HOUSTON – A Houston woman is the subject of a federal grand jury indictment, the first-ever indictment regarding female genital mutilation, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday. The indictment alleges from on or about July 10 through Oct. 14, 2016, Badri knowingly transported a minor from the United States in foreign commerce for the purpose of female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation refers to the circumcision, excision or infibulation of a minor’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris. “Female genital mutilation is child abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “We want the American people to know it is the FBI’s responsibility to investigate allegations of human rights violations, like female genital mutilation.

All rights reserved)HOUSTON – A 24-year-old Houston man has been arrested on charges of mail theft, federal authorities announced Monday. In a news release, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick’s office, citing a complaint, said local authorities conducted a traffic stop on Nov. 5 which led to a search of Rosario’s vehicle. Inside, law enforcement found over 100 pieces of unopened and opened mail in the names of others, federal authorities said. An inventory of the mail pieces revealed letters, financial checks as well as an unopened mail-in ballot for the State of Washington, according to the charges. Federal authorities said law enforcement immediately forwarded the ballot to election authorities in Washington.

Here are things to know for Friday, Oct. 16:1. Houston police search for motorcycle riders seen in viral video appearing to taunt officersHouston police said an organized event this past weekend brought a lot of motorcycles to town. However, the roughly 2-minute video does not show riders pulling over, some are seen performing stunts in front of the officers' cruisers. Houston SPCA confirms abused dog seen in viral video has been foundThe Houston SPCA confirmed that the dog seen being beaten in a viral video on social media has been found. KPRC 2 reported earlier this week on a viral video that showed a Houston woman kicking a dog as onlookers laughed.

HOUSTON – A Houston man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison following a conviction of possession with intent to distribute a large amount of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick on Wednesday. Roberto Garcia Saldana pleaded guilty June 9, confessing his involvement in a marijuana stash house in Zapata, a Texas border town. Authorities said Saldana admitted that he knew there were drugs inside the trailer and that he was storing for others. Authorities conducted surveillance on what they suspected to be a marijuana stash house in Zapata on May 2, 2017. Inside the trailer, authorities discovered 50 bundles of marijuana, totaling about 476 kilograms with an approximate value of $420,000.

HOUSTON – A Houston woman was charged after she fraudulently obtained more than $1.9 million in Paycheck Protection Program, according to Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, 22, was charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. She received more than $1.9 million in PPP loan funds and after the approval of Lola’s Level application, according to the complaint. Kasali transferred the money in four separate bank accounts after receiving the funds, which were later seized by authorities, according to the charges. She appeared in court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan in Houston at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

HOUSTON A 32-year-old Austin man who was previously accused of smashing the windows of a Houston Police Department vehicle during May 29 protests in downtown, now faces a new federal charge in connection with , according to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Last week, Travis Glendon Martin III was charged with felony criminal mischief charge after Houston police said he shattered the windows of an HPD patrol vehicle near the intersection of Capitol Street and La Branch Street. READ: Houston police release mugshots of suspects accused of damaging police vehicle, striking police officer during protestsOn Friday, he appeared in federal court on a civil disorder charge. According to the complaint, officers attempted to gain control of Martin who had been exhibiting passive resistance by placing his arms underneath his body as he lay on the ground. If convicted of the federal civil disorder charge, Martin faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.