
April 24, 2024
Press Release
On Monday, April 10, two pleas took place in the 100th Judicial District Court in Collingsworth County.
Luke Inman, the District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted the cases for the State of Texas, with the Honorable Judge Stuart Messer presiding.
1. Victor Abrego, 62, from Wellington, Texas, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the first degree felony offense of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.
Abrego was arrested on July 20, 2022 by 100th District Attorney’s Office Traffic Enforcement Division Investigator Todd Gambol. Abrego was originally placed on five years probation on July 27, 2022.
The State filed a motion asking the Court to revoke Abrego’s probation on January 20, alleging three violations of community supervision. Abrego pleaded true to all violations.
Abrego was also ordered to pay the remaining $500 fine and $376 in court costs.
“We are expelling these meth-dealers and -users alike, from our small communities in the 100th District as fast as we can,” said Caudle. “If you are selling, making or just using methamphetamine, either leave voluntarily or end up in prison, those are your only choices.”
2. Martin Benavidez, 33 from Wellington, Texas, was placed on three years probation for the second degree felony offense of burglary of a habitation.
Benavidez was arrested by Collingsworth County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeffrey Arnold on September 14, 2022. Benavidez was indicted by the Collingsworth County Grand Jury on February 23.
Benavidez was also ordered to pay a fine of $500, $340 in court costs and $1,000 in restitution, and complete 300 hours of community service. If his probation is revoked, Benavidez faces up to 20 years in TDCJ.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Moore-Led Bill Limiting Climate Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Industry Advances
Oklahoma City, OK — The Oklahoma Legislature is moving closer to approving a measure aimed at shielding oil and gas companies from climate-related lawsuits. House Bill 1439, authored by Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, and Sen. Julie Daniels,
Books Are OPEN for the 2026 KECO Open – Register Now!
BOOKS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! The 29th Annual KECO Open is set for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Elk City Golf & Country Club – and now’s your chance to lock in your spot! Whether you’re swinging for
Election Day Reminders and Tips
Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7th, for the Reydon School District Board of Education General Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important
Archer Pushes for Federal Funds, Energy Research Hub Advances
Elk City, OK — State Rep. Nick Archer says he is continuing efforts to bring federal investment back to Oklahoma, focusing on energy research and advanced computing as key opportunities for the region. Speaking recently, Archer emphasized
Overnight RV Fire Spreads to Elk City Home, No Injuries Reported
Elk City, OK – The busy week continues for local firefighters as crews responded to an overnight house fire in Elk City early Wednesday morning. According to reports, firefighters were dispatched to the 600 block of West
Severe Storm Threat Returns as Elk City Crews Recover from Busy Day of Fires and Emergencies
Elk City, OK — Residents in the Elk City area are being urged to stay weather aware today as conditions set up for another round of potentially severe storms. According to local officials, the area faces a
SWODA Awarded $2.6 Million to Expand Rural Health Access and Transportation
Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority has been awarded $2.6 million to expand access to wellness services for rural residents. The funding comes through the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program, which focuses on
Joint Beckham, Wheeler County Effort Leads to Safe Recovery of Woman
Wheeler County, TX — A coordinated effort between the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office and the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office led to the safe location of a woman Sunday after concerns for her wellbeing were reported. According to
Elk City Firefighters Stay Busy with Fires, EMS Calls Over the Weekend
Elk City, OK — It was a busy weekend for the Elk City Fire Department, as crews responded to multiple fires and a high volume of emergency calls across the area. Firefighters first responded Friday night to
Custer County Under Burn Ban as Fire Conditions Worsen
Arapaho, OK — Custer County Commissioners enacted a countywide burn ban Monday morning amid dangerous fire conditions across western Oklahoma. The ban will remain in effect for the next 14 days. Under its terms, only limited activities
Top Oklahoma Schools Recognized at SWOSU SWIM 2026
Weatherford, OK — The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), one of the longest-running academic competitions in Oklahoma, was held March 26, 2026, on the SWOSU campus in Weatherford. The first SWIM contest was
Custer City Man Charged in Series of Grass Fires
Custer County, OK — A Custer City man has been charged with multiple felony counts after authorities say he set a series of grass fires across two western Oklahoma counties over several weeks. Skyler Dean Terrell, 31,
Drummond Highlights Rural Roots, Public Safety Record in Governor Bid at Elk City Event
Elk City, OK – Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond brought his campaign for governor to western Oklahoma Friday night, speaking at the Elk City Golf and Country Club. Addressing a local crowd, Drummond leaned on his rural
Homeland Stores Announces Changes Impacting Elk City, Clinton Locations
Oklahoma City, OK – Homeland Stores has announced a series of changes across Oklahoma, including closures and consolidations, as part of an effort to strengthen the company and refocus on its core operations. In western Oklahoma, the
Illegal Alien Semi-Truck Driver Charged after Traffic Stop Uncovers over 20 Pounds of Methamphetamine
Oklahoma City, OK – JOSE CARLOS MORALES-GUTIERREZ, 31, a Mexican national who is in the country illegally, has been charged with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert
Wildfire Near Butler Prompts Evacuations, Multi-Agency Response
Butler, OK – A fast-moving wildfire north of Foss Lake near Butler kept firefighters and emergency crews busy Wednesday afternoon, prompting evacuations and drawing a large multi-agency response. According to local officials, the fire was first reported
Rising Medicaid Costs Take Center Stage in Oklahoma Budget Talks
Oklahoma City, OK — Rising Medicaid costs are becoming one of the biggest challenges facing Oklahoma lawmakers as they work to finalize the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Senator Brent Howard of Altus, who represents
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws in Roger Mills County
Cheyenne, OK – With the April 7th Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws. PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE ELECTION ENCLOSURE It is a crime for any person other than voters and election
Fire Weather Watch Issued as Dangerous Conditions Persist, Jumping Juniper Fire Remains Active
Western Oklahoma – A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening across much of western Oklahoma, including Roger Mills, Dewey, Custer, Beckham, Washita, Caddo, Greer, Kiowa, Jackson, and Harmon counties, as dangerous
Texas Statewide Emergency Alert Test Scheduled April 2
Del Valle, TX – Emergency management officials across Texas will participate in a coordinated statewide emergency alert system test Thursday, April 2, 2026, as part of a preparedness exercise led by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Elk City man charged after 110 mph pursuit
Clinton, OK — A 64-year-old Elk City man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he led officers on a high-speed pursuit exceeding 110 mph through Custer and Washita counties. Jimmy Lee Davis, also known as
Edelen Named New Superintendent at Western Technology Center
Burns Flat, OK – Western Technology Center has announced Jay Edelen as its next superintendent, set to begin July 1, 2026. Edelen will become the seventh superintendent in the organization’s history, which dates back to 1970 and
Beckham County Conducts DUI “Wet Lab” Training for Officers
Sayre, OK — Local law enforcement officers recently took part in a specialized DUI training exercise designed to sharpen their ability to detect impaired drivers in the field. According to Derek Manning, the training, known as a
Candidate Filing Begins April 1 in Custer County
Clinton, OK – Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, when the candidate filing period opens, according to the Secretary of the Custer County Election Board. Candidates for state offices must file
Archer-Backed Bill to Repurpose Abandoned Wells Advances to Oklahoma Senate
Oklahoma City, OK – A proposal focused on turning thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells across Oklahoma into usable energy assets is moving to the State Senate after gaining strong support in the House. House Bill




