VOLUME 27, NO. 25 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012
Cleveland Rape Suspects: 13 of the 14 adult suspects charged in the Cleveland gang rape may soon go to trial, even as early as this month. Yesterday those 13 defendants appeared before 75th District Judge Mark Morefield for a docket call. Four were placed on the February 27 trial calendar. They are Rayford Ellis Jr., Kelvin King, Marcus Porchia, and Jamarcus Napper. Also in court yesterday, 8 of the 14 were placed on the March 19th trial docket. One of the suspects, Jared Cruse, who for at least the third time, showed up without an attorney, was told to return for a March 5th docket call at which time an attorney would be appointed. The 14th adult, Isaiah Rashad Ross recently pled guilty to aggravated sexual assault.
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Police Chase: A Liberty man, Josh Albritton, 24 is in custody accused of car theft. It was mid morning yesterday when police were told a man had tried to steal a truck from a Kentucky Street address and fled the scene on foot. Liberty Officer Wes O’Hanlon apprehended the man after a chase on foot. Officer O’Hanlon said Albritton was in possession of a knife and some illegal incense. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the search.
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City and School: The filing period for local city council and school board positions began yesterday and continues through March 5th, with the local Election Day on May 12th. One candidate filed yesterday in Liberty for a new term, Liberty Mayor Carl Picket.
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Jail Contract: The Liberty County Commissioners approved a 60 day extension on the contract for the Community Education Center, Inc. to continue to operate the Liberty County Jail. The contract was due to be renewed in October last year, and was extended in an emergency meeting back in December. Yesterday morning in a special called meeting, Liberty County Commissioners extended the contract for 60 more days.
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Akins / Shauberger: Charged in 2009 for tampering with governmental records, F. Ray Akins and Eddie Shauberger are moving toward a trial date. At a docket call in the 75th District Court Monday, Judge Mark Morefield scheduled Akins and Shauberger for the trial docket on March 19th. They may or may not go to trial on that date.
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*Lake Release: 37,200 CFS – Liberty Bridge: 26.54 ASL*