Justice of the Peace Maggie Moreno, right, charges EMS Director Ken Strange, in handcuffs, before placing him behind bars.
Photo by Teresa Kendrick
Landon Campbell from the DA’s Office, left, was handcuffed and charged with exaggerated Dad-ery, thanks to the quick actions of Hays C. Deputy Bryant Cuadros. Cuadros cuffed Allison Buess, center, also from the DA’s Office, was charged with Capitol Tree Murder. Hays Co. Deputy and PIO Alyssa Davenport, right, brought in Kyle City Council member, Marc McKinney, during the roundup.
Photo by Teresa Kendrick
Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolito was joined in lock up by Kyle City Council member Marc McKinney.
Photo by Teresa Kendrick
As part of a sweeping roundup by Hays County Sheriffs Deputies, two Wimberley officials were handcuffed in front of staff and transported to the Hays County Government center where they were charged with felony offenses by Justice Maggie H. Moreno.
Wimberley EMS Director Ken Strange and Wimberley Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Robbins were part of the roundup. Chief Robbins was booked on three charges: Suspiciously Festive Behavior, Illegal Sleigh Parking, and Attempted Cookie Smuggling. Director Strange was booked on Felony Flight Risk. Bail for both men was set at $400 each. Within minutes of being behind bars, both men worked to raise bail.
The mock arrests were part of the annual Hays County Brown Santa program that provides gifts and food to families in need at Christmas. To raise funds, county officials are “arrested and charged” and must raise “bail” from contributions by family and friends.
The first person behind bars was Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolito. Following soon after were Assistant Criminal District Attorney Landon Campbell from the Hays Co. DA’s office who was charged with Exaggerated Dad-ery and Allison Buess, charged with Capitol Tree Murder. Campbell’s bail was set high at $800. Kyle City Council member Marc McKinney was charged with “not allowing other cities in the county catch up,” and faced a $400 bail.
Since 2011, volunteers from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the Hays County Citizen’s Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association and others from across the Hays county community have given their time and energy to the Hays County Brown Santa program. By partnering with sponsors, individuals, schools, businesses and other nonprofits, Brown Santa has been able to collect toys, raise funds and provide food for families in the area.
According to Sgt. Jeffrey Jordan, the program helped more than 650 families in 2024. This year, he says, volunteers will deliver toys and food to approximately 663 families, impacting 2,042 children. Apart from items delivered to families, Brown Santa invites other organizations such as Child Protective Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, Knights of Columbus and Youth Services to “shop” for items. When those organizations are factored in, their efforts reach as many as 750 families and 2,500 children.
Brown Santa deliveries will be made on December 20 to locations across Hays County. Volunteers are needed to help. To volunteer, individuals can sign up at HaysCountyBrownSanta.org or by emailing [email protected].
