Stephen Russell Herman, 56, was arrested in Crosby two days after he walked out of his own trial in Liberty County and did not return. Investigators with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office Criminal Interdiction Unit, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Harris County Violent Crimes Apprehension Team located him at a residence. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Liberty County Jail.
Investigators also took Jamie Diane Daughtery, 48, of Baytown, into custody. They said she assisted Herman after he fled. She was charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution of a known felon.
Herman was on bond when his trial began Monday, Oct. 26, in the 75th District Court before Judge Mark Morefield. He left the courthouse during a recess on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and did not return. The trial continued in his absence, and the jury found him guilty. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison. The Liberty County District Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.