The first incident occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 24, 2011. Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an alarm at the Touch of Class Salon, located in the 17100 block of Beechnut.

Suspects gained entry by breaking into a vacant business space adjacent to the salon in the shopping center. The culprits then cut a hole in the drywall to get into the salon.

The suspects stole several hair extensions.

The second burglary occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, Jan. 16, 2012.

Store video shows two suspects, one man and one woman, searching the store for goods. Once again, hair extensions were targeted by the thieves. Both wore white hoodies. The female suspect had the lower part of her face obscured by a mask or scarf.

The male is described as being about 5-feet, 8 –inches in height and weighing between 150 to 165 pounds. The female suspect is about 5-feet, 5 inches in height, weighing about 120 to 135 pounds.

They are believed to have driven a white Chevrolet Tahoe.

Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers has posted a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest and filing of charges on the suspects responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office at 281-341-4665 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

The board regulates the practice of psychology in Texas.

Those appointed include Donna Lord Black of Fulshear, JoAnn Campbell of Abilene and Doris Couch of Burleson.

Black is a licensed specialist in school psychology and a licensed psychological associate. She is a member of the National and Texas associations of School Psychologists and Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education.

Black is also a past member of the Texas Psychological Association, and past secretary and Area III representative for the Texas Association of School Psychologists. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

Black is being reappointed to the board.

Campbell is a licensed specialist in school psychology for the Abilene Independent School District. She is a member of the National and Texas associations of School Psychologists and Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, and a member and past president of the Abilene Psychological Association.

Campbell received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in psychology and education from Abilene Christian University. She is also being reappointed.

Couch is a retired insurance and tax agent. She is a past member and chair of the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, and a past member and founding vice president of the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Couch is also a past volunteer with the Johnson County and Burleson Salvation Army and Burleson Christian Ministerial Alliance’s Harvest House.

The terms of all three appointees expire Oct. 31, 2017.

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The local price spike exceeded the national average that increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.39, according to gasoline price website HoustonGasPrices.com.

GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan said even higher prices are on the horizon.

“Late last week, we saw wholesale gasoline prices rise dramatically on some refinery issues, which leads me to believe that retail gasoline prices will rise in response,” DeHaan said. “We continue to also watch how Iran responds to EU sanctions – there are some concerns that they may cut oil to the European region before the sanctions are to take effect to cause these countries hardship when they can’t find new sources of oil quickly enough. That in itself could draw crude oil prices higher quickly at a moment’s notice.”

Including the change in gas prices in Fort Bend during the past week, prices yesterday were 43.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 26.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 13.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 30.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

 Odelugo previously pleaded guilty in April 2010, at which time he admitted that from July 2005 through March 2008, he entered into illegal agreements with 14 durable medical equipment company owners to fraudulently bill Medicare for millions of dollars and split the proceeds. The DME company owners were located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Michigan.

Odelugo was responsible for having marketers recruit the patients, for preparing the paperwork, for billing Medicare and for delivering some of the equipment. The DME company owner’s role solely was to accept delivery of the patient files from Odelugo and to send him his percentage of the proceeds. In every instance, Odelugo was given control of the DME’s Medicare provider number. Odelugo bought Medicare beneficiary information from recruiters and created paperwork and patient files to give the appearance of a valid claim. He then filed the claim electronically with Medicare and sent the patient files to the DME company owners. The proceeds from the false claims were deposited into the DME company’s bank account and approximately 75 percent of the fraud proceeds then were transferred to Odelugo.

Odelugo had the DME owners provide him with blank signed checks from the DME bank accounts into which the Medicare proceeds were deposited. Odelugo used his medical billing persons to monitor when the Medicare payments were deposited into those accounts and, once deposited, he used the blank signed checks to move his share of the illegal proceeds to his own bank account.

The DME items billed to Medicare either were not delivered, not medically necessary, not prescribed by a doctor or up-coded from what was actually delivered.  Nearly 89 percent of the items billed were orthotics and lymph edema pumps. Power wheelchairs and accessories accounted for the other 10 percent.  The total amount paid by Medicare as a result of Odelugo’s scheme was approximately $9.9 million.  The defendant received 75% of the illegal proceeds or approximately $7.45 million.

Odelugo, currently a concert promoter, ran the fraudulent scheme from his now closed cellular phone store in Houston.

Previously released on bond, Odelugo was taken into custody following the hearing today and awaits transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The criminal charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Al Balboni.

El-Sharif

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the aggravated robbery call at 7:15 p.m. Sunday. Upon arrival at the store, located in the 1400 block of Crabb River Road near Greatwood, they found the suspect, Aaron El-Sharif, 20, being detained by CVS employees and a Precinct 1 Deputy Constable.

Employees told detectives the suspect entered the store and placed a note on the pharmacy counter. The note said he had a gun and demanded specific drugs be given to him.

The pharmacist gathered the drugs and presented them to the suspect, who began to leave. As the suspect was leaving, store employees grabbed the suspect and wrestled him to the floor where they held him until help arrived.

El-Sharif has been charged with Aggravated Robbery, a felony. Bail has not been set and he remains in the Fort Bend County Jail.

Fort Bend County sheriff’s deputies arrested Charles Cole, 36, last week on charges of impersonating a police officer.

Cole was arrested at his home in Kendleton last Friday in connection with a fight that broke out the preceding Sunday at a rodeo arena near Arcola.

According to investigators, Cole was in attendance at the rodeo arena in the 6500 block of FM 521, just south of Arcola, when a fight broke out. A private security guard attempted to break up the fight when Cole, dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform, began to wrestle with the security officer.

The guard told deputies Cole had announced himself as a police officer and his uniform had POLICE embossed on front and back, as well as law enforcement patches on his sleeves. The guard said Cole grabbed his wrist and held the guard’s arm behind his back.

The guard also said Cole attempted to grab the security guard’s gun out of its holster, but failed.

A subsequent investigation by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office determined that Cole was no longer a police officer and warrants for his arrest were issued.

Impersonating a police officer is a third degree felony and carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine a no more than $10,000.

Cole was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail pending the setting of a bond.

Cole was at the center of a 2010 incident that led to the indictment of Brookshire Mayor Joey Vaughn on felony assault on a public servant charges, as well as misdemeanor charges of interfering with a police officer.

According to information released by the Waller County District Attorney’s Office in 2010, Vaughn was working as a DJ at a private party in Brookshire the previous October when police arrived to investigate a loud noise complaint. When an officer attempted to arrest one of the party-goers, Vaughn reportedly intervened, shoving the police officer in an apparent attempt to prevent him from making the arrest.

Although Vaughn and was not arrested at the time, a report of the incident was forwarded to the district attorney’s office and later presented to the grand jury.

On Sunday, Jan. 22, Cole was in attendance at a rodeo arena in the 6500 block of FM 521 in the Arcola area when a fight broke out.

A security guard hired to be at the rodeo was attempting to break up the fight when Cole, dressed in what appeared to be a police officer’s uniform, began to wrestle with the security guard.

 The guard told deputies Cole had announced himself as a police officer and his uniform had POLICE embossed on front and back as well as law enforcement patches on his sleeves.

The guard said Cole grabbed his wrist and held the guard’s arm behind his back. The guard also said Cole attempted to grab the security guard’s gun out of its holster, but failed.

Impersonating a police officer is a third degree felony, which carries a sentence of not less than two years not to exceed 10 years along with the possibility of a fine up to $10,000.

Cole is in the Fort Bend County Jail and has not been before a judge. A bond has not been set.

]]> http://www.fortbendnow.com/2012/01/27/62838/feed 0 http://www.fortbendnow.com/2012/01/25/62673 http://www.fortbendnow.com/2012/01/25/62673#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:55:55 +0000 Jamie Mock http://www.fortbendnow.com/?p=62673 The wind advisory and tornado watch for Fort Bend County has been extended until 2 p.m.

Southeast wind speeds of 20-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph possible in the area through late morning

Thunderstorms will overspread Southeast Texas today as a strong upper level storm system moves into the central part of the state.

Segments within the line of storms will be capable of producing damaging winds. Strong low level wind shear will support rotating storms and isolated tornadoes both in cells ahead of the line and within the line itself.

Rainfall accumulations should average between 1-2 inches, while any training storms will be capable of producing localized amounts up to 5 inches.

Drivers of vans, campers, trailers, and other high-profile vehicles should be alert to the danger of these winds, especially when driving along east to west oriented roadways.

Runoff from this excessive rainfall will cause flash flooding to occur.

Fort Bend County is currently under a Tornado Watch until 11 a.m. and an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory until 1:45 a.m.

At 9:41 a.m.  National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated very heavy rain was falling in the advisory area.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall may cause flooding of land adjacent to small creeks and bayous. Additionally, frontage roads, highway underpasses, farm-to-market and other secondary roads may flood.

A Tornado Watch is also in effect until 11 a.m.

National Weather Service Doppler Radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing nickel size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located 16 miles southwest of East Bernard, or 7 miles west of Wharton, and moving northeast at 30 mph.

Please report severe weather to the county sheriff, local police or department of public safety and ask them to relay your report to the national weather service.

Klinker

Rowena Manuela Klinker was sentenced to 20 years in prison on each of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child after pleading guilty to the indictments.  Klinker was eligible for probation.

Evidence presented by prosecutors assigned to the Child Abuse Division of the District Attorney’s Office revealed that Klinker had repeatedly sexually abused the young girl that was close friends with the defendant’s own children in 2007.  Klinker groomed the child victim by buying her items, taking her places, and supplying her with a cellular phone so that Klinker could communicate with her.  The defendant had contact with the victim approximately four times per week over the course of two years.

Lead prosecutor Zahra Jivani Fenelon says that majority of times child victims do not tell right away when they have been sexually abused by someone they know, and when they do tell, they may not reveal all of the abuse at first.

“This is especially true when a child victim has been groomed by the defendant and made to believe that the abuse is in fact a normal relationship.  Therefore; counseling for all victims of sexual abuse, whether they are children or adults, is extremely important to help them heal and understand that what happened is not their fault,” says Fenelon. “This young lady endured continual sexual abuse by someone she should have been able to trust.  She is a wonderful girl who has a lot to be proud of.  It took great courage to come forward and face her abuser.  Because she was able to stand up for herself by telling what happened to her, she stood up for all child victims as well.”

“Most of the crimes prosecuted in our Child Abuse Division occur between victims and perpetrators who know each other,” said Assistant District Attorney Natalie Sarfin.  “Often they are relatives, friends, or neighbors.  The crimes Klinker committed are worthy of very severe sentences.  Justice was done in this case.”

Klinker was prosecuted in the 400th District Court before Presiding Judge Clifford J. Vacek.  Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000.  Under Texas parole law, the defendant must serve at least 10 years in prison before she can be considered for parole.

Anyone with information about this man should call the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2540 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

The man entered the store at 8:10 p.m., walked to the pharmacy and passed a note asking for prescription medication. The note indicated the man was armed with a gun, but he never displayed a weapon. The pharmacist complied, and the man left the store with prescription medications valued at approximately $3,000.  There were no injuries.

Witnesses described the man as white with light skin, 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall, 20 to 25 years old and weighting 160 to 175 pounds.  He was wearing a white shirt with a hood, white and gray basketball shorts, white shoes and white knee-high socks.

Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2540 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

A half-century after John Graves penned the elegiac Goodbye to a River, the story of his canoe journey down the mighty river before a new round of dams was built, some say the Brazos is under threat again. This time, the quasi-publicBrazos River Authority is asking for the rights to possibly every drop left in the river to meet future demands of a swelling population.

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Nine of the 14 mayors of the multi-cities in the METRO service area met Tuesday to discuss appointing Siegel to the position. Eight of the mayors voted in favor of appointing her and one mayor abstained.

Communities that are part of the METRO area include the cities of Houston, Bellaire, Bunker Hill Village, El Lago, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Humble, Hunters Creek, Katy, Missouri City, Piney Point, Southside Place, Spring Valley, Taylor Lake Village and West University Place. Major portions of unincorporated Harris County are also included.

Siegel was the only person who was considered for the position.

“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it,” Sigel said. “I’m honored that the mayors selected me.”

Siegel told InstantNewsBellaire several months ago that she was considering expressing interest in the position. In December, Siegel told the news organization that the board was aware of her desire to be appointed as a small city representative on METRO’s board of directors.

Siegel will take over the position currently held by Jim Stewart, who is term limited, on April 1.

From now until then, Siegel said she will attend an orientation, work with Stewart and attend METRO board meetings until she takes over the position and can “hit the ground running.”

Two members are appointed to the board by the mayors of the 14 multi-cities in the METRO service area. Stewart, along with former West U Mayor Burt Ballanfant, currently holds those positions.

Siegel said that to her knowledge there wasn’t any opposition from the multi-city mayors about both the small city representatives being from West U and Bellaire. She said she has worked with most of the mayors for eight years and they know that she’ll represent everyone.

“I think that they trust that I’ll do that … and make sure their concerns are met,” she said.

West U Mayor Bob Fry told the news organization that he would “absolutely” support her and made the motion on Tuesday that she be appointed to the board.

Siegel said the biggest issue for the mayors and the cities they represent is that the METRO mobility funds continue to help the small cities. Siegel said the continuation of the general mobility fund will come to voters prior to 2014.

METRO formed an agreement in 1999 to give the cities a “general mobility fund,” which is 25 percent of METRO’s portion of the sales tax. The cities, which contribute one percent of their sales tax to METRO, can use the funds for street improvements and transit projects.

Hitman Direct filed a lawsuit on Jan. 9 in Harris County District Court against Sugar Land resident R. Greg Mullings, citing breach of employment contract.

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This compares with the national average that increased 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.34, according to gasoline price Website HoustonGasPrices.com.

Petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan said he expects gas prices to continue to increase as the situation in the Middle East becomes even more tenuous.

“Gasoline prices have slowed their rise in the last week as oil prices have temporarily stabilized,” DeHaan said. “I’m sure this leveling off in retail price won’t last terribly long as tension mounts with Iran. I still expect 2012 to be a nasty year for the typical motorist, which is what our recently released 2012 gasoline price outlook also states.”

Including the change in gas prices in Fort Bend during the past week, prices yesterday were 29.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and 16.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 10.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 27.2 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

Daniels

Derrick Dwayne Daniels, 39, was last seen at his residence in the Kingsbridge subdivision of Fort Bend County on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012. He was known to be driving a 2002 tan-colored Chevrolet Tahoe.

Daniels is described as a black male, 5-feet 11 inches in height, weighing between 200 to 210 pounds. He has some scarring visible on his chin.

Anyone who has information on or has seen Daniels may call the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office at 281-341-4665.