The Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo will be held on April 26-27. The event starts at 7 p.m. each night with admission prices of $20 for adults, $12 for kids (ages 4-12), and free entry for ages 3 and under. Parking is available for $5, and gates open at 5 p.m. There will be a full concession stand and various vendors onsite.

There will also be Mutton Bustin' and Calf & Sheep scrambles, as well as the Go Texan Shrimp Boil/Fish Fry on Friday, and the BBQ Cook-Off on Saturday.

Friday night will be Go Blue Night!

Get tickets here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded on Wednesday, Sep. 6, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

I. Stats (:30)

Summary: There are currently 438 inmates in custody in Henderson County Jail, including 101 contract inmates. The average for the year is 410.

Comments: "It's been going up a little bit, and then of course our contract inmates have crept up," said Sheriff Hillhouse.

II. Budget (1:32)

Summary: Sheriff Hillhouse has been busy working on the FY 2024 budget, which was approved by County Commissioners Tuesday morning. One highlight of the new budget is the approval of a new investigator for the Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Comments: "We've seen a lot of kids, unfortunately, but we knew that was going to happen when we took on the bigger caseload," Sheriff Hillhouse said.

III. New Laws (3:36)

Summary: The state saw hundreds of new laws go into effect on Sep. 1. Sheriff Hillhouse highlighted a few.

* More training: All law enforcement officers must now take training on child death investigations. "Everybody's going to receive that training," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "Those deputies or police officers are the ones out there taking the initial reports."

* More school officers, active shooter training: All schools statewide will have someone armed on campus. Also, every state officer must have 16 hours of active shooter training every two years. "There were a lot of schools that added more police officers to their ISD PDs, which I think is a good thing," Sheriff Hillhouse said.

* School safety meetings: County Sheriffs are now responsible for holding two school safety meetings per year with all the school districts and emergency management stakeholders. "I'm hoping to have our first meeting around November," Sheriff Hillhouse said.

* Fentanyl: If someone overdoses on fentanyl, the person who sold the fentanyl can be charged with murder.

* Boating charge enhanced: Boating while intoxicated with a child younger than 15 on the boat is now a state jail felony. "I think this is a law that needed to be on the books," Sheriff Hillhouse said.

IV. Deputies of the Quarter (10:33)

Summary: Wednesday, Sheriff Hillhouse was honored to present three outstanding employees with awards for their service and dedication to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Investigator Jose Romero was named Deputy of the 3rd quarter of 2023. Communications Officer Sarah Fisher was named Communications Officer of the quarter. Detention Officer Michelle Briggs was named Detention Officer of the quarter.

Comments: "All three of these individuals in the last couple of months have gone above and beyond," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "They're outstanding employees."

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

===

This week, Sheriff Hillhouse talks about the importance of the Crime Stoppers program in Henderson County.

I. Stats (2:14)

Summary: There were 410 inmates in Henderson County Jail as of Wednesday morning, with 90 of those being out-of-county inmates. The average population for the year is 408.

Extra: There have been 85 dogs or cats picked up by animal control in the past two weeks.

II. Crime Stoppers (3:27)

Summary: Crime Stoppers is the only way to provide anonymous tips to law enforcement in Henderson County. If a tip leads to an arrest for a felony offense, the tipster could receive up to $1,000.

Quote: "I think a lot of people might know about it, but I don't thing a lot of people use it," said Sheriff Hillhouse.

More: In the podcast, Sheriff Hillhouse discusses the history behind the Crime Stoppers program.

Contact: To give Crime Stoppers an anonymous tip, you can call 800-545-8477, download the Crime Stoppers app, or visit the local website at http://hccstips.com.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded at the Henderson County Justice Center on Wednesday, July 12, with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

This week’s edition includes a Most Wanted Felon, a busy Fourth of July, and the Deputies of the Quarter.

I. Stats (1:14)

Summary: There were 395 inmates in the jail Wednesday morning, with 87 of those being contract inmates. The average population for the year is 408.

Also: Sheriff Hillhouse added a new stat to the list. In the past two weeks, the Sheriff’s Office has picked up 35 dogs or cats.

II. Most Wanted Felon Caught (2:50)

Summary: This week, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brandon Truitt, 38, who was on the Kaufman County Most Wanted list. He also had warrants for his arrest issued out of Henderson County and Brazos County. His warrants included drug charges, bail jumping, evading arrest, and parole violations.

Also: Truitt was arrested by Deputy Edwin Rodriguez and K-9 Valco. Deputy Rodriguez stopped Truitt on Loop 7 and while stopped, Truitt exited the vehicle and ran into a heavily wooded area. Valco was able to go into the woods and find Truitt.

Quote: “We're very thankful that Valco was actually there this time and got him apprehended, and he is now in custody,” said Sheriff Hillhouse.

III. Busy Fourth of July (4:54)

Summary: The Sheriff’s Office stayed very busy in the days leading up to July 4. Sheriff Hillhouse said his department worked two drownings, a fire, and a total of eight deaths over that period.

Quote: “I've seen a lot of busy holidays in my career,” said Sheriff Hillhouse. “This is actually probably the busiest Fourth of July that I have ever seen.”

IV. Deputies of the Quarter (7:27)

Summary: Wednesday, Sheriff Hillhouse was honored to present three outstanding employees with awards for their service and dedication to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Investigator Wayne Nutt was named Deputy of the 2nd Quarter of 2023. Communications Officer Milinda Kay Wood was named Communications Officer of the Quarter. Detention Officer Zoe Tunnell was named Detention Officer of the Quarter.

Quote: “It's really, really hard for us to just pick one,” said Sheriff Hillhouse. “There's always something that happens in the quarter that kind of stands out, and so we try to remember those and recognize them once a quarter.”

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded Wednesday, April 26, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

This week, Sheriff Hillhouse talks about a drug-related shooting and the dangerous drug fentanyl.

I. Statistics (0:37)

Summary: There are currently 414 inmates in the jail, including 98 contract inmates. The daily average for the year is 411 inmates.

II. Shooting Death (1:11)

Summary: Last Friday, April 21, authorities received a call reporting gunshots in the Bonita Point subdivision outside of Gun Barrel City. Soon after, another call came in reporting a female victim who had been shot. Responding units found the victim slumped over in a truck, and despite attempts to revive her, she passed away on the scene.

The victim was a 25-year-old female who had been living in the Gun Barrel City, Payne Springs, Cedar Creek Lake area for some time.

392nd District Judge Scott McKee issued search warrants, and officers began canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses. During the search, officers uncovered numerous firearms as well as methamphetamine, heroin, and a significant amount of fentanyl. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A suspect in the shooting was recently arrested for aggravated assault and was found to be taking fentanyl. Medical personnel at the jail had to use Narcan to combat the fentanyl intoxication, the first time that has happened at the jail.

More: Fentanyl is a highly dangerous and addictive synthetic opioid that is more potent than morphine. It is often used to cut other drugs, such as heroin, and is a major contributor to the opioid epidemic in the United States.

The amount of fentanyl found at the residence where a female victim was shot and killed is concerning to law enforcement officials.

Quote: "The amount of fentanyl that we located at this residence alarms me and alarms all the investigators here. It's here, and we knew it was here, but they had quite a bit there,” said Sheriff Botie Hillhouse

III. First Responders Rodeo (11:34)

Summary: The Henderson County First Responders 37th Annual PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for April 28-29 at the Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $20 and $12 for kids aged 4-12. Children 3 and under get in free. Bullfighters Only (BFO) will perform following the rodeo.

Tickets can be purchased from Elder Dodge, Cowboy Headquarters, Cavender's, Boot Barn, Verabank, and First State Bank. For more information, call 903-677-6313.

There will be a raffle each night of the rodeo for two Radical Arms SR-15223s, and a ticket will cost $10. The raffle ticket will be good for both Friday and Saturday night draws. BYOB with a 20-quart max cooler charge of $20, but absolutely no glass is allowed. The GO TEXAN Committee will host a fried fish and crawfish boil Friday night and a BBQ cookoff on Saturday. Contact Stephen Magee at 903-677-2292 for more information.

Quote: "This event is growing so much,” said Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, “We've sold it out the last two years in a row. We couldn't do it without all of our great sponsors."

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded at the Henderson County Justice Center on Wednesday, April 12, with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

In this week's episode, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse talks about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Deputies of the Quarter, and the Henderson County First Responders Rodeo.

I. Statistics (1:49)

Summary: There are currently 391 inmates in Henderson County Jail, with 104 of those being contract inmates. The average inmate population for the year is 412.

II. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (2:35)

Summary: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 9-15 and is a time to recognize the hardworking individuals who are the first point of contact in emergency situations. These professionals work tirelessly to ensure that emergency responders can quickly and effectively provide assistance to those in need.

Quote: "They are the backbone of this office, in my opinion," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "They take care of all of the citizens. They take care of every first responder in Henderson County."

III. Deputies of the Quarter (6:08)

Summary: Last week, Sheriff Hillhouse presented three outstanding employees with awards for their service and dedication to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Samuel Addkinson was named Deputy of the 1st quarter of 2023. Communications Officer Amanda Rose was named Communications Officer of the quarter. Detention Officer Jacklyn Hart was named Detention Officer of the quarter.

IV. First Responders Rodeo (10:22)

The Henderson County First Responders 37th Annual PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for April 28-29 at the Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $20 and $12 for kids aged 4-12. Children 3 and under get in free. Bullfighters Only (BFO) will perform following the rodeo.

Tickets can be purchased from Elder Dodge, Cowboy Headquarters, Cavender's, Boot Barn, Verabank, and First State Bank. For more information, call 903-677-6313.

There will be a raffle each night of the rodeo for two Radical Arms SR-15223s, and a ticket will cost $10. The raffle ticket will be good for both Friday and Saturday night draws. BYOB with a 20-quart max cooler charge of $20, but absolutely no glass is allowed. The GO TEXAN Committee will host a fried fish and crawfish boil Friday night and a BBQ cookoff on Saturday. Contact Stephen Magee at 903-677-2292 for more information.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded at the Henderson County Justice Center on Wednesday, March 29, with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

In this podcast, Sheriff Hillhouse discusses the law enforcement imposter who approached him at the Livestock Show, and talks about getting ready for the Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo.

I. Stats (1:50)

Summary: There are currently 425 inmates in Henderson County Jail, with 105 contract inmates. The average for the year is 413.

More: Remember, contract inmates bring income into the County. The average number of contract inmates for the year is 96.

II. Fake Officer (3:44)

Summary: While at the Henderson County Livestock Show last week, Sheriff Hillhouse was approached by Dallas Browning, who identified himself to the Sheriff as a Winnsboro, Texas, police officer. Browning did this two different times. During the Livestock Show, Browning also told other Sheriff's Office deputies he was a Winnsboro police officer. Later in the week, the Sheriff received a report that someone was following students around and making them uncomfortable. That person turned out to be Browning, who denied doing anything wrong. Later, Browning went to the Ag barn at a local school and told students he was a DPS officer. Monday, Sheriff Hillhouse pulled records and learned Browning is not a certified peace officer. Browning was arrested for Impersonating a Public Servant.

Quote: "For him to come up to other law enforcement officers and tell them that he's a police officer doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me," said Sheriff Hillhouse, "because we do have the tools and we can find these things out if it is the truth. What really concerns me is why is he telling these students. Why is he contacting these students? What's really going on in the background?"

More: Browning is facing up to 10 years in TDCJ for the Impersonating a Public Servant charge.

III. First Responders Rodeo (11:04)

Summary: The Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 28-29. The rodeo is a fundraiser for the Henderson County Peace Officers Association and the Henderson County Fire Chief's Association. Learn more and get tickets here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded on Wednesday, March 8, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

In this episode, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse highlights some important work done by the Sheriff's Office auto theft and burglary investigators.

I. Stats (:57)

Summary: There are currently 430 inmates in the Henderson County Jail, with 111 of those being contract inmates. The average for the year is 411 inmates.

Quote: "With 430 in custody, that's a lot of people," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "Over 100 of those are contract inmates, but that's pretty much where we were all year last year."

II. Auto Theft Investigations (3:09)

Summary: The Sheriff's Office investigator attached to the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force out of Tyler has recovered several vehicles in recent weeks. He has recovered a tractor-trailer, a truck, and a skid steer.

Quote: "He has recovered over $180,000 worth of stolen equipment here in the last month," said Sheriff Hillhouse, "so he's done an outstanding job."

More: In many of these cases, the stolen vehicles found are from other counties.

III. Burglary Investigations (6:20)

Summary: A Sheriff's Office Investigator working burglaries in the Sand Flat area of Henderson County, north of Athens, was able to make an arrest for Burglary of a Habitation and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Investigators found evidence during the execution of a search warrant tying the suspect to the burglaries. ... A different Investigator located some stolen property on social media and was able to track those items down. No arrest has been made yet because investigators don't believe the individuals who had the property knew it was stolen; investigators believe it was sold to them.

Quote: "(Investigators) do an outstanding job; they work hard," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "They're supposed to be working 8 to 5, Monday through Friday, but that never works out. They're going to use every tool in their toolbelt to get these jobs done."

IV. Rodeo (11:11)

Summary: Organizers are excited about the Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo. This year's event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 28-29. The rodeo is a fundraiser for the Henderson County Peace Officers Association and the Henderson County Fire Chief's Association. Learn more and get tickets here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded at the Henderson County Justice Center on Wednesday, Feb. 22, with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

On this week's podcast, Sheriff Hillhouse discusses investigating a threat made against Cross Road ISD, including using the Crimes Against Children Task Force.

I. Jail Statistics (:45)

Summary: There are currently 435 inmates in the jail, with the average for the year being 404. There are currently 107 contract inmates.

Extra: The highest number of inmates in the jail this year was 437.

II. Threat in Cross Roads (2:00)

Summary: Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a threat made against Cross Roads High School. The threat was written on one of the bathroom walls. The Sheriff’s Office responded with multiple deputies, including the Crimes Against Children Task Force. This is an ongoing investigation.

In a letter posted on Facebook, CRISD Superintendent Richard Tedder said, “Every precautionary measure is being taken. Additional security measures will be in place until the investigation is completed. Information will be given as deemed appropriate when it is received.”

Quote: "They do have some leads, which makes us feel really good," said Sheriff Hillhouse.

Extra: The Sheriff's Office has extra resources deployed to the Cross Roads area.

III. Crimes Against Children Task Force (6:50)

Summary: The Crimes Against Children Task Force has been deployed to investigate the threat made at Cross Roads ISD. The Task Force is one of the first of its kind in Texas. It currently has five investigators from the Sheriff's office who are dedicated and trained to handle investigations involving crimes against children, including child death, physical abuse, child neglect, and sexual abuse of children.

Quote: "This is threats made against the school district, which is threats made against children," Sheriff Hillhouse said.

Extra: The deputies assigned to the Crimes Against Children Task Force have had specific training relevant to the investigation.

IV. Deputies of the Year (15:40)

Summary: Last week, Sheriff Hillhouse was honored to present Deputy of the Year for 2022 to three outstanding employees. These employees all do an exceptional job, and Henderson County is lucky to have each of them. David Robertson was named Deputy of the Year. Sarah Kidd was named Communications Officer of the Year. Nathan Patterson was named Detention Officer of the Year. Help us congratulate each of them!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com

This interview was recorded Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

In this week's podcast, Sheriff Hillhouse talks about investigators finding the first methamphetamine lab in a long time.

I. Stats (1:03)

Summary: There are currently 429 inmates in custody in the jail, averaging 395 for the year. Of those, 110 of those are contract inmates.

Extra: After a drop in the numbers through the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, the jail statistics are returning to normal.

II. Methamphetamine Lab (1:57)

Summary: Tuesday, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Investigators executed a search warrant issued by Henderson County Judicial District 392nd Judge Scott McKee at a residence in Indian Harbor about a fraud investigation. During the search, Investigators located a methamphetamine lab in production, mail from several homes, and multiple Texas identification cards belonging to citizens.

Several subjects were located at the residence and arrested.

* Todd Gregory was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams and outstanding warrants.

* David Walker was arrested for outstanding warrants.

* Brittany Burruss was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams and fraud.

* Summer Bashaw was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams.

* Stephanie Smith was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams.

* Tina Bailey was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams.

* Caleb Cook was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams.

* Natalie Stiles – Smith was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams.

* Franky Williams was also arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance over two hundred grams.

Extra: Methamphetamine labs have become rare in Henderson County because of the availability of cheap meth from Mexico.

Quote: "It's been over 10 years, probably around 12 years, when we were just getting meth lab after meth lab," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "That's when I was working narcotics. That was from 2005 to 2009, so it has been a while."

III. First Responders PRCA Rodeo (10:27)

Summary: Organizers are excited about the Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo. This year's event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 28-29.

Remember: The rodeo is a fundraiser for the Henderson County Peace Officers Association and the Henderson County Fire Chief's Association.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com