Time for DA to prosecute cases, not give excuses

A new era of criminal prosecution in Jasper County was ushered in Jan. 1 when newly elected district attorney Steve Hollis took office.

During the political election season, Hollis promised to raise the bar on prosecution in a county that has an admitted "drug problem" according to Jasper County Sheriff's authorities.

The voters listened and shoved incumbent district attorney Ted Walker and his less than sterling record out of office and gave Hollis the seat.

Now it's time for Hollis to deliver.

Both the Jasper County Sheriff's office and the Jasper Police department had more than 500 cases apiece that were dismissed by Walker in "the interest of justice."

The morale at the departments was at an all-time low as officers had to deal with criminals laughing in their faces during arrests.

The situation became so dire during Walker's tenure that Jasper Police sought federal prosecution during a June drug sweep to avoid sending cases through Walker's office.

These same agencies have criminal cases now that have been "thoroughly investigated" since the end of last year. Both said they awaited Hollis' arrival before presenting these cases for prosecution.

This, too, was done in "the interest of justice."

No one is expecting Hollis to perform miracles overnight. He admitted during a first-week interview that he is searching for case files throughout the county courthouse.

What we are expecting from Jasper County's district attorney's office is an office that stands behind our police and is accountable for its actions. We expect an office that will send a clear message to the criminal element that its business will not be tolerated in this county anymore.

We expect an office that will prosecute cases and not produce excuses.

Roses go to….

t Aaron Tippett. After five years of service with the Jasper County Sheriff's office, Tippett is leaving to take a position with the Kirbyville Police Department. He will work patrol on the Kirbyville school district campuses en route to his first love, coaching and teaching.

t Jeff Burrell. The 1985 graduate of Jasper High School reaching his goal of $5,000 for third annual Initial Marathon Sacrifice benefiting Texas Children's Hospital.

t Crystal Hughes of Buna. Hughes won the Plummer Award at Lamar University at the fall commencement. The Plummer Award recognizes top academic graduates.

t Deep East Texas Foundation. In order to remember Martin Luther King Jr., the foundation is sponsoring a Youth Service Program Monday, Jan. 15 in which area youth will take part in a neighborhood clean-up program.

t Karen Oxley, who was named fireperson of the year for the East End Volunteer Fire Department.

Thorns go to….

t City of Jasper sanitation department. The city has no plans to pick up Christmas trees at curbside this year. According to a spokesperson for the department, trees put out before Jan. 1 would be eligible for pickup but any placed out after that day will not be picked up.