Law Enforcement Report

WATER VALLEY – A long-standing problem of break-ins near the Velma community may cease after the sheriff’s department has arrested six people with charges stemming from two burglaries in a two-week period.

    “We have had problems in this area for years with several of the suspects charged in these two crimes,” Sheriff Lance Humphreys reported about the incidents, which occurred on County roads 15 and 94.

    Xavier Blackmon, 21, of Daniels Drive in Water Valley, Matthew Hervey, 19, of County Road 15 and Jeremy Caldwell, 19, also of County Road 15, were each arrested late last week and charged with burglary of a residence and grand larceny.

    Their arrests stem from the burglary of a residence on County Road 94 last Tuesday, Sept. 23, according to the sheriff.  Almost $8,000 worth property was stolen, including a variety of hunting and fishing equipment, and electronic equipment.

    The second burglary, which was reported on Sept. 14, occurred on a residence on County Road 15. Tony Hervey, Timothy Cook and a 16-year old juvenile were each charged with burglary of a residence and grand larceny for their alleged connection with this case.

    Humphreys said that of the six, Tony Hervey, Timothy Cook, and Matthew Hervey have been in a revolving door justice in youth court for the last several years.

    “These kids have been tormenting this neighborhood near the Velma community for a number of years,” Humphreys reported. The difference, this time, is they are adults and could be serve some serious time if they are convicted, the sheriff stated.

    During an initial appearance last Friday, Justice Court Judge Steve Riley set a $35,000 bond on Matthew Hervey and Caldwell. Judge Riley did not set a bond for Blackmon, who was already out on bond after being charged with five automobile burglaries at the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford. All three remain in custody in the Yalobusha County Jail.

    In the earlier, mid-September, burglary, bond for Timothy Cook and Tony Hervey was set at $25,000. Both men remain in custody and the third suspect, a juvenile, has been sent to youth camp.

    “We have recovered the bulk of the property in both of these cases,” Humphreys said.

The Investigation

    “In both of these cases, the public helped tremendously both by reporting tips to Crimestoppers and by calling our department directly,” Sheriff Humphreys said, as he described his department’s work in the arrests.

    The big break in the second burglary that occurred on County Road 94 came when the victim described the crime while in a local store in Water Valley.

    “The clerk at the store heard from the victim that two compound bows had been taken,” Humphreys said. Ironically she had seen two men in the parking lot a day earlier, trying to sale a compound bow, according to the sheriff.

    The next day, a call came in to the sheriff’s department that one of the men was back at the business, putting gas in his vehicle.

    Humphreys, who was already in the vicinity, said he was able to make an investigative traffic stop when the suspect pulled onto Main Street.

    “He told us everybody involved,” Humphreys said. A second suspect was picked that night at his residence on County Road 15 and the third was picked up the following morning at his residence on County Road 15.

    The three men arrested in the first burglary, which occurred on County Road 15, also came from a tip.

    In other law enforcement news deputies:

    • Made an arrest for contributing to the delinquency of a minor on Sept. 30. The arrest occurred on County Road 224.

    • Filed charges for domestic violence that occurred in the Tillatoba community on Sept. 29.

    • Responded to a disturbance of the family in the Boat Landing community on Sept. 28.

    • Took a report of malicious mischief on Sept. 28 on County Road 232.

    • Made an arrest for possession of paraphernalia on Hwy. 32 on Sept. 28.

    • Investigated a burglary on County Road 169 near Coffeeville.

    “There was a shotgun taken in this case,” Humphreys said. “We have several suspects and expect to make arrests this week.”

    • Took a report on trespassing on County Road 436 on Sept. 27.

    • Made an arrest for domestic violence on County Road 88.

    • Responded to a suicide attempt on County Road 125 on Sept. 24.

 

City Law Enforcement Report

WATER VALLEY – Police arrested Vernon Rogers, 31, of Water Valley for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, public drunk, and simple assault on a police officer Friday evening, Sept. 26, at SprintMart on Main Street, according to Lt. Rick McCuan.

    While in custody Rogers was also served with a Justice Court warrant.

Later Friday on Chestnut Street, police arrested Mark Neely, 23, of Water Valley for possession of an alleged controlled substance.

Lt. McCuan reported the following additional law enforcement activity within the Water Valley City limits during the past week:

• Made three arrests for driving under suspension;

• Made two arrests for shoplifting, first offense;

• Made an arrest for DUI, first offense;

• Made an arrest for DUI, second offense;

• Made an arrest disorderly conduct;

• Took a report of grand larceny of diesel fuel from an 18-wheeler;

• Took a report of malicious mischief;

• Took two reports of petty larceny;

• Took a report of trespassing;

• Took a report of stalking;

• Issued a citation for violation of the city noise ordinance, loud music in a motor vehicle;

• Issued a citation for violation of the city dog ordinance;

• Issued a citation for violation of the city beer ordinance, minor in possession of alcohol;

• Issued 18 traffic citations;

• Investigated two crashes.