Mayor Sam Fugate presented a proclamation declaring January as Crime Stoppers Month in Kingsville. Pictured L-R is Detective Bradley Lile with the Kingsville Police Department, Kingsville Crime Stoppers President Sandra Chisholm, Kingsville Crime Stoppers Treasurer Lucy Camarillo, and Mayor Sam Fugate. January has officially been declared as Crime Stoppers Month in Texas by Gov. Rick Perry.

The Kingsville Crime Stoppers Chapter has been instrumental in the arrest and convictions of criminals in Kleberg County throughout the years.

In recognition of January being Crime Stoppers month, Mayor Sam Fugate declared a proclamation for the local Kingsville Chapter on Jan. 12.

The Kingsville Crime Stoppers Chapter, which works with the Kingsville Police Department and the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Department, assisted in the conviction of many criminals in 2009.

In one month in 2009 the Kingsville Crime Stoppers paid $5500 for reports leading to the arrest and convictions of criminals, according to one of the board members.

The Kingsville Crime Stoppers Chapter has been in existence since the early 80s. The local chapter was founded to promote the welfare of the community and to lessen the burdens of federal and local governments by assisting law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and conviction of criminals, recovery of stolen property and illegal narcotics.

Currently, there are 11 board member volunteers and also representatives from Santa Gertrudis Academy High School, H.M. King High School, Kingsville, Rivera and Ricardo Independent School Districts.

All Crime Stoppers chapters are under the supervision of the Texas Governor’s Office and adhere to the state guidelines.

Donations and fundraisers provide the resources to pay for the individuals who call in to report crimes that lead to convictions. Crime Stoppers is a 501-3C organization and donations are tax deductible. The local chapter will team up with some of the local banks to seek donations for the program in February.

All donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1001, Kingsville, Texas 78364.

The local Crime Stoppers chapter will pay up to $1000 for reported leads that lead to a conviction of a crime in Kingsville and Kleberg County.

Individuals who wish to report a crime can call 592- 4636; 1-877-Kleberg (1-877- 553-2374) ; text to 274637 or go online www.tipsubmit. com.

The national Crime Stoppers organizations have assisted in solving one million crimes since it was organized in 1976.