Freestone Past/Present J.R... ‘SONNY’ SESSIONS RANCH Sheriff l965-2001 “Linza” While back checking the obituaries saw the familiar name of a well known former client. Felt sure when seen it not a natural death due to the way this person reared and lived, when checked into this found correct as a homicide. Years ago he was involved in nearly everything and scared of very little. The last time seen he was in pitiful condition due to many conflicts and wounds but more from a bullet wound to the brain. Raised in Freestone and Leon Co’s. one of large family who never had a chance to be anything but bad like their father. On once of the many times spent with us I tried to help him out of this rut, he had plenty of know how and experience with equipment and wasn’t lazy, but tough on everything. As most of the others tried he did well for a while then came unwound as couldn’t keep away from his family and their many troubles. He enjoyed working and playing with our boys and they enjoyed scaring him with their pet hamsters which he scared of. Once had him mowing at cemetery with push mower, at this time they still digging graves by hand and unknown to either of us a grave digger in a remote part of the cemetery down in the grave on his knees shoveling dirt out. Linza saw the dirt coming out of the ground and not seeing the man left the mower running and ran a mile or so where I was and wouldn’t return without me. Don’t think there a man living he was really scared of but at that time Big Rose Walker the fortune teller was going strong in Kirvin, if Linza in one of the stores and she came in the front door he ran out the back as scared to death of as he called them “two headed folks”. We parted friends but never tried to work together again. His father educated Mr. George Fryer our prosecutor and myself it not against the law to attempt cattle theft when he tried unsuccessfully to steal cattle penned for Bangs Tests. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report 1971 Two youths on old 75 paid for bad drive with their lives, three cars involved in collision with bodies of victims badly mangled. Man with drinking problem in past and trying to help himself out of present one asked to be locked up so be sure and got back to job on time, obliged. Informed the other convict that escaped Coffield Prison some months ago when one drowned in Trinity River found out of state and plane returning him crashed killing all. With Wortham Police to DPS polygraph Waco with suspect in trailer house burglary, new operator Bruce Castille advised no knowledge shown (Castille later became a Ranger and Captain). Numerous units out late in several hour search for man who slipped into hospital creating very serious situation. Located and arrested later on north 75 trying to catch a ride to Dallas who then told he burglarized a local café too. Handled this subject since big enough to walk, sent to Gatesville, Huntsville and out on probation, just a misfit in society. Youth hitch hiking robbed of all worldly possessions including his shoes by pair he took ride with, culprits picked up Corsicana and one even had the shoes on. Area officers out most of Saturday night with main event being large group of bikers on their choppers at lodge they not welcome, bus load carried to Judge fined and released. Long time Freestone Co. Parks-Wildlife Enforcement Officer Brent Bergstrom being moved to Austin after 23 years here, a good officer and friend. Informal hearing before Judge Mac Leon Bennett for youth who wouldn’t attend school and wanting to follow the hippy life who advised he would return to school and conform to anything to get out of Jail. Skinny dipping popular at this time, DPS reported stopping violator skinny driving. Joined other officers at recently opened Young’s Country Kitchen on I45 at Streetman, reunion with childhood friend Doris Cole Bellah and husband Sam. (Sam later Reserve Deputy for several years). *** Grandpa’s Report Greatly appreciate the prompt attention given by Field Officer Billie Madding (Sanitation and Littering) on large amount of trash dumped at entrance rural Webb cemetery as promptly removed by culprit. Madding worked for me as Deputy Sheriff. James and Lori’s beautiful dog “Gus” found drowned in nearby pond with dead coon that also drowned. Used tractor for proper burial by Cooper and Sara. A good dog that protected his family. Grandma and I to church youth choir program with Rachel and Samuel among the others all did great job. Hammond and Karla on planned trip to visit David in Virginia with him returning home with them. Wortham Middle School Awards Ceremony with Cooper, Kenzie and Sara receiving certificates.