Former Shiner Police Chief Files Suits Against City; Former Caldwell Boys & Girls Club Director Arrested

The Shiner Gazette

• Claiming his constitutional rights were violated, he was harassed and intimidated by members of the city council and that he was wrongfully relieved of his duties, Shiner’s former chief of police Zachary Kramer formally filed a lawsuit against the City of Shiner at Victoria’s federal district on Oct. 4. Kramer and his attorney are asking the court that the city make a formal declaration stating its wrongful actions, clear his name with another formal declaration stating that he was never disciplined or suspended during his years of service to the city, and that the city fully restore him to his previous position. Prior to his resignation in late July, Kramer had been placed on paid administrative leave that began with the council’s July, 7 business meeting, during which the council received several complaints, most directed at Kramer’s management style.

Hallettsville Tribune-Herald

• Four migrants who were being smuggled into the country were detained Oct. 6, following an incident occurring on the CR 1S (Schott’s Crossing) bridge. Deputies were called to the Lavaca River bridge on CR 1S bridge around 3:30 p.m. regarding a report of people being seen tossing car parts into the river. The first law enforcement officer, Pct. 1 constable Mike Buchanek, arrived at the scene and after checking out the area, saw at least 12 people standing below the bridge. Buchanek was able to detain some of the men, but the members of the group fled on foot.

Burleson County Tribune

• The former Caldwell unit director of the Boys and Girls Club was recently arrested on a felony theft charge in connection with the purchases made on a club credit card. Kayla Zinetek, 29, of Caldwell was charged with theft and arrested on Sept. 28. She is now free on $2,500 bond. Club officials reported that several transactions were made on the club credit card for personal purchases over the course of three months.

• Two law officers who suffered gunshot wounds on Aug. 17 while serving an aggravated robbery arrest warrant on FM 60 were honored for their valor with plaques from the Sheriff’s Association of Texas. Chief Deputy John Pollock and DPS Trooper Joshua Strand of Freeport were recognized at the Oct. 5 Rotary Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Banquet by Sheriff Don Sowell, on behalf of the association.

East Bernard Express

* On Oct. 3 at approximately 11:49 p.m., the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to a welfare concern, just north of El Campo, after re ceiving a call from a concerned citizen regarding gun shots being fired in the area. Deputies encountered WCSO sergeant Frank Maier. Maier was intoxicated and acting belligerent towards the deputies and El Campo Police Department officers who were assisting. It was determined Maier had involved in a verbal disturbance with a female acquaintance. Maier was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct. Maier was immediately relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Oct. 5 Maier resigned from his position at the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office.