News

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE AUSTIN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’s OFFICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On April 9, 2024, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office received reports that an armed man was waving a firearm and shooting at vehicles near Millheim on FM 949 in Austin County, Texas.

Officers also receive reports that a man had committed an armed robbery in the vicinity of the shootings.

Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately responded and took a suspect into custody for Aggravated Robbery (First Degree Felony) and Deadly Conduct (Third Degree Felony).

The suspect was identified as Joseph Mesa, 35, of Sealy.

Mesa had previously made a $100,000.00 bond for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and has been indicted for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (1″ Degree Felony).

Mesa was set to appear on April 9, 2024 for his Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child charge.

The afternoon of April 9^th, the Austin County District Attorney’s Office requested that Mesa’s bond be forfeited and that a warrant be issued for Mesa for failure to appear at his April 9″‘ court date. Judge Jeff Steinhauser signed the warrant and set Mesa’s bond at “No Bond.”

Sealy Police Department had been working an independent investigation on the morning of April 9, 2024 involving allegations that Mesa had kidnapped an adult female in Sealy earlier in the day. The female was later found by Austin County law enforcement and received medical treatment.

Sealy Police investigators coordinated with the Austin County Sheriff’s Office and Austin County District Attorney’s Office throughout the day. Sealy investigators also continued their own independent investigation of the Sealy Incident.

On April 10, 2024, Sealy Police investigators obtained warrants charging Mesa with Aggravated Kidnapping (1″ Degree Felony), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2^nd  Degree Felony),

Attempted Murder (2^nd Degree Felony), and Interference with an Emergency Call (Class A Misdemeanor).

On April 10, 2024, Judge Daniel Leedy set bonds totaling $750,000.00 for the Sealy charges.

Mesa remains in the custody of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office.

If you have any information related to this incident, please call the Austin County Sheriff’s Office at 979-865·3111 or Sealy Police Department at 979-885·2913 immediately.

As this remains an ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.

**Arrests and Indictments are allegations of criminal conduct, not evidence. A suspect Is presumed

innocent unless convicted through due process of law.**

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

During the early morning hours of February 3, 2024, Deputies with the Austin County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) responded to the report of disturbance in the 2000 blk of Witte Road, Bellville Texas. The caller advised ACSO dispatch that a male subject was armed and discharging firearm inside the home. Responding law enforcement units arrived on scene and reported that they had safely secured all family members from inside the residence but the suspect was barricaded in the home with a firearm. The Austin County Regional Special Response Team (SRT) was notified and responded to the scene. The SRT Crisis Negations Team (CNT) was also notified and once on scene they were able to establish communication with the suspect. CNT members were able to negotiate with the suspect, who ultimately surrendered peacefully to SRT. The suspect was not armed when he was taken into custody, but a firearm and shell casings were located inside the residence. The suspect was identified as Don Nguyen (24), he was transported and booked into the Austin County Jail for the charge of Aggravated Assault/Family Violence/with a weapon.

The Austin County Regional Special Response Team covers four counties and is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville PD, Sealy PD, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, Austin County Constable Pct. 2 and Tactical Medics from the Washington County EMS.

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

On Thursday, February 1, 2024 at approx. 5:00AM, Members of the Austin County Regional Special Response Team and the Texas Department of Public Safety Special Response Team executed arrest & search warrants on two residences located in the 200 Blk of Allen Street and 500 Blk of East Union Street in Eagle Lake, Texas. The operation was the result of an ongoing narcotics investigation by the Westside (HIDTA) Narcotics Task Force. Task Force Officers had been investigating reports of narcotics being distributed from both residences. Suspects Frank Cantu Sr (63), Frank Cantu Jr (33), and Deborah Cantu (55) were arrested without incident. Methamphetamine was seized during the operation. Manufacture and/or Delivery of a Controlled Substance charges were filed on all defendants. The defendants were booked into the Colorado County Jail without incident.

The Westside Narcotics Task Force covers four counties and is comprised of investigators from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville PD, Sealy PD, Hempstead PD, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, and DEA. The Colorado County Attorney’s Office assisted with the investigation.

The Eagle Lake Police Department and the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest / search warrant operation.

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Austin County Sheriff’s Office welcomes Stetson Whitley as Deputy. Stetson is coming from Brenham PD. We are excited to have Stetson working with us. Pictured left to right are Lt. Lockett, Capt, Hicks, Dep. Whitley, Sheriff Brandes, and members of Stetson’s family, wife Kayla and mother Marcy.

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Austin County Sheriff’s Office would like to welcome Sacha Masson as Deputy. With over 20 years of service with Austin County EMS, Sacha’s career path changed, graduating the TEEX Police Academy and accepting a position with our agency. We are excited to have Sacha working with us.

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

6-15-2023

On June 14, 2023, A wanted fugitive identified as Isaac Carrizales (17) was arrested in Bellville, Texas by members of the United States Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force. Carrizales was wanted for the criminal charges of Murder, Evading Arrest, Unlawful Carry of a Weapon, and Organized Criminal Activity.  The criminal charges were originally filed on Carrizales in Milam County, Texas. The fugitive investigation concluded when Carrizales was located in the 200 blk of Baron Street in Bellville, Texas by an Austin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy currently assigned to the US Marshals Task Force. Carrizales was located inside a residence and arrested without incident.  Carrizales was transported and booked into the Austin County Jail.  The Texas DPS Highway Patrol and a Fayette County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit assisted with the operation

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

5-26-2023

On Monday May 15, 2023 at 1556 hours, a burglary occurred at Investment Recovery Corporation Surplus in the unincorporated area of Sealy, TX. The following photographs were obtained by the Austin County Sheriff’s Office of the vehicle involved in this incident. The vehicle is a blue in color Kia Sedona van bearing a fictitious paper tag that was occupied by four unknown subjects (two men/two woman). The Austin County Sheriff’s Office is requesting any information pertaining to this vehicle and its owner/occupants. Please contact Austin County Sheriff’s Office at 979-865-3111.

PRESS RELEASE

AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF

5-18-2023

On Wednesday May 17, 2023, The Westside Narcotics Task Force (HIDTA) conducted a narcotics operation that resulted in the arrest of two subjects and the seizure of drugs and a weapon. The arrests are a result of Task Force Officers investigating a drug trafficking organization operating within the Austin County / Waller County area.  Defendants Oswaldo Cuero Guerrero (35) and Javari Shandale Head-Mitchell (32) of Houston, Texas were arrested in 35000 blk of Interstate 10 in Brookshire, Texas.  The defendants were found to be in possession of 361.53 grams of Methamphetamine and 87.18 Grams of Fentanyl along with a loaded handgun.   Both defendants were booked into the Waller County Jail on the charge of Manufacture / Delivery of a Controlled Substance.  Defendant Guerrero was also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.  Additional to the Task Force Officers, Waller County Sheriff’s Office patrol units and members of the Austin County Regional SRT assisted with the operation. The Westside Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville PD, Sealy PD, Hempstead PD, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and DEA.      

Through a grant provided by the Public Safety Office (P.S.O.) of the Texas Office of the Governor, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office is providing its deputies, who work part time as School Resources Officers (SROs), with bullet-resistant shields.

According to Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes, county deputies work as SROs for Bellville I.S.D thus the shields will be secured in the SRO office of each of the main Bellville School campuses.

“We will never stop doing everything we can to ensure our children remain as safe as possible. We will continue searching for any and all opportunities to ensure all schools within Austin County remain secure learning environments”, said Sheriff Brandes.

“I am extremely pleased that the Austin County Sheriff’s Office was able to supply its deputy SROs with these shields. I want to thank the Texas Governor’s Public Safety Office for this opportunity and Sheriff Jack Brandes for his office’s work putting together the application”, said Dr. Michael Coopersmith, Director of Administrative Operations for Bellville I.S.D.

Sheriff Jack W. Brandes presents Sergeant Jason Statham and Deputy Ben Lieb with Letters of Commendation for assisting Austin County EMS by accessing an injured heavy machine operator at an off-road location, providing lifesaving aid and removing and transporting the patient to a waiting ambulance.

Pictured left to right: Deputy Lieb, Sergeant Statham and Sheriff Brandes

Sheriff Jack W. Brandes presents Deputy Brandon Drake with a Letter of Commendation for applying lifesaving aid to a gun shot victim, preventing loss of life.

Pictured are Deputy Drake and Sheriff Brandes

On Thursday, March 30, 2023 Rylee and Charlotte Svynky delivered baked potato lunches supporting the Austin County Aggie Mom’s Scholarship Fundraiser, donated by Cam Kershner-Edward Jones of Sealy and Anderson Pain & Body of Sealy. “Thank You for your support of the Austin Austin County Sheriff’s Office. We are thankful for the support of local businesses in our community.” stated Sheriff Jack W. Brandes.

On Tuesday, March 14, The Sealy News delivered Operation Gratitude care packages to the Austin County Sheriff’s Office.

Thank You Sealy News for your continued support of law enforcement in Austin County!

PRESS RELEASE 24 August 2020

Austin County Sheriff’s Office

Receives Peach Cobbler from

Bellville Austin County State Bank

On Monday, August 24, 2020, members of Austin County State Bank presented the Austin County Sheriff’s Office with Peach Cobbler recognizing National Peach Pie Day, showing their support of first responders in the Austin County community.

“The Sheriff’s Office is very appreciative of the support from our local businesses,” stated Sheriff Jack Brandes. Left to right: Representing Austin County State Bank – Kim, Erin, Doris, Melissa and Tracey. Those from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Jack Brandes, Capt. Buddy Riddle, Lt. Billy Ruemke, Jail Lt. Rebecca Kmiec, Deputy Keith Brast and Operations Coord. David Watson

The Austin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the burglary of the Fuel Maxx store on Hwy 159 East of Bellville.

About 2:30 a.m. on July 26 two men broke into the   store by prying open the back door.  The suspects stole cash, cigarettes and other items including Lotto tickets. 

One suspect was wearing a dark jacket with a grey hood and pants.

The other suspect appeared to be wearing shorts and a yellow and black hoodie.

Security cameras captured images of the suspects.

The suspects fled from the store on foot.   Deputies believe they were driving a light colored, silver or white 4 door car that was seen near the store during the early morning hours.   

Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes said anyone who recognizes the thieves or who has information about the  Sunday morning burglary should contact Austin County  Crimestoppers 979.865.2949.

Crimestoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to the identity and  arrests of criminals.  Callers remain anonymous.    

PRESS RELEASE 20 July 2020

Austin County Sheriff’s Office

Receives Donation from

Wehring Wealth Management

On Monday, July 20, 2020, Wehring Wealth Management visited with Sheriff Brandes, making a generous donation to the Austin County Sheriff’s Office to show their appreciation and support.

“The Sheriff’s Office is very thankful and greatly appreciates the support of our community’s local businesses,” stated Sheriff Jack Brandes.

Pictured left to right:  Wanda Mingus, Wade Dillman, Amy Kaase, Brandi Johnson, Sheriff Jack Brandes, Charlene Wehring, Kristie Quinton and Michael Branton.

PRESS RELEASE 14 July 2020

Austin County Sheriff’s Office

Receives Gift from

Local State Farm Agents

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office was honored with Double E Grocery gift certificates, generously provided by State Farm Sealy and Fulsher agents Virginia Gilbert and Jeff Gilbert, to say Thank You and to show their support and appreciation.

“The Sheriff’s Office is thankful and greatly appreciates the support of our community’s local businesses,” stated Sheriff Jack Brandes.

PRESS RELEASE 13 May 2020

Austin County Sheriff’s Office

Receives Lunch from

First National Bank of Bellville

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, First National Bank of Bellville generously provided the Austin County Sheriff’s Office a sandwich lunch in honor of National Police Week, as a Thank You for service and commitment to Austin County.

“The Sheriff’s Office greatly appreciates, not only their thoughtfulness, but also for their support of law enforcement,” stated Sheriff Jack Brandes.