On The Streets of Brownwood.......

Forgery probe leads to recovery of bonds
By Celinda Emison / Reporter-News Staff Writer
August 2, 2005

BROWNWOOD - Brownwood police got an unexpected surprise during an arrest of a woman under investigation for forgery - almost $55,000 in stolen savings bonds.
During a press conference Monday, Sgt. Dennis Weather-mon said Jessica Mae Smyrl, 27, of Brownwood, was a suspect in numerous forgeries of stolen checks. She was arrested Thursday after police spotted her driving on U.S. Highway 377.
Police Chief Virgil Cowin said officers who searched Smyrl's vehicle found almost $55,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds. They had reportedly been taken during a burglary of a residence in south Brownwood. The owner of the bonds, whose name was withheld, was out of town and did not know they were missing from a safe in his home until police contacted him.
''This was the man's life savings,'' Weathermon said.
Weathermon said the bonds will be returned to the owner after they are copied and logged.
''He said he's going to put them in the bank this time,'' Weathermon said.
Also during the search of Smyrl's car, police found meth-amphetamine, Weathermon said.
Smyrl was charged with two counts of forgery, burglary of a habitation and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. She was in custody until Sunday on bonds totaling $95,000, but was released on a personal recognizance bond.
Angela Phillips, 28, a passenger in the car, was also arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, forgery and burglary and remains in custody at the Brown County Jail on bonds totaling $110,000.
Police also searched a hotel room where Smyrl had been staying and found numerous checks that were reported stolen.
source: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_3971096,00.html