Man in Custody, Accused of Soliciting Realtors

SMITH COUNTY — An East Texas man who was wanted for allegedly soliciting realtors is in custody. According to KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office says Michael Minnich, 39, was arrested by the Smith County Precinct 4 Constable’s office on Wednesday morning. Minnich was also wanted on a parole violation. On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office released a statement saying Minnich and his wife, identified as Felicia Garland, were contacting realtors and claiming they were “cash buyers and needed to close quickly.” He reportedly also was asking to meet realtors at properties. Smith County officials were in close contact with the Longview Police Department during the investigation. According to judicial records, Minnich is being held in the Smith County Jail on no bond.