Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted on Saturday by the state Senate of 16 impeachment articles, ending a two-week trial that featured substantial evidence of alleged corruption. Despite two Republican senators voting for conviction, the majority of Paxton's party voted to acquit him. Following the acquittal vote, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) officially reinstated Paxton as the state’s top law enforcement officer and four impeachment articles were dismissed.
Posts published in “Crime”
Russell Brand, a British actor and comedian, has denied allegations of rape, sexual assault and abusive behavior following a joint investigation by multiple UK-based news outlets. Brand has stated that all of his relationships have been consensual, and has called for more support for survivors of sexual assault in the past. The investigation includes allegations from four women and Channel 4 has released a trailer for its upcoming special on the investigation.
On Friday, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union began a simultaneous strike of Detroit's "Big Three" auto manufacturers, General Motors, Ford, and Jeep-maker Stellantis. The union represents 150,000 workers across the United States and is attempting to negotiate a new contract. Ford has already laid off 600 workers due to the strike, and UAW President Shawn Fain believes the Big Three are trying to pressure union members to accept a less favorable contract. The strike is expected to last until a new contract is agreed upon.
Six people, including a 15-year-old, have been arrested in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in the trunk of a car in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The suspects identified themselves as members of a religious group called “Soldiers of Christ” and are facing multiple charges including felony murder. Cpl. Juan Madiedo of the Gwinnett County Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
The United States Department of Justice has announced the extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, to the United States. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the extradition is part of the Justice Department's effort to attack the cartel's operations, and comes just two days after El Chapo's wife was released from a federal prison. Lopez is currently in federal custody in Chicago and is facing drug trafficking charges, but no further details have been released.
Ashton Kutcher has resigned as Chairman of the Board of Thorn, an organization he co-founded to combat child sex abuse, after acknowledging that victims of sexual abuse have been historically silenced. Kutcher and his wife Mila Kunis will remain dedicated to the cause and continue to support Thorn in any way they can. Thorn's CEO Julie Cordua thanked Kutcher for his dedication and said that his resignation will not affect Thorn's mission.
A federal judge is being asked to impose a gag order on former President Donald Trump in connection with the election interference case against him. Special counsel Jack Smith has requested the order, citing Trump's history of making "inflammatory public statements" that could influence potential jurors and intimidate witnesses. The filing also alleges that Trump knows he "inspires others to perpetrate threats and violence," and the gag order would restrict him from making certain extrajudicial statements about the case. It is unclear when Judge Chutkan will make a decision on the gag order.
The family of Robert Dotson, who was fatally shot by Farmington Police officers at his home, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the department. Kim Dotson, Robert's wife, has been given few details about the incident and has not been contacted by the department since the shooting. The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death, negligence, and other claims in the hopes of bringing the family answers and justice.