Harrelson sentenced
Liberty County Treasurer Janet Harrelson appeared before Judge David Walker yesterday
morning in the sentencing phase of the trial that found her guilty on four counts
- and left the courtroom with 10 days of grace before her jail sentence begins.
Harrelson is to surrender herself to authorities at the end of those 10 days
to begin a 60-day jail sentence on the Class A misdemeanor charge of abuse of
official capacity. She was also ordered to pay $880 in restitution charges to
the county.
On each of two counts of tampering with governmental records - a state felony
- Harrelson received a sentence of 5 years and a $5,000 fine. The sentences were
probated - the fines must be paid. On the count of forgery - a third degree felony
- she received a 10-year probated sentence and a $10,000 fine.
Harrelson must also pay all court costs associated with the four counts.
Judge Walker stated that, "in the public's interest", Harrelson will
still remain suspended from her elected position of Liberty County Treasurer
in the event she decides to appeal the sentence.
District Attorney Mike Little, who prosecuted the case, says he's "pretty
much pleased" with the sentencing. "As an advocate for the public,
I would have liked to see more actual incarceration," says Little, "but
I still think it's a fair sentence."
Cleveland kids raising funeral funds
Cleveland High School's ROTC members have joined forces with the school's SWAT
Club to help a fellow student bury his mother. Consuelo Maria Jaime passed away
last Saturday in a Houston hospital, losing her battle with cancer - but her
children are now battling the odds of raising enough money to give her a funeral
and a proper burial.
David Maria would have been a junior at CHS, but left school in order to be with
his mother during her illness. With no father or family to help, he now faces
the task of taking care of his mother one last time - but he's not doing it alone.
Members of the school's ROTC and SWAT Club organizations are fanning out around
Cleveland, collecting what donations they can, to help David pay the funeral
expenses.
Anyone wishing to help these "kids who care" can stop by the Cleveland
High School administration office or the ROTC building to donate funds.
Cleveland Historical Society meets tonight
Anyone interested in Cleveland history is encouraged to attend tonightÕs
meeting of the Historical Society at 7 p.m. in the Austin Memorial Library auditorium.
Kevan Ladd, chairman of the Liberty County Historical Society, will be the featured
guest, talking about how to preserve and protect documents and conduct audio/video
interviews.
Funeral Services scheduled
--Joe Caldwell, Thursday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m., Pace-Stancil/Probst Chapel,
with interment following at Farley Chapel Cemetery.
--Emma Knight, interment at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens.
--William Yarbough, cremation.
--Douglas "Doc" Weirch, cremation.
--Roy Davis, cremation.
Police Report
Cleveland police made three arrests Tuesday. David Lee Denny was
arrested on warrants for theft by check; Raymond Traylor for probation
violation;
and Lisa
Diane McKee for public intoxication. Cleveland and Tarkington fire departments
battled a structure fire on FM 1010 past Gladstell road.
On Tap at the Texan
Showing through Thursday night, 7 p.m. each night, is The Rundown,
rated PG 13. Beginning Friday, at 7 and 9 p.m., will be Under The
Tuscan Sun
with Diane
Lane,
rated PG-13. Admission is $2 for children aged 3-11, and $4 for those
aged 12 and up.
