NEWS AND EVENTS

Here you will find all the latest news and updates for information from Hays County Crime Stoppers
Warrant amnesty flyer 2

IT’S YOUR LUCKY MONTH!

March is Warrant Amnesty Month
The Justices of the Peace in Hays County and the Municipal Courts of Kyle and Buda are granting Warrant Amnesty in March!  If you have an active Class C warrant in one of these courts, come and take care of it without going to jail and get your warrant fees waived!

Here is a list of the courts in Hays County participating in this program.  Please go by and visit with the court, call them, or visit their website for additional information.  Save your pot of gold today by taking care of that active Class C warrant.

Justice of the Peace, 1-1
Judge Jo Anne Prado
712 S. Stagecoach Trail Ste. 2235
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7871
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/jp1-1/

Justice of the Peace, 1-2
Judge Maggie H. Moreno
712 S. Stagecoach Trail Ste. 2235
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7636
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/jp-1-2/

Justice of the Peace, 2-1
Judge Beth Smith
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, Texas 78640
512-268-3151
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/jp-2/

Justice of the Peace, 2-2
Judge J.R. Mendoza
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, Texas 78640
512-268-2676
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/justice-of-the-peace-precinct-2-2/

Justice of the Peace, 3
Judge Andrew Cable
200 Stillwater Rd Ste. 104
Wimberley, Texas 78676
512-847-2000
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/jp-3/

Justice of the Peace, 4
Judge John Burns
195 Roger Hanks Parkway, Suite 2
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
512-858-7446
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/jp-4/

Justice of the Peace, 5
Judge Sandra Bryant
500 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, Texas 78610
512-295-2700
https://hayscountytx.com/courts/justice-of-the-peace/jp-5/

Buda Municipal Court
Judge Beth Smith
405 E. Loop Street, Building 100
Buda, TX 78610
https://www.budatx.gov/109/Municipal-Court

Kyle Municipal Court
Judge Andrew Cable
100 W. Center St.
Kyle, Texas 78640
512-262-3994
https://www.cityofkyle.com/municipalcourt

2023 Naughty List Coming Soon...

He's making a list,
He's checking it twice;
Gonna' find out who's naughty and nice...

Hays County Crime Stoppers just received word from the North Pole and the Department of the Naughty List that this year's list is almost complete.  The first entries are set to be released on December 1st!
2023 naughty list coming soon

Hays County Crime Stoppers Update, Volume 5

PDF
October 15, 2023

Here is the latest edition of the Hays County Crime Stoppers Update! Thank you to the citizens, businesses, students, first responders, and media for working together to keep Hays County a safer place!

Download "Crime Stoppers Newsletter Oct 2023_FINAL.pdf"

Game room

The Lucky Heifer to Host Benefit for Hays County Crime Stoppers

The Lucky Heifer is hosting a benefit sweepstakes game night for Hays County Crime Stoppers. Proceeds will be donated to help Hays County Crime Stoppers with general operations and reward funds! Come out and enjoy some fun and electronic gaming at The Lucky Heifer!

Join us on Monday, July 17, 2023
102 Rebel Drive
Buda, Texas
6:00PM to Midnight

Hays County Crime Stoppers Update, Volume 4

PDF
May 12, 2023

Here is the latest edition of the Hays County Crime Stoppers Update! Thank you to the citizens, businesses, students, first responders, and media for working together to keep Hays County a safer place!

Download "Crime Stoppers Update May 2023_draft 3.pdf"

ADDITIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED

  • Most Cases Solved for Campus Population 15,001 to 20,000
  • Most Cash Recovered for a Campus Population 15,001 to 20,000
  • Best Website
  • Best Social Media Post -- Valentine's Day Special, February 2022
  • Student Board Member of the Year -- Isabella Ethridge (Hays High School)
  • Campus Crime Stopper Student Ambassador -- Kallina Rodriguez (Johnson High School, 2023 - Present)

HAYS COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS
CAMPUS PROGRAMS EARN AWARDS

Hays County Crime Stoppers hosted the 27th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference in San Marcos held February 6th through 8th, 2023.  The Campus Conference brought together over 350 students, school administrators, school staff members, local volunteers, and law enforcement officers to openly and candidly discuss topics about school safety and crime fighting efforts that students are taking to keep their campus environments safe.  During the conference, Hays County Crime Stoppers and other associated Campus Crime Stoppers programs across the State of Texas were recognized for their efforts and earned awards.

For the 6th year in a row, Hays High School Campus Crime Stoppers won the Digital Poster Competition!  Student Crime Stopper Lia Luna was the artist for this project.

Hays County Crime Stoppers Update, Volume 3

PDF
February 5, 2023

Here is the latest edition of the Hays County Crime Stoppers Update! Thank you to the citizens, businesses, students, first responde
rs, and media for working together to keep Hays County a safer place!

Download "Crime Stoppers Update Feb 2023_FINAL.pdf"

Outlook xffrb3f3

Hays County Crime Stoppers to Host Annual Conference

Nick Castillo
Managing Editor
@Nick_Castillo74
ncastillo@sanmarcosrecord.com
Saturday, February 4, 2023

The Hays County Crime Stoppers will host the 27th annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference, beginning Monday.
Several hundred high school students from across Texas are set to attend the conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel Convention Center in San Marcos between Feb. 6-8.

“We have more than 300 people registered,” said Kim Hilsenbeck, conference chair and HCCS volunteer. “The conference took more than a year of planning, fundraising and nail-biting but we’re ready.”

HCCS said teenagers between 14-18 will be the majority of conference goers. Additional attendees will include law enforcement and related personnel such as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, school resource officers and school safety directors. Local attendees will include students from Hays High School and Johnson High School who are a part of their respective campus crime stoppers groups, HCCS added.

This year’s conference theme will be “Clued In” and features a murder mystery-style dinner on the first night, Hilsenbeck said.

“More importantly, though, our line-up of speakers is second to none,” Hilsenbeck said. “General and breakout sessions include topics such as school safety, domestic and dating violence, sex trafficking, cyberbullying, suicide prevention, and a roundtable on police-community perceptions.”

The conference will also feature a roundtable with students addressing the ongoing opioid crisis from a teen perspective.

“Our underlying goal of this event is helping these students realize they have a voice when it comes to campus safety,” Hilsenbeck said. “They know what’s going on at their schools and in their communities, but many are scared or unwilling to speak up. But they absolutely are the change agents in this situation. They can go back to their campus and be part of the solution.”

Ahead of the conference, HCCS Executive Director Sgt. Jeff Jordan said he is “proud of the team that brought the upcoming conference to life.”

“We went from zero to 60 in about five seconds,” Jordan said. “The board voted in January 2022 to host the 2023 conference and from that point on it’s been non-stop.”
HCCS said the campus conference is overseen by Texas Crime Stoppers|Public Safety Office, which is under the umbrella of the Governor’s Office. Although a small staff in Austin has helped HCCS with the conference, most details have been up to the local organization.

Jordan stated that he’s seen the group’s volunteers take ownership of the event by coordinating the venue, speakers, food, sponsorship, entertainment, speaker gifts, centerpieces, signage and the program book.

“When those students arrive at the hotel next week, they are in for a great event,” Jordan said. “And we want them to go back to their campuses with knowledge, confidence and the tools needed to create a safer environment.”

HCCS Executive Board Chair Gary Tucker said the event is in good hands and knows the organization is prepared.
“This may be our first campus conference, but it’s not our first rodeo,” Tucker said. “I believe in this group of volunteers  and I’m confident the event will be a success.”
The conference’s Title Sponsor is Broaddus Defense. Other event sponsors include H-E-B, 777 Buda, La Cima, DS2 Ranch (Dodie  and Dick Scott), Suzanne & John Pacheco, and Brown Distributing.
To learn more and become an event sponsor, visit www.callcrimestopper.com.
San Marcos Record
Hays free press

County Crime Stoppers Engages, Educates, Empowers Community

By Natalie Frels natalie@haysfreepress.com By Natalie Frels natalie@haysfreepress.com
on February 1, 2023

Hays County organization aids in nabbing record number of criminals

HAYS COUNTY — In early January, Hays County Crime Stoppers (HCCS) Executive Director Sgt. Jeffrey Jordan received an anonymous tip regarding an individual wanted for assaulting a public servant. Days later, on Jan. 12, more than 230 miles away, the Arlington Police Department arrested Aladria Walker for outstanding warrants, with additional charges from the Arlington and Grand Prairie police departments.

With a fifth arrest for 2023 under its belt, HCCS is aiding law enforcement across the state and nation by reinvigorating its program and educating, engaging and empowering the community, thrusting itself into relevancy as a means to bring criminals to justice.

When most people think of Crime Stoppers, they think of an anonymous tip line. But it’s so much more than that. There are several ways to submit a tip. Anyone can call the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, the organization receives approximately a dozen tips through the hotline per month, Jordan said.

However, during a time when information is at the tip of our fingers, individuals can also submit tips online.

“Communication has totally changed,” said Gary Tucker, chairman of HCCS. “We have a team of folks and board members and an incredibly good executive director and we reoriented how we communicate with the community. It was originally a tip hotline. Later, we had P3 software, which is webbased. So, we get tips in different ways.”

With an encrypted account, citizens can anonymously share information with the organization in real time through its P3 software without disclosing their name, location or any identifying details, allowing a liaison to pass along tips to law enforcement. Even if the tipster is in another location, they can choose to report a tip to a certain area — all incognito.

“We don’t have any way of knowing who it is,” Jordan said. “We can communicate real-time, so we can ask questions. They can send pictures and video and we can forward those straight to the agency representative. Over the last year, we brought in all of our agencies in a law enforcement advisory capacity. We can talk to the detective [leading the investigation] and once the tip is forwarded, they can ask us to request specifics regarding the tip’s content. We can send them [essentially] a text or instant message, back and forth, almost like having a conversation. Our job isn’t to identify them.

Our job is to keep them anonymous. It’s to protect them and keep them safe.” Kim Hilsenbeck, chair of the HCCS campus conference and campus committee, added, “If you want to remain anonymous, you call Crime Stoppers. If you call your local police, they have your name, phone number, address — all of that … We’re trying to educate the public. Crime Stoppers exists to have this safe space. If you call your local police or sheriff’s office, that’s all negated … Everyone has heard of Crime Stoppers.

There are folks that think it’s just a law enforcement thing and it’s not. We have a relationship, we have a partnership, but we’re separate entities.”

With the implementation of the app and P3 software, more and more people are reaching out to share what they know and ultimately bring criminals to justice.

In the past year, HCCS received tips that led to a record number of arrests in its history, which began as San Marcos Crime Stoppers in 1981 and was later reenvisioned to serve all of Hays County in 1991. In the past five years, however, Jordan said the activity has increased threefold.

“We used to do six to eight [arrests per year],” the executive director said. “With 49 arrests last year, it’s the most we’ve ever done in one year.”

Now, the organization receives anywhere from 20 to 60 submissions per month. As of Jan.

17, a lifetime total of 783 arrests have been made in connection with HCCS, 924 cases have been cleared and 69 fugitives have been arrested. Cash, property and drugs in dollars amassed a total amount recovered of $13,094,046.

Hilsenbeck stressed that the individuals arrested as a result of a Crime Stoppers tip are commonly repeat offenders.

“People want a safe community. The thing I’ve seen with Crime Stoppers is that when we get to an arrest and we take that person off the street, these are, a lot of the times, repeat offenders. You’re not just talking about a single offender,” she said.

“We’ve closed cases that are years old. There’s a real connection to keeping your neighborhoods and campuses safer when you talk about repeat offenders.”

Jordan recalled one case of a car burglary that resulted in the closing of more than 30 cases between Bexar and Williamson counties.

“A lot of people ask, ‘Why aren’t you called Crime Solvers?’ We’re not investigating. We are trying to stop crime.

The Most Wanted are not there because they’ve done something simple.

By getting them off the streets, we are, indeed, helping to stop crime,” said Steve Meyer, vice chairman of HCCS.

“It’s important that we ask, ‘How can we help society?’ We’re trying to stop crime by getting the repeat offenders and most recidivist and most dangerous people off the street to make society safer.”

Further, the tips themselves are not even just about crime anymore, Jordan added. Now, the information provided can range from welfare checks on suicidal individuals to events in schools.

“We’re able to forward that [information] to local law enforcement for a welfare check to make sure that individual is okay,” he said. “Sometimes that’s an easier way to get those things reported for some people than calling 9-1-1.”

Hilsenbeck credits this shift and increase in efficacy and engagement to a change in leadership starting in September of 2021, when Jordan became the executive director.

“I think it’s fair to say that this organization was on life support a year ago,” Hilsenbeck said. “It was older people on the board who had not breathed enough life into this in a while, so now you have someone who is coming in with new ideas, looking at things from a fresh perspective, building a whole new board and just reinvigorating it. It’s got a lot of new ideas and new energy that maybe didn’t exist for a while.”

Jordan said it’s a team effort.

“The biggest part of it, though, has really been communication — whether that’s through social media, doing a presentation somewhere, just talking with people,” he said. “We’re talking about the program, why it’s important and why it’s still valid. That’s one of the big things — the program is still valid; it’s just had to evolve.”

Posting HCCS’ Most Wanted list is just one example, Tucker said.

“With the technology, [the organization] is constantly updating the list. The information is current and fresh in the community’s mind,” he said. “There is repetition in the daily lives of individuals who see updates on social media.

It’s almost like we care the information is getting out and people in the community want to be a part of the community and help.”

Not only does HCCS get out into the community with events and presentations, but the organization is also engaging with citizens on a whole new level with the prevalence of social media. Awareness builds as people tag other users in the comments and share Crime Stoppers’ posts.

“Whether it’s through social media, the community, law enforcement or media, our goal is threefold: it’s to educate, to empower and to engage. And we’re doing all three of those things,” Jordan said. “By just making people aware of what’s happening and how to keep people safe, they’re empowered by stepping up and providing us tips.”

It’s a positive cycle: as HCCS sees results, the community, in turn, becomes more engaged.

“As we’ve become more visible, [citizens] are more interested in what’s happening and how they can help,” said Meyer.

“And that’s what we’re seeing more and more from the community because there is concern about safety in the community right now.”

For the first time in its history, HCCS is working with every law enforcement agency in the county and is in the process of connecting with every high school in the county as well.

In fact, reaching out to teens is an important initiative for the countywide organization. Not only are many local youths involved, but one of the 12 ambassadors in the state hails from Hays High School, Hilsenbeck added. “It’s prestigious.”

Additionally, more and more community youth are getting involved. From Feb. 6-8, Hays County will host the 27th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference. Hundreds of student volunteers, administrators, program sponsors and school resource officers from across the state are expected to gather at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos for the “Clued In” event, which promises a great learning experience with a focus on current trends and issues seen on campuses and in the local communities, including the following topics: cyberbullying, school violence and threats, distracted driving, sex trafficking, online predators and fentanyl.

HCCS is currently seeking community sponsors for the annual conference to invest in the next generation.

“We’re trying to focus our efforts so that students become change agents in their communities. If community and campus safety is not at the top of our minds right now, then we’ve got a problem.

I’ve got kids in school and I can’t tell you how many times you hear about school shootings and your heart stops,” Hilsenbeck said. “This is the next generation that’s going to go back and make a change in their community, but we have to give them the voice to do that — the tools, the knowledge, the permission — to go do that. They have to be a part of the conversation.

You [sponsors] are not just helping us throw a conference; you’re helping us to create 350 change agents to go back into their communities all over the state and change the conversation.

“Let’s be more proactive. Law enforcement can’t really help until a crime has already happened. Can we do other things before that as a community, as a school, as a campus?

Help us educate this next generation of kids and give them the tools that they need to be the leaders, because if we don’t change the conversation, we’re screwed.”

HCCS offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities at different levels to help support the conference.

Individuals interested in sponsoring “Clued In” are invited to visit the website at www.callcrimestoppers. com.

To submit a tip to Hays County Crime Stoppers, visit the organization’s website, download the P3Tips mobile app or call 1 (800) 324-TIPS.
Hays Free Press

2022 END OF YEAR REVIEW

PDF
Hays County Crime Stoppers, Inc. is pleased to share the 2022 End of Year Review.  I would like to acknowledge all of the hard work that the Board of Directors have done in 2022 to rebuild, rebrand, and reinvigorate the program.  The combined effort of our Board and Law Enforcement partners have truly made Hays County a safer place for our communities, schools, and businesses. 

Download "HCCS EOYR 2022.pdf"

Hays County Crime Stoppers Special Christmas Public Service Announcement

Do you know a Grinch? Want to help give it the pinch? It's a cinch! Hays County Crime Stoppers has a special offer for the Grinch.
Fighting fentanyl png

Fighting Fentanyl – Help is Here: Episode 1, Part 2

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After Reorganization, Hays County Crime Stoppers Marks Anniversary

CRIME STOPPERS
Lance Winter
Publisher
Sunday, September 25, 2022

It’s about a promise kept.

Crime stoppers has been the most successful crime solving and crime fighting program in the history of law enforcement. It’s because it has all the necessary elements to induce people to give information to crime stoppers which can be used by law enforcement to solve crimes. The reward for tips is a plus for some, but not for others as it’s more about cleaning up the streets.

Hays County Crime Stoppers (HCCS) is celebrating its first anniversary after reorganizing in 2021. In the last 12 months the organization has apprehended a record breaking 21 Hays County fugitives, one Williamson County fugitive, and eight tips regarding crimes in progress or warrants not currently on the wanted list — A total of 30 from Jan 1. to Sept. 14.

Jeff Jordan, sergeant with the Hays County Sheriff’s Department and Executive Director of the HCCS, said the biggest surprise for him has been the community support.

“It’s been a nice surprise to see the public’s response to our push of information, requests for information, and support,” Jordan said. “I have had the honor and pleasure to talk with citizens from around Hays County, and they support Crime Stoppers and what the program does and stands for.”

It’s not only citizens throughout the county that have taken notice of the success the HCCS are having, but the statewide organization has, too. In fact, the HCCS has been so successful it has been awarded the 27th Annual Texas Campus Crime Stoppers Conference as host agency in February 2023.

“I would say that’s been our biggest success to date,” Jordan said of the conference. “But let's not forget our other successes: 1)Clearing 21 Hays County fugitives off the wanted list; 2)Building a combined team of law enforcement officers from every agency in Hays County; 3)Re-establishing one campus crime stopper program and establishing a new campus crime stopper program; 4)Building an outstanding team of concerned citizens from every corner of Hays County that believe in Crime Stoppers and want to see it succeed and thrive to keep Hays County a safe place to live, work, have fun and raise a family.”
Jordan said it hasn’t come without its challenges.

“Sure, there have been some challenges, but it’s made our program and board members more dedicated to ensuring the success,” Jordan added. “Some of our challenges this year have included getting business involvement and sponsorships, fundraising, and onboarding a full board of directors. I have been blessed with amazing board members who have stepped up, and each in their own way contributed to helping to revitalize our program.”

Prior to Jordan’s arrival, HCCS Chairman Stu Hoyt said the pandemic’s onset in 2020 couldn’t come at a worse time for Hays County Crime Stoppers.

“We were at the minimum number for members required by our bylaws and two of them had developed serious health problems,” Hoyt said. “To make matters worse, we failed to meet the deadline for applying for a large state grant.”

Hoyt said he called an emergency session and gave the board two options; one was to shut down — the other was to operate in “emergency operation” mode, hoping the money would not run out.

“We had enough funds to operate in that mode for two years. At the end of 18-months, I called another session and restated the shut down or revitalization options,” Hoyt added. “We agreed the first step was to set up a meeting with the Sheriff and ask for their assistance.”

Hoyt said that was the first day that a “miracle” was being conceived.

“Jeff Jordan was the answer,” Hoyt said. “We immediately started on a recruiting blitz. A dying operation needs to change — to revitalize — and that’s exactly where we are a year later. I never would have believed it. A miracle is born in our organization.”

Jordan became involved with HCCS in August 2021 when a meeting took place that included HCCS Chairman Stu Hoyt, Sheriff Gary Cutler, and Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez.

“A request had been made for Hays County Sheriff’s Office to come on board with an officer taking the Executive Director position. This was to help rebuild and revitalize the program,” Jordan said. “Lt. Gutierrez called me and explained what was going on and asked if I would consider the possibility of stepping up to the challenge.”

Gutierrez explained that Sheriff Cutler and himself had both thought Jordan would be a perfect fit and would be able to help the program.

“Lt. Gutierrez and I met with Stu Hoyt and Gary Tucker about a week later,” Jordan said. “I left the meeting interested but needing to talk with my wife and family before deciding.

The following week Jordan accepted the challenge.

With year two about to begin Jordan hopes to keep the momentum moving.
“I look forward to continuing to build a strong program, host an amazing Campus Crime Stoppers Conference in February, and working with law enforcement, the public and media to locate and apprehend more fugitives,” Jordan said. “This will allow for law enforcement agencies to clear more cases.”

 lwinter @sanmarcosrecord.com @LanceWinter

Hays County Crime Stoppers Update, Volume 2

PDF
October 10, 2022

Here is the latest edition of the Hays County Crime Stoppers Update! Thank you to the citizens, businesses, students, first responde
rs, and media for working together to keep Hays County a safer place!

Download "Crime Stoppers Update October 2022 FINAL_V4.pdf"

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Fighting Fentanyl: The Crisis – Episode 1, Part 1

Heb

HEB Sponsors 27th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference

September 14, 2022

Hays County Crime Stoppers is pleased to announce H-E-B as a Crime Stopper sponsor for the 27th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference!  The annual conference is held in February of each year for campus crime stopper programs and is an opportunity for students, educators, and law enforcement to network and learn how to better keep our school communities safe from crime.  The 27th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Campus Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas from February 6th to 8th.  Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to speakers regarding topics such as child sex trafficking, bullying prevention, podcasts, threat assessments, and more!

We thank H-E-B for being our local hero and Crime Stopper as the step forward to support the conference and students from across the State of Texas!  H-E-B is Helping Here!
Localnews 4881 20220908203619 perezrios

Suspected Fentanyl Distributor Arrested

September 8, 2022

On Friday, September 2, 2022, at approximately 9:30 p.m. the San Marcos Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence for a man suspected of supplying fentanyl pills to members of the community.

After weeks of investigating, police identified 20-year-old Anthony Jean Perez Rios as the suspected fentanyl distributor and obtained a warrant to search his residence.
Rios and a juvenile male were detained during the search without incident. During the evidentiary search, police located 384 fentanyl pills (counterfeit Percocet) in two prescription pill bottles inside the suspect’s apartment. Police also located 12 fentanyl pills in the coin pocket of the juvenile’s jeans and seized two firearms from the apartment.

During a police interview with Rios, he admitted to regularly supplying the juvenile with fentanyl pills .

Rios was arrested and faces charges of Manufacture/Deliver/Possession of a controlled substance, Delivery of a Controlled Substance to a minor, and Possession of Controlled Substance. As of this email, Rios remains in the Hays County Jail on a $175,000 bond.

Hays County Crime Stoppers Update, Volume 1

PDF
July 11, 2022

Greetings and welcome to "The Update", Hays County Crime Stoppers biannual newsletter! The goal of this newsletter is to keep the public, law enforcement, and the media up to speed with what YOUR Hays County Crime Stoppers is doing for you, your neighborhood and your county.

Our goal is to bring citizens together with our law enforcement and media partners to keep our communities safe through education and anonymous reporting of crime and tips leading to the arrest or indictment of criminals. We are honored to serve and work towards uniting our communities throughout Hays County in stopping crime!

Download "Hays County Crime Stoppers Update July 2022.pdf"

Silouette

Boy arrested: Threat about shooting up San Marco day care put police in other cities on high alert

June 10, 2022

Florida Times-Union

By Dan Scanlan

A 15-year-old Jacksonville boy is being linked to a social media threat of "shooting up a day care in the San Marco area" that caused alarm across the country.

Before the teen was tracked to his home, communities with similar names as San Marco were placed on high alert, according to the Sheriff's Office report.

The teen, not being named by The Florida Times-Union due to his age, was arrested Wednesday on a charge of written threat to conduct an act of terrorism, according to the report.

Reached Friday by telephone, his mother said "he's a kid" and she doesn't understand how this happened since he has only been online one month.

"He didn't do that; he can't do that," she said emotionally. "... He never sent a message like that!"

Texas and California alerted
San Marcos Police Department in Texas began investigating the threat after it received two anonymous tips at about 3 a.m. Wednesday on its county Crime Stoppers line, Police Chief Stan Standridge said.

"An unknown person was going to shoot up a day care tomorrow," Standridge said during a Wednesday news conference in Texas. "This threat was made on a chat feature of a gaming platform. Because the threat did not specify a specific day care, our day shift sergeant contacted police administration and what has followed has been an extensive investigation."

Police there responded by stationing officers at all known day care facilities registered with the state of Texas to ensure safety, the department noted on its Facebook page.

Because of the vagueness of the location, other agencies such as in Jacksonville also were alerted.

"Police in San Marcos, California, have also taken steps to protect their community," the Texas agency said.

Jacksonville internet address leads to arrest
A San Marcos, Texas, digital forensics detective tracked the threat to an internet address in Jacksonville, and contacted the Sheriff's Office and FBI, Standbridge said.

Officers were sent to the Jacksonville home, and the teenage boy answered the door. There were no adults at the home, and the teen was with an 11-year-old sibling when officers arrived, the arrest report said.

The boy's mother was contacted and came home, saying she was unaware her son was able to communicate through his Xbox onto social media, the report said.

"She was more than willing to sign a consent to search form and requested we take the Xbox and laptop," the report said.

Officers searched the apartment and found no weapons, while the teen was interviewed by investigators at the Sheriff's Office downtown, the report said.

The arrest report does not indicate if the teen was incarcerated at the juvenile detention center, and due to his age, no other information on the case is available.

dscanlan@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4549
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Hays County Crime Stoppers’ Efforts Lead To 8 Arrests This Year


Sunday, May 22, 2022

Efforts by the Hays County Crime Stoppers and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Repeat Offender Program have seen an increase in fugitive apprehensions recently. Since the beginning of the year, eight fugitives from the Hays County Crime Stoppers Most Wanted list, have been arrested.

“Hays County Crime Stoppers has worked diligently as a collective group representing all of Hays County to empower citizens and businesses to take a stand against crime,” said Jeff Jordan, Sergeant with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and Executive Director of the Hays County Crime Stoppers. “Hays County Crime Stoppers continue to receive anonymous tips via phone calls and the P3Tips app. With the information received, officers work together to confirm information and look for fugitives listed on the wanted list. Hays County Crime Stoppers, along with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Repeat Offender Program, use several methods to check for current information on wanted subjects.”
Jordan said the success of the program is not based on one person. It is a collective team of persons from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and life experience that creates a working network that reaches out to local law enforcement, citizens, businesses, schools, and the media to empower individuals to stand up to crime.

“We’re a team of volunteers that want to keep our communities, schools, and businesses safe,” Jordan said. “We want Hays County to be an example of how communities work together with law enforcement and the media to remove the criminal element.”

All eight fugitives captured this year had active warrants, and all fugitives currently on the list have active felony warrants: Robert Bernal III, two charges of sexual assault of child; Ralph Rodriguez, two charges of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two charges of evading arrest or detention causing death; Darren Burke, unlawful possession of a firearm by felon and capias pro fine/over gross weight; Schellie Mulkins, theft of property <$2,500 or more with previous convictions and parole violation warrant; Christopher Little, online solicitation of a minor; Gabriel Ybarra, eight charges including bond forfeiture/indictment/possession of controlled substance (meth) and aggravated kidnapping; Karen Nava, 10 charges including seven for possession of controlled substances; and Phillip Arnold, burglary of a habitation and parole violation warrant.

“Most subjects that have a warrant know a warrant has been issued for them,” Jordan added. “Some warrants are close to 20 years old, while the majority are between one and five years old ... There can be a variety of reasons why someone is not apprehended on their warrant. Most persons that are not arrested immediately are because they simply move away from the area. We’ve had several that have moved out of county and state and there’s always a chance a person has also fled the country or been deported.”

He said law enforcement agencies try to work every lead they get to resolve a warrant and arrest the suspect, but sometimes it just takes time for the situation to come “full circle” where an arrest can be made.

Jordan said he’s not alone in making this endeavor of a safer community a priority.
“There are 26 volunteers serving on the Board of Directors, a team of 12 dedicated men and women representing each law enforcement agency in Hays County, associate members that come to help us, and school sponsors helping to organize and guide students, as well as our student campus crime stopper members,” he said. “We also have school sponsors leading our Campus Crime Stopper members at Hays High School. New groups are planned to start up at Johnson High School and San Marcos High School. I would be greatly amiss if I did not give a big thank you to our families who support us and understand what we do is just one part of the puzzle that keeps our communities safe.”

He said to help keep Crime Stoppers top of mind the organization has been working alongside with businesses like Chick-fil-A of Buda and Belterra to host ‘Spirit Night’ events where they can talk with the public and be visible.

“We hosted a Breakfast Taco Fundraiser at the Hays County Government Center on May 16, to raise awareness and money for the upcoming Campus Crime Stoppers Conference in Feb. 2023,” Jordan added. “We have another Chick-fil-A “Spirit Night’ event planned for June 6, at Chick-fil-A Kyle from 5-9 p.m. Hays County Crime Stoppers has met with local civic groups to spread the word about the program, as well as using social media and communicating with everyone we can about what the program is and can do to help.”

Jordan said the student conference in February, will bring more than 350 teens from across the state to Hays County for three days of great speakers, breakout sessions, and an awards dinner. He added that Hays County Crime Stoppers would be happy to speak with any business or organization about partnering including donations and subject matter experts.
The board and supporting bodies sacrifice time with family and friends to do this, Jordan said.

“As the executive director I could not do my job without the support of my family and the Board of Directors, as well as the support I have personally received from Sheriff Gary Cutler (HCSO), Chief Stan Standridge (SMPD), Chief Jeff Barnett (KPD), Chief Bo Kidd (BPD), and Chief Matthew Carmichael (TSUPD),” he said.
“Hays County Crime Stoppers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, which has been in operation within the county for more than 40 years. The program aims to help make the community safer and reduce crime in neighborhoods and at businesses. When individuals provide tips, they are completely anonymous.”

Jordan said the organization works to protect all tipsters and ensure they feel safe. Recent rebranding efforts, along with its increased visibility both on social media and in the community, are an important part of the recent Crime Stoppers’ successes.

Hays County Crime Stoppers encourages anyone with information on a wanted fugitive, any crime, or potential crime, to contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), submit your tip online at http:// allcrimestoppers.com/, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone or device. Together as a community, citizens, the media, and law enforcement can fight crime and keep our communities, schools, and businesses safe.

lwinter@sanmarcosrecord.com
Twitter: @LanceWinter
Spring break getaway

Hays County Crime Stoppers Spring Break Getaway






March 5, 2022

Need to get away?

Book an entire Spring Break vacation package all you need is to have outstanding warrants or know someone with outstanding warrants.

This Spring Break special starts with front door pick up service by a uniformed driver.

Staff provides each vacationer with commemorative platinum or black titanium bracelets. A luxury SUV or sports car will transport vacationers to an exotic, all-inclusive resort with a minimum one-night stay.

If that’s not enough vacationers will relax in a spa and exercise with unique state of the art equipment. Award winning chefs prepare all meals.
But wait, there’s a bonus, a professional photographer will be there to take photos to keep these special memories forever.

We know this special is so incredible that you will refer to all the top wanted persons you know. We don't blame you, this special is too hot to pass up. Download our app P3Tips or visit us at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=224&CX=56899A or call 1-800-324-TIPS (8477) to submit that special wanted person’s location, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Operators are standing by 24/7.

*Tipsters will remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an arrest or grand jury indictment of a felony offender.*

Hays HS Campus Crime Stoppers Recognized

February 17, 2022

Recognitions and awards that were presented to the Hays High School Campus Crime Stoppers program at this year’s 26th Annual Texas Campus Crime Stoppers conference!

For the 6th consecutive conference, the Hays High School Campus Crime Stoppers program was awarded first place in this year’s poster contest! The detail and creativeness that was put into this poster by one of HHS student graphic designers, Long Hoang, is not only eye catching but also accurately displays information regarding the different methods of being able to report crime/tips anonymously. We truly appreciate the time spent in creating this poster, which will be displayed on campus. A sincere Thank You to Hays’ very own CTE Digital Media teacher, Mr. Donald Davis, for his continued show of support for the Campus Crime Stoppers program by allowing his students the opportunity to showcase their talents in helping to create posters each year.

The Hays High School Campus Crime Stoppers program is honored to announce that, after having participated in an application and interview process, student board member Isabella Ethridge has been selected to represent the Texas Campus Crime Stoppers program as a State Ambassador! Isabella is one of 12 ambassadors in the state of Texas and will carry this coveted title with her through her senior year in high school! We believe that Isabella will represent not only our school district but our community and state with pride. Congratulations Isabella!

The Hays County Crime Stoppers and Campus Crime Stoppers will be hosting the 27th annual Texas Campus Crime Stoppers conference next year. This is a huge honor that will bring many Campus Crime Stoppers programs/students from across the state of Texas to Hays County to network with fellow student peers while also focusing on current trends and issues seen on campuses.

The above mentioned State level recognitions represent the many great things happening at Hays High School with both our incredibly talented students and the success of the Campus Crime Stoppers program! A sincere thank you to Principal Mr. David Pierce, and sponsors Ms. Lori Smith and Mrs. Carolyn Ramirez and all who have continued to support this program!

(Poster Photos Credit, BeBe Davis)
(Ambassador Photo Credit, Donald Davis & Lance Winter )
Localnews 4785 20220305225055 valentinesday

Hays County Crime Stoppers Valentine's Day Special




February 4, 2022

Valentine’s Day Special!

Do you have an ex-Valentine and know they have outstanding warrants? Give us a call with their location and we’ll take care of the rest.

This Valentine’s Day Special starts off with a set of limited-edition platinum bracelets, free transportation with a chauffeur, a one-night minimum stay in luxurious accommodations and professional glamour shots. This special is capped off with a special Valentine’s dinner.

We know this special is so incredible that you may be tempted to provide additional referrals. We don't blame you, this special is too sweet to pass up.

Operators are standing by!

Call 1-800-324-TIPS(8477)
Download the app : P3Tips
Submit online : https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=224&CX=56899A

Thank you Odessa Crime Stoppers. This offer is so good we couldn’t refuse to offer it! #HCCS