Motions have been filed in the case of The State of Texas vs. James ‘Eric’ Minze, 50, who was arrested in June of 2017 following a traffic stop by Freestone County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
Defense Attorney for Minze, David E. Moore of Groesbeck, has filed a Motion to Suppress and a Motion to Require State to Reveal Agreement on the defendant’s behalf.
Both motions filed with the court call into question the legality of tactics used by FCSO. They also question the credibility of Lieutenant Robert Willis, Deputy Mike Darby, and an informant used for this arrest.
Both issues, according to Moore, interfere with Minze’s right to Due Process.
On June 1, 2017, the vehicle in which Minze was a passenger was pulled over by FCSO on FM 80 near FM 833. Officers cited the reason for the stop as the tint on the rear windows of the truck being too dark.
According to the police report, when Lt. Willis and Deputy Darby made contact, Minze attempted to swallow methamphetamines and to eat a glass pipe containing methamphetamine. He was also alleged to be in possession of six hydrocodone tablets and drug paraphernalia.
Reportedly, a struggle ensued; and Minze was arrested and booked into the Freestone County Jail with the following charges: Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams; Tampering/Fabricating Physical Evidence; Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transportation; and Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 less than 28 grams.
According to the motion to suppress, FCSO pulled the vehicle over after receiving information by an informant, who allegedly texted deputies regarding the possibility of Minze having drugs on his person.
The motion further alleges that the windows were not illegally tinted, and therefore there was no probable cause for the initial traffic stop.
In addition, Moore states that the informant used in this case has a criminal history and therefore is not a reliable source.
A Motion Hearing has been set for Thursday, March 8, 2018.
