Former city manager used money from shady water line repair contracts to fund ‘so-called’ charity
'DRAINED' Investigation fallout. Court records now reveal Patrece used some of the money she got in kickbacks for a so-called charity she also set up. Investigator Amy Davis is taking you inside the charity to show you where some of your tax dollars went.
Ex-city of Houston water dept. manager admits to lying about relationship with contractor she awarded millions
Patrece Lee, the former Houston Public Works manager, admitted to lying to the inspector general's office about one of the emergency water repair contractors she awarded millions to being her relative.
‘He chose to retire’: Mayor Whitmire denies claims made by former HPD chief Finner that he was forced out of department
“Unfortunately, he chose to retire and he knows why he chose to retire,” Whimire said during an exclusive interview with KPRC 2 Investigates reporter Mario Diaz. “I’m not going to get into a public debate with Troy Finner. I don’t think it’s appropriate.
‘Flippant:’ Texas Congressman wants accountability, apology for DOJ response regarding Santa Fe mass shooting
Last week KPRC 2 Investigates reported the DOJ responded to a request sent by Mike Matranga, who is a retired Secret Service agent, former head of safety for Texas City ISD and now runs M6 Global Defense, which specializes in school security and safety. Matranga said he sent the request on behalf of the families.
Was your fence damaged during Hurricane Beryl? If so, who’s responsible for paying for it? Here’s what we know
Was your fence damaged during Hurricane Beryl? Are you confused about who's supposed to cover the cost? You, your neighbor or insurance? Well, we did the homework for you and here's what we found out:
Texas Senator pushes for answers on benefits for wounded Santa Fe ISD officer
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz is urging the Department of Justice to make a decision on whether former Santa Fe ISD police officer John Barnes is entitled to certain federal benefits. Barnes was the first to confront the gunman during the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in 2018.
‘Only by a miracle was he saved’: Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on former President Trump shooting
On Saturday night, hours after former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick spoke with KPRC 2 Investigates, regarding the shooting of the former president, the death and injury of supporters and how this will impact politics as well as future rallies.
‘I’ve never stolen anything in my life’: Brother of ex-city worker charged in Houston contract scandal claims innocence
We are hearing more from one of the main people charged in the city of Houston contract corruption scandal. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis was in court today for the latest developments in the case was first brought to light because of the KPRC ‘DRAINED’ Investigation.
‘We are doing everything we can:’ CenterPoint Energy VP grilled by Houston City Council on power restoration efforts
During the meeting at City Council on Wednesday morning, Brad Tutunjian, CenterPoint Energy’s vice president of regulatory affairs sought to bring transparency to the mounting tensions as more than 1 million customers remain without electricity.
How to prevent a potential tree collapse before the next big storm?
As Drew Smith was surveying the damage on his parents’ property caused by a fallen pecan tree that narrowly missed the main structure of their home, he expressed a sentiment that has crossed the minds of many in the aftermath of Beryl: “Come storm time, you never know when one of those widow-makers is going to come down,” Smith said.
‘Few more days,’ Houston Police Department’s internal probe into suspended cases not completed as originally slated
In a June 18 report, Mayor Whitmire told KPRC 2 Investigates Mario Diaz the Internal Investigation would be completed July 1. However, in a phone call this morning, the mayor said it would be "a few more days."
Streaming marathon: Binge The Evidence Room all day Today on KPRC 2+
Join us on June 26 starting at 11 a.m. for a thrilling streaming marathon of "The Evidence Room" on KPRC 2+. Relive some of the most gripping true crime stories, including "Sinner or Saint? The AJ Armstrong Story" and "The Stiletto Killer." Don't miss out on this chance to revisit these captivating episodes before Season 6 premieres on July 24. Catch up on past seasons and mark your calendars for new episodes every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. starting July 24. Watch on KPRC 2+ via your smart TV, streaming device, or mobile app, or visit Click2Houston.com/watchlive. Which episode are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!
Houston public official accused of misusing millions in public funds
Todd Edwards, a former Real Estate Manager with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, has been indicted for "Abuse of Official Capacity." An investigation revealed Edwards allegedly used his position to benefit companies he had interests in, diverting $8 to $10 million in public funds. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg will address the arrest on Friday afternoon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Proposed law filed on behalf of school district police officer wounded in Santa Fe HS shooting
U.S. Rep. Randy Weber and Sen. Ted Cruz have introduced the Officer John Barnes Act to set a 270-day deadline for deciding claims filed with the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program. This legislation aims to eliminate long waits for first responders like Officer John Barnes, who has been waiting years for his benefits after being critically injured in the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting.
Signing up for new electricity plan? What Houston customers should know beforehand
Choosing a new electric plan, comparing rates and fees can be complicated. It’s why some customers pay an electric broker or a third party to find the lowest rates. But some customers say their energy company is threatening to cancel their contracts because they signed up with the help of a broker. KPRC 2 Investigative reporter Amy Davis is asking - can they do that?
Investigators: Candidate for Fort Bend Co. Commissioner created online persona, racially attacked opponents and himself
In Fort Bend County, investigators say online impersonation in a key political race resulted in handcuffs for a politician who was viewed by many within Democratic circles as a candidate on the rise. Now there are questions of “What’s next?” after Democrat Taral Patel was arrested on Wednesday on third-degree felony charge of online impersonation and a Class-A misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity. The arrest comes weeks after Patel secured the Democratic nomination in the race for County Commissioner of Precinct 3.
How this Texas law was used to charge a Fort Bend Co. Commissioner candidate with faking social media attacks
A law that was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2009 has helped play a roll in the arrest of Democrat Taral Patel, who is accused of portraying himself as someone he is not over the internet.
Top 5 most outrageous Houston water bills the KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ investigation helped resolve
The KPRC 2 ‘DRAINED’ Investigation is getting big results! You may know last month seven people were charged in a water line repair scandal, after Amy Davis exposed shady contract dealings. This is after the entire Houston water department changed the way they bill Houston customers. All of this is in addition to the massive amount of money Amy and the team have helped get back for customers with high and confusing water bills.
What’s being done to prevent another city contracts scandal in Houston following ‘DRAINED’ investigation
A small change to prevent another multi-million-dollar corruption scandal like the one KPRC 2 Investigates exposed in the Houston water department. Our ‘DRAINED’ investigation led to seven criminal indictments. Investigative reporter Amy Davis went to the Houston city council meeting to find out about the new change to city processes.
Questions persist about tiny corporation linked to Houston Airport System and chaired by city’s airport director
KPRC 2 Investigates has uncovered ongoing concerns about the Houston Airport System’s Development Corporation (HASDC), a small, self-funded non-profit corporation that generates significant revenue, yet operates with little transparency and close ties to high-ranking city officials. Despite reporting substantial assets and providing large grants, questions remain about its financial operations and lack of clear oversight.
Ownership questions continue to surround private African art collection found in county shed by KPRC 2 Investigates
It is undoubtedly one of the stories KPRC 2 Investigates hears more about than any other in recent memory: A February 2020 investigation into a massive private African art collection we uncovered secretly stored inside of an old Harris County maintenance shed at the expense of taxpayers.
Former Houston water department manager now in custody after felony charges in shady water line repair contracts
Former City of Houston water department manager is now in custody after being charged with abuse of official capacity, tampering with documents. Investigator Amy Davis's work has shed light on questionable contracts within the Houston Public Works department. #HoustonWaterScandal #InvestigativeReporting
‘Restitution must be made’ says Judge to former Houston city worker charged after DRAINED probe into shady contracts
During her first appearance in Probable Cause court Friday, a judge accosted her for abusing her position as a public servant noting there are still more than half a million dollars worth of unaccounted funds.
After the storm outages, can more of Houston’s power grid go underground?
After the recent storm in Houston that caused widespread power outages, the question of burying power lines has been raised. While it may prevent outages during severe weather, it comes with a hefty price tag and maintenance challenges. Should Houston consider going underground with its power grid? Share your thoughts in the comments! #HoustonPowerGrid #StormRecovery #UndergroundPowerLines
KPRC 2 Investigator Bill Spencer tracks down estate sale shark accused of stealing $25k+ from Houston families
Doing an estate sale for your family can be a stressful and often emotional thing as you say goodbye to memories, often after saying goodbye to your loved one. KPRC 2 Investigator Bill Spencer spent months tracking down a woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from families in the Houston area. Spencer has heard from more families who say they were also victims.
The Evidence Room, Episode 22 - The Serial Killings of Acres Homes
It was believed that a serial killer prowled the streets violently raping and killing women in the Acres Homes neighborhood in 2006. People were terrified, never knowing who was attacking these women. Then came the stunning realization that three predators treated the neighborhood as their hunting ground, never knowing of each other until they were caught.
HPD Internal Affairs Investigation into suspended cases not ‘completed’ after Chief Finner told Houstonians it was done
KPRC 2 Investigates has learned questions of integrity are being raised about a member of Houston Police Chief Troy Finner’s inner circle, extending what Finner said was a “completed” Internal Affairs Investigation into the department’s suspended sex assault cases scandal.
KPRC 2 Investigates: Car stolen while at repair shop. Who is responsible?
Last year in Houston alone thieves stole about 55 vehicles a day. That’s more than two every hour. It’s why we use car alarms, lock our doors and do our best to protect our property. And when you leave your car at a repair shop you expect them to take the same precautions. Investigative reporter Amy Davis is looking into what happens when they don’t and who’s responsible.
HOAs vs neighborhood associations: Understanding the difference
If you live in the Houston area, you’ve probably noticed some new developments in your neighborhood. Whether it’s remodeling updates on someone’s home or developers breaking ground on a new project, construction is happening all over the city.