Breaking Bond

A Texas law passed to crack down on catalytic converter thefts after the killing of a Harris County deputy is facing new scrutiny, as a review of recent cases shows none of the convicted offenders received the tougher penalties lawmakers intended.

Records show a suspect accused of of having a gun at school twice received a lower bond than another student facing his first accusation.

One woman accused of fatally stabbing a man had repeatedly violated her bond conditions for months prior, officials said.

A Houston man convicted of posing as a funeral director to defraud grieving families is now wanted after allegedly violating probation, while two brothers tied to prior Heights burglaries are once again facing new accusations.

In 2023, Texas lawmakers made catalytic converter theft its own offense with a maximum sentence of up to 2 years in state jail. Multiple convictions can make it a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 2 to 10 years in prison. But are are judges and juries utilizing the stiffer punishment?

According to court documents, Lillie violated his bond at least half a dozen times.

You would think being on the run and racking up more criminal charges at the same time would mean no bond set or a high bond after getting arrested. That's not what happened to Dequavia Denise Rogers.

We first told you about Cardarius Woodard in June 2023 regarding repeated bond condition violations. Almost three years later, according to court documents, the bond violations continue.

Most of the time, the criminal justice system does little to punish convicted thieves, like 34-year-old Eric Torres, because theft is a non-violent crime. But 184th Judge Katherine Thomas showed Torres she's not playing.

A 32-year-old man charged with disturbing sex crimes involving children is free on bonds totaling $185,000 when, by law, he could be denied bond.

A 20-year-old charged with murdering a 21-year-old acquaintance violates his bond conditions twice, and the court takes no action.