CRIME STOPPERS SUBPEONA ORDERED ‘RECORDS & RECORDING FOR ALL INCOMING REPORTS’ FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
Court documents say a subpoena served against Brenham Washington County Crime Stoppers ordered the organization to produce in court “records and recording for all incoming reports” concerning allegations of sexual assault of a child against a Brenham man.
On Thursday, Crime Stoppers Chairman John Deans was found in contempt of court by Judge Carson Campbell in 21st District Court for refusing to release details from a tip submitted to his organization.
Deans was served a subpoena earlier this month by Conroe-based defense attorney Brian Burns, who is representing Terry Dale Stegmann, Jr. of Brenham. Stegmann is charged with Sexual Assault of a Child, a second degree felony from May 2020. Stegmann was indicted for the alleged offense on March 23, 2021, and was arrested by Brenham police on April 14, 2021.
In a motion for discovery of Crime Stoppers information filed in November, Burns argues that the State of Texas is in sole possession of the information obtained through Crime Stoppers tips and from anonymous tippers, and that the defendant “has no other means of ascertaining the requested disclosures.” He claims the information and tips “are crucial sources of exculpatory and mitigating evidence,” and also says the items requested are not privileged.
Deans and his attorney, Scott Ballard, filed a motion to quash the subpoena on February 21st. The two argue that any information Crime Stoppers may have in relation to the case “would be inadmissible because the information sought is not exculpatory to the defendant’s criminal case.” They say denying access to the record concerning the tip does not invalidate “any part of a cognizable common law cause of action” available to Stegmann.
Further, Deans and Ballard say records of Crime Stoppers tips submitted under Texas Government Code “may not be compelled to be produced” before a court, unless there is a motion from the defendant that alleges the records contain evidence that would help absolve the defendant. They claim the defendant has not filed that motion, nor has Crime Stoppers been served with a motion requesting that the court determine whether the records include evidence that would absolve Stegmann.
Deans and Ballard ask in their motion for either the subpoena to be quashed, or for the court conduct an in-camera inspection of the items requested in the subpoena to determine whether they would be required to be produced in court.
After being found in contempt of court, Deans was detained at the Washington County Jail. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Deans was released this (Friday) morning per a court order issued by Campbell. No bond was required.
If Crime Stoppers is no longer an anonymous way to leave info, who would voluntarily give tips? If the accused can find out WHO led to their arrest, there will be retaliation. The whole premise of “Crime Stoppers” is to be able to give investigators some info to go on so that THEY can investigate.
I applaud John Deans for standing up for the principle Crime Stoppers is founded on.
Carson Campell asked for the document to be turned over to him and he would decide what would happen with it. Terry Stegmann has been charged with sexual assault of a child. Law enforcement must have physical and other evidence or he wouldn’t need three lawyers and be going to court. If it were your child that had been violated by the man; would you want him to have access to that information? I am Thankful Crime-stoppers is standing tall.