Mom asks Friendswood police to end traffic deals

FRIENDSWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- A mom turned undercover drug informant says she is now demanding Friendswood police stop offering informant deals to traffic violators starting immediately.

The single mom says she was recently ticketed in Friendswood for two traffic violations. In a rare move, police questioned the woman for hours about any possible drug connections. She denied having any but tells us police finally gave her a choice. She could spend a night in jail or agree to go undercover as a drug buyer. She took the deal, but quickly wanted out.

"It still worries me. I still have to worry about my name being in the middle of that," the woman said.

Friendswood police confirm they do these deals about once a month.

The woman's attorney demanded the city stop offering the deals, promise not to retaliate against her and compensate her for what she calls civil right violations.

The city's attorney has the demands, but did not not return our calls.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more In Focus »

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Three more suspects accept plea deals in Cleveland rape case

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Three more suspects in the alleged 2010 gang rape of an 11-year-old Cleveland girl pleaded guilty Thursday to avoid trials.

Kelvin Rashad King, 23, Jared Glenn McPherson, 20, and Timothy Daray Ellis, 20, entered into plea deals with the Liberty County District Attorney's Office, according to our Houston Community Newspapers partner, The Cleveland Advocate. All three are expected to be sentenced September 21.

The Cleveland Advocate reports the defendants' decision came after a 99-year sentence was handed to Eric McGown, another co-defendant who was convicted last week for his participation in the sexual assault.

In all, 20 males -- 14 adults and six juveniles -- have been charged in the case. They are accused of sexually assaulting the 11-year-old girl on two occasions.

Before Thursday's developments, eight of those defendants had already accepted plea bargains with prosecutors.

Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest details.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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'Deals' host Kat Cosley gets her bake on for charity

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- ABC13's Katishia Cosley showed of her baking skills Wednesday to benefit the Houston Food Bank.

Kat took part in Kroger's Sixth Annual Bringing Hope to the Table bakeoff. She competed against 10 other local media members. Kat decorated a cake using the Food Bank's green apple logo and the message "Hope Starts Here." Kat did not win, but her cake was tasty.

The winner got a $1,000 donation made in their name to the Houston Food Bank.

Remember to catch Kat on "Deals" on the Live Well Network.

To see a list of TV channels where the Live Well Network is broadcast in the Houston area, click here.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Deals to be had on day after Christmas

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The day after Christmas is no time to rest as savvy shoppers can tell you it is a day to save money.

How does half off sound? Because that's what you will find on just about everything Christmas related.

Stores are slashing the Christmas items in an effort to clear out what was not purchased last week. Retailers say the shoppers come in waves, with those arriving first finding the best selection of sheets, dishes, lights and wrapping paper.

Shoppers say they are going to need the items they are snapping up when Christmas comes next year and by getting things now, and the fact everything is up to half off or more makes this a holiday tradition that is not to be missed.

"I come out here every year. I like their sheets, they have the nice snowman sheets and so that's what I come out here for and some paper, wrapping paper, and holiday bags," shopper Suzanne Wessels said.

The early birds were not disappointed in the selection at this Target store. You can still find flannel sheets, dishes, decorations and, of course, wrapping paper. Those items are all up to 50 percent off.

One woman said she is able to save serious money by waiting until today to get her Christmas decorations.

"Ok, I guess I am going to spend $150 to $200, and that would have cost me $400, so yeah, twice the cost; it's fifty percent off," said Sandie Cowan.

The key is to get out early. Experienced shoppers told us by early afternoon the good stuff will very likely be gone.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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