The majority of law enforcement working in Kerr County are recognizable by their uniforms and cars. Behind the scenes, though, the 216th Judicial District Narcotics Task Force has operated "on the streets" fighting the local war on drugs since the 1980s. The task force's future has become uncertain, however, as the federal grant funds that paid salaries and supported the operations will be unavailable after March 31. Task force commander Bill Hill said Thursday his unit could be eligible for a different funding source from the Texas Legislature, but no one knows yet if it will come to pass. [continues 741 words]
The largest organized crime case in Kerr County in several years goes to the courts with 26 defendants arrested by 8 a.m. Tuesday and nine more being sought. During the yearlong investigation, five clandestine meth labs were seized and numerous burglaries, thefts and forgeries solved, Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer said. Two sawed-off shotguns and several handguns also were seized Hierholzer said Tuesday that all 35 defendants are Kerr County residents, and those still being sought are believed to have left the area once word of the roundup spread. None of the suspects in the sealed indictments can been identified until the 216th Judicial District Court authorizes it, he said. However, he did reveal that many of the defendants are either related or are friends. [continues 445 words]
