Fifth Circuit Upholds Texas’s Method of Appointing Presidential Electors

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today applauded the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit for affirming the constitutionality of the State’s method of appointing representatives to the Electoral College. The Fifth Circuit’s ruling states that Texas’s winner-take-all system, a method that dates back to the first presidential election and that is used in all but two States today, does not burden any person’s right to vote and causes no harm on account of a voter’s political views.  

“The Fifth Circuit confirmed that Texas is in full compliance with the Constitution, which has clearly allowed for States to appoint electors as directed by the Legislature since 1789. Texas elections remain free, fair and lawful,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I applaud the Court for rejecting this baseless challenge to the framework of our electoral process and for protecting the authority of state legislatures to decide how to appoint presidential electors, as our Founders intended.”  

Texas married couple sentenced to combined 140 years in prison for conspiracy to produce child pornography, other crimes against children

DALLAS - A husband and wife from Big Spring, Texas, were sentenced
Friday to a combined 140 years in prison for crimes against multiple
children.

Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San
Angelo, Texas, investiated the case with the assistance of the Howard
County Sheriff’s Office and the High Technology Investigative Unit
within the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section
(CEOS).

Christopher James Regan, 38, a former shipping logistics
manager, was sentenced to 90 years in prison after pleading guilty in
October 2019 to conspiracy to produce child pornography and two counts
of producing child pornography.

Tanya Marie Regan, 35, was
sentenced to 50 years in prison after her October 2019 guilty plea to
conspiracy to produce child pornography and possession of prepubescent
child pornography.  The sentences handed down in the Northern District
of Texas, also included lifetime terms of supervised release for both
defendants.

According to court documents, Christopher and Tanya
Regan sexually abused and produced child pornography of multiple
children, and they possessed and distributed child pornography to one
another as well.  The Regans also engaged in graphic discussions about
the sexual abuse of children over several online platforms. 

In
plea papers, the pair admitted that at Christopher Regan’s direction,
Tanya Regan repeatedly videotaped herself sexually abusing children for
Christopher Regan’s sexual gratification.

When law enforcement
seized electronics from the home, several graphic videos had been
deleted, but were still stored in the recycle bin or on unalloted space
on various SD cards. Undeleted videos were stored in a computer folder
titled “users\tanya_000\pictures\privatevids\minor.”“This
is one of the most despicable cases of child exploitation and abuses of
trust I have seen in my law-enforcement career,” said Ryan L. Spradlin,
special agent in charge of HSI Dallas. “Even the most hardened criminal
would likely take exception to this kind of heinous behavior. No
sentence is long enough for these two individuals, and sends a clear
message to others who sexually exploit vulnerable children: We will come
after you and hold you accountable for your reprehensible actions.”

The
following agencies provided substantial assistance with the
investigation: HSI Lubbock and HSI Tyler, Texas; Tom Green County
Sheriff’s Office;Texas Department of Public Safety, and the National
Center for Mission and Expoilted Children.

“All the agencies
involved worked diligently in this case. Without strong working
relationships many of these horrendous crimes may get overlooked,” said
Howard County Sherrif Stan Parker. “These are some of the worst crimes
enforcement officers have to investigate, and it is gratifying to have
agencies work together to accomplish the main goal and that is keeping
the kids out of harm’s way. I hope we can continue to work together to
accomplish the goals needed to fight this battle. We ask that you keep
the young innocent victims of this crime in your thoughts and prayers as
they try to move forward with their lives.”

Trial Attorney Kyle
P. Reynolds of CEOS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Howey and Jeffrey
R. Haag prosecuted the case along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Russell H. Lorfing.

This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator , an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 25,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child exploitation material, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children.

Governor Abbott Extended The Disaster Declaration In February 2020 For Texas Counties Affected By Hurricane Harvey

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the
State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on August 23, 2017,
certifying that Hurricane Harvey posed a threat of imminent disaster for
Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt,
Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson,
Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak,
Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, and
Wilson counties; and

WHEREAS, the disaster proclamation of
August 23, 2017, was subsequently amended on August 26, August 27,
August 28, and September 14 to add the following counties to the
disaster proclamation: Angelina, Atascosa, Bastrop, Bexar, Brazos,
Burleson, Caldwell, Cameron, Comal, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Jasper,
Kerr, Lee, Leon, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk,
Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Washington,
and Willacy; and

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2017, and in
each subsequent month effective through today, I issued proclamations
renewing the disaster declaration for all counties listed above; and

WHEREAS, due to the catastrophic damage
caused by Hurricane Harvey, a state of disaster continues to exist in
those same counties;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by
Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew the
disaster proclamation for the 60 counties listed above.

Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the code, I
authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of
political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this
disaster.

Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the code,
any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state
business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way
prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster
shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor.
However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or
administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede
any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life
or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the
suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared
disaster.

In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have
officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the
City of Austin, Texas, this the 13th day of February, 2020. 

Governor Greg Abbott

Five Texas Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Roles in Scheme to Launder Millions from Business Email Compromise Fraud

In Austin this afternoon, a federal judge sentenced a Nigerian National formerly residing in Houston to 135 months in federal prison for his role in laundering millions derived from Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), San Antonio; and, Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Houston Division.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ordered that 32-year-old Bameyi Kelvin Omale pay $5,378,292.03 in restitution. 

“At DOJ we take cyber-theft extremely seriously, and we work tirelessly to protect our economy from sophisticated criminal schemes that target American businesses and consumers,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.

“Today’s sentencing highlights HSI’s commitment to imposing consequences on cybercriminals, no matter who they are or where they are,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Folden.  “The vast scope of this criminal scheme had a devastating effect on businesses, consumers and financial institutions.  HSI is uniquely positioned to investigate and mitigate weaknesses within the U.S. financial, trade, and transportation sector that can be exploited by transnational criminal networks.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Gonzalez.  “The sentence handed down today will send a clear message to those criminals who decide to use the U.S. mail in furtherance of their deceptive schemes.  Postal Inspectors will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring them to justice.”

On September 24, 2019, Omale pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.  Prior to Omale, three of his four co-defendants–Chinonso Agbaji, a 30-year-old resident of Houston; Igho Calaba, a 26-year-old resident of Austin; and Chibuzor Stanley Uba, a 31-year-old resident of San Antonio–also pleaded guilty to the same charge.  Last month, Judge Pitman sentenced: Agbaji to 78 months in federal prison; Uba to 36 months in federal prison; and, Calaba to 30 months in federal prison.

The fourth co-defendant, Nnamdi Nwosu, a 33-year-old resident of Houston, is charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to launder money instruments and one count of passport fraud in furtherance of the money laundering conspiracy.  Nwosu remains a fugitive in this case.

Two other defendants involved in this scheme have also pleaded guilty to federal charges and have been sentenced.  In December, Judge Pitman sentenced Joseph Odibobhahemen, a 29-year-old resident of Austin who pleaded guilty to the same money laundering conspiracy charge, to 78 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $1,639,419.57 in restitution.  Judge Pitman is scheduled to sentence the final defendant, Nosa Onaghise, next week.  In December 2018, the 33-year-old resident of Austin, pleaded guilty to one count of passport fraud in furtherance of the money laundering conspiracy. As alleged in court documents, they were acting as part of the same scheme to launder funds from BEC fraud. 

According court records, the funds were largely derived from BEC schemes perpetrated against U.S. and foreign victims. Over $10 million was allegedly sent by victims to accounts controlled by the defendants, who were able to take in excess of $3 million before law enforcement or financial institutions stopped the fraudulent transfers.  In a BEC scheme, scammers target businesses and individuals making wire transfer payments, often targeting employees with access to company finances. The scammers trick the employees into making wire transfer payments to bank accounts thought to belong to trusted partners—except the money ends up in accounts controlled by the fraudsters. Sometimes the scammers use computer intrusion techniques to alter legitimate payment request emails, changing the recipient bank accounts. Sometimes they send spoofed emails from email addresses similar to trusted partners.

Whatever the BEC method used, the scammers need bank accounts controlled by coconspirators to collect the stolen money. The indictment alleges that the conspirators acquired or controlled dozens of bank accounts opened in the U.S., including in Austin, TX, utilizing fraudulent identification documents, including fraudulent foreign passports in fake names.  The indictment alleges that once the funds were fraudulently procured and deposited into these bogus accounts, the defendants worked quickly to withdraw or transfer the funds.

The indictment further alleges that some of the conspirators also received funds sent by the victims of romance fraud.

This indictment resulted from a continuing investigation by HSI and USPIS.  The FBI also assisted in the investigation as did the California Highway Patrol. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Texas and the Southern District of New York also provided assistance.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Galdo and Keith Henneke are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Nnamdi Nwosu is asked to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  ICE encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

Money laundering conspiracy calls for up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction; passport fraud calls for up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  Nwosu is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Northern District of Texas Round-Up February 11

SENTENCING - JEAN LOUI VARGAS-MALAVE

On January 31, Jean Loui Vargas-Malave, 29, was sentenced 10 years in federal custody for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Vargas-Malave agreed to smuggle controlled substances onto commercial airlines at the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFWIA).  He, along with coconspirators, bypassed security at the DFWIA and loaded what they believed to be methamphetamine onto an American Airlines flight to Newark, New Jersey. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Dallas Police Department. This case was prosecuted by AUSA George Leal, AUSA John De La Garza, and AUSA John Kull.

GUILTY PLEA – HECTOR TORRES-GONZALEZ

On February 4, Hector Torres-Gonzalez, 44, pled guilty to aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Torres-Gonzalez admitted to agreeing to distribute 24 kilograms of methamphetamine, 13 kilograms of heroin, and 91 grams of cocaine in April of 2019. Agents also found a pistol and $12,520 in Torres-Gonzalez’ possession. He faces up to 20 years in federal custody for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is prosecuted by AUSA Rachael Jones.

SENTENCING – AUSTIN DAVID REED

On February 3, Austin David Reed, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in federal custody for the crimes of carjacking and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Reed stole a 2006 Acura from a victim by threatening the victim at gunpoint. After stealing the car, Reed led the officers pursuing him on a dangerous chase. Please click here to hear more about this case. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department and was prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.

SENTENCING – JOHNNATTAN RAMIREZ

On February 3, Johnnattan Ramirez, 37, was sentenced to 25 years in federal custody and $182,942.96 in restitution for 3 counts related to robbery and 2 counts related to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ramirez was involved in three separate robberies of diamond and jewelry salesmen. Ramirez and his coconspirators would rent vehicles, conduct surveillance of the salesmen, and then apprehend their victims. The coconspirators would threaten the salesmen with guns and take their valuables, however on one occasion they also abducted a victim and took him to a nearby apartment complex. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.  

SENTENCING – CRYSTAL DOUGLAS

On February 3, Chrystal Douglas, 35, was sentenced to 9 years in federal custody for maintaining a drug involved premises. Douglas allowed her coconspirator to conduct methamphetamine sales at her home in Arlington. In exchange, Douglas would receive personal use amounts of methamphetamine. Sometimes, Douglas was unaware of the amounts of methamphetamine being bought and sold in her house. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by AUSA Shawn Smith.

Four Texans, One New Yorker Arrested for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Oil to Refinery in China for Millions in Profit

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers announced that the following defendants were arrested and charged by Complaint on charges of conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned Iranian oil:

• Nicholas Hovan, age 33, of New York, NY;
• Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang,” age 39, of Dallas, TX;
• Robert Thwaites, age 30, of Dallas, TX;
• Nicholas James Fuchs, age 26, of Dallas, TX; and
• Daniel Ray Lane, age 38, of McKinney, TX.

The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating IEEPA, based on allegations that from July 2019 to February 2020 they conspired in Philadelphia and elsewhere to arrange for the purchase of oil from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of United States economic sanctions imposed on Iran, for sale to a refinery in China. 

The Complaint alleges that defendants Nicholas Hovan, James Fuchs, Robert Thwaites, and Daniel Ray Lane arranged to purchase the illegal oil and sell it to a refinery in China represented by defendant Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang.”

According to the Complaint, defendant Lane offered to further the conspiracy by laundering money through his company, STACK Royalties.  The charges further allege that the defendants agreed to use a Polish shell corporation as a straw seller of the illicit oil, and that they planned two shipments of oil per month going forward, all for an expected profit of roughly $28 million-per-month.  In addition, the charges allege that defendants Fuchs and Wang agreed to apply for foreign passports in order to set up offshore accounts that would not be reported to U.S. authorities.  

“The defendants in this case allegedly committed serious federal crimes that are in direct contradiction to the United States’ national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “By devising a scheme to purchase oil from Iran, conceal its origins via a refinery in China and make tremendous profits, the defendants were attempting to enrich both themselves and the nation of Iran -- thus jeopardizing the safety and security of the United States and our allies.  This type of subversion of U.S. policy and law will not be tolerated: these defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“With the goal of illegally enriching themselves, the defendants conspired for over eight months to devise a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly the ban on foreign oil sales,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “The sale of oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy.  At the same time the United States was increasing its sanctions in order to pressure Iran to stop its malign activities, these defendants put greed ahead of country.  I commend the efforts of the agents and prosecutors who investigated and uncovered this brazen evasion of U.S. law.”

“These defendants allegedly conspired to circumvent economic sanctions enacted to protect the United States’ national security,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In their minds, sanctions weren’t so much an impediment as an opportunity. They thought they could make their millions and escape the United States Government’s notice. Well, as these charges show, they were wrong. The FBI takes sanctions violations extremely seriously and will bring all our investigative resources to bear, to end such harmful and illegal activity.”

If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ incarceration, as well as a maximum possible fine of $1.25 million.  Four of the arrests occurred in Philadelphia and one occurred in Texas.  The four defendants arrested in Philadelphia had initial appearances in federal court today.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rinaldi and First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in partnership with Trial Attorney David Recker of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR SCALIA HIGHLIGHTS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WITH BUSINESS LEADERS IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, to participate in a roundtable discussion with local business leaders at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and to give the keynote address at the Independent Electrical Contractors’ Business Summit. Building on President Trump’s State of the Union message, Secretary Scalia underscored the administration’s efforts to provide the nation’s workers with ample opportunities to gain the skills needed for success in today’s advanced economy. He also emphasized the President’s effort to create more American jobs through historic agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“I heard some of the same points in Fort Worth that I’ve heard in meetings across the country,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Under President Trump’s economy, businesses are expanding, millions of jobs are being created and Americans are hopeful about their economic future. Through continued deregulatory efforts, trade agreements like USMCA and the Phase I Agreement with China and workforce development, the administration is working to ensure that all Americans participate in this booming economy.”

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

Texas State Securities Board took enforcement actions that resulted in the repayment of $2.58 million to investors and $575,000 in fines paid to the State of Texas

In
2019, the Texas State Securities Board took enforcement actions that
resulted in the repayment of $2.58 million to investors and $575,000 in
fines paid to the State of Texas.

The
funds returned to investors came through administrative orders, a civil
court forfeiture order, and rescission offers the State Securities
Board negotiated with firms and individuals.

In
criminal enforcement, the State Securities Board investigated and
assisted in the indictment of 13 individuals in state district and
federal courts. The cases involve more than $30 million in alleged
investment fraud.

The Securities Board also assisted in the prosecution and conviction of eight individuals.

Notably,
State Securities Board enforcement attorneys were appointed special
prosecutors to assist the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office in
the conviction of oil and gas investment promoter Daniel C. Walsh, who was sentenced to 18 years in state prison.

“The
agency works in criminal and civil cases, administrative proceedings,
and on a national level in collaboration with other states,” said Texas
Securities Commissioner Travis J. Iles. “In all venues, our staff
demonstrates the commitment and expertise that is needed to protect
investors in an increasingly complex financial world.”

The largest total repaid to Texas investors came from Metals.com, which has been sanctioned by Texas and six other state securities regulators for
illegal and fraudulent practices in encouraging investors to liquidate
their retirement savings and invest the proceeds in precious metals.

Texas
was the first state regulator to enter an order against the company,
which allegedly operates a sophisticated cold-calling operation from
Beverly Hills, Calif.

Under the terms of a July 1, 2019, Order, Metals.com agreed to offer a full refund to 84 Texas investors, most of whom are elderly. According to a previous emergency action against
Metals.com, the company warned potential investors that their money
isn’t safe at registered brokers and investment advisers and advised
them to move their funds into precious metals investments.

Metals.com has paid $1,810,807 to Texas investors as part of the rescission offer.

Other payments to investors are being made through administrative orders against registered individuals and firms.

The Securities Commissioner on Oct. 31, 2019, entered a Disciplinary Order that requires Jason Hyson LeBlanc, an investment adviser representative for Vere Global Wealth Management, to repay $366,218 to individuals who bought unsecured promissory notes he sold to fund a Fort Bend County coffee shop.

LeBlanc’s
wife was a part-owner of the coffee shop, located in Fulshear. LeBlanc
sold the notes while working at another firm, which fired him because he
didn’t disclose the sale of notes or tell the firm he held corporate
positions with the company that owned the coffee shop.

Clair Crossland, the president of LFS RIA LLC,
a Dallas investment advisory firm, repaid $88,933 to clients who had
purchased stream-of-income investments tied to the payouts from
pensions. In the Disciplinary Order entered
against Crossland, the Securities Commissioner determined that
Crossland didn’t understand the complexities of the investments and the
risks they posed to his clients.

Administrative orders resulted in $575,000 deposited into the general revenue fund of the State of Texas. LPL Financial paid $450,000 to
Texas as part of a national settlement over the brokerage firm’s
widespread regulatory failures that allowed the sale of unregistered and
non-exempt equities and fixed-income securities to its clients.

In
administrative sanctions, oil and gas securities and
cryptocurrency-related offerings together constituted slightly more than
half of the 33 orders entered.

Investigations
into elder financial fraud are also increasing due to a 2017 state law
requiring financial firms to report the suspected financial exploitation
of a vulnerable adult.

The
State Securities Board has developed a comprehensive system for
reviewing, evaluating, and managing hundreds of reports, ensuring that
the agency is able to quickly investigate suspected financial
exploitation and protect elderly victims.

AG Paxton Defends Diverse Placement and Care for Texas Foster Children

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion for summary judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, urging the court to declare that an Obama-era rule violates the Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.  

In the filing, Attorney General Paxton opposes a regulation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Known as Section 75.300, the rule deters certain faith-based organizations, including the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, from participating in Texas’ foster care system. And it threatens the federal funding of states that partner with those organizations. Both limiting Texas’ foster care network and reducing federal funding harm Texas children.  

“Texas partners with a vast number of child-placing agencies, and we cannot serve the best interest of our children when the government unlawfully excludes many of those organizations. To refuse those with the capability and expertise to aid our children, based solely on their religious beliefs, will not only diminish the number of child-placement agencies available, it is an egregious violation of religious freedom,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Cooperation between states and faith-based groups is vital to ensuring that children in our foster care system are provided with the best care available and the safe and loving home they deserve.” 

In 2017, Texas enacted House Bill 3859, which protects the religious liberty of child-placing agencies and prohibits the State from granting or denying funding to such organizations based on their religious beliefs. It prohibits government entities from discriminating or taking adverse action against a child-placing agency if that provider declines to provide, facilitate, or refer a person for child welfare services that conflict with the provider’s sincerely held religious beliefs. Texas law also explicitly requires that, if a faith-based child welfare organization declines to provide a particular service based on their religious beliefs, a secondary child welfare service provider is available.  

To view a copy of the filing, click here. 

Governor Abbott Joins Secretary Alex Azar, Federal Cabinet And Health Officials, State Governors For Update On Coronavirus

Governor Greg Abbott today participated in a call with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, federal cabinet and health officials, and other state governors on the status of the novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States. The leaders were also joined by Doctor Robert Redfield, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Doctor Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, for the call. 

The federal and state leaders discussed strategies to limit and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and how all states and the federal government can collaborate to prevent the expansion of the virus in the United States. 

"The State of Texas is continuing to collaborate with our local, state, and federal partners as updates come in on the status of the coronavirus," said Governor Abbott. "Our local communities will have the resources they need to respond to any potential cases of the coronavirus in their area, and we remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all Texans." 

Texas honoring Spc. Miguel A. Villalon who was killed in Afghanistan

Governor Greg Abbott ordered the flags at the Texas Capitol will be half-staff on Saturday until sunset to honor this brave warrior who gave the last full measure of devotion to our country

BROWNSVILLE — Funeral services will be held Friday and Saturday for Spc. Miguel A. Villalon, who was killed Jan. 11 in Afghanistan, when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an IED, or improvised explosive device.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 10 p.m. Friday, at the Brownsville Event Center, 1 Event Center Drive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at the Brownsville Event Center. Burial will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.

Villalon’s remains arrived last Tuesday night at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, where Vice President Mike Pence and other dignitaries received them.

Villalon, 21, a Brownville native, is survived by his father, who lives in Brownsville, and his mother, a resident of Illinois.

He attended Perez, Victoria Heights and Martin elementary schools in Brownsville. He attended Oliveria Middle School before he moved to Illinois in 2012. He attended East Aurora High School in Aurora, Ill., and was a member of the NJROTC.

Officials said Villalon and Staff Sgt. Ian Paul McLaughlin, of New Port News, Va. were in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when they were killed.

According to a U.S. Department of Defense news release, the soldiers were conducting operations as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. The incident is under investigation.

Both soldiers were assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Villalon joined the Army in 2018 to be a combat engineer and reported to the 307th as his first assignment. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Achievement Medal with “V” device (awarded to service members who perform “meritoriously under the most arduous combat conditions”) and the Combat Action Badge.

Officials said both soldiers were on their first combat deployments.