Teen's mom arrested in assault

WINK Winkler County Sheriff's Deputy Chief George Keely said that deputies arrested the mother of one of two teen boys accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old Kermit girl.

Pam White, 40, 500 N. Rosey Dodd Ave. in Wink, was arrested at her home and charged shortly before noon today with engaging in organized criminal conduct, aggravated sexual assault and deadly conduct in connection with the assault.

White's son Anthony Lee Bishop, 17, remains jailed on a $50,000 bond on charges of aggravated sexual assault. Joel Chon Hernandez, 18, bonded out Thursday on the same charges. The two teens were arrested Wednesday at Wink High School.

The teens are accused of assaulting a 16-year-old Kermit girl who suffered severe head injuries. The girl was taken to a Lubbock hospital following the assault but is now back at home, Keely said.

Keely said the girl was assaulted Sept. 21 during a night of drinking. Keely also arrested Jason Vaught, 35, 414 N. Rosey Dodd Ave. Vaught, who is also known as "Iceman" also was charged with engaging in organized criminal conduct, aggravated sexual assault and deadly conduct in connection with the assault.

Keely said both Vaught and White are not accused of actually assaulting the victim but of knowingly allowing it to happen and not doing anything to stop the assault or to render aid.

"Everyone's an equal partner," Keely said. He said a third arrest is pending.

Vaught was convicted more than a year ago for possessing an explosive device, and was serving a 2-year probation, Keely added.

The crime has shocked the small hamlet of Wink as well as nearby Kermit.

Thursday, John Benham, Winkler-Loving Independent School District superintendent, said the boys are both seniors at the school. Hernandez was elected senior class vice president this year.