Nearly 4 years after deadly botched raid on Harding Street, still no trial for former HPD officer who faces 2 murder charges
The federal investigation into Harding Street led to additional charges, and while Bryant pleaded guilty to falsifying government records, Goines has yet to face a jury with the feds or Harris County.
Former HPD officer charged with murder in botched Harding Street raid back in court; Defense attorney seeks to quash indictments
The deadly botched raid on Harding Street that happened nearly four years ago was front and center inside of Judge Frank Aguilar’s courtroom in Harris County’s 228th District Court on Thursday morning.
Harris County DA’s Office intervenes in Harding Street civil case to deny information to victims’ families
The family of the victims involved in the 2019 deadly botch raid on Harding Street was slated to receive key evidence from the city of Houston after a judge’s ruling, according to Mike Doyle, the attorney for the family of Rhogena Nicholas.
50 Cent, Mayor Turner announce program to help Houston high schoolers at Kashmere, Worthing and Wheatley
Mayor Sylvester Turner will join Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and the G-Unity Foundation, Houston ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan, Horizon United Group, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee to announce a new program for high school students on Monday.
Woman accused of bogus 911 calls leading up to Harding Street raid pleads guilty
Patricia Garcia is seen in this mug shot provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. HOUSTON – The woman accused of making a series of fake 911 calls, setting into motion the events that led to the Harding Street police raid, has pleaded guilty. According to court documents obtained Wednesday by KPRC 2, Patricia Ann Garcia has pleaded guilty to a charge of false information and hoaxes. Federal prosecutors said Garcia, who lived near the Harding Street home where the raid happened, made a series of calls to 911 in January 2019. He’s accused of lying on an affidavit used to obtain the warrant that led to the raid.
2 years after deadly Harding Street raid, family still fights for answers
HOUSTON – The families of Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle said Thursday they are still fighting for answers as to exactly what happened during the botched Harding Street police raid two years ago. Nicholas, Tuttle and their dog were killed Jan. 28, 2019, when police stormed their home. Former Officer Gerald Goines is accused of using bogus information to get the warrant that led to the raid. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also defended HPD, saying the actions of a few should not taint the many. Many civil rights and police reform activists said what happened on Harding Street further highlights the need for outside oversight.
These are the 12 officers charged in Harding Street investigation
Duty photos for the 12 current and former Houston police officers charged as part of an investigation into the Harding Street raid are seen in this graphic created Jan. 25, 2021. HOUSTON – A total of 12 current and former Houston police officers have been charged as part of an investigation into the deadly Harding Street raid. Hodgie ArmstrongHodgie Armstrong is seen in this duty photo released by the Houston Police Department on Jan. 26, 2021. Felipe GallegosOfficer Felipe Gallegos (left) speaks during a news conference in Houston on Jan. 26, 2021, as his attorney, Rusty Hardin, (right) listens. Gerald GoinesOne of the officers charged in the botched Harding Street Raid that left two people dead and four officers injured appeared before a judge Monday.
Families of couple killed in Harding Street drug raid sue Houston, police
Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas along with photos of gunshot holes inside the house on Harding Street where the couple was shot to death by Houston police during a botched raid on Jan. 28, 2019. She helped all her neighbors,” John Nicholas, Rhogena Nicholas’ brother, said at a news conference Thursday. AdAt the time of the Jan. 28, 2019 raid, police had accused Tuttle and Nicholas of selling heroin from their home. Michael Doyle, one of the attorneys for Rhogena Nicholas’ family, said questions remain about how the couple was killed as police have refused to release ballistics reports and other evidence about the shooting. The police department has distanced itself from Goines and Bryant, who’s accused of helping Goines cover up the faulty warrant.
Acevedo speaks publicly about new Harding Street charges for first time
HOUSTON – Houston police Chief Art Acevedo spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since a Harris County grand jury handed up indictments of six more Houston police officers in connection with the deadly Harding Street raid. “The charges, other than the one on Gallegos, has to do with overtime,” Acevedo said. RELATED: Attorney claims murder charge against HPD officer in Harding Street case is politically motivatedA total of 12 officers have been charged in connection with the investigation stemming from the raid. Acevedo said that his internal affairs division is now doing its own investigation into the allegations of an overtime scheme. “Would I be surprised that they charged people with allegedly stealing overtime, per se?” Acevedo said.
Attorney claims murder charge against HPD officer in Harding Street case is politically motivated
HOUSTON – A lawyer who is representing one of the officers charged in connection with the deadly Harding Street police raid claimed Tuesday that the charge is politically motivated. Gallegos was one of six Houston officers who were newly charged in the case Monday. He said the grand jury declined to hear from Gallegos before handing up the indictment. You can watch a replay of Griffith’s news conference below:Ogg respondsOgg said in a written statement that a grand jury made the determination to charge Gallegos. With two police officers now charged with murder, Houstonians are finally getting the truth about what really happened on Harding St.”
6 more officers charged in investigation of deadly Harding Street police raid
The new charges bring the total number of officers or former officers charged in connection with the investigation of the raid to 12. Oscar Pardo: Charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and first-degree tampering with a governmental record. Cedell Lovings: Charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and first-degree tampering with a governmental record. Nadeem Ashraf: Charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and first-degree tampering with a governmental record. New charges for officers already chargedSome of the charges announced Monday were new charges against officers who have already been charged in connection with an investigation of the Harding Street raid.
Federal judge rules against Houston in latest Harding Street chapter
HOUSTON – A federal judge has derailed the City of Houston’s efforts to push a civil lawsuit regarding the deadly botched raid on Harding Street in federal court. The family is seeking to secure records from the Houston Police Department, including ballistic, as well as interviews with those involved in the deadly raid that killed Tuttle and Nicholas on Jan. 28, 2019. Every step of the way they are obviously happy that the court says no, we are not going to let this stay covered up. KPRC 2 Investigates exposed the botched raid was built on a fabricated warrant in February 2019. The deadly incident has resulted in several federal and state criminal indictments of HPD officers from that night, including murder charges for former narcotics officer Gerald Goines.
Family attorney to present new findings from investigation 2 years after Harding Street botched raid involving HPD
HOUSTON – The attorney representing Rhogena Nicholas’ family sent a release saying the family would like 911 calls to be released as well as sworn depositions by some of the Houston Police Department managers involved in the raid. The couple was shot and killed by Houston police officers during a controversial raid inside of their Harding Street home. The Nicholas family was set to appear in a probate court for a hearing Friday afternoon, but the hearing has been delayed. “Today was just the latest effort to put off and delay,” said Mike Doyle, an attorney for the family of Rhogena Nicholas. RELATED: Families of Harding Street raid victims write letter to city for transparency, to release HPD recordingsThe family attorney claims that they will present the new findings from their investigation, along with witness testimony from an expert, a family member and a representative from the Houston Police Department.
Search warrants reveal new investigation launched into 13 HPD narcotics officers
HOUSTON – KPRC 2 Investigates has learned that several search warrants have been filed, involving several Houston police officers. The warrants include the names of some officers that already have been charged. Those charges also stemmed from a broader investigation of the department’s narcotics division prompted by the fatal Harding Street raid. Former police officers Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant have been charged by state and federal prosecutors in connection with the raid. The Houston Police Department has been contacted by KPRC 2 Investigates in an effort to find out the status of the officers whose names are listed in the warrants.
Charges against man convicted by Goines testimony 12 years ago dropped
HOUSTON – The charges against a man who was convicted of drug crimes in 2008 on the basis of testimony by then-Houston police narcotics Officer Gerald Goines have been dropped. Otis Mallet Jr. was cleared of the charges after Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg filed a motion saying that “no credible evidence exists” against him. “What happened to Mr. Mallet was the result of deliberate lies testified to by Gerald Goines and relied upon prosecutors years ago,” Ogg said in a written statement. This dismissal is a down payment on restoring community trust in our criminal justice system.”Former HPD officer Gerald Goines. Goines is accused of lying on the affidavit used to obtain the warrant that led to the raid.
Grand jury indicts 6 former Houston narcotics officers
HOUSTON – A grand jury indicted six former Houston Police Department narcotics officers Thursday on a total of 17 charges, Harris County prosecutors. The indictments come after prosecutors charged the six officers with crimes they said were uncovered during an investigation of HPD’s narcotics division prompted by the deadly Harding Street police raid that killed two residents and injured five officers in January 2019. Former HPD Lt. Robert Gonzales has been indicted on a charge of misapplication of fiduciary property. “These indictments reinforce our decision to prosecute the graft, greed and corruption in this troubled Houston Police division,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a written statement. Prosecutors have initiated a review of more than 14,000 cases involving HPD’s narcotics division.
HPD narcotics officer relieved of duty as part of ‘internal investigation’
HOUSTON – A narcotics officer with the Houston Police Department was relieved of duty last week as part of an investigation by the department. A spokesman for HPD said Officer Juan Martinez was relieved of duty on July 16. Houston police Chief Art Acevedo would not elaborate on the nature of the investigation or why Martinez was fired. “The officer is the subject of a proactive internal investigation,” Acevedo said in a written statement. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said prosecutors are reviewing more than 14,000 cases involving HPD’s narcotics division.
6 former HPD officers, including Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant, face 15 new felonies linked to botched Harding Street raid
HOUSTON – Six former Houston police narcotics officers, including Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant, face new felony charges after being accused of falsifying documents about drug payments to informants. Five HPD officers were also hurt in the gunfire. If convicted, the tampering charge carries a penalty of between 2-10 years in prison and the theft charge carries a fine of between $2,500 and $30,000. If convicted, the tampering charges carry a penalty of between 6 months and 2 years in jail. Full statement below: pic.twitter.com/1j4bt5I1Ho — Houston Police Officers' Union (@HPOUTX) July 1, 2020KPRC 2 has covered the botched Harding Street raid extensively.
FULL REPORT: Audit of HPD Narcotics found 404 errors in more than 200 cases involving Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant
HOUSTON – On Wednesday, Houston police tweeted the full 66-page audit of the HPD Narcotics Division that was ordered after the botched January 2019 Harding Street raid. The internal review of the department’s narcotics division from Jan. 28, 2016 to Jan. 28, 2019 was ordered after the fatal raid left Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas dead. Bryant also assisted Goines on 27% of the cases reviewed in the audit. One major issue found by the audit was expense discrepancies including incorrect amounts, incorrect addresses and inaccurate weight of drugs. READ: Full audit report tweeted by Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo
New charges illustrate culture within HPD Narcotics unit, legal analyst says
HOUSTON More than a year after the raid on Harding Street, six former Houston police officers are now facing charges. Five of them are accused of falsifying government documents used in narcotics investigations. Its not as serious as the three levels of felonies above it, said KPRC 2 legal analyst Brian Wice, a criminal defense attorney. Wice said the charges appear to indicate a problem with the culture inside the departments narcotics division. The charges could have a wider impact, possibly leading some of the cases involving the former officers to be dismissed, Wice said.
State, national lawmakers push HPD Chief Art Acevedo to release narcotics audit in Harding Street raid
HOUSTON State and national lawmakers continue to push Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo for the release of an audit in the wake of the deadly botched Harding Street raid. One of the few people to actually see a redacted copy of the audit is state Representative Gene Wu, a Democrat representing the 137th district. Wu, along with state Senator Paul Bettancourt, was one of a handful of lawmakers who obtained a copy through legislative privilege. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Chief Acevedo said he would release the audit to the public if District Attorney Kim Ogg gave the okay. "We're looking to Chief Acevedo to hold up and do what he has said that he is willing to do," said Wu.
Families of Harding Street raid victims write letter to city for transparency, to release HPD recordings
HOUSTON – The family of Harding Street raid victims sent the city of Houston a letter for transparency and for the Houston Police Department to release the recordings on what happened that ended in their loved ones death. John Nicholas is the brother of Rhogena Nicholas, the woman who was killed by HPD in last year’s deadly botched raid on Harding Street feels about his sister’s case. Now, the Tuttle and Nicholas families are again asking for the “immediate” release of all recordings connected to the deadly case. He is not alone in demands for transparency from HPD, Lovie Williams Linzer also is calling for transparency,“We want the video released. We want to see the video and we won’t stop,” Linzer said, the aunt and legal guardian of Davion Edison.
91 additional drug convictions connected to officer charged in Harding Street raid to be overturned
HOUSTON – Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Thursday that nearly 100 more defendants who were convicted as part of a case made by former Houston police Officer Gerald Goines will be cleared. Goines has been charged with murder and tampering with a government record following the botched Harding Street raid that left Rhogena Nicholas, Dennis Tuttle and the couple’s dog dead. As a result of the investigation into the raid, Ogg said prosecutors have reviewed several of Goines’ cases and will be overturning at least 91 additional convictions. “We will continue to work to clear people convicted solely on the word of a police officer who we can no longer trust,” Ogg said. According to Ogg, 73 cases where Goines was the only witness were previously overturned.
FOR SALE: See inside the Harding Street home where a botched HPD raid left 2 dead
The home at 7815 Harding St. is listed for $75,000, according to a Facebook post. HOUSTON – The Harding Street property where a couple was killed in a 2019 botched raid is on the market. The home at 7815 Harding St. is listed for $75,000, according to a Facebook post. The post noted an after-repair value of $170,000. The raid led to a months-long investigation and three people, including two HPD officers, were charged in connection to the raid.
DA finds nearly 70 people may have been convicted on false evidence given by Gerald Goines
HOUSTON – Former HPD officer Gerald Goines was indicted on felony murder and tampering with a government record charges following the botched Harding Street Raid. The botched raid caused an investigation to be opened into Goines’ past, and two men convicted because of Goines have been declared innocent. According to District Attorney Kim Ogg, the ongoing investigation has now revealed that 69 people may have been convicted because of false evidence presented by the former narcotics officer. "I don’t think there could be a more important or serious problem to fix in our justice system right now,” said Ogg. Goines was the only witness to the offenses in all the cases, according to the release.
Woman accused of making fake 911 calls in botched Harding Street Raid in custody after violating bond, court records show
HOUSTON – The woman accused of making fake 911 calls, setting into motion the events of the botched Jan. 2019 Harding Street raid that left two people dead, was taken into custody Tuesday after violating the terms of her bond. Patricia Ann Garcia, 53, appeared in court Tuesday and was taken into custody after allegedly violating the conditions of her bond. She allegedly told officials her daughter was inside of the Harding Street home with heavily armed drug dealers. On Jan. 28, 2019, Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle were killed when several police officers burst into their home at 7815 Harding Street. After officers shot the couple’s dog, Tuttle began firing at officers and they returned fire, killing both Nicholas and Tuttle, officials say.
1 year later: A look back at botched Harding Street raid, what’s next
A botched raid resulted in multiple Houston Police Department officers being shots and two homeowners killed. The story fell apart on Feb. 15, 2019, after Channel 2 Investigates first revealed documents showing cops manufactured an unlawful warrant prior to the raid. We’ll get to the truth.” Her office also launched an extensive review of thousands of past cases involving now-former HPD officers Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant. Last spring, Channel 2 Investigates was the first media outlet to take viewers inside the home and revealed what autopsy reports were found. At his office in Missouri, Maloney said his forensic findings had not matched with the narrative pushed out by HPD.
'Because officers lied, people died’: Grand jury hands down indictments against two ex-HPD officers in Harding Street raid
HOUSTON – A Harris County grand jury handed down indictments against two former Houston police officers Wednesday for their involvement in the botched Harding Street raid, according to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Only the prosecutors who brought the charges are allowed to go into the grand jury and It is not a surprise that the grand jury stamped off on the charges the DA originally brought. We look forward to our day in court.”BackgroundOn Jan. 28, Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle were killed when several police officers burst into their home at 7815 Harding Street. After officers shot the couple’s dog, Tuttle began firing at officers and they returned fire, killing both Nicholas and Tuttle, officials say. She allegedly told officials her daughter was inside the home on Harding Street with heavily armed drug dealers.
Ex-officer accused in botched Harding Street raid now accused of perjury in case from 12 years ago
HOUSTON – The former Houston police officer accused in the botched Harding Street raid is now accused of perjury in a case that dates back more than a decade. Gerald Goines made a brief appearance in court Thursday after Otis Mallet, a man Goines arrested 12 years ago claimed Goines perjured testimony, causing Mallet to be wrongfully convicted. Mallet alleges that Goines lied on the stand and withheld evidence that should have been made available to Mallet’s trial lawyer. “We agree that false testimony was given by G. Goins in the trial of Mr. Mallet back in 2008," Ogg said. A subpoena was issued for Goines in this case but he did not appear in court Thursday morning, saying he was recovering from surgery after he was injured in the Harding Street Raid.
Grand jury makes ‘unprecedented’ visit to the site of deadly Harding Street raid
HOUSTON – KPRC 2 has learned a grand jury has visited the Harding Street site, where a deadly shootout with Houston Police Department happened in January 2019. KPRC 2 saw Harris County Constable Precinct 1 deputies and representatives from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office at the home. Transported via shuttle, the grand jury was taken inside the home for approximately a 20-minute tour. A botched January raid at a home on Harding Street led to a months’ long investigation and three people charged in connection with the deaths of Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle. "That the grand jury is given an opportunity to see Rhogena and Dennis’ home is welcome news, but we also know that an independent forensic evaluation of the Harding Street incident is vitally necessary.”
Top stories of 2019 (#5): Harding Street raid prompts extensive investigation, multiple federal charges
Two former Houston Police Department officers, Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant, and the neighbor who called 911, Patricia Garcia, are all accused of federal crimes. Twenty-seven pending cases involving officers Goines and Bryant were eventually dropped. The FBI also launched a civil rights investigation into the botched raid in February. If convicted of federal charges, Goines faces up to life in prison. Bryant is charged with falsifying records in a federal investigation.
‘I screw up’: Read Goines’ notes to investigators about deadly Harding Street raid
HOUSTON – Gerald Goines, the former Houston police officer charged in connection with a deadly police raid earlier this year, admitted that he screwed up, according to his handwritten notes that are part of court records released last week. The 10-page document includes notes Goines wrote to investigators who were questioning him after the Jan. 28 raid that ended with the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. On page seven, Goines wrote:“I screw up because I made a buy without the correct manpower out there. Goines, who is accused of lying on documents that were used to obtain the warrant for the raid, was released Thursday after being granted bail by a federal judge. In addition to federal charges, Goines faces two counts of murder at the state level.
Ex-HPD Officer Gerald Goines secretly released after being granted $150,000 bail
HOUSTON – Gerald Goines, the former Houston police officer charged in connection with the deadly Harding Street raid, was secretly released Thursday after being granted bail a day earlier. The U.S. Marshall’s Office told KPRC 2 Goines was ushered out of the Harris County Jail at some point Thursday morning. A Magistrate Court judge blocked the bail after prosecutors raised concerns that Goines may be a flight risk. BACKGROUND: What’s in the federal indictment for Gerald Goines, Steven Bryant and Patricia Garcia? In addition to federal charges, Goines also faces two counts of murder that were filed against him at the state level.
Woman accused of calling 911 in Harding Street raid enters not guilty plea, granted bond
HOUSTON – Two Houston police officers and the woman who called 911 are facing federal charges in connection with the botched Harding Street raid. According to court documents, the three lied about happenings at the home on Harding Street, which led to the raid that left Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicolas dead. Bryant is accused of lying about investigating the home and seeing the heroin Goines' reportedly bought from the home, according to court documents. Garcia appeared in federal court Thursday and entered a not guilty plea. She must have verifiable employment and she must reside her mother’s home on Harding Street with a third party in the home for her to be released to.
Who is Patricia Garcia?
Patricia Garcia, a 53-year-old woman, was picked up Wednesday morning from the house directly across the street from the scene of the deadly Jan. 8 raid. Garcia is alleged to have falsely stated her daughter was at the home located at 7815 Harding St. and that she believed there were guns and drugs inside of the residence. Garcia could face up to five years in prison if she is found guilty of conveying false information. What neighbors sayNeighbors and activists said they aren’t surprised by the charges against Garcia. Tommy Arce told KPRC 2 that the residence across the street is his father’s home and that Garcia dated his father, but he said Garcia does not live at the home.