Foot Chase, Multiple Taser Deployments, and Drug Charge During Lake Bryan Arrest

On Monday, a man was sentenced to 50 years in prison following an investigation that began after a teenager discovered a hidden camera in a bathroom. 46-year-old Justin Elliott Lee pleaded guilty to five counts involving illegal images of a minor. Prosecutors say Lee also admitted guilt to five additional counts and an aggravated offense involving a child. The investigation began in August 2024, when the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in North Zulch after authorities were notified that a 15-year-old had discovered a hidden camera in a family bathroom. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Lee’s phone and reported finding images and recordings of the teenager. According to prosecutors, investigators also recovered recordings showing Lee placing cameras facing the shower. Another hidden camera was found in the living room, where the teenager had been sleeping. Madison County Sheriff’s Investigator Carly Foster led the investigation, with assistance from investigators Steve Jeter and Blake Baldobino. District Judge David Moorman sentenced Lee to a total of 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Lee must serve half of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Lee, who prosecutors say had no prior criminal history, remains in the Madison County Jail awaiting transfer to state prison. Madison County District Attorney Courtney Cain said, “The victim in this case showed such strength and courage. She was being sexually abused and recorded by someone she trusted. I am thankful that the victim did not have to testify and relive this trauma. I am also glad that the Defendant is off the streets of Madison County for a long time and where he deserves to be – prison!” Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

College Station ISD announced that eight seniors have been confirmed as semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. The recognition allows these academically talented students to continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit scholarships worth nearly $24-million. Six students from A&M Consolidated High School and two from College Station High School were named as semifinalists: Nina Alvarez, A&M Consolidated High School Zoe Caverlee, A&M Consolidated High School Jameson Dent, College Station High School Julian Gill, A&M Consolidated High School Patrick Li, A&M Consolidated High School Richard Petrov, College Station High School Irvin Wang, A&M Consolidated High School Michael Wu, A&M Consolidated High School More than 1.2 million high school juniors nationwide entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest-scoring students in each state. To advance as a Finalist, Semifinalists must complete a detailed application, maintain an outstanding academic record, receive a school official’s recommendation, submit an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm their PSAT/NMSQT performance. More than 15,000 of the more than 16,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to Finalist standing, with National Merit Scholarship winners selected from that group. Qualifying students will be notified of their final designation in February, with National Merit Scholarship winners announced beginning in April and concluding in July. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) is conducting aerial inspections of the BTU electrical system through Tuesday, September 29th. Routine inspections enhance the reliability of the electric system through a preventative maintenance program. Contractors will use an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone to inspect parts of the BTU transmission and distribution systems. Residents of Brazos and Burleson counties should be advised that they may observe this low-flying aircraft. BTU asks the public to give our contractors ample space to allow for the safe completion of the inspections. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.