Texas Attorney News Archive (Page 468)

On July 11, Julian Longoria was unanimously appointed as the new public safety director for Rio Hondo, Texas. He succeeds William Bilokury in this critical role. Longoria brings over a decade of experience from the Rio Hondo Police Department and the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, which positions him well to lead public safety initiatives.

During the special city commission meeting, attended by approximately 100 residents and local officials, Mayor Gustavo Olivares and others expressed strong support for Longoria’s leadership. He emphasized his commitment to the community and the importance of public collaboration in enhancing safety measures.

Shortly after his appointment, Longoria and his team demonstrated their readiness by quickly responding to a vehicle fire incident. To foster community engagement, Longoria invites residents to reach out via email to discuss volunteer opportunities aimed at strengthening public safety efforts in Rio Hondo.

Jessica Gonzales officially launched her campaign for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2 during a lively community gathering at Heavin Trail in San Benito, Texas. With a strong focus on her legal expertise and dedication to the community, Gonzales emphasized her extensive experience as she seeks to gain support from local voters.

A resident of San Benito and a proud graduate of Texas Southmost College, Gonzales has spent over 20 years in public service, including her tenure as a municipal judge in Rio Hondo. Her deep involvement in local organizations and commitment to civil litigation are cornerstones of her campaign. She is optimistic that these factors will resonate with constituents in the lead-up to the March 3, 2026 election.

"I encourage the citizens of Precinct 3 to recognize my dedication to serving our community," Gonzales stated. She aims to secure the support of community leaders and demonstrate her determination to provide a fair judicial process. Currently, the position is held by David Garza, as Gonzales aspires to make a significant contribution to the realms of criminal defense and community justice.

A Texas appeals court has upheld a controversial state law known as the "Death Star Bill," which limits cities' ability to enforce their own regulations. The legislation, championed by Governor Greg Abbott, seeks to ensure that municipal policies are in line with overarching state laws.

This law has generated significant debate in major urban centers such as Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso. City officials argue that it compromises their authority to implement vital ordinances that address public health and environmental standards. Despite a previous ruling from a Travis County judge who found the law unconstitutional, the Third Court of Appeals reversed that decision. The court stated that the cities failed to provide adequate evidence of harm caused by the legislation.

While business lobbyists have applauded the law for its potential to streamline regulations and foster economic growth, city attorneys in San Antonio and Houston are contemplating future legal challenges to defend their governance rights. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between state lawmakers and urban leaders, reflecting the evolving legal landscape in Texas regarding business and real estate laws.

Barry Deshawn White, a resident of Taylor, Texas, has been sentenced to 43 years in prison for cocaine distribution and possession with intent to deliver. This verdict came after a trial in Williamson County, where the case was led by District Attorney Shawn Dick.

The investigation that led to White's arrest began with an anonymous tip concerning narcotics sales conducted from his home. Law enforcement uncovered evidence of drug transactions taking place on-site and discovered additional illegal substances during a subsequent search of White's vehicle. This case highlights the critical role law enforcement plays in combatting drug-related crimes.

White's lengthy criminal record, which includes previous offenses for resisting arrest and drug possession, emphasizes the persistent challenges faced within the criminal justice system in Texas. The District Attorney's office remains dedicated to tackling drug trafficking, ensuring that offenders like White face substantial consequences. This commitment underlines the vital connection between community safety and effective legal representation in the fight against crime.

The Matheny family's beloved river home in Kerrville, Texas, has endured another tragic event following severe flooding from the Guadalupe River in 2025, echoing the devastating flood that struck the area in 1987. Brian Matheny, an Austin resident, recalls the emotional experience of evacuating the home as a child and now faces the heartbreaking reality of substantial damage, including the destruction of the back deck and serious impacts on the second story.

As communities across Texas come together to support those affected by these disasters, legal experts in real estate law emphasize the critical need for property protection and effective recovery strategies in the aftermath of such devastating events.

With the assistance of local residents and volunteer organizations, Brian and his family are working to salvage what they can from their home while also contemplating the importance of better planning regarding wills and estates in the face of communal tragedies. The Matheny family's experience serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster response within Texas's corporate landscape.

In a notable decision, U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor has dismissed a civil lawsuit brought by Cassandra Johnson, the mother of Trelynn Wormley, against Tarrant County and the commissary company Keefe. This case stemmed from Wormley's tragic fentanyl overdose while incarcerated in a Fort Worth jail. The court found that there was not enough evidence to prove a pattern of neglect or wrongdoing by either the jail officials or the commissary provider.

Johnson's claims pointed to serious issues, including the alleged smuggling of drugs by employee Aaliyah Lyles, who has since confessed to drug-related charges. This ruling is part of a larger context of legal challenges that Tarrant County faces concerning fatalities in custody, attracting increasing attention from both county officials and advocacy groups.

As Tarrant County deals with more than 20 inmate deaths, the ongoing discussions surrounding personal injury law and the accountability of correctional facilities continue to raise significant concerns within Texas.

The City Council of Keller, Texas, is scheduled to review a significant proposal on August 5. This proposal aims to formalize the city's collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the implementation of the 287(g) program.

Republican Mizani, who is running for the Texas State Senate, has highlighted that this initiative focuses on targeting criminals while simultaneously protecting law-abiding residents. It is expected that Keller Police Chief Brad Fortune will share insights on how this plan might impact the Keller Regional Detention Center.

Council member Ross McMullin has also voiced his support for the proposal, emphasizing the urgent responsibility of local governments to ensure the safety of their communities. As various law enforcement agencies across the country adopt similar agreements, Keller is positioning itself as a leader at the intersection of criminal defense and immigration policy.

In a troubling case blending civil litigation and employment matters, former Harris County deputy Michael Fontenot Jr. has been suspended from his law enforcement duties after facing an indecent exposure charge. The allegations emerged from an incident that took place on August 11, 2024, at a Dollar Tree in Houston, Texas. A woman reported witnessing Fontenot Jr. engaging in inappropriate behavior.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Fontenot Jr. remained in an administrative position for several months, even after an arrest warrant was issued. It wasn't until seven months later that the Houston Police Department managed to identify him. He was ultimately detained during a traffic stop in Montgomery County.

This case raises significant concerns regarding the protocols involved in criminal defense cases among law enforcement personnel in Texas. It also prompts questions about how civil litigation and employment issues are handled within the justice system.