Local archive
Crime & Public Safety
Brownwood News reported that the Brown County Sheriff’s Office provided booking-report information on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
Crime & Public Safety Pecan Bayou
Brown County commissioners approved steps to expand digital access to county records, including a new $10 retrieval fee, while leaving the current burn ban in effect. The court also approved updates involving software, purchasing thresholds, wildfire equipment, fees, meetings and county holidays.
Crime & Public Safety
David Alan Beene was sentenced in Brown County on Sept. 14, 2026, to life in prison for continuous sexual abuse of a child, along with consecutive 20-year sentences on five additional charges.
Crime & Public Safety
Brown County clerk and district clerk records filed from Sept. 4 through Sept. 10 include an assault case, several declarations of nolle prosequi, marriage licenses, property disputes and divorce filings.
Crime & Public Safety
Early High School has announced its 2026 Homecoming Court, with the celebration scheduled ahead of the school’s Sept. 11 football game against Ballinger.
Crime & Public Safety
The Bangs City Council appointed Dennis Farris as interim police chief, approved several staffing changes, kept the city’s water rate unchanged for the 2026-27 fiscal year and began work toward a possible 5% hotel occupancy tax during a lengthy Monday meeting.
Crime & Public Safety
The Brown County Grand Jury returned 28 true bills against 19 people during its August 2026 session, including allegations involving aggravated assault, controlled substances, family violence, child sexual assault and repeat offenses.
Crime & Public Safety
Two cases were filed in the Brown County Clerk’s office between Aug. 21 and Aug. 27, including allegations involving an unattended vehicle and controlled-substance possession.
Crime & Public Safety
The City of Brownwood has released its proposed $49.27 million Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget, including additional funding for police, fire and dispatch, four new patrol Tahoes, a new fire engine and a proposed increase in the property tax rate.
Crime & Public Safety
A Brownwood News report says four felony cases heard in 35th District Court resulted in prison sentences ranging from two to 25 years after guilty pleas and probation adjudications.
Crime & Public Safety
Ronnie Matthew Velarde, a documented West Texas Tango gang member wanted since May on a parole violation, was arrested Aug. 18 in Midland after investigators followed up on a tip. Texas Crime Stoppers will pay a reward for information leading to his capture.
Crime & Public Safety
Albert Salazar of Brownwood was sentenced to three concurrent two-year State Jail terms after a contested hearing involving two methamphetamine possession cases and an evading-arrest case. Court evidence included injuries to a Brownwood police officer and a separate pursuit requiring six officers to take Salazar into custody. Three other felony defendants also received sentences in Brown/Mills County District Court.
Crime & Public Safety
A pedestrian was flown to a Fort Worth trauma center after being struck by an 18-wheeler early Tuesday morning in the 1700 block of Early Boulevard, according to the Early Police Department.
Crime & Public Safety
Brown County Commissioners Court adopted a 90-day prohibition on outdoor burning in the county’s unincorporated areas on Aug. 10, 2026, citing a public-safety hazard. Certain authorized activities remain exempt, and violations may bring a fine of up to $500.
Crime & Public Safety
Texas DPS and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information about the 1996 killing of Juan Leon Laureles near Brownwood. A reward of up to $6,000 is available for information leading to an arrest, but the tip must be submitted before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
