soon as order is signed; (4) pay a $500 probation fine within six months; (5) attend AA/NA meetings no less than two times per week and verify attendance; and (6) extend term of community supervision one year to expire Oct. 14, 2011. State of Texas vs. Delma Rodriguez; offense: assault; Motion to Revoke Probation was dismissed and Defendant’s terms and conditions of community supervision were amended as follows: Defendant shall: (1) have term of community supervision extended an additional two years to expire Nov. 14, 2010; (2) get current on all probation fees before being released from jail; (3) serve a term of not less than three months or more than 12 months in Level II Supervision in the Surveillance Supervision Program; (4) pay $668.80 for reimbursement of for attorney’s fees paid by Reeves Co. to Defendant’s court-appointed attorney; and (5) pay $60 per month for probation fees. State of Texas vs. Cleofas Muro Baeza; offense: burglary; Motion to Adjudicate was dismissed and Defendant’s terms and conditions of community supervision were amended as follows: Defendant shall (1) get current on all fees before being released from Reeves Co. jail; (2) have probation fees increased to $60 per month; (3) serve 30 days in the Reeves Co. Jail with no time given for good behavior; and (4) repay Reeves Co. for court-appointed attorney’s fees in the amount of $300.00. State of Texas vs. Jose Manuel Garcia; offense: burglary of a habitation; judgment of conviction by court and sentence to Institutional Division entered 2-17-06; Defendant sentenced to eight years confinement and court costs of $227.25. State of Texas vs. Felipe Sanchez, Jr.; offense: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; the Defendant’ Motion for Nunc Pro Tunc requesting 15 percent of his sentence be credited as back time towards sentence was overruled. State of Texas vs. Chris Dominguez Machuca; offense: possession of a controlled substance; an order was entered amending conditions of community supervision as follows: Defendant shall have his term of community supervision extended an additional one year to expire 3-5-07. State of Texas vs. Paula Gutierrez Marquez; writ of habeas corpus was dismissed.

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