Attorney accused of bringing meth into county jail

Bryan Simmons
Bryan Simmons

LINDEN, Texas - A lawyer who handles cases in Cass and Bowie counties was arrested Thursday for allegedly bringing methamphetamine into the Cass County jail.

Bryan Simmons, 49, of Atlanta, Texas, was taken into custody at the jail in Linden, Texas, on Thursday afternoon for allegedly attempting to smuggle meth into the jail, said County District Attorney Courtney Shelton.

Simmons had been under surveillance for about a month and was taken into custody by Texas Rangers.

Simmons allegedly had about 2 grams of meth on his person when he attempted to enter the Cass County jail, Shelton said.

Later Thursday evening, a search of Simmons' truck led to the discovery of additional methamphetamine and a firearm, Shelton said.

Simmons was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility, possession of a controlled substance one to four grams and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Fifth District Judge Bill Miller set Simmons' bail at $25,000 for the charge related to bringing meth into the jail, at $25,000 for the drugs allegedly found in Simmons' truck and $10,000 on the weapons charge. Miller ordered Simmons to submit to random drug testing and ordered that he participate in a drug treatment program.

Simmons' arrest Thursday is not his first.

In 2009, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested Simmons for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Bowie County. He was on his way to the Bowie County Courthouse in New Boston, Texas, where he was expected to give opening arguments for the defense in a murder trial.

Simmons was involved in a single-car accident June 16, 2009, on state Highway 8. Simmons was suspected of being intoxicated and booked into the Bowie County jail in Texarkana, Texas, according to records. He was released the same day on a personal recognizance bond.

A mistrial was declared in the murder case and Simmons was later ordered by retired 102nd District Judge John Miller to reimburse the county $318 for the cost of the 53-member jury panel.

Records show the DWI charge was filed in Bowie County Court at Law as driving while intoxicated, first offense, but later dismissed in 2011.

 

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