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Grimes County Deputy Arrested for Burglary Save Email Print
Posted: 9:07 PM May 14, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:30 PM May 14, 2008
 Reporter: Joe Brown
Email Address: brown@kbtx.com
38 comments
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An unlikely suspect is in custody in connection with a missing money case out of Navasota.

Grimes County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Porter, 51, was charged Wednesday afternoon with burglary of a building. Authorities say a surveillance camera caught Porter removing $40 from a safe at Frank's Towing and Repair. The camera had been set up after money started disappearing from their safe.

Frank Vacante, co-owner of Frank's Towing and Repair, said he was shocked by the arrest. "Not because he's an officer, but because he's a close friend," said Vacante.

Porter has been fired by the Grimes County Sheriff's Office.
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Posted by: Anonymous on May 20, 2008 at 02:37 PM
If I hold a Job that requires a high level of public trust and am a Public servant, and I do something like this I need a bash. This is why County Government Corruption is normal in Grimes County. Some of this past Grimes County elected persons talked about on the comments are family and needed to be arrested. The average person In Grimes county does not have any idea of the things that go on in County Government. I seen County equipment used on private land many times for money not paid to the County in the past. why do you think the County never has money for paved roads? Corruption. What happened to all the money for the New Sheriff Office and Jail. Was it almost 1 million dollars missing? Does anyone know? one person arrested form out of the county. No people in the county arrested. Looked funny to me. Corruption
Posted by: Dave Location: Bedias on May 19, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Hey folks, what has happened to our beliefs as American's " Innoscent until Proven Guilty" ? Why do we spend so much time behind our computers only to bash other people ? All thats wrong can be corrected if we stand up and demand it, typing out bashes is only immature. Their has only been 1 perfect person to walk this earth and it is not you....... Give the man a break, if he has done something wrong he will answer for it. Maybe next time it might be you everyone is bashing !!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ginny Location: central texas on May 19, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Anon i'm not from there but i've got to say this guy made a heck of a "MISTAKE". he is law enforcement. if it was a regular citizen do you really think this gut would say oh they made a mistake so lets just let them work it out? heck no he's be the 1st one there to arrest the person. get a life and stop being a bleeding-heart. the guy broke the law and stole from a good "friend".
Posted by: concerned Location: grimes county on May 19, 2008 at 04:36 PM
I'm sorry, Annie, but I'm a law-abiding citizen and I'M not happy with GCSO. While I'm sure that some who yell the loudest might have been on the wrong side of the law, you don't have to be a criminal to realize something is wrong here. Nothing against Mr. Porter. I don't even know the man and I'm sure there's more to the story than we know. I'm just a concerned Grimes County taxpayer.
Posted by: One who knows Location: NAVASOTA on May 19, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Ladies and gentlemen, this discussion of the Sheriff's Office has become unbelievably stupid. REMEMBER this is about one person that is accused of stealong from another--NOT the Sheriff's Office. I know every employee of the Sheriff's Office and all are fine people. They are human like you and make some mistakes, but they never have the intention of taking advantage of anyone. PLEASE leave the Sheriff's Office alone.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Sheriff Sowell, Has worked on exposing some of the corruption and probably help cover up some on a Chief Deputy after he took office. Remember the memo that was leaked from the Sheriff. The Chief Deputy resigned. This County has decades of corruption and the roots are Deep. It is not just in the Sheriff Office ,Its in the Court House also. One person can only do so much in a corruption fed County Government. We had a high level of corruption in Navasota PD until a Texas Ranger took over the police Department. Remember rail road street. Open prostitution, bars and drugs 20 years back. The police said they could do nothing about it for years. One old Texas Ranger closed it down fast. After he took over as temporary Police Chief. A Corruption investigation into the police Department started it all.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Navasota on May 19, 2008 at 12:08 PM
First off this should have never escalated. Franks Towing was going to confront joey and work out something with the money. The Navasota PD found out before they had a chance and went running to the sherrifs dept. It should have never got out. Joey is a great man and made a mistake, after all he is only human. He knows what he did was wrong and accepts it. Because of the surrounding areas reaction and jumping into his buisness his children and family have to deal with this. Instead of people just leaving it alone, he is the talk of the town. Just get over it people. Life goes on. Let the man move on.
Posted by: G.P. Location: not GRIMES COUNTY!! on May 19, 2008 at 11:57 AM
The entire Grimes County law enforcement department needs to be investigated... deputies, troopers, judges, constables, county attorneys, all of them. There are too many "good ole boy" cover ups. I have never been in any sort of trouble with the law, but I know of some shady practices that carry on in Grimes County. Everything from run-in's with other law enforcement, theft, adultery, child endangerment, you name it. A simple turn of the cheek gets matters of this sort overlooked. "Good ole boys" help "handle" these special circumstances with a mere slap on the wrist, if that. There needs to be some justice and undercovering of these "public figures" practices. After all, these people are who our children are taught to respect, look to in a time of need, and go to when they are in trouble. These people are definetly not the role models that I want my children to look up to.
Posted by: Martha Armstrong Location: Buffalo, TX on May 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I can only hope that once this is cleared up all of you who have dogged Joey Porter will have the decency to apologize for doubting his integrity. I grew up with 4 brothers, Joey being one of them, and I have never known him to be dishonest. He has been an excellent father to his children - he had the best teacher, our dad - and he is a wonderful husband to Stacey. For those of you who support him I say a heartfelt thanks and ask for your continued prayers for him and his family. To you who haven't been supportive I am sorry for you because Joey has protected you as a paramedic, a firefighter or a law enforcement officer for most of his adult life and without reservation because of whether he liked you or agreed with your lifestyle or not. It's a shame you couldn't have afforded him the same courtesy instead of attacking his integrity, parenting skills and the house he lives in. Why don't you look beyond all that at the good hearted, Christian man and father?
Posted by: Annie Location: Grimes County on May 19, 2008 at 09:24 AM
To William... Don Sowell is not a joke. He has been in law enforcement for over 30 years. You seem to have alot of hostility toward the Sheriff's Office in general...maybe you have been on the wrong end of the law!! As for all of the accusations that you have made against the Sheriff's Office, maybe you should check your FACTS. Sheriff Sowell has abided by the law and is only doing his job. You seem to be holding a grudge against the Sheriff's Office...I wonder WHY?
Posted by: anonymus on May 18, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I have known both Frank and Joey for years and have seen Frank trust Joey enough to leave him in charge of that shop numerous times. I have seen Joey accept payments for Frank, give change for payments out of his pocket, and there has never been a question before. The area that is being described as not open to the public is a back storeroom where Frank keeps oil, tools, and other things. The door is usually standing open and I have seen Joey and many other enter the room to get things. How can that be "no open to the general public". Frank needs to think about all the things that have happened there and what Joey knows about his business practices. If he has ever done anything shady or illegal, Joey has to know since hehelped on the computer, billing, and everywhere in the shop, for no pay mind you. To both friends, meet each other face to face and settle this matter without one or both ending up with lives and friendships totally destroyed. Be careful not to try and punish an.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Navasota on May 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I will be praying for the Porter family, as well as should everyone else who is passing judgement before the man has been proven guilty/innocent. They have been good friends of mine, and I am saddened to see this happen to them. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. It is going to be a long, hard road to tow, but God will get them through! This does not change the way I feel about the Porter family, people make bad judgments in life, and sometimes have to lay in the bed they made. Good luck and God Bless to them!
Posted by: Billy Location: Navasota on May 18, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Is it legal for the Sherriff to fire a deputy who's case has not yet even been before a Grand Jury. He has NOT been even indicted yet! Wouldn't this case have been more properly handeled by the Sherriff if he had placed Joey on unpaid leave pending the findings of a Grand Jury?
Posted by: william Location: johnson on May 17, 2008 at 06:20 PM
GRIMES COUNTY HAS BEEN A SAFE HAVEN FOR DIRTY OFFICERS.STARTING WITH THE DEATH OF JAILER WESLY ALFORD WHO WAS KILLED BY AN INMATE WITH THE SHERIFF S WIFE WEAPON .DIRTY FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM .THE SHERIFF THEY HAVE NOW IS JUST ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE GOOD OL BOY SYSTEM , WHO WILL HIRE ANYONE ,LIKE THE DEPUTY WHO KILLED THE MENTALLY ILL BOY ,TO A CHIEF DEPUTY LIKE MARTINEZ.THERE IS ALOT MORE GOING ON DOWN THERE THAN PEOPLE KNOW..LIKE CONSTABLE SHARPER WHO THINKS HE IS A TEXAS RANGER AND DRIVES THE COUNTY PATROL CAR ANYWHERE HE WANTS AND ENTERS OTHER JURISDICTIONS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE COUNTY HE ENTERS....AND AN INVESTIGATOR NAMED ARMATIS WHO IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN A STALKER.IF THEY SWEPT THE TRASH OUT OF THAT DEPARTMENT THEY WOULD NOT HAVE ENOUGH COPS TO PATROL ANDERSON.TURN THIS MESS OVER TO TRAVIS NEELY , HE IS MORE QUALIFIED TO LEAD THAN ANY PERSON THERE, HE HAS HAD SUCCESFUL DEPT. EVERY WHERE HE HAS BEEN...DON SOWELL IS A JOKE , MEN FOLLOW GOOD LEADERS....AND HE IS NOT IT..
Posted by: anonymous Location: Grimes County on May 17, 2008 at 02:02 AM
It is obvious to see who wrote what regarding the Deputies being crooked. That ugly accusation never comes from anyone who hasn't been in trouble, then whined to their friends and family how they were set up..etc. etc. As far as officers being arrested, I think he only makes number one or two under this 10 year old administration which is by far way too many. Some Jailers have come and gone and been arrested but that position is an entry level position, and it is closely supervised by those that aren't getting into trouble. Your "cops" are doing a good job and although many have left because of policy violations, they just don't have a bunch of criminals like so many are alleging. Porter may have done this crime and will pay with no less of a consequence than you would after your first offense. You all complain about people not going to jail, only getting probation for thier first felony, but that is how it is. Porter will get the same justice and leniency you would.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: grimes county on May 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
actually friend they "might get arrested" but they wont spend the right amount of time in jail. I was beaten by a narc and 15 minutes after i got home he called to let me know that he was out!! If you have a daughter wouldnt you want the man that beat her to pay?? Dont try to speak like you know the situation unless you have been beaten and still fear for your life! Kknowing that no matter what he does to you he will get away with it because you live in grimes county.
Posted by: anonymous Location: navasota on May 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM
to big bills, yes it is on tape that he took money out of there. but do you realize that joey worked there? he had access to that safe. you dont know joey's side, but i do and im going to stand by him.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I know this former deputy and I am shocked by the allegations of wrong doing. If he actually did this then he will be punished. The majority of the deputies at Grimes County Sheriff's office and in law enforcement in general are honorable and honest and to label them all as crooked and dirty just because of the actions of one person is wrong. That is like saying just because a person is of a certain race they are a criminal. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WRITE BEFORE WRITING IT (directed to big bills).
Posted by: Annie Location: Grimes County on May 16, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I don't know why everyone is ragging on the Grimes County Sheriff's Office as a whole. This is ONE officer. Yeah so there have been officers in the past that have been arrested, and they were dealt with accordingly. One bad apple doesn't make the whole bunch bad.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Actually, Friend of the Accused, there have been a few that have been arrested within the GC Sheriff's Dept. in the past several years.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: grimes county on May 16, 2008 at 07:36 AM
ALL OF GRIMES COUNTY'S OFFICERS NEED TO BE INVESTEGATED!! I DONT SEE HOW THEY CAN KEEP A DRUGGIE AND WOMEN BEATER OUT ON THE STREETS. OH WAIT MAYBE BECAUSE HES A NARC!!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT!
Posted by: big bills Location: bcs on May 16, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Well I cant believe how many of you think he is innocent!! HE IS CAUGHT ON TAPE!! His boss reviewed the tape and could tell it was him. Hes just another crook, he will get a light sentece if any. When police break the law like this, they should be punished more than a regular citizen!! Who knows how many crooked things this officer was doing! We only know about this one because they caught his arse on tape!!
Posted by: anonymous Location: navasota on May 15, 2008 at 08:23 PM
You all act like its the first time a cop has gotten in trouble. I hate to burst your bubble, but most cops do illegal things a lot. And I know Joey very well, and I believe his side of the story. Ask him and the owner their sides of the story and you'll know it wasn't Joey.
Posted by: jason Location: king on May 15, 2008 at 08:10 PM
what is navasota coming to? joey porter i cant believe this!!!
Posted by: Friend of the Accused Location: Navasota on May 15, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Well, Hate to see what he did, but knowing the victim and suspect, they have been CLOSE friends for a LONG time. Hate to see this happen. As far as all those arrest at the sherrifs ofc, you better check your facts, as that stuff has never happened.
Posted by: Cynthia Location: Bryan on May 15, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Just goes to prove that when someone in law enforcement does something wrong, they can and should be tried just like everyone else. It made the news because he is held to a higher standard. The rest of society isn't. Also, to "big bills", there is no such thing at Brazos County PD...it's the Brazos County SO. And since I don't know if you're downgrading the local police departments or the sheriff's office then I'll keep any further comments to myself. Don't lump everyone into the same category when not everyone is the same!
Posted by: C.G. Location: Navasota on May 15, 2008 at 03:01 PM
FINALLY!!!! An investigation needs to be done on the whole "GRIMES COUNTY" staff---even the judges. He has the county behind him so he will get off. They also need not to forget about Navasota PD.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 15, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Well, it's about time! There are plenty more within Grimes Co. offices that are guilty and hiding behind the county. One good thing is that they can hid from man but God sees ALL!! It's not idiotic for anyone to type their comments. What's so idiotic about it is that he will get a slap on the wrist and I won't be surprised if he's back in an office someplace else within Grimes Co. Big Bills commented that Brazos PD will most likely give him a job---it's a race between Brazos and Grimes I guess on who's the most crooked within the public offices. And to comment on how will he get a fair trail with all the publicity. How about all the publicity everyone else received that was accused of a crime. They were already guilty too. I'm just anxious to see how good ole' Grimes Co. DA office works this out to give him a wrist slap. You know they try to uphold one another. Thanks be to God that even they will face "true judgment"; yes; even the good "old" judge(s) :-) :-)will have to face GOD!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Navasota, TX on May 15, 2008 at 02:53 PM
It is shocking beyond belief, at least for myself. I for one will refuse to believe the Eagle's story saying that he took over $6000. I know officer Porter, and he has a reputation in this town and county as being the most fair and level headed policeman that you could have answer your call for help. He probably writes as many tickets in a year as a DPS officer writes in a day! He is known and respected by so many people in this community, and I don't think that our community should cast stones at him. I am sure that the two main characters, Mr. Porter and Mr. Vacante, are having the roughest of these times. They have worked together, and been friends for many, many years. I pray for their families, and for them especially. I would not at all be shocked to see this go away before any kind of trial.
Posted by: Annie Location: Grimes County on May 15, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I for one am proud of how Sheriff Sowell has handled this whole situation. He shows no favortism and upholds the law, even when it is "one of his own". The officer involved is not above the law and I think that the Grimes County Sheriff's Office has handled the matter accordingly. As for the family of this officer, I pray that the community is understanding and not so judgemental...they are victims as well as the owners of the business.
Posted by: Patricia Location: Iola on May 15, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Why is it when law enforcement gets caught it's headline news. Had it just been Joey Porter without the Deputy in front of his name would this be such a sensation? He is afterall, just a man who happens to be employed by Don Sowell. You know good people do sometime make bad choices. How on earth is Mr. Porter going to get a fair trial in this small community with all the publicity? So far as him being a "dirty cop", that's not for us to decide that's Sheriff Sowell's job and it looks like he's handled it!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Anderson on May 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
This is a sad situation. Any time that you have your trust violated it's a shock to the system, before we start accusing law enforcement, think about all the officers who uphold the law and keep us safe. There's more of them than ones who break the law. Joey will have to answer to a higher power that us. I am praying for his family and the friends who are affected by this.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Grimes County on May 15, 2008 at 11:04 AM
The evidence is what it is. Whether or not he took the money the other times, we don't know. We do know that the tape caught him in this particular instance. A picture is worth a thousand words! It is a very sad and embarrassing situation for the family and community as well as law enforcement in Grimes Co. Like my grandmother always said, "Don't put a darn thing past anybody, and you'll never be surprised!" Translation: Anyone is capable of ANYTHING!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Navasota on May 15, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I'm happy to see the ages old standard of innocent until proven guilty being upheld here. You all know if it was you being accused of this, you wouldn't want the press to convict you before you had even been arraigned. If you knew the man being charged with this, none of you would be here typing idiotic comments about law enforcement in general.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Anderson on May 15, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Perhaps people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Anyone can be CHARGED with a crime, but until you know the other side of the story, don't assume the person is guilty. In the eyes of the public he has already been tried and convicted! Not fair to this deputy at all.
Posted by: big bills Location: bcs on May 15, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Typical police!!! Dont worry, Brazos County PD will probably give him a job. He would fit in good with our local law enforcement!!
Posted by: EJ Location: BRYAN on May 14, 2008 at 11:43 PM
A dirty cop give a bad name to all the honest ones.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Chief deputies, Deputy Sheriffs, investigator and jailer all have be arrested in the past 8 years. KBTX NEEDS TO DO A INVESTAGATION INTO THIS SHEERIFF OFFICE. THE STATE DID AND Made some ADM. ARREST ALSO.
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