Texas Attorney News Archive (Page 215)

An Arlington family has been convicted in Fort Worth for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar tax refund fraud scheme. David Hunt and his twin sons, Brandon and Baylon, were found guilty of trying to claim $8.5 million through falsified tax returns.

Prosecutors revealed that this trio, alongside their half-brother, Corey Burt from Long Beach, Mississippi, fraudulently obtained over $1.7 million. They used the illicit funds to finance luxury items, including a Cadillac Escalade and an upscale home.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould highlighted the detrimental effects of such scams on American taxpayers and praised the dedicated work of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.

The Hunt family members face hefty prison sentences and financial penalties after being convicted on multiple counts of conspiracy and assisting in the submission of fraudulent tax returns. Sentencing is set for March 26, 2026.

This case underscores the crucial relationship between criminal defense, corporate responsibility, and the importance of ethical practices in business and tax compliance.

In a significant development for business and corporate law in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a pathway for consumers to claim their portion of a $700 million settlement with Google. This settlement comes in response to the company's violation of antitrust regulations, stemming from a joint effort by state attorneys general nationwide.

The settlement tackles Google's monopolistic practices, particularly those affecting users of the Google Play Store from August 2016 to September 2023. Paxton emphasized the importance of this opportunity for Texans impacted by Google's anticompetitive actions, advocating for a robust approach against Big Tech's failure to uphold fair competition in the Lone Star State.

Notifications will be sent to affected consumers via PayPal or Venmo. A supplemental claims process will also be available for those requiring additional support. Furthermore, individuals wishing to take their own legal action against Google must submit a formal exclusion request by February 19, 2026. A court hearing to review the settlement's approval is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

DALLAS – North Texas experienced significant traffic disruptions early Friday morning due to two separate crashes, including a tragic head-on collision on President George Bush Turnpike in Grand Prairie. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that 34-year-old Joshua Solis-Munoz from Dallas lost his life in the incident, while 60-year-old Pascal Moore from Haslet was injured but is expected to recover. These accidents have brought attention to the critical need for enhanced highway safety measures.

In addition to the fatal collision, another accident near DFW Airport in Irving caused lane closures on Texas 114, further complicating the already congested traffic situation. Local personal injury attorneys are preparing for potential civil litigation related to these accidents, emphasizing the connection between business operations and roadway safety.

Authorities are urging drivers to stay vigilant and follow traffic laws to prevent additional incidents as North Texas roadways remain busy.

Leander, Texas — The Leander Independent School District is facing a serious budget crisis, projecting nearly a $13 million shortfall for the 2026-2027 academic year. This financial predicament may force the district to consider drastic measures, including closing schools and reducing its workforce.

Superintendent Bruce Gearing highlighted that the district's challenges are largely due to a lack of state funding since 2019, compounded by a 22% inflation rate that has impacted operational costs. During a recent board meeting, trustees explored various strategies to address the budget gap, such as consolidating Faubion and Steiner Ranch Elementary schools and making additional personnel cuts at underperforming campuses.

As the district moves forward, options will be further refined in a special meeting set for December 17. Additional evaluations regarding employment and real estate considerations are expected in early 2026. Community engagement is crucial at this juncture, as both parents and staff express their concerns over potential changes that could significantly alter the educational landscape in Central Texas.

Parents in Katy, Texas, are taking legal action against the Katy Independent School District and Select Transportation Resources LLC after a troubling incident involving their child. The lawsuit, filed in October, centers around a reported fall out of the bus's emergency door.

The parents, represented by their legal team, are seeking damages to cover medical expenses and the significant physical distress their child has endured. The incident, which allegedly stemmed from reckless driving by the bus operator, resulted in severe injuries while the student was on their way to school back in January.

This claim shines a light on potential negligence and liability issues involving both the school district and the transportation company. As the civil litigation progresses, Katy ISD has chosen not to comment, citing the ongoing legal situation.

This case raises vital concerns about student safety and accountability in school transportation practices throughout Texas.

Harris County commissioners have criticized Gallagher Benefit Services for a recently conducted pay equity analysis, labeling it "subpar" and filled with errors. The $1.2 million study was designed to address compensation disparities across the county's 62 diverse departments. However, it has come to light that Hispanic and Black women earn significantly less than their white male counterparts.

Commissioner Tom Ramsey raised concerns regarding the misclassification of positions within the analysis, arguing that the methodology does not accurately reflect the true value of county employees. As discussions progressed, additional motions were introduced recommending a pause on any changes to the proposed pay structure until a thorough review of the flawed data can be conducted.

With the future of equitable compensation at stake, Harris County officials underscored the importance of a more precise and people-centric evaluation. This reevaluation aims to foster fairness within the public sector in Texas, ensuring that all employees receive the compensation they deserve.

William Waggoner, a municipal judge in Conroe, Texas, is facing serious legal issues after being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and unlawfully carrying a firearm in Montgomery County. This latest arrest adds to Waggoner's history of DUI incidents, which include previous arrests in both Bexar County and Montgomery County.

Since his election in June 2022, Waggoner had ambitions to run for Justice of the Peace in 2026. However, these recent charges could significantly impact his political future. The city of Conroe emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “no one is above the law.”

As the investigations unfold, local residents and legal professionals are paying close attention. This case raises important questions about criminal defense and the integrity of the state's judicial system, especially in light of the current climate surrounding DUI offenses and traffic tickets in Texas.