http://www.cbs7.com Your Eye on West Texas en-us Copyright 2012 CBS 7. All Rights Reserved. Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC News 20 CBS 7 News
February 4, 2012
tguinn@cbs7.com

Parent's and their kids gathered today for a special valentines party.

The event, which was held for special needs children and their parent's was the second official meeting for the Midessa Special Needs Moms.

The children and parents joined for refreshments, fun activities and games at First Christian Church in Midland.

Group organizers say they hope to hold more events like this one to offer support to families and let the children have some fun.

"A lot of them aren't able to go to regular events where there are special needs children, so they feel out of place. But here we want them to feel special," Crystal Barker, MSNM Administrator said.

If you would like more information about Midessa Special Needs Moms, you can find them on Facebook or email them at: msnmgroup@yahoo.com.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32331 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 4, 2012

ODESSA, TX - Major strides have been made in the care for stroke patients, however time is of the essence. That knowledge is something an employee of an Odessa hospital is forever grateful for.

We hear time after time, not to ignore signs and symptoms but for Millie Luna that advice potentially saved her husband's life.

Just three months ago Millie Luna. An employee of Odessa Regional Medical Center attended a class offered by the hospital for all employees, the topic: "strokes."

"Any unexplained change in motor, sensory function or speech," said Carl Brown, ORMC, Stroke Program Director.

"They inform us a lot so we're able to see the signs when something is wrong," said Millie Luna, Stroke Victim's Wife.

Little did she know a few months later, her knowledge would pay off when her husband Robert would have a stroke.

"His speech slurred and that's when i knew he was having a stroke," said Millie.

Millie immediately rose to action, calling 911 and watching the clock because she knew time was critical.

"Particularly with stroke, beyond about 3 hours then we start see a detrimental response to treatment," said Brown.

"People have told me, Millie you're strong and I say somebody's got to get strong, you can't loose it because then nothing gets done," said Millie.

Robert was rushed to the hospital and treated immediately. The speed of Millie's actions allowed doctors to administer medication, which essentially reversed the effects of the stroke.

"I was so happy and glad that I could see my family and doctors around me, it was just a blessing," said Robert Luna, Stroke Survivor.

Robert says his partner for life saved his life.

"I owe her a lot, she did a lot and she did the right thing," said Robert.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32330 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 4, 2012

UPDATE 10:30 PM:

The suspect Keithan Seales (10/13/92) has been charged with homicide.

************************************

Press Release from City of Midland:

MIDLAND, TX - The Midland Police and Fire Departments responded to a pedestrian accident on the 1200 block of East Parker at 3:47 pm.

Upon arrival, a 1999 Ford Expedition had struck a pedestrian.

The pedestrian Cody Gibson, 28-years old, was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police have the suspect in custody.

Investigation continues.

******

Police are on the scene of a fatal pedestrian - car crash in the 1200 block of East Parker. Police were called to the scene at 3:47 this afternoon. Investigators confirm to us that the pedestrian has been killed, a 26-year-old male, and the driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old male has been arrested.

Police say it began as a disturbance between two vehicles. The 26-year-old victim got out of a car, and a green s-u-v hit him. That driver is now arrested. We have crews on the scene right now, stay with us as more information becomes available.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32329 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 4, 2012

Midland, Texas - To ensure that medications don't end up in the wrong hands or in our water supply, a Midland organization was taking them off your hands. The Midland Coalition held a medicine take back today at Fairmont Park Church of Christ. The coalition says though the task is tedious for volunteers, at the end of the day, it provides a very important service to the community.

"You're counting pills all day but at the end when we see, wow, we took over 20,000 pills, then you feel like it's worth it, we're really able to see the impact that we've made," said Nathan Riojas, Program Coordinator, Palmer Drug Abuse Program.

The coalition expected to collect over 30,000 pills and 20 gallons of liquid medication.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32328 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS7 PinPoint Weather
Meteorologist Juan Acuņa
2/4/12

The cold front that swept through our area yesterday has moved all the way through the Texas Gulf Coast and really brought some heavy showers and thunderstorms for parts of central and east Texas late Friday evening and into Saturday morning.

For us here in West Texas, we ended up on the dry side of the system and only benefited with cooler weather, some winds, and more cloud cover. The clouds stuck around all day Saturday and will continue to do so on Sunday which will not allow temperatures to warm up very much. In fact, we are expecting temperatures to struggle to get out of the upper 40's with some areas making the lower 50's if some sunshine can peak through the clouds in the afternoon.

Otherwise, the clouds will begin to decrease on Monday and especially Tuesday ahead of our next front that looks to move through late Tuesday and on into Wednesday. This will bring another reinforcing shot of some cool air and also bring a chance of light rain showers across West Texas for Thursday and Friday. Accumulation amounts are not expected to be high at this point with only a trace to less than a quarter inch expected.

Nevertheless, its nice to have some showers in the forecast. We will begin to dry out and temperatures will start to warm back up into the lower 60's by next weekend.

Have a great weekend and workweek!
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32324 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Shannon Murray
CBS 7 Reporter
smurray@cbs7.com
February 3, 2012

Midland, TX - School administrators are crying out for help after yet another teenage suicide in Midland.

The school district believes this problem reaches much further than just the school hallways.

The suicide last weekend brings the total to 4 teenagers in Midland, 3 of which were Midland ISD students. Now the district is straining all of their resources to combat this problem and they need the communities help.

"First and foremost we need help. We've had 4 kids this school year commit suicide. In the last 2 weeks we've had more than 30 kids making outcries that they were having those kinds of feelings," claims Superintendent Dr. Ryder Warren.

Warren says teen suicide isn't just a problem for the school district, it's an issue for the entire community. It's one reason many community leaders and churches are already stepping up to help.

"We could very well be crossing that line between church and state right now. I don't care. Whatever we can do to support what we're doing with kids," Warren explains.

Because whether it's issues at home, or cyber-bullying, MISD can't fight this battle alone.

"We need to check all phones, facebook pages, emails...anything out there that a kid could log onto. We're seeing a lot of kids making bad decisions on facebook," Dr. Warren says.

At the same time, facebook has also been a source of support for many. As pages are popping up left and right offering help

"You don't have to feel alone. There are people in the world willing to help you and talk to you. Suicide's not the only way out," says Valerie Salazar who created the page "Let's Talk: Stop Teen Suicide."

"There's other kids around the world and here that are experiencing the same thing and you can talk to whoever. We can all meet up at a park or a restaurant and just talk," she says.

"We need to talk to our kids. Even if we think they would never do anything like that. We need to sit down and see where the kids are," Warren says.

Today Superintendent Dr. Ryder Warren released the detailed plan for the school district to help West Texas teens.

Here are a few of the things the district is doing:

1. MISD is going to reassign some elementary counselors to work at the secondary levels for parts of the day as needed.

2. They plan to reassign some central office secretarial staff to campuses to handle the day-to-day operations, allowing other campus staff to work with the teens and give them 100% of their attention.

3. The district will also hold focus groups with at-risk students, some during school hours.

Dr. Warren says anyone with suggestions or advice can contact the administration building or their school campus.

Dr. Warren also has tips for parents.
First - talk to your kids and make sure you understand where your children are with this issue.

If you see any warning signs, please reach out to your campus principal, any community group or your church for help.

Also check cell phones, check facebook pages, check emails - check any kind of communication outlets that our kids could get on to.

Make sure they are not sending or receiving any messages that send up warning flags for you.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32323 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news February 3, 2012

My article this week is an open letter to our entire community, but the emphasis of my message goes out to our parents and caregivers of the phenomenal children we serve in MISD. First and foremost, I wish to thank everyone for the support and specifically the prayers we have received as we deal with a challenge that really no one saw coming this school year.

Every new school year presents a myriad of challenges. Moving our students to new levels of academic excellence must always stand at the forefront of any new year, but we've learned this year that many of our students are facing issues that draw them away from that pursuit of excellence, and much of our efforts in our schools have been wrapped around trying to get them back into safe places.

To put this issue into perspective, let me share with you the numbers we are dealing with right now. As of today, MISD serves a little more than 22,400 students. Please know that I do believe that the vast numbers of our students have never considered hurting themselves as an answer to the stressors in their lives, but I know for certain we have a growing number of students who are reaching out to us - daily - because they are contemplating making a horrendous decision.

In the last six months, we have had three students of MISD commit suicide. As a community, that number is four. During that same time span, over 50 of our students have made outcries about suicidal thoughts - 30 of those outcries have come in the last two months. In discussing the issue this week with one of our local media leaders, I explained that we are walking a very fine line right now with the decisions we are making in the district and on our campuses to deal with this. We are making some changes at the campus level to better deal with the needs of our students and parents, and I want to make sure everyone is aware of these decisions.

The following is what we are going to do to assist a few of our hardest hit campuses:

(1) We are going to reassign some of our elementary counselors to work at the secondary levels for parts of the day as needed.

(2) We are also going to reassign some of our central office secretarial staff to campuses to handle the day-to-day operations of the campus offices as needed.

(3) We are going to bring in several members of counseling organizations onto our campuses to help with our students and our parents in need (and even to help staff if need be).

(4) Some of our secondary campuses are going to conduct small group focus meetings with students who we see as the most at-risk. Some students will be targeted for this, but also students and parents may request to be a part of these groups.
(5) We are going to reevaluate the protocols in place in referring our students to outside groups. Many of our community assets for these kinds of issues are also running out of room, so we will reassess the protocols and any changes will be communicated to everyone.

(6) On February 20th, we have a previously scheduled campus training day set. We will be training that day, but we are also going to hold a district meeting with all campus staff. I will be holding two group meetings with campus staff (elementary & secondary) to discuss these issues, just so we can openly discuss this and make sure I'm not missing anything.

I did state at the beginning that this was an emphasized letter to our parents and caregivers, so let me explain that. I do not want to step on any parental toes, but I need everyone to understand the scope of this challenge. Four kids have died, almost fifty kids have come to us with issues related to this, and there could be scores of more kids dealing with it but have not come forward for help.

As a parent of three kids in the school district, this is what I need all of us to do:

First - simply talk to your kids about this and make sure you understand where your child or children are with this issue. If you see any warning signs, please reach out to your campus principal, any community group, your church, or anyone else for help.

Second - check cell phones, check Facebook pages, check emails - check any kind of communication outlets that our kids could get on to. Make sure they are not sending or receiving any messages that send up warning flags for you.

If our homes, our schools, and our community work together on this, it's going to stop. However, we have to be vigilant in our attack on this, and we have to make sure that none of our children run below the radar.

I cannot heap enough praise on our campus staff members who have been dealing with this issue over the last several months. From the emails I have been receiving from our faculty members, this has literally affected hundreds of our MISD family. Our campus counselors specifically have taken this challenge very personally. Nothing is more important to this group than the health and well-being of our students, and our counselors are standing very strong to combat this issue.

I am very appreciative of all who have stepped up and helped thus far. This is a huge challenge for our community, but we will overcome it. If anyone has questions about this - and most definitely if you have more suggestions on how to deal with this, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your support of our schools and your support of our children.

Ryder Warren, Superintendent
Midland ISD
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32322 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 3, 2012

Odessa, Texas - An Odessa daycare center is rocked after losing one of their bus drivers in a tragic crash. 27-year-old Victoria Garcia had been working with Day Star Kids Learning Center for 3 years, before her life was ended short yesterday afternoon.

"She gave a lot of inspiration to the kids, we're gonna miss her," said Luis Sanchez, Owner, Day Star Kids Learning Center.

Luis Sanchez the owner of the day care says he's unaware of any medical condition that could have caused Garcia to crash. He also says that the bus was in good condition.

"We do routine inspections like anything else, every vehicle has to be maintained, I have my records of maintaining each vehicle, you gotta understand that we handle children, so there's even more expected of how we take care of our vehicles," said Sanchez.

Sanchez says yesterday, everything appeared to be normal during the daily bus check.

"We do a daily routine of getting the vehicles ready before they leave, so it's all done is a proper way," said Sanchez.

He says anything out of the ordinary is taken serious.

"They're like my children too, if something happens to them I'm responsible, we're leaving it up to the officers to do their job and let us know what happened, we just don't know," said Sanchez.

The mechanical condition of the bus and Garcia's cause of death are being reviewed by Odessa Police.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32321 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Justin Waldrop
CBS 7 News
jwaldrop@cbs7.com
February 3, 2012
UPDATE: 4:52pm

Odessa Police tell CBS 7 that 23 year old Israel Tavira has been located safe and sound.

Police say he walked up to oilfield workers off Loop 338 and Highway 385.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Odessa Police Department is asking for public assistance in locating 23 year old Israel Tavira from Andrews, TX.

Tavira was last seen with his guardian at the Wal-Mart located on Jon Ben Sheppard Parkway in Odessa. He was seen leaving the store while his guardian was paying.

Tavira is a Hispanic male, 5'3", 130 lbs., black hair and brown eyes. He is autistic. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, light blue windbreaker, blue jeans and brown boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Odessa Police Department at (432) 333-3641 or Crime Stoppers at (432) 333-TIPS.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32320 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Jennifer Samp
CBS 7 News - Reporter
jsamp@cbs7.com
February 3, 2012

Pecos, TX - The city of Pecos is going bag free.

Plastic bags will be "gone with the wind" by Labor Day under an ordinance approved by City Council Members in a first reading on Thursday during the regular meeting.

A second reading is required before the ban becomes a law. Stores would have a six-month grace period before the law is enforced.

The ordinance also sets a fine of $500.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32315 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 3, 2012

Odessa, Texas - Now that Medical Center Hospital has moved their labor and delivery department into the Center for Women and Infants they are transforming the old department into a simulation lab for Texas Tech students. Hospital staff tells us the 7th Floor of the hospital is being converted into a simulation lab and working clinic for the University. The lab will feature mannequins that simulate different illnesses and will allow students to get real-life training in a hospital setting.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32314 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
February 3, 2012

Midland, Texas - You may have noticed lots of construction activity around the sports complex and much more is expected as it's officially being called the "Midland Hotel District." A new Marriot is currently under construction and another Marriot and Hilton are planned for the near future. In addition, management of the Sleep Inn tell us they are planning to double their hotel. The new construction will bring the number of hotels is the district to 7.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32313 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news A cold front will move into the area shortly after sunset. This will bring a shot of cold air to the region that will stick around through the next few days.
Look for high temperatures in the 50's this weekend and early next week. Extra cloud will be in the offering. However, rain chances will be below 20% until Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

GM]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32311 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news February 2, 2012

Odessa police are looking for a 23-year-old man who went missing Thursday night.

Police say the man was last seen at Walmart.

He is described as 5'3", 130 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. The man has autism.

He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans, and boots.

Anyone with information is urged to call Odessa Police or Crimestoppers at 432-333-TIPS.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32310 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS 7 News
February 2, 2012

The Ector County Independent School District is implementing some changes to ease the workload on teachers.

In an e-mail sent to principals from ECISD Chief of Staff, H.T. Sanchez, he explains that the district will allow adjustments in the "lesson planning system" called Eduphoria that was implemented this year.

Sanchez explains in the e-mail that the decision was made after discussions with campus principals who shared teacher concerns that the lesson-planning program was too time consuming.

Administrators also heard from a group of teachers Tuesday who voiced concerns.

Superintendent Hector Mendez felt it was important to respond to the concerns.

"Managed Planning" will continue but with the option to use a "Word" document to simplify the process.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32309 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news Shannon Murray
CBS 7 Reporter
smurray@cbs7.com
February 2, 2012

Fort Stockton, TX - Some big changes will be impacting high school athletics across the Basin.

The University Interscholastic League realigned its districts today.

While some of the changes were not surprising to coaches, some small town rivalries will be broken up.

The Fort Stockton Panthers are moving further west next season, scheduled to play Clint Mountain View, Anthony ISD, Fabens ISD and even as far as Presidio. One team not in The Panther's district this year is one of their biggest rivals: the Monahans Loboes.

"I love going to the sports games! Football and basketball especially," says fan Tina Gonzales.

But one game the Fort Stockton Panthers won't play in district this year is the fan favorite rivalry against The Monahans Loboes.

"We had a lot of fun going to Monahans!" exclaims Fort Stockton resident Della Ortiz.

Instead they'll be heading west...even as far as Presidio.

"No....Presidio is too far to go," Ortiz says.

"Usually everywhere we drive is an hour or two away. It's kind of what you get around here," explains Juan Dominguez.

But Athletic Director and Fort Stockton Football Coach Derrick Taylor says the long drives are inevitable.

"Park your seat on the bus and get comfy because it's going to be a trip!" he says.

Coach Taylor says for most people in Fort Stockton a long drive is nothing new. It's the lineup that fans might not be thrilled about.

"They'll look at it as we got put in a weaker district. We no longer have that rivalry with Monahans," he explains.

But there's another rivalry that isn't going anywhere. The Panthers and The Pecos Eagles will still face off in the last game of the season. It's a classic rivalry that Coach Taylor says will be a focus for next season.

"Build it up even more and go with it," he says.

Despite the list of changes one thing will stay the same.

"No matter what we still have to play the game on Friday night. Whether it's football or basketball we still have to compete and take it to the next level," he explains.

Although the Panthers and Loboes won't meet in district play, Coach Taylor says they are scheduled for a game in pre season.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32308 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS 7 News
February 2, 2012

The owner of the "Day Star Kids Learning Center" tells us there are a lot of rumors in regards to the crash. He says he is unaware of any medical condition 27-year-old victim Victoria Garcia may have had. He also says that the bus underwent it's normal daily inspection and nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary.

Odessa police are still investigating.

**********************************

Update: 5:25pm
OPD Press Release

The Odessa Police Department is on the scene of a major crash involving three vehicles at 21st and Andrews Hwy.

Initial investigation revealed that a 1986 Yellow Ford "Short Bus" was traveling east bound in the 100 block of West 21st Street.

This bus is not registered to ECISD.

The driver of the bus failed to yield right of way from the stop sign colliding with a 2007 Chevy Impala and 1994 Jeep Cherokee that were both traveling south bound in the 2100 block of Andrews Hwy.

The bus continued east bound across Andrews Hwy crashing into a vacant building (the old Ajuuas).

The driver of the bus, Victoria Garcia, DOB 10/11/1984, (the only occupant of the bus) was transported to Medical Center Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries sustained in the accident.

The driver of the Impala, Brody Bolton, 27 years of age of Odessa, was not transported. The driver of Jeep, Juan Andrade, 28 years of age of Odessa, was transported to Medical Center Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

The investigation continues...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 4:42 PM
Ector Medical Examiners Office tells CBS 7 that one person from the accident on Andrews HWY is dead.

We know 2 people were taken to the hospital, but it is unknown who was killed in the crash.

They are awaiting notification of next of kin.

UPDATE 3:58 PM

The driver of the bus is being treated for serious injuries. The driver was found on the road at Andrews Highway and 21st Street.

----------------------------------------

UPDATE 3:55 PM

According to CBS 7 crews on the scene, at least 2 people have been transported to the hospital.

The school bus is privately owned.

----------------------------------------

Odessa Police are on the scene of a bus crash Thursday afternoon at Ajuua's Restaurant.

According to eyewitnesses, the bus crashed into the older part of the Restaurant.

They say two other cars were also involved.

We have a crew on the scene, and will update you as soon as possible.]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32302 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news CBS 7 News Staff
February 2, 2012

MIDLAND, TX - Palmer Drug Abuse Program is holding a drug take-back event this Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Fairmont Park Church of Christ in Midland.

The event will be taking any un-used and expired prescription drugs.

]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32301 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news 2/2/12

(Odessa)- Joe Commander, a candidate for Ector County Sheriff tells CBS 7 that he raised nearly $150,000 dollars for his campaign, and expects more before it's all over.

He says most of the money has come from the business community.

To date he has raised $149,633.76.

According to the Odessa American, Ector County Sheriff Mark Donaldson has raised $3,500.72 for his re-election campaign.

Candidates for County Attorney also announced how much money they raised.

County Attorney Cindy Weir-Nutter says she has raised $25,065 dollars, while her opponent Scott Layh says he has raised $44,423 dollars.

Both elections are still up in the air pending a decision on the Texas Redistricting Maps.

]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32300 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of Texas
Press Release
February 2, 2012

United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit announced that 19 individuals have been arrested in connection with an investigation called "Operation Communication Breakdown," which targeted a West Texas cocaine and marijuana distribution operation.
A federal grand jury seated in Midland returned several indictments charging a total of 24 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and/or marijuana.
Court documents allege that since January 2009, the defendants, including 31-year-old Benjamin Valeriano, Jr., of Ojinaga, Mexico, whom authorities believe to be the leader of the Ojinaga Plaza for the La Linea Drug Trafficking Organization, were responsible for the distribution of over 500 kilograms of cocaine and 100 kilograms of marijuana from January 2010 to the present.. The other defendants charged in the drug conspiracy include: 25-year-old Adam J. Seijas of Odessa, Texas; 24-year-old Samuel Vasquez Urias of Odessa; 26-year-old Itsmira Bustamante of Presidio, Texas; 41-year-old Esqueil Hernandez of Presidio; 49-year-old Juan Ramon Adame of Odessa; 55-year-old Pedro Gomez of Midland; 31-year-old Jeffrey V. Gonzalez of Odessa; 28-year-old Manuel A. Tercero Ruvalcaba of Odessa; 46-year-old Martin Gomez of Odessa; 39-year-old Sandra Rocha-Tarrango of Odessa; 30-year-old Vincent Flores of Odessa; 43-year-old Armando Gardea of Odessa; 29-year-old Refugia Jurado Gamboa of Lubbock, Texas; 34-year-old Pauline Gamboa-Ross of Lubbock; 45-year-old Rojelio Rayos Castillo of Odessa; 23-year-old Maria Tarango of Odessa; 42-year-old Laura Carrasco of Presidio; 36-year-old Busillo Cervantes of Odessa; 27-year-old Edgar Valencia of Odessa; 39year-old Enrique Quinonez Juarez of Ojinaga; 35-year-old Taquanan Gerrod Bergen of Odessa; 39-year-old Jesus Ortiz Alcantar of Mexico; and 31-year-old Adolfo Porras of Odessa.
All of the defendants with the exception of Valeriano, Juarez, Alcantar, Gonzales, Hernandez and Porras were arrested today or were already in custody prior to today.
Upon conviction, the defendants face between ten years and life in federal prison.
In another matter, 67-year-old Jimmy Wayne Wright, owner of B&L Adult Bookstore in Odessa, faces federal drug charges. Wright, who remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Monday, was arrested on Tuesday by Drug Enforcement Administration agents while executing several search warrants.
A seven-count federal grand jury indictment--returned on January 25, 2012--charges Wright with possession and distribution of products knowing that they would be used in the manufacture of cocaine. The indictment alleges that since January 2007, Wright has continuously possessed or kept in stock for purchase at his business various commonly used cutting agents for cocaine, namely inositol, lidocaine, mannitol and "Bolivian Rock" incense.
The indictment also contains a notice of criminal forfeiture whereby the Government is seeking to forfeit any property used to facilitate the alleged offense or derived from the alleged offense.
During this investigation, authorities have seized approximately $727,000 from a bank account associated with Wright, $300,000 in cash, a $45,000 check made payable to Wright and several weapons.
Upon conviction, Wright faces up to four years in federal prison per count.
"In these investigations, DEA and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners targeted various aspects of the cocaine trade in the Midland/Odessa area. In addition to pursuing members of an organization responsible for distributing significant quantities of cocaine, we went after facilitators who provide dealers with products used to 'cut' or dilute cocaine prior to further distribution. The arrests and seizures in these cases are the result of outstanding cooperation among law enforcement agencies in this region and are expected to have an immediate impact on the supply of illicit drugs to the area," said Joseph M. Arabit, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration-El Paso Division.
This investigation was conducted by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, Midland County Sheriff's Department, Ector County Sheriff's Department and the Midland Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Klassen, Brandi Young and William Tatum.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
]]> http://www.cbs7.com/news/details.asp?ID=32296 Sun, 5 Feb 2012 04:41:03 UTC news