Man convicted of capital murder; will spend life in prison
Trial begins in 1st Amendment lawsuit against
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Testimony began Tuesday, after the Fort Bend Star’s print deadline, in a federal civil lawsuit in which a self-styled citizen journalist claims that Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan and his deputies infringed his First Amendment rights as he gathered news for his social media accounts.
Last September, a federal magistrate ruled that the sheriff violated the plaintiff’s rights. Based on that ruling, the trial is expected to focus on the amount of damages Fort Bend County owes Pulliam.
Justin Pulliam, a Fort Bend County resident, has for sev-
eral years been posting videos of encounters between county law enforcement officers and citizens and posting them on his Facebook account and a YouTube channel called “Corruption Report.” The videos often depict Pulliam being confrontational with officers.
In the lawsuit, originally filed in a Houston federal court in December 2022, Pulliam claims that Fagan infringed on his First Amendment rights when he ordered deputies to remove him from the site of a July 2021 press conference at Jones Creek Ranch, which had been closed during the investigation of a body that was discovered there.
News media reporters on the scene were asked to gather at
the park’s entrance, but when Pulliam arrived, Fagan is heard on a video shot by Pulliam telling deputies that he was not part of the media and told them to escort him back to his car, about 80 feet away.
Separately, the lawsuit alleges that Sgt. Taylor Rollins violated Pulliam’s rights in December 2021 when he arrested him for refusing to step away from the scene of a welfare check of a man known by the department to have mental illness and who owned firearms. Pulliam and his attorneys assert that Pulliam was within his rights because the man’s mother had granted
BRICK RODEO IN SUGAR LAND
Staff Reports
A Fort Bend County jury on July 2 convicted a Michigan man of capital murder for his role in a 2002 aggravated robbery in Stafford in which the victim was killed, according to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
Because prosecutors did not seek the death penalty, Anthony Crater, 35, was automatically sentenced to life in prison without parole in the 240th District Court before Presiding Judge Surendran Pattel, according to a news release.
Crater was the second defendant convicted in the case. In May, Jessie Cook pleaded guilty to a charge of murder and received a 50-year sentence.
According to lead prosecutor Milo Fragoso, Crater and Cook went to a Stafford hotel in the morning of April 30, 2022, where two other codefendants had allegedly lured two unsuspecting victims to be robbed.
During the robbery, Crater shot and killed one of the men when he tried to escape.
The Stafford Police Department’s investigation, led by Sgt. Kristi Melendez, identified four people responsible for the crime and the different roles each played to commit the offense.
“Mr. Crater made a conscious decision that night that his victim would not escape him. In the end, the defendant senselessly took the life of a young man over a few material possessions,” Fragoso said. “His actions and blatant disregard for human life not only merited the capital murder charge, but the ultimate consequence of a life sentence without parole that comes with that conviction.”
“I am so proud of my prosecutors and the police, who dedicated so much time to get justice for the victim’s family. I cannot imagine their pain, and pray the result helps close this difficult chapter in their lives,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release.
Crater was tried by Assistant District Attorneys Milo Fragoso, Gavin O’Brien and Chief Felony Prosecutor Lisa Gregg. Charges against defendants Kaylin Johnson and Syandra Patterson are still pending.
Hundreds of people from the greater Houston area, across the nation and even some other countries filled the exhibition spaces of the Sugar Land Marriott over the weekend for Brick Rodeo, a convention by and for fans of Legos, the worldwide toy brick phenomenon. The event featured contests for designs, robotics engineering contests, interactive workshops and more. See more photos on Page 5.
Shows
Robbery suspect shot, killed by Stafford police
Staff Reports
A man suspected in a convenience store robbery was shot and killed by Stafford police on Sunday afternoon, according to the police department. In a press release, police say that approximately 3:15 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Avenue F in reference to a 911 report of a man wielding a large knife. A second 911 caller told dispatchers that the man was walking along Avenue E and had crossed FM 1092.
A short time later, a third call was received from a 7-Eleven convenience store in the 2900 block of North Main Street reporting that a man fitting the same description had committed an armed robbery. Stafford officers located the suspect near the intersection of Avenue E and Shady Brook
Drive. Upon contact, the suspect fled on foot, and officers chased him on foot, according to the release.
During the foot chase the suspect armed with a large kitchen knife and a brick began charging at officers, according to the release. Officers deployed a Taser, which proved ineffective. A second officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect, according to the release. Officers immediately began using life-saving measures, according to the release, but the suspect was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He has been identified as Miftau Oladipo, 35.
The Stafford Police Department is actively investigating this incident in conjunction with the Texas Rangers, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.
Devon
of Pearland makes some adjustments to his
“Super Coaster” design in the Brick Rodeo competition at the Brick Rodeo, a Lego fan exhibition held at the Sugar Land Marriott. Photo by Ken Fountain
The trial of a civil rights violations lawsuit filed by a self-styled citizen journalist against the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is being held this week at the federal courthouse in downtown Houston. Photo by Ken Fountain
Anthony Crater, 35, was convicted last week of capital murder in a case involving aggravated robbery at a Stafford hotel. He was sentenced to life without parole in prison. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office
State of Criminal Justice
Community Reports
The summit will offer an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of criminal justice in Fort Bend County and provide a platform for community leaders and professionals to explore critical issues and collaborate on solutions. The summit will feature a keynote address by Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton and expert-led panels on juvenile justice, human trafficking and proactive initiatives in investigation and prosecution. Sponsorship opportunities and registration are open. Title Sponsor: $3,500. Includes a table for 10 at the lunch with premier location, 10 tickets, vendor booth,
logo on marketing materials, speaking opportunity, and recognition at event.
Keynote Sponsor: $3,000. Includes a table for 10 at the lunch with premier location, 10 tickets, vendor booth, logo on marketing materials, opportunity to introduce Keynote Presentation, and recognition at event. Breakfast Sponsor: $2,000. Includes a table for 10 at the lunch with premier location, 10 tickets, vendor booth, logo on marketing materials and recognition at event. Underwriting
Sponsor: $1,500. Includes a table for 8 at the lunch, 8 tickets, vendor booth, logo on marketing materials, and recognition at event. Corporate Sponsor: $1,000. Includes a table for 8 at lunch and 8 tickets. Individual Member Reservation: $100. Individual Non-Member Reservation: $125. Details of upcoming events can be found at www. FortBendChamber.com or contact Rebekah Beltran at 281-566-2158 or rebekah@ fortbendcc.org.
Sienna Branch Library to host college fair on July 12
Community Reports
Students who would like to have more information on area colleges are invited to attend a College Fair at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. Representatives from colleges, universities, and trade schools will be on hand to share information about their programs with current high school students and their parents or guardians. Students will have the opportunity to learn about educational opportunities available at the colleges, as well as admission requirements, financial aid, student housing, and more. Some of the schools that will be represented in -
Space
clude Houston Community College, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M - Kingsville, Texas A&M - RELLIS, University of Houston – Downtown, and Rider University. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Sienna Branch Library (281-238-2900) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Cowboys’ Orion to visit Missouri City library on July 17
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries will welcome the Sugar Land Space Cowboys’ mascot, Orion, who will visit the Missouri City Branch Library on Thursday, July 17, from 2-3p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway, for FBCL’s annual Summer Reading Challenge.
Families with children of all ages will have an opportunity to meet Orion, take photos, hear about the Sugar Land Space Cowboys minor league baseball team, and sign up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
FBCL’s annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults. “Color Our World” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Readers of all ages can earn rewards based on the number of books they read or time they
spend reading, and children can participate in a variety of fun and exciting programs at the libraries this summer. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort
or
(281-238-2100).
or
Orion, the mascot of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, will visit the Missouri City Branch Library on July 17. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
The Sienna Branch Library in Missouri City will host a College Fair on Saturday, July 12. Photo by Ken Fountain
MY FRONT DOOR
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Someone is ringing my doorbell. I open the door. “Hi,” says a guy. “I’m your neighbor from across the street, but we like your house more than ours so we decided to move in. These are my wife and five kids. Come on in, folks. Say, you got WiFi? What’s in the fridge?” OK, this didn’t actually happen, although uninvited visitors have been pouring into my national house by the millions. Yet every economist and study show we desperately need undocumented immigrant workers – most of them hard-working and law-abiding. Anyway, let’s not discuss immigration, it’s already been talked to death and the most meaningless term in our language is “comprehensive immigration reform,” which can mean anything you want it to mean. So we have the Trump, Abbott and Patrick Follies or How Larry, Moe and Curly Build a Wall.
Over history there have all sorts of walls. Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans across England to keep out the Scots. The Great Wall of China was not the Rockets’ Yao Ming but a 13,170-mile
Lynn Ashby Columnist
EDITORIAL Walls across Texas
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
barrier built by the Chinese to keep out various tribes including the Mongolians. I was once told that wall is the only human structure one can see from the moon. That may be true since I feel certain you can see the moon from the Great Wall. The Berlin Wall was constructed for just the opposite reason: to keep people in, their own people, the East Germans. I have a few chunks of it I got there right after its destruction. The Bush Library at College Station has a slab of the Berlin Wall to keep out the Aggies.
In the past there had been various segments along the Rio erected at major infiltration points. In his first term
President Donald Trump made building the wall his top prior-
ity. Alas, his administration completed just 21 miles in Texas. President Joe Biden stopped construction of the wall and piles of steel plates lay rusting along the border. What then happened? The welcome mat was out. We saw on TV thousands of wannabe Americans pouring in, claiming asylum. There was an express lane for six crossers or fewer. In his last year in office Biden woke up long enough to clamp down on the flow, but it was too late. Every poll prior to the 2024 presidential election showed voters’ Number 1 worry was the economy followed by illegal immigration. Illegal border crossings peaked at the end of 2023 and have declined since. In May of 2024 there were 240,924 counted crossings. Last May there were 29,502. Robert Frost wrote, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” Trump loves a wall, yet the chief push by his administration is to round up the undocumented folks already here. But just like Elon’s chainsaw program to cut down federal workers (who needs air controllers?), ICE’s ham-fisted roundup
has turned many Americans against the program. In an effort to deport criminals ICE has also gobbled up anyone who orders tacos or who serves them. Reader Randy M. sent this: “Former employee of mine, Joe, a Mexican, used to remind me: ‘We used to own this country, now we just mow it.’”
Here in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Biden wasn’t stopping undocumented immigrants so the state would take matters into our own dirty hands. “The only thing that we’re not doing is we’re not shooting people who come across the border, because of course, the Biden administration would charge us with murder,” Abbott said. We would be the first state to build its own border wall. Take that, South Dakota and Kentucky! The wall would be 30 feet high, which led to the threadbare joke that there was a run in Matamoras for 31-foot-tall ladders.
Abbott said it would cost about $28 million per mile to build. Texas has a 1,254-mile border with Mexico, but the wall would cover only 805 strategic miles. I don’t think
this cost included the rubber duckies in the Rio, but Matamoros has a run on snorkels. The Texas Tribune’s research, some of which I’m quoting, reported last year that the state’s wall program would take around 30 years and more than $20 billion to $24 billion to complete. That would be about three times the cost of paying every Texas public university student’s tuition last year. Then there is the additional cost of maintaining the wall once it is built, which will run around $500,000 per mile each year. (Incidentally, a third of border landowners approached said they were not interested in having the wall on their land.)
Early in its construction, on his official website, Abbott asked for donations to support the wall building, and raised more than $55 million. The link was removed sometime after May 29. But amid all this construction and costs here’s the kicker: The Tribune found that the wall is not contiguous, but are only dozens of fragmented sections scattered across the six counties between Del Rio and Brownsville. So our uninvited
visitors don’t need a ladder of any height to get over the wall. They just walk around it. In this last session of the Legislature lawmakers approved $3.4 billion for ongoing border security efforts. None of that money will go toward the wall. Instead, the funds will flow largely to the DPS and the Texas National Guard. Meanwhile, Abbott asked Congress for $11 billion to reimburse Texas for all the money the state spent over the last four years on Operation Lone Star. That includes not only the cost of the wall but to bus migrants to northern cities and increase the number of Texas National Guard and state troopers patrolling the Rio. It looks like we won’t get the money, so let’s wait and see what that “big, beautiful bill” looks like when it’s finally done.
Robert Frost also wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors.” He never met Larry, Moe and Curly. Ashby is walled in at ashby2@comcast.net
New law offers youth opportunity through vocational training
Editors’ note: This column is written by Texas Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land, a physician and Texas state representative for House District 76, serving part of Fort Bend County, including the cities of Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond and Meadows Place. This piece does not necessarily reflect the views of the Fort Bend Star or its staff. The Fort Bend Star welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Fort Bend County residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Send submissions to editor@fortbendstar.com.
When my wife, Zakia, and I were raising our three sons, we worked hard to provide them with a stable and nur-
Texas Rep suleman lalani, m.D.
turing environment. Despite the long hours we both put in at work, the greatest joys in my life came from sharing family meals, attending school events, and helping my boys with their homework. As a father, I have seen firsthand how a supportive home can empower children to reach their full potential. But I know that not every child has
that same foundation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 1 in 7 children in the United States has experienced abuse or neglect in the past year. The consequences can be profound – these children face a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder, are more likely to struggle in school, and are at greater risk of entering the juvenile justice system. When young people find themselves in our juvenile justice system, what they need most is support, not punishment.
Recently, I visited the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department and spoke with young people who expressed a sincere desire to
Theater to host open auditions for ‘The Merchant of Venice’
13.
is
Community Reports
The Live Oak Playhouse, based in Missouri City, will hold an open audition for Fort Bend County Libraries’ “Shakespeare-by-the-Book” performance of “The Merchant of Venice,” on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, from 1-4 p.m. each day. The audition will be held in the Bohachevsky Gallery at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. The production will take place on Fridays and Saturdays, October 17, 18, 24, and 25, in the library’s Jodie E.
Stavinoha Amphitheater.
The audition will consist of cold readings from the script. Scripts and sides will be provided at the audition, but auditioners are encouraged to be familiar with the play. Headshots and resumés are requested but not required. Actors should be aged 16 and older. No appointment necessary during this come-and-go audition.
A stipend will be paid for this performance, which is adapted and directed by Chepe Lockett.
The original “Shakespeareby-the-Book” festival,
presented by the theater department of Houston Community College, ran at George Memorial Library from 1987-2005. The library and The Live Oak Playhouse revived it last year with a production of “As You Like It.”
For more information about the auditions, contact The Live Oak Playhouse by email (info@ liveoakplayhouse.org).
For more information about Fort Bend County Libraries, visit the library system’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the Communications office (281-633-4734).
return home stronger, more capable, and with renewed hope for their futures. The dedicated staff, teachers, and leadership at this facility share that goal, but they need more resources to help these youth find their way forward.
That’s why I authored HB 3882, with the Senate companion SB 1728, to expand access to career and technical education programs for youth in the juvenile justice system. This legislation allows the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, juvenile boards, and juvenile probation departments to apply for grants through the Texas Workforce Commission for programs that lead directly to licenses,
certificates, or postsecondary degrees – fields such as nursing, software development, or construction management.
Currently, only public institutions of higher education, school districts, charter schools, and the Windham School District (serving adults in the prison system) are eligible. By opening this opportunity to our juvenile justice system, we can provide youth with the tools they need for real rehabilitation and meaningful second chances.
The data is clear: A RAND Corporation study found that individuals who participate in vocational training while incarcerated are 43 percent less likely to reoffend. Another study by the Mackinac Center
for Public Policy found that such training increases employment by 5.5 percent. For a young person in the justice system, technical education can be a turning point – a bridge to a brighter future. I am proud to share that this legislation passed both the House and Senate and has been signed into law by the governor. We are excited for this law to take effect and provide young Texans with the support and second chances they deserve. Together, we can help our youth not only be rehabilitated, but also become ready to contribute and thrive – making our communities stronger, safer, and filled with opportunity for every child.
Fort Bend libraries launch library-card design contest
Community Reports
In conjunction with the Summer Reading Challenge and National Library Card Sign-Up Month, Fort Bend County Libraries is hosting a Library-Card Design Contest.
Library users can showcase their creativity by designing a unique library card for the library system. Winning designs will be featured as official, limited-edition library cards available for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September. Winning designs will be selected from three different categories: Children (ages 0 to 12 years), Teens (ages 1317), and Adults (ages 18+); one winner will be selected from each category. The contest is open to all Fort Bend County residents or anyone working, attending school, or living in the service area. Entries should be original artwork (not AI- or computer-generated) based on the theme of “Our Stories, Our Community.” Designs should reflect the joy of reading, the Fort Bend County community, what the library means to you, or the evolution of libraries past, present, and future. All designs must be appropriate for a general audience. Designs will be judged on their creativity, relevance to the theme, visual impact, readability, and use of space.
Only one entry is allowed per person, and entries must be submitted in person at any location in the Fort Bend County library system. Entry forms, templates, and rules can be picked up at any Fort Bend County library location, or they can be downloaded and printed from the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov). Artwork MUST be submitted on the template provided. The deadline for entries is July 26, at end of business day. Late entries will not be accepted.
Winners will be notified in August. Winning designs will be announced and launched on September 2; the limited-edition cards will be available while supplies last. The winners and those receiving honorable mention will be recognized at a celebration ceremony in September at George Memorial Library in Richmond. There is no charge to enter the contest. For more information, contact the Fort Bend County Libraries Communications Office (281-633-4734).
The Live Oak Playhouse will have an open audition for Fort Bend County Libraries’ “Shakespeare-by-the-Book” performance of “The Merchant of Venice,” on July 12 and
Pictured
last year’s production of “As You Like It.” File photo
Space Cowboys’ Matthews, Gaither named Astros Upper-Level Player and Pitcher for June
Community Reports
Sugar Land Space Cowboys
infielder Brice Matthews and RHP Ray Gaither have been named the Houston Astros Upper-Level Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for June, the Houston Astros last week.
Matthews slashed .306/.409/.551/.960 in 25 games in June with six doubles, three triples, four homers, 16 RBI, 15 runs scored and seven stolen bases. He led the Astros’ organization in triples and total bases (54), ranked second in stolen bases, hits (30), batting average, on-base percentage and OPS while sitting third in slugging percentage (.551).
The Astros’ top prospect finished June with an active 18-game on-base streak and an active 11-game hitting streak. Over his onbase streak, Matthews went
27-for-73 (.370) with five doubles, three triples, four home runs, 15 RBI, 10 walks and 20 runs scored. During his hitting streak, Matthews went 15-for-42 (.357/.449). On the year, Matthews is slashing .285/.403/.492/.895 in 67 games and ranks third in the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases (23), tied for third in triples (5), fifth in walks (47) and eighth in on-base percentage (.404).
Houston selected Matthews with the 28th pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Nebraska and he is currently rated as the top prospect in their organization by MLB Pipeline. The infielder spent time at three different levels in 2024, topping out at Triple-A Sugar Land. Matthews started all three of the Space Cowboys’ postseason games in 2024 and scored three runs in the Triple-A National Championship game,
helping Sugar Land win their first Triple-A title in affiliated history. Matthews was one of two members in the Astros’ organization to be selected
for the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game and is the second Sugar Land position player to be named UpperLevel Player of the Month in
Fort Bend Sheriff's cadets
2025, joining Shay Whitcomb who was selected for April and May.
Gaither made 12 appearances in June and went 1-0 with a 0.63 ERA, allowing two runs, one earned, in 14.1 innings pitched with eight walks and 17 strikeouts. Gaither held opponents to a .157 opposing batting average while registering a 1.12 WHIP. Gaither led the Astros’ organization in games and did not allow an earned run in 11 of his 12 appearances during June. The Dallas Baptist University product struck out a season-high four batters while not allowing a run in 1.2 innings of work against the Sacramento River Cats on June 3. Gaither earned his first save of the year on June 22 against the Las Vegas Aviators by firing a scoreless ninth inning. On the year, Gaither holds a 3.20 ERA with a 1-1 record over 19.2 innings
with 19 strikeouts and a .205 opposing batting average. Houston signed Gaither as a non-drafted free agent on July 17, 2021 after pitching five seasons for Dallas Baptist. Gaither finished eighth in the Pacific Coast League in games during the 2024 season and received the win in Sugar Land’s PCL Championship Game 2 victory over the Reno Aces on September 25, 2024. Gaither becomes the first Space Cowboy in 2025 to be named Astros Upper-Level Pitcher of the Month and the third Sugar Land hurler in affiliated history, joining RHP Logan VanWey and RHP Ryan Gusto who took home the honors in 2024. The Space Cowboys games scheduled for last weekend against the Round Rock Express were cancelled because of the torrential rains in central Texas. The games will be rescheduled.
Community Reports
In a partnership aimed at enhancing law enforcement education and community trust, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Community College have established an agreement to award college credit hours to cadets from the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy for their successful completion of the Basic Peace Officer Course training. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of formal education in law enforcement, where critical thinking, ethical reasoning, problem-solving, and adapt -
TRIAL FROM PAGE 1
him permission to be on the property.
On September 25, 2024, U.S. District Judge George C Hanks, Jr. signed an order in which he accepted the findings of U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew M. Edison in a September 5 memorandum. In that order, Edison granted in part and denied in part a motion for summary judgement filed by Pulliam’s attorneys, who are with the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit group that advocates for several causes, among them First Amendment rights.
In his discussion of the issues at play in the lawsuit, Edison cited the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office’s media relations policy, approved by Fagan, which defines what kinds of entities or people are considered part of the media.
“For purposes of this General Order this term does not generally include social media, “ Edison writes, adding in a footnote that social media includes such platforms as Facebook and YouTube. Edison cited several key
ability are key to meeting the demands of modern policing.
Beginning May 13 — with the approval of the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court — cadets from Class #49 enrolled as HCC students and will earn 24 college credit hours toward an Associate’s degree upon graduation in October 2025.
“This alliance helps us elevate the professionalism of our agency and better serve the public. By investing in education, we’re preparing individuals who not only uphold the law but also understand the importance of empathy, communication, and adaptability,” Sheriff Eric Fagan
First Amendment cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court over several decades, including the landmark 2010 case Citizens United v. FEC, in which the high court ruled that public entities are not allowed to make distinctions about what kinds of people or entities are protected by the First Amendment with regards to newsgathering activity.
Based on those cases, Edison wrote, Fagan ordered Pulliam removed from the press conference based on an improper distinction between a journalist working for a traditional news and one whose work appears solely on social media sites.
Edison also wrote that a jury should determine whether Rollins was justified when he asked Pulliam to step away from the scene because of security concerns.
Edison dismissed another deputy from the case because he was entitled to qualified immunity in his actions following Fagan’s order to remove Pulliam from the press conference.
At press time, it was unknown how long the trial would take.
said in a news release. “We are proud to support our trainees as they pursue academic and professional excellence.”
The collaboration stems from a strategic meeting on February 14, 2025, between Fagan and HCC leadership, including Dr. Michael Webster, HCC Southwest President; Dr. Alvin Collins, Dean of the Public Safety Center of Excellence; and Dr. Helen Graham, a HCC professor. The agreement represents a shared vision for an educated, effective, and community-centered police force.
“This partnership between Houston Community College and the Fort Bend County
Sheriff's Office establishes a crucial pipeline for training qualified police officers, addressing the pressing issue of crime in our community,” said Dr. Betty Fortune, interim president of HCC Northeast College.
"HCC stands in partnership with Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office to provide the critical training these professionals need to serve our local residents," said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. "This aligns perfectly with our mission as a community college. We look forward to hosting these cadets at our Northeast College."
“The signing of this agreement reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the education and training of peace officers in Fort Bend County and the surrounding area,” said Alvin Collins, E.D., dean of the Public Safety Center of Excellence.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and future cadet classes at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy will continue to receive accredited college credit for their training. With the completion of the new Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Complex later this year, additional opportunities for undergraduate and graduate degrees for law enforcement officers and regional partners are on the horizon.
Eye on Fort Bend Eye on Fort Bend
Legos enthusiasts from around the Houston region, the nation and even other countries fill the main ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott for the Brick Rodeo. Photos by Ken Fountain
Jim Beute, of Norfolk, Va., displays his model of the spaceship Agamemnon from the sci-fi television series “Babylon 5”.
Cooper Hughes and Atlton McCauley, both 15, of The Woodlands, check out a model of downtown Houston made by Brain Costello, a former Houston resident who now lives in Round Rock.
Young people exercise their creativity.
An assortment of special guests get ready for their close-up. Trinnie Schley, left, and her son Tony, 13, check out a “Skating Rink” made of Legos.
Justin Cannon, 8, of Missouri City, checks out some of the microfigurines, or “microfigs,” on display.
Cliff Heasley, 5, of Austin, intently watches one of the robotic car destruction derby rounds.
Zac Lamp, 14, of Wooster, Ohio, makes repairs on his robotic car before going back into competition.
Youngsters compete to build the tallest “tower” within two minutes.
Jinansh Khurana, 10, of Sugar Land, checks out some of the “modern military” figurines on display.
Khulood Raslan, of The Woodlands, takes a video of the “Texas Brick Rodeo” on display.
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
BECOME A MASTER GARDENER
Want to learn new skills in gardening and share them with others? Sign up for the Fall 2025 Intern Class of Fort Bend County Master Gardeners by July 18. You can find the application form at https://fbmg.org/files/2025/06/MG-Application-2025-1.pdf
Enrollment is limited to 25 participants, and is on a first-come, first served basis. Both application and payment are required to secure a spot.
Master Gardeners work with Boy and Girl Scouts, provide summer kids camps and offer free online and in-person classes about different aspects of gardening. Master Gardeners man a Help Desk and answer gardening questions from our community.
It also is a means of forming lasting friendships.
Learn more about Master Gardeners at https://fbmg.org/become-a-master-gardener/
ONGOING
EARTH KIND KIDS CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN
Youths in grades 3-5 can have fun this summer learning about gardening by attending Earth Kind Kids Camp, sponsored by Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.
The July 21-24 day camp will cover the topics of gardening, horticulture and environmental science through different high-energy projects that help the youths learn about seeds, plants, rain and other topics between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Registration is open for the camp, which will be in Building D at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Texas 36 in Rosenberg. The camp is limited to the first 25 paid participants. Register at https://agrilife.org/ftbend4h/event/2025earthkindkidscamp/ The fee is $85. Registration includes all materials, snacks and a T-shirt. For more information, contact Brandy Rader at Brandy.Rader@ag.tamu.edu
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES AT GPBC
In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, Grand Parkway Baptist Church will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid-August 2025 through May 2026. We are located at 12000 FM 1464, Richmond, across from Austin High School. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths, all are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org
EMMY-NOMINATED FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR HOLDING AUDITIONS
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is seeking talented young boys who like music and singing. If know of one, encourage him to audition for our award-winning and Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir! No experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. Auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s webpage at www.fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800 for more details about auditions. Benefits as a choir member include greater self-esteem and self-confidence, better work ethic and a sense of belonging and community. A boy’s voice has an expiration date so it is important to audition when boys’ voices are still unchanged. Auditions are free!
AMERICAN LEGION POST 942
311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.
LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION
Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718 For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT
APPLICATIONS
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com.
THE
SANCTUARY
FOSTER CARE SERVICES
We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org
ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281785-7372 for more information.
LAND ROTARY CLUB
SUGAR
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 832-987-4193, sugarlandrotaryclub5890@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT
hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events.
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and
