FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS
SHERIFF 1965-2001

When the Russians Came to Freestone County
  
   In 1977 a group of Russian geologists and scientists came to 
The Texas Utilities Generating Power Plant and Lignite Mining east of 
Fairfield.
They were brought here to try some of their methods used in Russia.
I think one method was to ignite the deep veins if lignite and somehow 
harvesting the gases that came out. This could have been much cheaper and 
more environmental. I am not sure how long they were here; they stayed at 
the TU Recreational Facility with TU employees J.C. and Jean   Cox 
attending. I had a short visit with some of them and given an empty 
autographed Russian Vodka bottle which I still have that reminded me of 
their time here. I do not remember how long they were here
  I guess their ways not practical here as don’t know of any of their 
knowledge used very long. I was hoping to get more information from J.C. 
but he is in a nursing home in poor condition.
 

                               ***
    From old l978 notes kept.
  Married man with 3 children moved girl friend and her 6 children in with 
them.
  Jury found DWI innocent after two DPS and I testified he guilty. (It hard to 
get a conviction in early years)
  Aggravated robbery of Donie Bank, trial found guilty and 10 year 
probation assessed. (Friend Maxine Fogelman a Bank employee when 
robbed resigned because of sentence) Defense attorneys made them look like
Sunday school teachers.
  Coolidge Bank robbed with gun stolen in Alonzo Thomas burglary a 300 
Savage used. 
  Judge P.K. Reiter dismissed charges on man for tractor stolen North I45
for not saying location in Freestone Co, subject had admitted the theft
  Murder being tried with witnesses carried upstairs to Courtroom, (This 
before the elevator)
  Attended Wortham School Board meeting to keep the peace concerning a 
coach.
  Juvenile hearing on youth so small couldn’t see over table where seated.
  Request from Comic Houston TV News Caster Marvin Zinler for 
information, told him come up here and get if wanted not to bother me with 
such, last time heard from him. (This the clown that Sheriff involved in Best
Little Whorehouse in Texas threw in pond along with his wig).
  Big plane loaded with marihuana crashed Post Oak area.
  Drunk chasing wife down middle of road jailed
   Mans complaint wife’s boy friend whipped him on head with hammer,