Nigerian ‘Prince’ Sentenced In Texas For Federal Fraud Violations

SHERMAN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – A Nigerian man was sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison for federal fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston announced on March 30.

Sobanke Idris Sunday Adereti, 24, pleaded guilty on Oct. 25, 2021 to passport fraud and attempted bank fraud. He was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.

According to court documents, Adereti presented a false passport and falsely procured certified check when trying to open a bank account in Flower Mound in March 2021. The check came from a fraud victim who Adereti, using the alias “Robinson Elijah,” had convinced to send him money. Investigators believe Adereti was likely acting as a money mule to cash the victims’ checks.

When he was arrested, Adereti had multiple passports and bank statements in other peoples’ names in his possession. Investigators determined that he was connected to other scams related to business email phishing schemes and government program fraud.

Adereti, who is the son of a Nigerian traditional ruler, was also in the United States on an expired visitor’s visa after entering in 2018.

“Scams to steal money are around every corner,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “Thanks to the keen eye of bank officials, Adereti was apprehended. Unfortunately, many of these crimes target our vulnerable elder population. It is up to all of us to share this awareness and look out for our greatest generation.”

Adereti was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 7, 2021.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 9am-5pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

This case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service for the U.S. Department of State, the Flower Mound Police Department, the U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

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I-Team Update: Dallas Renter Finally Receives Relief Funds After Texas Originally Sends Money To Wrong Landlord

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – On the heels of a CBS 11 I-Team investigation into the Texas Rent Relief program, a Dallas woman received the financial help she had been waiting for for more than eight months.

After being approved for rent assistance in August by the Texas Rent Relief program, on Friday Maraleah’s apartment informed her that the funds from the state had finally arrived.

“Paying off my rent debt was the best feeling I’ve had in years,” Maraleah told the I-Team. “But waiting for it has been the most stressful thing I’ve probably ever gone through.”

An I-Team investigation found the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), which oversees the Texas Rent Relief program, originally sent the funds intended for Maraleah to the wrong landlord.

Maraleah said she was counting on the rent funds, so when the money was sent to the wrong landlord, she feared being evicted.

The I-Team discovered this was not an isolated mistake.

TDHCA has now sent out more than 7,000 recapture notices in hopes of getting back funds that were sent in error.

State officials said some of the notices were sent to people who received duplicate benefits. Renters who received assistance from local rent relief programs are not eligible to receive funds from the state program.  Other notices were sent to people who received the money by mistake.

So far, the state has been able to recapture $10.6 million, but housing department officials told the I-Team they do not currently know how much more money the state still needs to recapture.

Several renters, like Maraleah, waited months to receive relief funds they were approved for while the state tried recover the mistaken payments.

When the I-Team reached out to Texas State Representative Philip Cortez, who chairs  Texas House Urban Affairs Committee which oversees TDHAC, his office said the state lawmaker was unaware of details of the problem with the Texas Rent Relief program but would look into it further.

Cortez later provided the following statement.

“TDHCA has had a reoccurring problem with the checks that are being sent out to recipients of the Texas rent relief program. TDHCA has sent out more than 7,000 recapture notices. Some notices were sent to people who received duplicate benefits while others were sent to landlords who were issued the payments in error. TDHCA is attempting to fix this error. It just needs time to resend the checks to the appropriate applicants and or landlords while it receives the funds sent in error back.  It is imperative and our goal that residents of Texas have a roof over their head during these trying times. We will continue to strive toward that goal every day.”

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Convicted Child Predator James Robert Hill Gets 50 Years in Prison

MCKINNEY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – James Robert Hill, 35, of McKinney was sentenced to 50 years in prison after sexually abusing a child for more than a year, officials said.

James Robert Hill, 35, of McKinney (credit: Collin County Police Department)

According to the Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, Hill was convicted of sexual assault of a child.

“A child should never, ever have to experience such horrible abuse. We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies to save this child from her abuser once and for all,” said Willis after sentencing.

Hill was close to the victim’s family and had ongoing access to the child, the officials said. His abuse began when the child was 15 years old and continued into the next year.

The District Attorney said a family member witnessed Hill abusing the child and reported it to law enforcement. Hill was arrested for this abuse but ultimately posted bond, after which he escalated the abuse.

According to officials, when a family member witnessed Hill and the child together a few weeks later, Hill fled with the child.

Hill and the victim were later found at his apartment, where investigators observed that he had attempted to kill the child, officials said.

Hill was arrested once again, and additional charges were added for the abuse that occurred after he posted bond.

The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

 

 

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Texas High Court Upholds Conviction Of Former Dallas Cop Amber Guyger

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) – Texas’ highest criminal court has declined to reconsider former Dallas Police officer Amber Guyger’s murder conviction, effectively upholding the sentence and exhausting the appeals process.

This marks the latest setback in a string of appeals Guyger’s lawyers have filed since she was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2019 for the murder of Botham Jean.

Guyger fatally shot Jean in his Dallas apartment in September 2018 after she walked into the unit, mistakenly believing it was her own. She claimed she thought Jean was an intruder.

Guyger’s petition for discretionary review (PDR) asked the court to reconsider her conviction on the grounds that it “the evidence was legally insufficient to support the jury’s rejection of her self-defense claim.” Her lawyers alleged that the prosecution did not properly demonstrate that Guyger did not believe she was entering her own apartment or that she reasonably believed Jean to be an intruder.

With the appeals process exhausted, Guyger will continue serving her 10 year sentence in Mountain View State Prison in Gatesville. She will be eligible for parole in 2024.

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Judge Orders Federal Investigation Into Child Porn Allegations At Bastrop Facility

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – In a federal court hearing in Dallas, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack ordered a criminal investigation into allegations of sex trafficking at a DFPS-contracted facility in Bastrop, Texas after abuse claims surfaced in January.

There were several tense moments in the court, including an expletive-ridden outburst by one of the attendees on Zoom.

In a January letter to Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), an employee outlined incidents of sex trafficking and abuse of children at a facility called The Refuge in Bastrop, Texas. The Refuge houses children who have been victims of abuse.

At least seven children were allegedly sexually abused by employees while at The Refuge. Employees allegedly took nude photos of underage girls at the facility and sold them on social media. Some of the money is claimed to have been used to purchase drugs, which were then provided to the minors. The court also found that the children were not removed for weeks after the allegations first came to light.

Judge Jack threatened to hold the agency in contempt for not sharing information, including interviews with the abused children, with court-appointed monitors.

The court-appointed monitors are independent experts appointed by the court to investigate the Texas foster care system in response to a years-long class action lawsuit by child welfare advocates against the state.

The court also heard the ongoing issue of children who have been left without placement. The I-Team reported in November that nearly 300 children spent at least one night in unlicensed facilities, including CPS offices and motel rooms.

In 2021, the state and the plaintiffs agreed to set up an expert panel that would provide recommendations meant to resolve issues related to the placement of children. The panel is also looking at the conditions of both in-state and out-of-state DFPS-contracted facilities. The panel issued 23 recommendations in January, which included hiring more staff and addressing deficiencies in the system.

As of last week, 81 children had not been placed. DFPS testified that there were 125 children placed in Arkansas, Michigan and Tennessee.

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$2 Million In Methamphetamine Seized At Texas-Mexico Border

HIDALGO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations at the Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridge intercepted $2,300,000 worth of methamphetamine.

Packages containing more than 129 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. (credit: U.S. Customs & Border Protection)

“Our CBP officers continue to rely on their experience and all available resources to thwart smuggling attempts at our ports of entry, and preventing harmful narcotics from getting to American streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On March 24, officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a maroon Nissan sedan, driven by an 20-year-old U.S. citizen man making entry from Mexico. An officer referred the car for further inspection and after physically inspecting the car, officers found 73 packages of methamphetamine weighing 129.54 pounds concealed within the vehicle.

On March 26, officers assigned to the Anzalduas International Bridge encountered a blue Ford SUV with 52-year-old and 23-year-old U.S citizen women making entry from Mexico. After physically inspecting the SUV, officers extracted 18.82 pounds of methamphetamine in liquid form, concealed within the vehicle.

Both cases remain under investigation by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations.

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Dallas Police Searching For Person Who Shot Pitbull Mix On Jordan Valley Road

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The Dallas Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying the person who shot a brown Pitbull mix.

(credit: Dallas Police Department)

The crime happened in the area of 3400 Jordan Valley Rd on, or around, January 26, 2022. The dog survived and is receiving medical care.

If you have any information on the suspect, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-373- TIPS (8477) or Detective Cathy Blanchard with the Dallas Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Unit at 214-670-7694 or cathy.blanchard@dallascityhall.com.

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Convicted Child Predator James Robert Hill Gets 50 Years in Prison

MCKINNEY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – James Robert Hill, 35, of McKinney was sentenced to 50 years in prison after sexually abusing a child for more than a year, officials said.

James Robert Hill, 35, of McKinney (credit: Collin County Police Department)

According to the Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, Hill was convicted of sexual assault of a child.

“A child should never, ever have to experience such horrible abuse. We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies to save this child from her abuser once and for all,” said Willis after sentencing.

Hill was close to the victim’s family and had ongoing access to the child, the officials said. His abuse began when the child was 15 years old and continued into the next year.

The District Attorney said a family member witnessed Hill abusing the child and reported it to law enforcement. Hill was arrested for this abuse but ultimately posted bond, after which he escalated the abuse.

According to officials, when a family member witnessed Hill and the child together a few weeks later, Hill fled with the child.

Hill and the victim were later found at his apartment, where investigators observed that he had attempted to kill the child, officials said.

Hill was arrested once again, and additional charges were added for the abuse that occurred after he posted bond.

The victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, where the child disclosed details about the abuse.

 

 

from CBS Dallas / Fort Worth https://ift.tt/9WNOsn4

EF1 Tornado Touched Down In Rockwall County Overnight

ROCKWALL, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – A brief EF1 tornado touched down in Rockwall County around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office confirmed.

The estimated peak wind was 100 mph.

 

The tornado impacted a few homes on Candice Circle to the east of McLendon-Chisholm, the NWS said.

Tornado damage in Rockwall County (CBS 11)

The 50-yard wide tornado began its nearly half-mile path near Bluebonnet Drive where a few trees were damaged.

The NWS said the twister bent poles around a basketball court, moved several trailers and destroyed a shed.

No one was hurt.

 

 

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Texas court denies appeal of former Dallas cop Amber Guyger, who shot, killed Botham Jean

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals refused to consider the appeal of Guyger’s murder conviction, with two judges writing a dissenting opinion.

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UT Arlington Graduate Documenting War In Ukraine: ‘I Haven’t Thought About Leaving’

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – A UT Arlington graduate is in Ukraine documenting the war with Russia.

Daniel Carde graduated from UTA in 2018 with a communications degree.

He was visiting family in Utah when the opportunity came up to cover the Russian invasion.

He’s been in Ukraine since March 3.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a moment that I question what am I doing here. I question am I doing this right. Am I being safe,” explained Daniel Carde.

Daniel Carde (CBS 11 via Zoom)

He is witnessing firsthand what the war is doing to Ukraine. He’s also seeing the resiliency of Ukrainians.

“I feel like all the people who are here are proud to be Ukrainian,” said Carde.

Carde provided numerous pictures of what he has seen in less than a month. He says photographing children has been tough.

“Some of them don’t know where they’re going. Some of them have had to leave their fathers behind, their brother, their older brothers,“ said Carde. “And that really hit me hard. All I could think was they should be with their parents, having a good time and not worried about a war. Not being uprooted from their lives.”

The college graduate is also a U.S. Army veteran. He is used to wearing body armor and that’s exactly what he does when going out to cover the war.

“It’s not hop in here like a cowboy or thinking you’re John Rambo. We’re not. We’re doing everything we can to minimize the risk,” Carde told us.

The night before we interviewed him, Carde shared video and the sounds of war outside where he was staying. He put the bullets, bombs and missiles into perspective.

“I don’t think too much of it. I try not to worry about it a whole lot. I mean there’s nothing you can do if it hits you,” said Carde as he reflected on the dangers of his job.

The photographer told CBS 11 he has no plans to get out of Ukraine anytime soon.

“I haven’t thought about leaving. My original ticket was for March 23. I canceled that flight. I don’t know when I’ll be leaving, yet. I’d like to stay as long as I can to cover this but who knows how long it’ll be,” admitted Carde.

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Texas High Court Upholds Conviction Of Former Dallas Cop Amber Guyger

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) – Texas’ highest criminal court has declined to reconsider former Dallas Police officer Amber Guyger’s murder conviction, effectively upholding the sentence and exhausting the appeals process.

This marks the latest setback in a string of appeals Guyger’s lawyers have filed since she was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2019 for the murder of Botham Jean.

Guyger fatally shot Jean in his Dallas apartment in September 2018 after she walked into the unit, mistakenly believing it was her own. She claimed she thought Jean was an intruder.

Guyger’s petition for discretionary review (PDR) asked the court to reconsider her conviction on the grounds that it “the evidence was legally insufficient to support the jury’s rejection of her self-defense claim.” Her lawyers alleged that the prosecution did not properly demonstrate that Guyger did not believe she was entering her own apartment or that she reasonably believed Jean to be an intruder.

With the appeals process exhausted, Guyger will continue serving her 10 year sentence in Mountain View State Prison in Gatesville. She will be eligible for parole in 2024.

from CBS Dallas / Fort Worth https://ift.tt/Ftw71Lg

Judge Orders Federal Investigation Into Child Porn Allegations At Bastrop Facility

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – In a federal court hearing in Dallas, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack ordered a criminal investigation into allegations of sex trafficking at a DFPS-contracted facility in Bastrop, Texas after abuse claims surfaced in January.

There were several tense moments in the court, including an expletive-ridden outburst by one of the attendees on Zoom.

In a letter to Department of Family Protective Services written earlier this year, an employee alleged that some of the children at The Refuge in Bastrop had been sex trafficked by employees.

Shortly afterwards, a court hearing found that at least seven children were not supervised and had been sexually and physically abused while at The Refuge. Employees of the facility allegedly took nude photos of underage girls at the facility and sold them on social media. Some of the money is claimed to have been used to purchase drugs, which were then provided to the minors.

The court also found that the children were not removed for weeks after the allegations first came to light.

Judge Jack also grilled DFPS about its investigation into the matter and threatened to hold the agency in contempt for not sharing information, including interviews with the abused children, with court-appointed monitors.

The hearing also concerned issues regarding the children who are left without placement. These court-appointed monitors are independent experts who were appointed by the court to look into the Texas foster care system following a years-long class action lawsuit by child welfare advocates against the state.

In 2021, The state and the plaintiffs agreed on setting up an expert panel that would provide recommendations meant to resolve issues related to the placement of children. The panel is also looking at the conditions of various DFPS-contracted facilities that are both in-state and out-of-state. The panel issued 23 recommendations in January, which included hiring more staff and addressing deficiencies in the system.

The I-Team reported in November that nearly 300 children spent at least one night in unlicensed facilities, including CPS offices and motel rooms. As of last week, 81 children had not been placed. DFPS testified that there were 125 children placed in Arkansas, Michigan and Tennessee.

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Jerry Jones paternity suit: What we know about new extortion claim, Alexandra Davis

The Jerry Jones saga took a new turn this week when his lawyers alleged extortion by the 25-year-old claiming to be his secret daughter. Here’s what we know.

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‘Angel Donor’ Helps Re-Open Patriot Sandwich Company After Pandemic Closure

DENTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Back in business! That’s the case for a Denton restaurant that was forced to close during COVID. And it’s all because of an ‘angel donor’ who was touched by the mission of the Patriot Sandwich Company.

David Jordan, an Army veteran who served in the Iraq War, opened the Denton restaurant to support veterans. (credit: CBS 11 News)

The doors have only been open again for three days. But the line at the Patriot Sandwich Company is an indication of more than just good food.

“I was excited, because what the shop stands for is a good cause,” said customer Linda Davis.

David Jordan, an Army veteran who served in the Iraq War, opened the Denton restaurant to support veterans. That was in February 2020.

“And March 16, the world shut down,” he said.

Then, last summer, Jordan was denied Restaurant Revitalization Funds after previously being approved. He was forced to shutter the store – until an “angel donor” – who wishes to remain anonymous – gave him $45,000.

“My life is just going down the drain, and she goes, ‘Well, I want to help,’” said Jordan.

He still operates on a skeletal budget, and his employees are all volunteers. But customers say the community needs places like this.

“I was in the Army, so I’m glad he’s helping people, giving back,” said customer Tim Rush.

Even with his financial struggles, Jordan donates a portion of his proceeds to We Got Your Six, a non-profit that assists homeless veterans, which he once was.

And for a restaurant with the motto “changing the world one sandwich at a time,” it was one person who changed the world for its owner.

“It makes me want to cry,” Jordan said. “It shows me that there are still good people in the world. It shows me that people believe in my mission and believe what I’m trying to do.”

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Justices Cast Doubt On Texas Immunity Claim In Vet’s Lawsuit

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court on Tuesday cast doubt on Texas’ claim that it can’t be sued by a former state trooper who says he was forced out of his job when he returned from Army service in Iraq.

The justices heard arguments in a dispute over a federal law that was enacted in 1994 in the wake of the Persian Gulf war to strengthen job protections for returning service members.

Over 90 minutes, the justices discussed the Vietnam War, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Alexander Hamilton and even Hamilton, the musical, as they tried to sort through whether states are shielded from lawsuits filed by veterans who complain that their jobs were not protected, in violation of the federal law.

At the heart of the case is Congress’ power to wage war and states’ acknowledgments that they lacked similar authority, both laid out in the Constitution.

“We don’t know what’s going to be happening in the next 50 years. We don’t know what’s going to be happening in the next 50 days in terms of national security and personnel,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said.

The court is weighing an appeal by Le Roy Torres, who spent a year in Iraq and was discharged as a captain after nearly 19 years in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Torres says he suffered lung damage from exposure to open burn pits on his base in Iraq.

The state and Torres dispute what happened when he returned to Texas, unable to resume his job as a state trooper because of the damage to his lungs. He eventually resigned and later filed his lawsuit. A state appellate court dismissed it, and the justices stepped in.

The Biden administration is backing Torres’ right to sue the state. The federal government, which also has the right to sue states under the law, has only sued 109 times since 2004 and just twice since 2015, Justice Department lawyer Christopher Michel acknowledged in response to a question from Justice Samuel Alito.

But “the numbers are much larger when you look at how many soldiers’ claims have been successfully resolved” without going to court, Michel said.

Fifteen other Republican-led states are calling on the court to side with Texas and rule out private lawsuits like Torres’.

Congress first allowed returning service members to sue states to keep their jobs in 1974, recognizing discrimination because of opposition to the Vietnam War.

“The Vietnam War is what made the statute necessary,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor said.

And opposition to a future war could result in a similar situation, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said.

“Let’s say we get involved in Ukraine and states say we shouldn’t be,” Barrett said.

The discussion briefly turned to the theater when Justice Stephen Breyer invoked Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back” to illustrate that George Washington’s frustration with the states’ reluctance to pay the Continental Army led to the establishment of a national defense.

“George III says, ‘They’ll be back. Wait and see. They’ll come crawling back to me,'” Breyer said, capturing the sentiment, but not the lyrics to the song.

Just last week, the court allowed the Navy to take account of sailors’ vaccination status in deciding on deployments, narrowing a lower court order. Three justices, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas, dissented from the high court’s order.

Gorsuch and Thomas seemed the most amenable to Texas’ arguments Tuesday. “I’m perhaps not as enamored of Hamilton as some are,” Thomas said.

Thomas again took part remotely Tuesday, following a nearly week-long hospital stay for what the court described as an infection. The court has not elaborated on the nature of the infection and there was no explanation of why Thomas was not in the courtroom.

from CBS Dallas / Fort Worth https://ift.tt/H8NTrK4

Sheldon lets a girl hide in his dorm, on the 100th episode of ‘Young Sheldon,’ Thursday, March 31

“A Solo Peanut, a Social Butterfly and the Truth” – Sheldon gets an odd request from an old friend, Paige (McKenna Grace). Also, George Sr. and Mary are caught in the middle of Meemaw and Dale’s breakup, and Georgie comes clean to Mandy, on the 100^th episode of the CBS Original series YOUNG SHELDON, Thursday, March 31 (8:00-8:31 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.

About YOUNG SHELDON

For young Sheldon Cooper, it isn’t easy growing up in East Texas. Being a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science isn’t always helpful in a land where church and football are king. And while the vulnerable, gifted and somewhat naïve Sheldon deals with the world, his very normal family must find a way to deal with him. His father, George, is struggling to find his way as a high school football coach and as father to a boy he doesn’t understand. Sheldon’s mother, Mary, fiercely protects and nurtures her son in a town where he just doesn’t fit in. Sheldon’s older brother, Georgie, does the best he can in high school, but it’s tough to be cool when you’re in the same classes with your odd younger brother. Sheldon’s twin sister, Missy, sometimes resents all the attention Sheldon gets, but also remains the one person who can reliably tell Sheldon the truth. Finally, there’s Sheldon’s beloved Meemaw, his foul-mouthed, hard-drinking Texas grandmother who is very supportive of her grandson and his unique gifts. For 12 years on “The Big Bang Theory,” audiences have come to know the iconic, eccentric and extraordinary Sheldon Cooper. This single-camera, half-hour comedy allows us the chance to meet him in childhood, as he embarks on his innocent, awkward and hopeful journey toward the man he will become.

 

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Flamingo That Escaped Kansas Zoo In 2005 Spotted In Texas

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — One of two flamingos that escaped from a Kansas zoo during a storm 17 years ago has been spotted on the coast of Texas, wildlife officials said.

The Coastal Fisheries division of Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed Tuesday to The Associated Press that the African flamingo — known as No. 492 because of the number on its leg band — was captured on video shot March 10 by an environmental activist near Port Lavaca, Texas, at Rhodes Point in Cox Bay. Officials were able to make out the bird’s leg band on the video.

The bird and another flamingo escaped from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita on a stormy night in June 2005. Employees had not yet clipped the birds’ wings to prevent them from flying, which facilitated their escape.

While the other flamingo was never seen again, No. 492 has been spotted several times in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Texas, sometimes with other wild flamingos. But it had been years since its last reported sighting — until this month.

Zoo officials have never made plans to recapture No. 492, despite the sightings, saying there is no easy way to do so without disturbing other wildlife.

The escaped flamingos, known for their distinctive pink feathers and long legs and necks, were born in Africa then shipped to the Kansas zoo in 2004 with 39 other flamingos.

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Dallas Police Looking For Suspect In Amazon Van Thefts

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Dallas police need assistance locating a suspect responsible for stealing five Amazon vans.

On March 25, police arrested 42-year-old Nakemia Bryant on the 2900 block of Cottonwood Lane for an outstanding warrant for driving while intoxicated.

Bryant was interviewed by police and confessed to her involvement in five Amazon van thefts, and provided detectives with the identity of the second suspect, 36-year-old Mical Ford.

Mical Ford (Source: Dallas Police Department)

The following day, detectives executed a search warrant at Bryant’s home and found numerous opened Amazon boxes addressed to other residences.

Dallas police are currently looking for Ford, and are asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Ford and Bryant are responsible for stealing a total of five trucks. The incidents occurred at the following locations:

February 15, 2022 – 1100 block of N. St. Augustine Drive

March 11, 2022 – 1900 block of Bennet Avenue

March 16, 2022 – 10200 Tokowa Dr.

March 16, 2022 – 8200 block of Goldfield Drive

March 22, 2022 – 10300 block of Nantucket Village Court

All vans have been located by police, but the packages — valued at more than $15,000 — have not been located.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information on the crimes or the location of Ford is asked to call Dallas Police at 214-671-3404.

from CBS Dallas / Fort Worth https://ift.tt/yGmPSd6

Plano Church Welcomes Ukrainian Refugees With Open Arms

PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) – A North Texas church that’s been sending money and supplies to Ukrainians overseas is now welcoming refugees and helping them with whatever needs they might have.

Anatoliy Matviychuk said he’s so thankful for the River of Life Dallas Church and his loved ones for making the transition easier.

“The church in Plano and Pastor Leo have helped us tremendously, specifically from a psychological standpoint,” he said. “I feel good. I feel good, but I’m still very much concerned about what’s happening in Ukraine considering that the war is still going on over there.”

The 63-year-old describes the moment he knew he had to flee Kyiv, where he had built his life as a successful musician, professor and journalist.

“As soon as the bombs hit the ground in Ukraine, they actually hit the suburbs of Kyiv where I was at the moment,” he said. “We immediately went to Kyiv and at that moment we started making plans how to escape.”

The trip was long and Matviychuk kept thinking about his loved ones that had to stay. He traveled to Lviv by train, then took a bus to the small city of Chop, then took another train from Chop to Prague before flying to the U.S.

Now, he’s made it to Flower Mound where now new challenges have emerged.

“I’m quite happy here in the circle of family and close friends but I struggle to find a way to implement my skills,” he said.

He’s been receiving help from the River of Life Dallas Church, which has an Eastern European congregation.

“Now my biggest challenge is to get my English language up to skill,” he said.

Matviychuk said he was able to make it to the U.S. thanks to a tourist visa, but so many others haven’t been able to secure one.

However, he’s hopeful. Last week, President Biden announced the U.S. is welcoming 100,000 refugees.

“I welcome President Biden’s decisions to allow some Ukrainian people to come over and wait out the terrible time in Ukraine and I’m confident they will bring lots of value to society,” he said.

While he waits, Matviychuk is using his musical talents here in North Texas to keep spirits high by performing for other Ukrainians.

from CBS Dallas / Fort Worth https://ift.tt/FxrzKCt

‘I Was Wrong’ Will Smith Apologizes For Slapping Chris Rock At The Oscars

HOLLYWOOD (CBSDFW.COM) – Will Smith has apologized for slapping comedian Chris Rock in the face during the live broadcast of the Oscars  Sunday night. Smith said his “behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable” in a Monday night Instagram post.

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“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong,” Smith shared. “I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Smith slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, starring in fictional sequel to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane.” Pinkett Smith, who announced several years ago that she has alopecia, shaves her head.

Reaction to the seemingly unprovoked slap was all the talk by Monday.

“Nobody was being threatened physically, so to get up and assault someone is completely uncalled for. It’s unprofessional. It’s criminal,” said Arlington resident Corey Harris.

But others sided with Smith.

“I did see it live. The entire event unfortunate… to attack a woman for her health. It may not have been seen that way, but interpreted that way,” said Arlington resident Regina Fancher.

Regardless of whose side you’re on, the shocking act has garnered both condemnation and support for the new Oscar winner. No doubt Smith’s actions tarnished a special night meant to salute Hollywood excellence.

 

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Consul General Of Ukraine Meets With North Texas Ukrainian Community, Dallas Mayor

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – As Russia continues its bombing and attacks on Ukraine, Iryna Shevchuk worries about her family back in her homeland.

On Monday, Shevchuk heard from one of her friends and one of her cousins who both asked if they could send their children to North Texas to stay with her.

“It just breaks my heart to see families separate. I’m just devastated to hear stories like this where families have to make a decision to send these children away for two months, three months, maybe a year – who knows how long.”

At Dallas City Hall Monday, Mayor Eric Johnson gave the Consul General of Ukraine, Vitalli Tarasiuk, a copy of the resolution recently adopted by the City Council condemning Russia’s invasion. The Consul General gave the Mayor the Ukranian flag.

Mayor Johnson thanked him.

“God bless the sovereign nation of Ukraine and we will display this proudly in our flag room. This is a humanitarian issue. This has significant ramifications for freedom and democracy around the world.”

Tarasiuk praised the Mayor. “I thank Mayor for his leadership, for his moral compass, and supporting Ukraine from day one.”

On Sunday, Tarasiuk also met with members of the Ukrainian community in North Texas. Shevchuk and others attended.

“It was wonderful.”

While there are no details yet about how soon the U.S will formally accept Ukrainian refugees, Shevchuk said during Sunday’s meeting, people had questions for the Consul General.

“When are refugees coming and what we can do and how we can help as a community? How can we send medical supplies and humanitarian aid faster? What are the ways to do it as fast as possible?” asked one of the volunteers at Ukie Style Embroidery Art in Dallas, where profits are going to the people of Ukraine, and where they’re collecting humanitarian aid and medical supplies to send.

Tarasiuk said, “They’re doing a great job collecting humanitarian assistance and sending to Ukraine. They are all ambassadors of Ukraine here in Dallas.”

Mayor Johnson and Tarasiuk said they want to increase trade between Dallas businesses and Ukraine once people there are ready and able to rebuild. After their meeting, the Mayor is flying to Mexico, where he will spend most of this week. There he will meet with business and government leaders in Mexico City and Monterrey to promote trade and tourism.

Follow Jack on Twitter & Facebook: @cbs11jack

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Jacksboro ISD Students Return To Class After EF-3 Tornado Damages Some Schools

JACK COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) – Students in the Jacksboro Independent School District return to class on March 29 after surviving an EF-3 tornado last Monday.

(credit: CBS 11 News)

The high school’s damage was mostly confined to the gymnasium, however the elementary school took the brunt of the damage.

On Monday, school administrators figured out all the logistics on what the first day back for students would look like.

Pre-K through 2nd grade will be in the First Baptist Church, third grade inside the Masonic Lodge right next to the church and 4th and 5th grade at the Jacksboro Middle School for the time being.

“It’s been a team effort, we’re a resilient community and I couldn’t be more proud of my employees, they have risen to the challenge for sure,” said Jacksboro ISD Superintendent Brad Burnett.

Meanwhile, the students will eat at the Parish of Jacksboro right across the street from the church. On Monday, staff brought in sandwiches, snacks and other meals for the students to eat.

“I’m going to enjoy it, I love taking care of the kids, I love feeding the kids,” added Elementary School Manager of the Cafeteria Vicki Glover.

For the elementary school teachers, moving their classes is a huge adjustment.

“It’s definitely going to be different, you know we don’t have everything at arm’s reach,” said fourth grade Science Teacher Dr. Michaine Ashley.

She’s sharing her class with the fifth grade science teacher in a large auditorium inside the Jacksboro Middle School.

“We don’t have a posterboard, we don’t have a projector in here right now so having that ability to use our chromebooks for our students is really going to be beneficial for them,” added Ashley.

It’s the next step back towards normalcy for this resilient community after a terrifying experience.

“We told the teachers this morning, it’s love and play. That’s going to be our focus,” said Jacksboro Elementary School Principal Michael Qualls.

Burnett told CBS 11, he’ll check in with the restoration crews at the elementary school on when it’s safe for students to go back inside the building for classes, which he believe may only be a couple weeks. But the school’s gymnasium may take a while longer to rebuild.

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Uptown Dallas Shooting Leaves 2 Wounded, Another Assaulted In Separate Incident Sunday Night

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas police are investigating a shooting in Uptown Sunday night just after 8 p.m. that left two people wounded. Local businesses say it’s yet another example of the violence that’s plaguing the area.

Off-duty officers were at Turkey DAM helping an assault victim when they heard rapid gunfire nearby. Two men then approached the officers, one with a gunshot wound in the leg and the other in the leg and shoulder. The victims, along with the assault victim, were all taken to the hospital.

Nathan Tran, a manager at Glorious Nails Salon, said he was a crime victim in Uptown several weeks ago.

“It was broad daylight… 11 a.m.,” he said. Tran was followed from the bank and robbed of cash and checks at gunpoint. “When he got the gun out, that’s when I let it go. It happened so fast,” said Tran.

His company’s approach to crime is to implement safety measures for workers, like parking in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras.

“As a business, we try to ensure that our employees are being careful with what they’re doing, where they’re going, who they’re talking to, all that stuff,” he said.

Marshall Prichard, owner of Sammy’s Bar-B-Q, said the uptick is alarming.

“I’ve heard about three or four gun shootings in Uptown the last six months. I’d never heard of three or four gun shootings in Uptown in the last 24 years,” he said.

Prichard would like to see more funding for more officers. Others said they don’t think even that will help.

“I think it’s a great community,” said Tran. “It’s a really good potential business area. However, there’s just so many bars and clubs, and the amount of people who move here daily is insane.”

Police have not released yet a motive or a suspect description in Sunday’s shooting.

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North Texas resident is $1 million richer after claiming Texas Lottery second-tier prize

The McKinney resident claimed the 36th of 40 $1 million Texas Lottery winners.

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Lawn Care Worker Dies After Electrocution While Cutting Tree Limbs

HOUSTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – A private lawn care worker was killed after he was electrocuted by a power-line while cutting down tree limbs.

(courtesy: Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4)

It happened in the Greenwood Forest Subdivision of Houston on March 28.

Neighbors saw a heavy police presence in the 5700 block of PineWilde Drive after the man was killed.

Electric and natural gas utility Center Point Energy is investigating, according to Harris County Constables.

Law enforcement officials have urged people to avoid the area.

 

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Police Investigating After Child Shot, Killed In Dallas

**This story will be updated as more information becomes available.**

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Dallas police are investigating a shooting that left a child dead Monday.

Officials said the child’s mother brought him to the hospital saying the child had been shot. The circumstances regarding the shooting are unknown at this time.

The child’s identity has not been released and this remains an ongoing investigation.

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Lanier Named SMU’s Coach After NCAA Tourney With Georgia State

DALLAS (AP) — SMU named Rob Lanier as its coach on Sunday after he took Georgia State to the NCAA Tournament this season.

Head coach Rob Lanier of the Georgia State Panthers reacts during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 17, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Lanier was 53-30 in his three seasons at Georgia State. He previously took Siena to the NCAA tourney in 2002, in the first of his four seasons as coach there. In between those head coaching stints, Lanier was an assistant at Tennessee, Texas, Florida and Virginia.

Tim Jankovich announced his retirement Tuesday after six seasons as SMU’s coach and a coaching career of nearly four decades that included stints as an assistant for Larry Brown and Bill Self.

Before going to Georgia State, the 53-year-old Lanier spent eight seasons as associate head coach to Rick Barnes, four at Tennessee after four at Texas. That came after four seasons as an assistant to Billy Donovan at Florida.

“Rob is an excellent coach and has been mentored by some of the game’s best in Rick Barnes and Billy Donovan. He and his staff will build upon the success our program has experienced under coach Brown and coach Jankovich,” SMU athletic director Rick Hart said.

SMU was 24-9 this season, which ended in the second round of the NIT with a 75-63 loss to Washington State that was its only home defeat this season.

The Mustangs were left out of the 68-team NCAA field despite finishing second in the American Athletic Conference regular-season standings, behind Elite Eight team Houston and ahead of NCAA tourney team Memphis. SMU beat Houston once and swept its two regular-season games against Memphis before losing to the Tigers in the AAC Tournament semifinals.

Lanier played at St. Bonaventure from 1986-90, then was a graduate assistant at Niagara before his first full-time assistant coaching job at his alma mater. He also was an assistant at Rutgers.

Georgia State was 18-12 this season and made the NCAA tourney as the Sun Belt Conference champion. The Panthers lost in the first round to No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga.

“I couldn’t be more honored to lead the program on the Hilltop,” Lanier said. “SMU’s location in the heart of Dallas, Texas, the beautiful campus, stellar academic reputation and overall commitment to excellence make it the perfect fit for me and my family. I’m excited to get to work and to take this program to the next level.”

Lanier is a cousin of eight-time NBA All-Star Bob Lanier, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

(© Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Officials: South Texas Wildfire Destroys 3 Homes, None Hurt

CASTROVILLE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A wildfire has burned more an 1,000 acres in South Texas forcing some people to evacuate, destroying three homes and knocking out power to more than 100 others, officials said Sunday.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster in Medina County during a news conference and said the blaze that’s forced 40 households to evacuate was only 10% contained.

“You can rebuild property,” Abbott said. “If you lose a life, you can’t rebuild anything. These are challenging times across the State of Texas with regards to different kinds of disasters.”

The fire has not caused any reported injuries or deaths, but officials in the county west of San Antonio warned residents remaining in the area that there was still high risk the flames could spread.

The wildfire began late Friday afternoon and worsened Sunday because of strong winds and low humidity. Similar conditions across Texas, including areas near DFW, will create environments ripe for further wildfires.

More than 200 firefighters are working to combat the blaze and Medina County Judge Chris Schuchart said that they are praying rain.

(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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Dallas Police Investigating Homicide On Legendary Lane

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas Police are investigating after a man was found dead Saturday afternoon on Legendary Lane with multiple gunshot wounds.

On Mar. 26, 2022, at about 3:40 pm, officers were dispatched to 3714 Legendary Lane. When they arrived, they discovered the victim, Cameron Dukes, 19, lying in the parking lot suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Dallas Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A witness stated that the suspects are possibly two men in their late teens or early 20’s.  The victim’s 2018 dark colored Nissan Altima was missing from the scene, although the victim was still in possession of his key fob.

The Dallas Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Homicide Detective Jake Morgan, #9739, at 214-671-3630 or by email. Please reference case #052807-2022.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information called into Crime Stoppers that leads to the arrest and indictment for this felony offense and other felony offenses. Call Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS (8477), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Fire in Spring? How Did We Get Here?

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The wettest months of the year are in Spring. Instead, here in late March, it is all about the critical fire danger north Texas is facing. How did we get here?

Well, this problem started last Fall. Since September, DFW has recorded only about half of normal rainfall. Most of north Texas is in SEVERE or EXTREME drought:

We are also experiencing well above normal temperatures. This warmer air continues to make fire conditions worse by drying out the ground and vegetation even more.

The air itself is actually very dry, single-digit relative humidity covers a large portion of our area this afternoon. This also draws moisture from plants and soil making everything tinder dry:

The biggest enemy in this set-up is the wind. Steady SSW winds will blow today, fanning any flames and pushing the fire along the landscape. With windy and dry conditions like this, it is near impossible to contain a grassfire. Today’s wind will NOT bring in higher humidity from the Gulf of Mexico. That green line you see along the coast represents a dewpoint of 60 degrees (muggy air). It stays well to our southeast.

The combination of all these conditions translates to a RED FLAG WARNING for the western half of north Texas. It does NOT include most of the Metroplex but does include Johnson and Parker counties.

 

Burn bans are in place in the warned areas meaning outdoor fires are not allowed. Please be careful with cigarette butts, dragging chains (sparks)  and parking in tall grass (your tailpipe can ignite the grass). Hold off on grilling today.

The winds are expected to be stronger tomorrow and Tuesday. Dewpoints will rise which will help, but the biggest help of all arrives Tuesday night with the promise of some much needed rain.

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