Anthony Lister Sentenced for Domestic Violence
In a significant recent development, College Station is witnessing the culmination of a troubling legal saga involving 37-year-old Anthony Lister. The Brazos County District Attorney’s Office announced that Lister has reached a plea agreement, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence due to violations of his probation stemming from a prior domestic violence conviction.
When Lister was sentenced, the courtroom was filled with emotion as the victim from the 2014 College Station incident delivered a poignant victim impact statement. Even almost ten years after the attack, she continues to live with the injuries inflicted upon her. During the recent hearing, she spoke directly to Lister, conveying the lasting pain caused by his actions.
A Troubling Pattern
This isn’t Lister’s first brush with the law. Court records indicate that back in February 2015, he pleaded guilty to the College Station attack that occurred in October 2014. At that time, he was given a suspended ten-year sentence. However, in January 2023, Lister found himself in trouble again. Reports revealed that he had assaulted, strangled, and threatened another victim following an altercation that erupted over a football game. This incident prompted the victim to flee their home with a child and seek help from law enforcement. Because of this new conviction in Houston, where he was sentenced to two years in prison, Lister faced serious repercussions for violating the terms of his probation in Brazos County.
As a result, the District Attorney’s Office filed a motion to revoke his probation. Rather than entering a contested hearing, Lister agreed to the eight-year prison sentence, potentially avoiding a harsher ten-year maximum that loomed over his future.
Assistant District Attorney Kevin Capps remarked on Lister’s repeated patterns of violence, expressing hope that this prison sentence would finally compel him to change his behavior and contribute to preventing future incidents. The support from the College Station Police Department throughout the investigation and prosecution process was also acknowledged during the proceedings.
Gun Incident at Bryan High School
In a separate incident, Bryan was briefly shaken when a student was arrested for possessing a gun on campus. The Bryan Police Department and Bryan ISD officials quickly assured the community that no threat was made toward the school. On September 18, a student was found with a handgun in their backpack while in a classroom. Following a swift investigation, the student was removed from the classroom and arrested, facing charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a prohibited place and a terroristic threat.
Reports indicate that the situation was swiftly handled by school administrators and the school resource officers, highlighting the proactive measures taken to ensure student safety. Bryan High School principal addressed concerned families via a message, emphasizing that there was no ongoing threat and reassuring them of the importance of reporting safety concerns.
Harvey Mitchell Parkway Construction Wrap-Up
Meanwhile, in the ever-evolving landscape of College Station, the long-awaited conclusion of the Harvey Mitchell Parkway construction is here! After an extensive seven and a half years filled with road work, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced that left turn lanes at various intersections are scheduled to open, marking the end of this significant project.
Incoming changes at George Bush, Luther, and Holleman intersections are set to occur on September 19, after the morning commute. Intermittent traffic stoppages will allow construction workers to finalize the necessary traffic devices. The project, which commenced back in March 2017, comes at a hefty price tag of $47.6 million and promises to enhance travel efficiency in the area.
TxDOT expressed gratitude to the community for its patience throughout the years, letting everyone know that these upgrades aim to improve driving experiences on local roads.
New Sewer Project in Bryan
Lastly, in city planning news, the Bryan City Council took decisive action to move forward with a crucial sewer project. They recently voted to commence condemnation proceedings to acquire easements necessary for building a new sewer line and lift station near the RELLIS campus.
This decision was made during a special council meeting, where the urgency was highlighted due to federal pandemic grant stipulations requiring a construction contract by the end of 2024. Amid concerns from local property owners about the sewers and tree removals, city officials remain committed to maintaining open communication and reaching agreements where possible.
As the threads of these stories weave through the fabric of Bryan and College Station, the respective communities are reminded of ongoing efforts in public safety, infrastructure enhancements, and addressing public concerns.