Criminal JusticeLocal NewsHomicides in Texas’ Largest Cities Increase in 2021, Except in Dallas
Brad JohnsonJanuary 18, 2022
After decades of violent crime declines since the 1970s and 1980s, the nation is seeing crime levels start to rise again.
HomeCategoryCriminal Justice | The Texan
Criminal JusticeFederalImmigration & BorderIssuesBorder Guards Intercept Over $1.5 Million in Alleged Narcotics at Hidalgo International Bridge
Hayden SparksJanuary 13, 2022
CBP also responded after a “caretaker” at a stash house reportedly threatened a group of illegal aliens with a knife.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeIssuesLocal NewsDallas Police Chief Touts Drop in Crime as City Moves Against ‘Sexually-Oriented Businesses’
Hayden SparksJanuary 11, 2022
Garcia reported that aggravated assaults, murders, and robberies have collectively dropped by 13 percent since May of last year.
Criminal JusticeFederalIssuesTaxes & SpendingNigerian Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Stealing Over $1 Million from U.S. Government
Hayden SparksJanuary 10, 2022
The 39-year-old man, who pleaded guilty to several crimes, had falsely stated that he was a U.S. citizen by lying on a passport application.
Criminal JusticeFederalImmigration & BorderIssuesBorder Patrol Arrests Salvadoran Illegal Alien With Conviction for Sex Offense Against Teen Girl
Hayden SparksJanuary 6, 2022
Border police say the 24-year-old man, who had a conviction in Harris County for a sex offense against a teen, lied about his identity.
Criminal JusticeFederalIssuesHouston Grand Jury Indicts Four More Defendants in $35 Million CARES Act Fraud Conspiracy
Hayden SparksDecember 30, 2021
The Texans who were indicted range in age from 29 to 70 and are accused of crimes such as wire fraud and money laundering.
Criminal JusticeLocal NewsAustin Office of Police Oversight Violated Department Contract, Arbitrator Rules
Brad JohnsonDecember 30, 2021
The Office of Police Oversight was formed from its old iteration after the 2018 police contract with the City of Austin was finalized.
Criminal JusticeLocal NewsOver 150 Killed in Harris County by Suspects Out on Bond
Holly HansenDecember 30, 2021
Rising crime and felony bond practices are expected to be top issues in local judicial elections in Harris County next year.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeFederalSpring Man Who Pleaded Guilty to Supporting ISIS Resentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison
Hayden SparksDecember 28, 2021
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Asher Khan's previous sentence of 18 months after the Department of Justice appealed.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeIssuesTexas Parole Board Withdraws 25 Clemency Recommendations, Including George Floyd
Hayden SparksDecember 27, 2021
A defense attorney sought to have George Floyd posthumously pardoned for a 2004 drug offense.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyCriminal JusticeElections 2022IssuesJudicialElection Integrity Law at Risk After Court of Criminal Appeals Rules Only County, District Attorneys Can Prosecute Fraud
Hayden SparksDecember 17, 2021
The appellate court, which has the final word in criminal cases, decided that Sheriff Zena Stephens cannot be prosecuted by the attorney general.
Criminal JusticeFederalImmigration & BorderBorder Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Suspects in $3 Million Meth Bust Near Hidalgo International Bridge
Hayden SparksDecember 16, 2021
Port Director Carlos Rodriguez stated that drug smugglers often attempt to take advantage of heavy traffic during the holidays.
Criminal JusticeLocal NewsFugitive Wanted for Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault Was Out on Reduced Bond
Holly HansenDecember 15, 2021
Judge DaSean Jones reduced felony bonds for DeAundric Dorsey’s charges related to forcing a 16-year-old girl into prostitution. Convicted in absentia, Dorsey is now a wanted fugitive.
Criminal JusticeImmigration & BorderIssuesDrug Trafficker Faces Life in Federal Prison After Jury Convicts Him of Possessing Narcotics, Illegal Firearm
Hayden SparksDecember 15, 2021
Prosecutors say the 42-year-old convict was an associate of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Criminal JusticeImmigration & BorderIssuesTwo Killed in South Texas After 18-Year-Old Alleged Human Smuggler Crashes During Car Chase
Hayden SparksDecember 14, 2021
The suspect is an 18-year-old American citizen who was reportedly fleeing from police during a human smuggling attempt.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeElections 2022FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesTexas Military, State Troopers Increase Enforcement in La Joya Amid Surge in Crossings by Illegal Aliens
Hayden SparksDecember 7, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott pointed to Operation Lone Star and the state’s effort to supplement the insufficient federal response.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyCriminal JusticeEducationElections 2022HealthcareIssuesState HouseState SenateElection Integrity Protection Act, Chemical Abortion Restrictions Among Laws Taking Effect Dec. 2
Hayden SparksDecember 2, 2021
The laws taking effect on December 2 were passed during the second called session of the Texas legislature.
Criminal JusticeFederalImmigration & BorderIssuesViolence Outside the U.S. Against Federal Agents, Employees Can Be Prosecuted, New Law Clarifies
Hayden SparksNovember 24, 2021
President Biden excluded from the signing ceremony retired Special Agent Victor Avila and the family of the late Special Agent Jaime Zapata.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyCriminal JusticeGunsTexas Officials, Candidates React to Kyle Rittenhouse’s Full Acquittal in Wisconsin Self-defense Case
Hayden SparksNovember 22, 2021
A prominent Democrat in the Texas House lashed out at Gov. Greg Abbott after the governor tweeted about Rittenhouse’s acquittal.
Criminal JusticeImmigration & BorderIssuesFeds Arrest Nine Suspects in Smuggling Incident Near Del Rio That Killed Eight People
Hayden SparksNovember 15, 2021
An Ohio man allegedly crashed into oncoming traffic and killed eight people after a Texas state trooper tried to stop him near Del Rio.