Reward increased for Most Wanted fugitive sex offender from Austin, age-progressed image now available
Featured February fugitive announced

Authorities are investing an extra $10,000 in cash and using technology to gather additional information on one of the Most Wanted sex offenders in the state, who has been a fugitive since 1998.
Information leading to the arrest of John Erick Anderson of Austin, this month’s featured Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender, will bring a reward of up to $13,000. Your Texas Crime Stoppers tip is guaranteed to be anonymous.
Anderson, 51, is wanted for a parole violation after he failed to register as a sex offender and fled from the Austin area in 1998. His prior convictions include Aggravated Sexual Assault and Indecency with a Child for the molestation of two young girls over a period of several years. Records indicate Anderson, who is fluent in Spanish, has worked as a missionary. He has been known to travel out of the country, possibly under an assumed name. For more information on Anderson, see his DPS Most Wanted poster: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/wanted/sexoffenders/topTenSexOffenders.htm#;view=Individual%20Details/fugitive=6.
A Texas Rangers Forensic Artist recently completed an age-progressed image of Anderson. The above photo on the left is the most recent photo available (1997), and the image on the right is an age-progressed image of what Anderson may look like today. Although the age-progressed image may not be an exact likeness, it should be considered a strong approximation. This is the first time the age progression technique has been used in conjunction with the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program.
One offender from the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program is featured each month in hopes the higher reward money from the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division will generate additional tips. The higher reward amount will only be paid if the tip comes in the same month the fugitive is featured.
Texas Crime Stoppers, which is funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of the Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitives or sex offenders. Anyone with information can provide anonymous tips in three different ways:
• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Text the letters DPS—followed by your tip—to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.
• Submit a tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about, and then clicking on the link under their picture to submit a web tip.
All calls, texts or e-mails are anonymous, and tipsters will be given a tip number. You do not have to give your name.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives yourself; they are considered armed and dangerous.
 

For Immediate Release: February 2, 2012

AAA Texas: Statewide Gas Price Average Increases Thirteen Cents

(Houston, Texas) ---- The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Texas is 13 cents more than the average last week, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. The current statewide average is $3.38.

The national average is $3.45, increasing seven cents more than the average last week. The statewide average price is seven cents less than the national average. The most expensive gasoline averages in the state are in Texarkana and Dallas at $3.40. Amarillo is reporting the least expensive average in the state at $3.17 for a gallon of regular unleaded.

Gasoline prices have moved higher this week and analysts say the increase is likely the product of expected refinery shutdowns occuring both in the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, the ongoing geopolitical tension with Iran has also kept upward pressure on crude oil prices. Anytime there is a potential tightening of supply prices usually increase.

“Texans are paying about two dollars more for a fill up than they did last week,” said AAA Texas/New Mexico Public Affairs Representative Sarah Schimmer. “Texans are paying an average of $47 for a typical 14-gallon fill up."
 

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2012

AAA Texas: Statewide Gas Price Average Increases Two Cents

(Houston, Texas) ---- The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Texas is two cents more than the average last week, according to the AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch. The current statewide average is $3.25.

The national average is $3.38, showing no change from the average last week. The statewide average price is 13 cents less than the national average. The most expensive gasoline averages in the state are in Texarkana, Dallas and Ft. Worth at $3.28. Amarillo is reporting the least expensive average in the state at $3.03 for a gallon of regular unleaded.

Analysts say oil markets continue to take direction from euro zone debt concerns and mounting geopolitical tension with Iran. After weeks of consideration and discussion, recent reports say the European Union (EU) has agreed to an embargo on Iranian crude oil. The potentail tightening of supply would be expected to put upward pressure on market crude prices.

“Texans are paying an average of $45 for a typical 14-gallon fill up," said AAA Texas/New Mexico Public Affairs Representative Sarah Schimmer. “Texas gas prices have shown little movement and are relatively flat this week.”

To maximize fuel efficiency as well as extend the life of your car, AAA recommends motorists have their vehicle serviced regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and identify a quality repair shop. Motorists can either look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA Approved shop online at: www.AAA.com/repair

Portions of Texas Interstate Highways to see Speed Limit Increase
AUSTIN -- Miles and miles of Texas highway will soon see speed limit increases following Thursday’s Texas Transportation Commission action approving 75 mph designations for close to 1,500 miles of interstate.
The speed limit changes span 60 Texas counties making it the largest conversion since a new law was passed last year. The 82nd Texas Legislature passed and the Governor signed House Bill 1353 which allows the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to establish 75 mph speed limits on Texas highways providing speed studies show it can be done safely.
Since September, the agency has been reviewing existing 70 mph speed limits across the state to determine where a 75 mph limit may be safely posted. Four Central Texas highways were the first to see higher speeds after the new law took effect. Thursday’s Commission action brings the number of miles now zoned at 75 mph as a result of House Bill (HB) 1353 to 1,618.
Posting new speed limits on 1,500 miles of interstate highway is a major milestone in implementing the new law, said Carol Rawson, TxDOT Traffic Operations Division director.

"Texas’ economic strength depends on the efficient and safe movement of people and goods," Rawson explained. "These new speed limits increase highway efficiency while maintaining the safety of the transportation system."
TxDOT recommended to the Commission that speed limits be raised on segments of I-10, I-20, I-27, I-30, I-35, I-37, I-40, I-44 and I-45 after engineering studies showed that higher speeds could be posted safely.
Motorists must continue to travel at the posted speed until new signs are installed, said Rawson.
"The new speed limit is not official until the signs go up," she added.
TxDOT studies of speeds on U.S. highways, state highways, farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads are still under way.
Prior to HB 1353, Texas had 1,445 miles of 75 mph speed limits and 521 miles of 80 mph speed limits on certain state highways. These speed limits were previously restricted to specific rural counties and highways located mostly in West Texas. Texas now has almost 3,600 miles zoned at 75 mph or higher.
New 75 mph speed limits approved Thursday are located on:
• I-10 -- 289 miles across El Paso, Gillespie, Kerr, Kendall, Bexar, Guadalupe, Caldwell, Gonzales, Fayette, Colorado, Austin, Jefferson and Orange counties
• I-20 -- 423 miles across Crane, Ector, Midland, Martin, Howard, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor, Callahan, Eastland, Erath, Palo Pinto, Van Zandt, Smith, Gregg and Harrison counties
• I-27 -- 109 miles across Lubbock, Hale, Swisher and Randall counties
• I-30 -- 139 miles across Hunt, Hopkins, Franklin, Titus, Morris and Bowie counties
• I-35 -- 106 miles across Webb, Medina, Atascosa, Bexar, Hill and Cooke counties
• I-37 -- 130 miles across Nueces, San Patricio, Live Oak, Atascosa and Bexar counties
• I-40 -- 166 miles across Deaf Smith, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Donley and Wheeler counties
• I-44 -- 11 miles across Wichita County
• I-45 -- 143 miles across Walker, Madison, Leon, Freestone and Navarro counties
Go to http://www.txdot.gov/safety/speed_limit/75mph.htm for more information on the locations of the new speed limits.

DPS graduates 57 new Highway Patrol troopers

Name Duty Assignments Hometown
Aburto Jr., Jaime El Paso-4B02 Santa Ana, California
Acosta, David Fort Hancock El Paso, Texas
Astello, Jose Terrel Santo, Texas
Bennett, Heshmia Lerone Orange Call, Texas
Benson, Joshua James Wallisville Conroe, Texas
Bridgeman, Jackson Beau Waxahachie Mineral Wells, Texas
Camaño, Nicolas Laredo-S Laredo, Texas
Campbell, Jason Martell Bryan Jersey Village, Texas
Castleschouldt, Ian Connor Brookshire Willis, Texas
Chapa, Jose Guadalupe Austin-East Sugar Land, Texas
Chow, Tyson Hoo Marshall-South Lawton, OK
Cooper, Russell Floyd Bonham Jonesboro, AR
Delgado, Hector Eduardo Laredo-N Laredo, Texas
Engleman, Joshua Warren Cleburne Brock, Texas
Fagile, Andrew Bridges Shamrock Canton, Texas
Fox, Nathan Douglas Georgetown Hollidaysburg, PA
Garza, Aracely Rio Grande City-East Roma, Texas
Golden, Mykel Shawn Scott Rockwall Alvarado, Texas
Gonzalez, Manuel Alejandro Eagle Pass Durango, Mexico
Hartman III, Duane Samuel Rusk Lufkin, Texas
Hernandez, Leonardo Daniel McAllen Rio Grande City, Texas
Hill, Kelly Nolan Tulia Clarendon, Texas
Holmes, Cory Joseph Floresville Canyon Lake, Texas
Humphries, Tyler Lloyd Waco-East Mesquite, Texas
Jeter II, Stephen Neil The Woodlands Troy, Texas
Kolupski, Colin Michael Texas City Richmond, Texas
Langehennig, William Von Franklin Lexington, Texas
Leonard, Everest Rouse Terrell Napa, California
Madrigal, Maria Del Rosario Cotulla Laredo, Texas
Martinez, Angel El Paso Canutillo, Texas
Martinez, Zachary Roy Marlin Waco, Texas
McBride, Daniel Nathaniel Z. Carthage Gary, Texas
McGrew, Casey Daniel Llano Bastrop, La
Moreno, Alberto Enrique McAllen North Edinburg, Texas
Moseley, Adam Richard McKinney Baytown, Texas
Nething, David Jeffrey Seguin Katy, Texas
Nichols, Jeffrey Don Henderson Paris, Texas
Ortigosa, Gilberto Zapata Laredo, Texas
Ortiza, Andreina Marie Odessa South Monahans, Texas
Raevmann, Dana Ýr Houston-Northwest Viby S.j., Denmark
Rains, Jimmy Lee Austin Southwest Cedar Park, Texas
Ramos, Amanda Christine Mission-South Mission, Texas
Rios, Gregorio Eagle Pass Eagle Pass, Texas
Roberson, Kirby Russell Waxahachie Stephenville, Texas
Rogers, Terrion Van Darren Hondo Houston, Texas
Salinas, Alonso Austin-E Pharr, Texas
Salter, Jamie Kathleen Orange Beaumont, Texas
Siebeneck, Zebadiah Teague Decatur Denton, Texas
Smith, Trey Landon Waco China Spring, Texas
Solis Jr., Adrian Zapata Laredo, Texas
Sorto, Richard Alexis Austin-East Houston, Texas
Sterry Jr., Vern Nels Port Lavaca Rowland Heights, Ca
Vasques, Moises Rey El Paso El Paso, Texas
Vazquez-Hernandez, Armando Fort Hancock Cactus, Texas
Vicuña, Christian Hernan Denton-North Lima, Peru
Walts, Matthew Lee Sterling City San Angelo, Texas
Willis, Blair Marie Waxahachie Duncanville, Texas


Fifty-seven men and women became Texas Highway Patrol troopers this morning after reciting the state’s law enforcement oath and receiving their badges during a ceremony in Austin.

Texas State Representative Larry Phillips, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, was the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony held at the LBJ Library Auditorium on the University of Texas campus.

“I congratulate the fine men and women who are graduating today and becoming Texas Highway Patrol Troopers. You have agreed to protect and defend the people of Texas, and we appreciate your service,” he told the graduates.

“Every day of the year, and every minute of the hour there is a Texas State Trooper combating crime and terrorism throughout this great state, and when you leave here today you will be joining them on the frontline of this important battle,” said Colonel Steven C. McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The troopers began the 18-week training academy in August. Instruction covered more than 100 subjects, including counter-terrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received extensive use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, cultural diversity and physical fitness training. In several weeks, the troopers will move to their new duty stations. They will spend the first six months in on-the-job training with a senior trooper.

Anyone interested in becoming a state trooper can call the toll-free line, 1-866-TXTROOP (898-7667), or visit the DPS Web site, www.joindps.com, for more information.

Fifty-seven men and women became Texas Highway Patrol troopers this morning after reciting the state’s law enforcement oath and receiving their badges during a ceremony in Austin.

Texas State Representative Larry Phillips, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, was the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony held at the LBJ Library Auditorium on the University of Texas campus.

“I congratulate the fine men and women who are graduating today and becoming Texas Highway Patrol Troopers. You have agreed to protect and defend the people of Texas, and we appreciate your service,” he told the graduates.

“Every day of the year, and every minute of the hour there is a Texas State Trooper combating crime and terrorism throughout this great state, and when you leave here today you will be joining them on the frontline of this important battle,” said Colonel Steven C. McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The troopers began the 18-week training academy in August. Instruction covered more than 100 subjects, including counter-terrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received extensive use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, cultural diversity and physical fitness training. In several weeks, the troopers will move to their new duty stations. They will spend the first six months in on-the-job training with a senior trooper.

Anyone interested in becoming a state trooper can call the toll-free line, 1-866-TXTROOP (898-7667), or visit the DPS Web site, www.joindps.com, for more information
 

A Waco-area man has been added to the DPS 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list and a cash reward is offered for tips leading to his arrest. All tips can be offered anonymously.

Cody James Guzman, 26, was last seen in Moody, near Waco. Guzman is wanted by the McLennan County and Coryell County Sheriff’s offices for sexual assault and two counts of failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. His criminal history includes convictions for aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, injury to a child and sexual performance of a child.

Guzman is also known by the nicknames “Chuckie,” “Chucky” and “Shorty.” He has claimed to have worked in food service and as a landscaper and gardener, and work records indicate he once worked in the hydraulics business. It is possible he is doing any of those jobs to support himself now. A $1,000 cash reward is offered for information leading to Guzman’s arrest.

Two of the fugitives on the Texas 10 Most Wanted lists now have an extra $5,000 in cash added to their reward for the month of December. Your Texas Crime Stoppers tip is guaranteed to be anonymous.

Information leading to the arrest of Jesus Alberto Villegas of Abilene, this month’s featured Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitive, will bring tipsters up to $12,500 cash.

Villegas, 31, disappeared in 1998. He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and is wanted by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office for sexual assault of a child and probation violation. His criminal history also includes possession of a prohibited weapon (sawed-off rifle) and felony theft. He is considered armed and dangerous. (The photo above was taken in 1998.) For more information on Villegas, see his DPS Most Wanted poster: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/wanted/topTenFugitives.htm#;view=Details/fugitive=8.

Information leading to the arrest of Charles Edwin Klein of Dallas, this month’s featured Texas 10 Most Wanted sex offender, will bring a reward of up to $6,000 cash.

Klein, 53, has been on the run from police since 2004. He is wanted by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register as a sex offender and for parole violations. Klein was convicted in the aggravated sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in 1984 and convicted of indecency with a child in 1991 after he exposed himself to a 16-year-old boy.

Two of the fugitives on the Texas 10 Most Wanted lists now have an extra $5,000 in cash added to their rewards for the month of October. Information leading to the arrest of Ernesto Alonzo Garcia of Edinburg, this month’s featured Texas 10 Most Wanted fugitive, will bring tipsters up to $12,500. Information leading to the arrest of Sean Michael Smith of Aubrey, this month’s featured Texas 10 Most Wanted sex offender, will bring a reward of up to $6,000. Your Texas Crime Stoppers tip is guaranteed to be anonymous. Garcia, 28, is wanted for murder and aggravated assault in connection with a March 11, 2011, incident in Harlingen in which Garcia is believed to have stabbed two men. He is also wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration for marijuana trafficking. Garcia, who has gone by “Rooster,” “Gallito,” and as many as 96 variations of “Ernesto Alonzo Garcia Gomez,” has a scar on his left arm, a tattoo on his upper left arm, and “Garcia” tattooed on his back. Garcia has also previously been convicted of various crimes, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault causing bodily injury, and possession of a controlled substance. For more information on Garcia, see his DPS Most Wanted poster: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/wanted/topTenFugitives.htm#;view=Details/fugitive=7
Smith, 36, is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender. He was convicted of an aggravated sexual assault of a child that occurred in 1999, and has since been arrested twice for failing to comply with his annual duty to register as a sex offender. He also goes by Sean Michael Carroll and Sean Michael Carroll-Smith. Smith has several tattoos: “wild child” across his abdomen; “young guns/the kid,” a cow skull, tribal art, and “Irish” on his upper left arm; skulls with rope, an eyeball, and “Irish” on his upper right arm; as well as other tattoos on his back, chest, right leg, and left ankle. Smith’s other previous convictions include indecency with a child by contact, assault causing bodily injury – family member, evading arrest and burglary of a habitation.
One offender from the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list and one from the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list are featured each month in hopes the higher reward money from the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division will generate additional tips. The higher reward amount will only be paid if the tip comes in the same month the fugitives are featured.
Texas Crime Stoppers, which is funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of the 10 Most Wanted fugitives or sex offenders. Anyone with information can provide anonymous tips in three different ways: Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).