Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — Aug. 22-28, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week Aug. 22-28, 2022, included:
Arrests
No arrests
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 100 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 24 citations and 25 warnings during this reporting period.
AG: 2 Indicted In Connection With $6.9 Million Medicaid Fraud And Kickback Scheme
AUSTIN –An investigation by the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and Customs and Border Protection has led to charges being brought against two Houstonians for their role in a nearly $6.9 million Medicaid fraud and kickback scheme.
Ifeanyi Ndubisi Ozoh, 51, and Rene Fernandez Gaviola, 65, acted as manager and operator, respectively, of Floss Family Dental Care clinic in Houston. From 2019 through 2021, Floss billed Medicaid for nearly $6.9 million while receiving payments of approximately $4.9 million.
Both Ozoh and Gaviola have been brought into custody and face charges after a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment on August 16.
Federal authorities allege that they made false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid for dental services that were never provided. The indictment also charges Gaviola and Ozoh for potential kickbacks paid to marketers and caregivers of children to bring them to Floss.
Gaviola also faces charges for employing and billing Medicaid for a person practicing pediatric dentistry without a license, and for laundering over $100,000 in Medicaid monies from the Floss business bank to his personal account.
For the charges of health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and money laundering, Gaviola is facing up to 10 years in prison on each count, and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. Ozoh and Gaviola also both face up to an additional 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine for conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks.
Student Preparing for the Fall Semester at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Education Adviser Maria Zuniga works with new student Ethan Soto and his mom, Maribel Vazquez as he prepared to start the fall semester at the Sulphur Springs campus.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News — Aug. 29, 2022
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, August 29, 2022 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Mobile Athletic Training Room and Wildcat Tailgate
Thank you to all who came by our CHRISTUS tent at the first Wildcat football home game. We are so proud to have our CHRISTUS Mobile Athletic Training Room on site at sporting events. The ability to see athletic injuries, including x-rays, on site truly accelerates care for our student athletes. CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine –Sulphur Springs proudly supports Sulphur Springs ISD and surrounding schools offering athletic injury care for all sports athletes under the direction of Orthopedic Surgeon Christopher Meltsakos, MD.
Interventional Pain Management
One of the most common reasons that adults seek medical care today is chronic pain. Pain can affect every aspect of your life, often limiting mobility, and impacting not just your physical health but your emotional well-being.
Advancements in pain physiology research have led to an improved understanding of how to support the body’s ability to heal itself and new modalities to intervene with pain signals so that people can get back to living. Interventional pain medicine physicians take a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to treating all types of pain.
Many patients come to us suffering from back and neck pain, painful joint or muscle conditions and nerve pain in the arms and legs. Each patient goes through an evaluation and assessment that leads to a highly personalized level of care.
If you want help with your pain, call to set up an appointment with Interventional Pain Medicine physician Dr. Matthew Johnson, at the CHRISTUS Trinity Pain Management Clinic in Sulphur Springs at 903.885.1740.
FREE Athletic Injury Clinic for Student Athletes
CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Sulphur Springs offers a FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes. The athletic injury clinic will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. through Nov. 12. Student athletes from 7th grade to college-age will be able to get a free exam and x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury.
The clinic will be held at our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics, Medical Building 5, at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call 903.885.6688.
Beat the Heat Challenge!
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation patients were challenged to “Beat the Heat” and walk 5 miles or go 10,000 steps on the NUstep. Those that successfully completed the challenge were awarded with a CHRISTUS Dashboard Sunshield and other prizes.
Congratulations to those that completed the challenge: Laurie Diehl, John Desherow, Chuck Lawrence, Nancy Pena, Lou Nell Dunn and Carlton Sewell. We are proud of your dedication!
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health COVID Vaccine clinic will continue to offer Adult and Pediatric vaccines and boosters at our clinic on 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs every 3 weeks on the following dates: Sept. 19-23, and Oct. 17-21. You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. No appointment is necessary.
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CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
A Scarlet Fire Dogwood Is Ideal For Small Spaces
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Horticulturists are always trying to find something better with regard to plants of all types. Sometimes a “new” variety can be developed in just a few years, but others take much longer. Such an example is the Scarlet Fire Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Rutpink’), which took Rutgers University 45 years to develop. It first appeared in 2016, and its popularity is growing fast. This is a relatively long name, so we’ll just call it the Kousa.
The tree itself grows to about 25 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and is adapted to our Northeast Texas-Southeast Oklahoma area. Kousa can be regarded as an overall tree improvement. It’s more disease-resistant than other dogwoods, grows fast, and blooms at an early age. Kousa produces large numbers of four-petal, pink 4-5 inch flowers with a green flower in the center. Even in strong sunlight, the flowers can last from six to eight weeks. Kousa can be planted in either full sun or partial shade, in preferably fertile soil. Actually, morning sun and afternoon shading is best and will prevent sun scorching.
The Kousa is deciduous flower that blooms occur in late May to early June, when the foliage is medium green. This color will change to burgundy in Autumn.
(Photo: Rutgers University)
Since it is naturally small, pruning should not be required. If an owner feels different, they should restrict pruning until late winter. The tree is low maintenance and tolerates both heat and drought when well established. Watering the first few years will probably be required. Trees can flower at four years.
With its strong spring colors, Kousa is sure to be a standout in your yard. The literature suggests this is the heaviest flowering dogwood. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, all Kousas have to be ordered from distant nurseries, and most local nurseries do not yet have them in stock.
Flag Flying Parade Planned For Sept. 11
A “Flag Flying Parade” is planned for Sept. 11, 2022, in Sulphur Springs by a local group called Freedom Flyers. All are encouraged to show their patriotism by turning out along a designated parade route with flags starting at 4 p.m., with a flag parade slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, according to Mark Maddox, president for the local group.
“My goal is just for us to roll, have a good time, putting a positive message out there for everybody, by u showing support for all those who died that day on Sept. 11, during the attacks on the US,” Maddox said.
The flag flying parade is to begin at the side of Walmart parking lot between the two gas stations in Sulphur Springs. Look for Maddox and his red pickup with flags starting at 4 p.m. Sept. 11, 2022.
The group is plans to depart at 4:30 p.m. from Walmart parking lot, headed north onto South Broadway Street, and continue north as Broadway turns to Gilmer Street. The route would then continue from the Connally at Gilmer Street intersection, onto Jefferson Street, then turn immediately (left) north onto Church Street. The flag flyers then plan to turn left in front of the hospital onto Airport Road, and continue to Hillcrest Drive. After turning south onto Hillcrest Drive, they’ll will continue south to West Industrial Drive.
While the official parade will conclude there, those who wish to are welcome to follow the group to Bass Pro, where they’ll decide on a location to eat.
Freedom Flyers is a Christian-based group of people show who want to show support for troops who serve in the US Armed Forces and the flag they defend, as well as local law enforcement and first responders who put the lives on the line in service and protection of other, Maddox said.
Maddox asks those participating in the Sept. 11 observance to fly the US flag, either in the parade or at their homes or businesses on Sept. 11 to show their patriotism and in remembrance of all who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The local Freedom Flyers group is family-oriented, Maddox said, so he asks those involved to refrain from controversial or inappropriate messages or flags, instead display flags and signs of patriotism.
For additional information about the group or event, visit the group’s Facebook page.
Michigan Pair Arrested After Counterfeit Cash; Marijuana Found During I-30 Stop
5 Memphis Men Jailed On Multiple Charges Each, Including Marijuana and ID fraud
A Michigan pair was arrested Friday morning after a trooper found counterfeit cash and marijuana in their vehicle during an I-30 traffic stop, according to arrest reports. Five men out of Memphis, Tennessee were also arrested one week earlier for having contraband that included a stolen firearm, marijuana, a controlled substance and ID that didn’t belong to them, according to jail and sheriff’s reports.
Counterfeit Cash
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warrant Williamson reported stopping a white Jeep with Maryland license plates at 8:20 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, for following too close to another vehicle east of Sulphur Springs on Interstate 30 west. William son reported detaining both the driver and passenger upon contact, “due to their movements in the vehicle at the time of the stop.” The trooper alleged smelling a strong burnt marijuana odor emitting from both Montego Marquis Braxton-Woods and Kindle Lynn-Simone Dye and from the vehicle.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, Williamson found counterfeit currency — numerous forged $100 bills — concealed in the center console, glovebox and passenger Dye’s purse, as well as one additional fake $100 bill in Braxton-Woods pocket. Also located was large pink bag containing a small bag with less than two ounces of a green leafy substance the highway patrol believed to be marijuana, the Williamson alleged in arrest reports.
Both suspects from Detroit admitted they knew the marijuana was in the vehicle and demonstrated they were knowingly in possession of the substance, the trooper noted.. Dye and Braxton-Woods
were arrested for possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
At the time of arrest, a records check showed driver Braxton-Woods had two active warrants for his arrest, one each for concealing stolen property and forgery, Williamson noted in arrest reports. However, the issuing agencies did not confirm the warrants due to extradition limitations. The vehicle was towed and stored by American Towing. Dye and Braxton-Woods were transported to the Hopkins County jail, where they were released to jail staff without incident.
Williamson contacted a detective with Monroe Police Department, the agency that issued the forgery warrant. The detective advised the DPS trooper the warrant was a case in which Braxton-Woods was passing fictitious US currency in the Detroit, Michigan area. The detective also advised Williamson that Braxton-Woods has several cases involving this same criminal behavior.
Based on this information which identifies Braxton-Woods as an individual known for possessing and passing or attempting to pass fraudulent US currency with the intent to harm or defraud another, Williamson said he believed that Braxton-Woods and Dye possessed the forged “writings” (the counterfeit cash) with the intent to harm or defraud another. Both subjects were subsequently charged with forgery of a government document, national instrument, money or security.
Dye remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in lieu of the $11,000 bond set on the charges — $10,000 on the forgery charge and $1,000 on the marijuana charge. Braxton-Woods also was still in Hopkins County jail; his bonds, however, totaled $110,000 — $100,000 on the forgery charge and $10,000 on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
Cache Of Contraband
Five men out of Memphis, Tennessee were arrested on no less than four charges each one week before Dye and Braxton-Woods.
Eric Montreal Anderson, Jermaine Santrel Edwards Jr., Darius Deshun Ewing, Ricky R. Miller and Edarius Jaquez Rogers were each booked into Hopkins County jail Aug. 19, 2022, on manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance, theft of a firearm, possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charges.
Anderson, 22, was also charged Aug. 19 with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and was determined to be wanted in Shelby County, Tennessee for violation of probation on an assault charge, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis obtained a warrant for Anderson’s arrest on a charge of criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth of damage. Davis served Anderson, who is shown in jail reports to also be known by EBG-Jizzle, with the felony warrant at 2:11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at the county jail. The offense is alleged to have occurred on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Anderson remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. His bonds totaled $160,000 — $100,000 on the controlled substance charge, $20,000 on the evading arrest charge, and $10,000 each on the four other charges, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Miller, 22, too was determined to be wanted in Shelby County, Tennessee for failure to appear on a fleeing charge, according to sheriff’s office reports. Miller remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in lieu of the $130,000 in bonds set on the local charges — $100,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 each on the three other charges.
Rogers, 19, was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 22, 2022 after securing the $130,000 bond set on the four charges — $100,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 each on the firearm, marijuana and fraud charges, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Edwards and Ewing, both 22, like Anderson and Miller, also remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, jail records reflect.
As was the case with Rogers, bonds totaled $130,000 each for Ewing and Edwards — $100,000 on the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance charge, $10,000 each on a manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance charge, $10,000 on a theft of a firearm, $10,000 on the possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charge and $10,000 on the fraudulent use or possession of identifying information charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Lady Cats Volleyball Wraps Up Tournament Play
Coach Bailey Dorner’s volleyball team wrapped up tournament play Saturday after finishing participation in the Edgewood tournament.
The Lady Cats went 1-3 against stiff competition, never relenting in contests that might have been blow-away losses, instead fighting back to give their opponents all they had.
Volleyball played in two contests Thursday, against Wills Point and Brownsboro.
“We lost two really close games [Thursday],” Coach Dorner said.
All sets were close, as volleyball fell in each set to Wills Point by two. Even facing deficits at 12-5 and 10-6, her squad “battled their way back, [we] just couldn’t finish it in the end,” the volleyball coach said Thursday following the losses.
Following that game early Thursday, the Lady Cats played a dominant Brownsboro squad who now stands at 13-4. Coach Dorner’s squad won a tight set one, 26-24, before falling in two straight to end Thursday. Volleyball trailed in set two 8-1, battling back before ultimately falling short.
“[We] just dug ourselves [into] some holes that we couldn’t get out of,” Coach Dorner said.
Sulphur Springs played well from an individual standpoint, but could not put it all together to get team wins.
Addison Wall had 12 kills in a round, Rainey Johnson tallied five blocks, and in the Wills Point match Mary Taylor recorded eight kills and five blocks, and senior Mali Maeker recorded six aces in the loss.
While all of these are fantastic game-stats, Coach Dorner just wants her squad to put it all together to play consistent enough to find a rhythm and get some wins.
“Saw some good things today, but we just couldn’t get firing at the same time. That’s one thing I’d like to see us improve on, just… all of us playing well at the same time,” the volleyball coach said Thursday.
Returning to Edgewood Saturday, first playing against Miller Grove for the second time this season in the consolation bracket, and for the second straight time, the Lady Cats bested the Lady Hornets to pick up their first win Saturday.
While the best-of-three win allowed Sulphur Springs to move on, the excitement ended there as the Lady Cats fell in two-straight, getting swept at the hands of Blue Ridge to end their tournament season.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s team went 1-3 over the two day tournament.
Below are post-tournament articles for each tournament for Lady Cats volleyball:
- Sulphur Springs hosts home tourney, going 5-1
- Lady Cats volleyball plays in Wills Point, starting strong at 2-1 before slipping to 2-3
In totality, their record from three volleyball tournaments is 8-7. Including a come-from-behind victory in Commerce, and a win over Ford, and a busy three weeks has Sulphur Springs’ season record at 11-8.
Coach Dorner’s team hits the road this week for two away games:
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Canton (6:30 PM)
- Friday, Sept. 2 at Lindale (4:30 PM)
Following the those two contests, volleyball returns to the Main Gym for three-straight home matches.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Meal A Day Menu – Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Chicken Parmesan On a bed of Egg Noodles, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Ham and Potato Casserole, Pinto Beans and Brussels Sprouts.
- Wednesday – Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, Broccoli and Pickled Beets.
- Thursday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Friday – Corny Dogs, Cole Slaw and Pork ‘N’ Beans.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Open House Was Held at the Sulphur Springs Paris Junior College Campus
OPEN HOUSE
Cason Cowden attended open house at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus with his mom, Stephanie, center, and collected the robotic car and equipment he used when he participated in the recent robotics camp held at the campus. Helping him gather up his equipment was office manager Dana Smock, right.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
