5 things for Houstonians to know for Friday, April 30

Marijuana in Texas: The Road to Legalization

Here are things to know for Friday, April 30

1. Mother says man attempted to kidnap her daughter while she walked home from school in west Houston

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A west Houston mother jumped into crime-fighting mode after she says a man tried to kidnap her 13-year-old daughter while she walked home from school.

“She’s crying. She says, ‘This guy just tried to pick me up. He asked me if I wanted a ride and he told me to get into his car,’” said Fatima Bangura as she described what happened to her daughter.

The attempted kidnapping happen on April 15 on Morton Road near Greenhouse.

Kadija Kwemah, a seventh-grader, said she was leaving Mayde Creek Junior High School when a man in a white Dodge Ram tried to coerce her into his truck.

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2. Family looking for answers 2 months after 23-year-old man died inside Harris County jail

Houston mother says on the same night the city experienced one of the coldest nights of the year, her son was fatally and mysteriously injured after being stripped naked inside a Harris County jail cell.

“The worst phone call of my life,” recalled LaRhonda Biggles.

Biggles’ son, 23-year-old Jaquaree Simmons, was pronounced dead on February 17. His family says his death came a day after he had an altercation with guards inside the jail. A preliminary autopsy conducted by the family’s attorney notes contusions to Simmons’ face and left shoulder and no evidence of natural disease.

The sheriff’s office confirms it is investigating and is awaiting the medical examiner’s report. But it’s been more than two months and Simmons’s family is looking for answers.

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3. Several Houston-area doctors in big trouble with the Texas Medical Board

KPRC 2 Investigates looks into some local doctors who are in big trouble with the Texas Medical Board. One of these doctors is a convicted felon.

Dr. Ghyasuddin Syed, MD, is a pain medicine specialist in Baytown. Syed was convicted of a federal offense, pleading guilty to conspiracy for funneling lab testing to a company for hundreds of thousands in kickbacks. However, he still has his license and is still seeing patients. KPRC 2 Investigates Joel Eisenbaum interviewed Syed at his offices in Baytown.

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4. The criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana would be reduced under a bill OK’d by the Texas House

The Texas House preliminarily approved a bill that would lower the criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana and provide a path for many Texans charged with such a crime to expunge it from their criminal records. The bill applies to possession of one ounce or less — approximately two dime bags.

Currently in Texas, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, which can be punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. House Bill 441, authored by state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, would reduce possession of one ounce or less to a Class C misdemeanor, which carries no jail time. Police also wouldn’t be allowed to make arrests for possession at or under an ounce.

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5. Harris County Clerk’s Office to resume in-person transactions starting Monday

The Harris County Clerk’s Office will re-open to the public starting Monday, May 3.

“Our office has been given the green light to be able to provide additional in-person services that until now were being offered only online or by phone,” said Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. “Customers who need certified copies or need to file other documents in person can make an appointment at our downtown office.”

Appointments for the Civil and Probate departments located at 201 Caroline Street will be available on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments for the Public Records department will be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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