Texas News

Retired Cook Children’s Chaplain Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison For Sexually Abusing Teenage Girl

Published

7 months ago

December 15, 2023

www.wbap.com – – 2023-12-15 14:18:31

SUMMARY: A former Cook Children’s Hospital chaplain, 71-year-old Michael Downs, was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and will also have a lifetime of supervised release. The investigation began after a 17-year-old girl reported being sexually abused by Mr. Downs. His wife provided law enforcement with electronic devices holding evidence of his criminal actions. U.S. Attorney Simonton and HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Hayes stressed the severity of this case, as it involved exploiting vulnerable youth. Downs had worked at Cook Children’s Hospital from 2013 until his retirement in 2022.

Read the full article

The post Retired Cook Children’s Chaplain Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison For Sexually Abusing Teenage Girl appeared first on www.wbap.com

Post Views: 407

Texas News

The politics of President Biden’s visit to Austin

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2024

Staff Editor

www.kxan.com – Ryan Chandler – 2024-07-12 17:36:45

SUMMARY: President Biden will deliver the keynote address on the Civil Rights Act's 60th anniversary at the LBJ Library in Austin, where political observers highlight the significance of this moment for his future. Amidst growing momentum against his re-election, including calls from local congressman Lloyd Doggett for him to bow out, Biden aims to convey his competency as president. Polling shows Biden's approval at 39% in Texas, with 64% considering him too old for the presidency. Following his speech, Biden will be interviewed by NBC's Lester Holt. Doggett, citing a prior commitment, will not attend the event.

Read the full article

The post The politics of President Biden's visit to Austin appeared first on www.kxan.com

Post Views: 12

Texas News

Judge Throws Out Case Against Alec Baldwin

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2024

Staff Editor

www.wbap.com – – 2024-07-12 17:13:25

SUMMARY: On July 12, 2024, a New Mexico judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin, citing misconduct by police and prosecutors for withholding evidence. The case, which involved the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust,” cannot be refiled. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer's decision came in the middle of the trial. Baldwin, visibly emotional, embraced his attorneys following the announcement. The news photo accompanying the article shows Baldwin in court. The report is from The Associated Press and is protected by copyright.

Read the full article

The post Judge Throws Out Case Against Alec Baldwin appeared first on www.wbap.com

Post Views: 5

Texas News

Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda’s alleged killer Ronald Palmer seen on video surrender to fugitive task force

Published

2 hours ago

July 12, 2024

Staff Editor

abc13.com – Mycah Hatfield – 2024-07-12 16:36:11

SUMMARY: In Harris County, Texas, new video exclusively on ABC13 captures the arrest of Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer by fugitive task force officers. Palmer, 44, was apprehended for allegedly assaulting a manager at a Little Caesars store and is now charged with the capital murder of Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Esqueda was killed while investigating the assault case. Video shows Palmer surrendering at a home in northeast Harris County without incident. Palmer has been charged with capital murder and aggravated assault, and his bond for the assault is set at $100,000. The deputy's memorial procession is scheduled for Monday morning.