Felony Arrest Made in Bleakwood Following Traffic Stop

BLEAKWOOD, TX — A routine traffic stop Friday resulted in the arrest of a Newton County man on felony charges after counterfeit currency was allegedly discarded along a state highway.

According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, on February 20, 2026, Sergeant Chad Ainsworth observed a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling northbound on State Highway 87 near FM 2460 without a visible license plate.

Authorities reported that as Sgt. Ainsworth followed the motorcycle, the driver began throwing unknown items from the vehicle. A traffic stop was subsequently conducted, and the driver was identified as Brandal Lugene Burks II.

Brandal Lugene Burks II was arrested February 20, 2026, and charged with Forgery (F3) and Tampering with Fabricated Evidence (F3) following a traffic stop in Bleakwood.

During the stop, Burks allegedly admitted to throwing counterfeit money from the motorcycle just prior to being pulled over. Deputies later located approximately $130 in counterfeit currency along State Highway 87.

Burks was arrested at the scene and transported to the Newton County Jail. He has been charged with:

• Forgery (Third-Degree Felony)

• Tampering with Fabricated Evidence (Third-Degree Felony)

Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard confirmed the arrest. The investigation remains ongoing.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.