5 things for Houstonians to know for Friday, Jan. 22
Fired Harris County Health doctor accused of stealing COVID-19 vaccine, DA Kim Ogg saysA Harris County Public Health doctor is accused of stealing a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced in a press release Thursday. A week later, he told a fellow Harris County Public Health employee, who then reported him to supervisors. According to Harris County Public Health, the mishandling of the vaccine could result in the loss of government funding for the county, which sparked an investigation into the accusation. Harris Health System canceling COVID vaccination appointments due to short supplyThe Harris Health System has found itself in a predicament as they expect to run out of their COVID vaccine supply by noon Friday. But, industry experts say the shortage will affect much more than Harris Health patients.
Former candidate charged with election fraud in case of โghost candidateโ on primary ballot
Former candidate Richard BontonKPRC 2 Investigates has learned that former candidate for state representative, Richard Bonton, has been indicted by a Harris County Grand Jury on multiple charges including election fraud. According to the indictment obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates, Bonton is charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with a government record, tampering with a governmental record and election fraud. While the murder rate in Harris County skyrockets, Kim Ogg chose to use taxpayer funds to pursue a personal attack. What Kim Ogg did today is public corruption at its finest and we will work withFederal authorities to bring justice. Harris County deserves a top cop who is focused on justice, not political favors.
Investigation ramps up into African art stashed in tax-payer funded shed in Harris County
HOUSTON โ Law enforcement officials are ramping up their investigation into a stash of African artwork that is being stored on the Harris County taxpayersโ dime. โWho has the keys to all this,โ KPRC 2 asked Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellisโs team earlier this year. What do you have to say to Harris County taxpayers about this?โ asked KPRC 2 investigator Mario Diaz. โWe have to get rid of special treatments for special groups,โ said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg on July 31. โIโve gotten Chris Feldman, an attorney, to go review it to see what recommendations he can put in place,โ Ellis told KPRC 2.
Harris County DA dismisses nearly 800 cases against peaceful protesters arrested during police brutality marches
HOUSTON โ The Harris County District Attorney dismissed nearly 800 cases against protesters who were arrested during marches against police brutality in the past three weeks. DA Kim Ogg announced that prosecutors dismissed 796 cases after conducting a review that divided the cases into two groups โ those who sought to do harm to others and property and those arrested for simple civil disobedience. The cases dismissed were for non-violent misdemeanor offenses, mostly obstructing a highway and trespassing. Only 51 adults and one juvenile now remain charged with active cases, which include 35 misdemeanor charges and 19 felony charges. โThe only people I will be prosecuting are those who intentionally hurt others and intentionally destroy property.โ