Federal prosecutors charged 13 people in Operation Southbound Takedown, an investigation into an alleged scheme to steal vehicles from across the U.S., transport them to El Paso, and smuggle them into Mexico for use by criminal organizations.
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
Sean Alexander Meeks, 49, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced to 400 months (33 years, 4 months) in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute child pornography. Montgomery County Texas Sheriff's Office investigators identified Meeks as administrator of an online messaging group where illegal child sexual abuse material was exchanged.
$15 years for supervised release term
Sean Alexander Meeks, defendant, sentenced to 400 months in federal prison; U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller, U.S. Attorney commenting on sentence; U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., judge who handed down sentence and 1 more
The Trump administration and U.S. officials disputed CBS News' 60 Minutes report on the deportation of Moussa Diawara, a 57-year-old from Mali who lived in Texas. The disagreement centered on Diawara's stated reason for seeking asylum and whether he was aware he would be deported to Mali via Ghana.
Moussa Diawara, 57-year-old Mali-born Uber driver deported from the United States; CBS News 60 Minutes, Reported on Diawara's deportation; Trump administration, Disputed 60 Minutes account and 4 more
A 50-year-old North Texas woman was indicted on 10 federal charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining over $680,000 in pandemic relief loans and using part of the funds to finance a home construction project in Cedar Hill.
$$680,000 for COVID fraud scheme total
April Watson, defendant charged with 10 counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering; Ryan Raybould, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas; Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Texas Field Office and 1 more
Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Moussa Diawara, a Texas resident, to Ghana on July 31 as part of a third-country deportation program. Ghanaian officials subsequently sent him to Mali. A U.S. immigration judge had ruled in 2012 that Diawara could not be deported to Mali because he would likely face persecution there.
Moussa Diawara, Texas resident deported by ICE; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), agency that deported Diawara; Department of Homeland Security (DHS), issued deportation paperwork and 2 more
Timothy France Johnson, 63, the brother of El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for running a Ponzi scheme involving NBA preseason games. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and monetary transaction charges.
$$3,148,094.48 for restitution ordered
Timothy France Johnson, defendant; El Paso mayor's brother; Mayor Renard Johnson, El Paso mayor; defendant's brother; U.S. Attorney Simmons, U.S. Attorney and 1 more
The Port of Galveston announced it has received federal grants totaling $1.18 million from FEMA's Port Security Grant Program for security enhancements, including video surveillance, cybersecurity updates, smart padlocks, and a mobile vehicle barrier system. The port is contributing its own funds toward the projects.
$$393,750 for FEMA grant for video surveillance expansion (federal share)
FEMA, federal agency awarding grants; Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO; Port of Galveston, recipient of security grants
Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas held a congregation-wide vote Sunday and Monday on whether to leave the United Methodist denomination. The church council announced the results Monday evening, saying the vote passed with overwhelming support. The regional UMC body has said the vote is not valid under its policy, setting up a potential dispute over authority and property.
Highland Park United Methodist Church council, Church leadership that recommended separation and announced vote results; Horizon Texas Annual Conference, Regional governing body of the United Methodist Church; Election Trust, Independent third party that tabulated and certified vote results
High-profile Democratic and Republican figures are campaigning in San Antonio ahead of November 3 midterm elections. Eva Longoria is appearing with James Talarico, the Democratic nominee challenging Republican Senator Ken Paxton. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will visit with Johnny Garcia, a candidate in Texas's 35th Congressional District. Speaker Dustin Burrows plans a GOP rally on October 29.
Eva Longoria, Democratic supporter making campaign appearance; James Talarico, Democratic nominee challenging Republican Senator Ken Paxton; Ken Paxton, Republican incumbent Senator and 3 more