Latest Developments in Bryan: Guilty Pleas, Legislative Training, and Traffic Alerts
In the bustling city of Bryan, some surprising news has emerged lately, showcasing a mix of *legal trials* and *political moves*, along with a heads up for local drivers.
From the Courtroom: Gilberto Castillo Jr. Sentenced
Last week, Gilberto Castillo Jr., a 33-year-old Bryan resident, made headlines after entering guilty pleas to six separate crimes in Brazos County district court. According to online jail records, Castillo pleaded guilty to stealing four guns on December 23, 2023, which landed him a two-year prison sentence. But that’s not the end of his story.
As part of a plea agreement, Castillo also admitted to older charges, including evading arrest back in December 2020 and a misdemeanor possession of marijuana from May 2019. It’s been revealed that Castillo has been behind bars since January 9, 2024, following earlier convictions related to vehicle burglary and theft, making this quite the series of legal ups and downs.
A Familiar Face Returns: Eric Derrow Jr. Sentenced
Meanwhile, another story in the courtroom involves Eric Derrow Jr., a 20-year-old from Somerville. Last Friday, Derrow found himself facing the music as his probation was revoked, landing him a two-year state jail sentence. This was not his first brush with the law; in fact, court records show he had previously pleaded guilty to burglary of a building and possession of controlled substances. It seems that Derrow’s past caught up with him, leading to his return to state jail.
Political Training: Paul Dyson Joins Texas House
On a more positive note, the Texas House of Representatives welcomed new recruits, including state representative-elect Paul Dyson from Bryan. Dyson participated in a five-day training session in Austin where he learned the ins and outs of the legislature. He wasted no time filling his staff and is currently on the hunt for a new place to call home.
Dyson was also involved in recent caucus voting for House Speaker, lending his support to the caucus nominee, David Cook. With aspirations to unite the House Republicans ahead of the legislative session, he is already drafting a bill focused on penalties for attempted capital murder against police officers, alongside a resolution demanding the federal government reimburse Texas for border protection costs.
For constituents eager to share their thoughts or concerns, Dyson invites them to connect through his campaign website and Facebook page.
Traffic Alert: College Station Road Closures
In the realm of transportation, Bryan residents are advised to be aware of upcoming road closures. Starting Tuesday, December 10, Lincoln Avenue will be completely shut down between Texas and Tarrow due to safety concerns as construction projects ramp up. This total closure will accelerate rebuilding efforts and is expected to last until May 2025, weather permitting. So plan your routes accordingly, folks!
More Legal Troubles: Deontae Williams Arrested
On another note, a 27-year-old Bryan man, Deontae Williams, is facing significant legal troubles after being arrested for possessing a substantial amount of marijuana. Authorities pulled over a vehicle for having excessively dark window tint, which led to the discovery of two and a half pounds of marijuana in the car, alarmingly close to a baby in a car seat. While Williams denied ownership of the drugs, he did claim responsibility for over $4,285 in cash, leading to his detention. As of December 9, he remains in jail with hefty bonds related to earlier charges as well.
As Bryan continues to navigate these legal, political, and logistical challenges, one thing is clear: the community is staying engaged and aware of what’s going on around them. Whether it’s court sentences or future laws, the pulse of Bryan beats strong and resilient.
