In Houston, the City Council has allocated additional funds to the legal team defending the city and its former Police Chief, Art Acevedo, in a lawsuit filed by the families of a couple killed in a no-knock raid in 2019.
The lawsuit stems from an FBI investigation that revealed the no-knock search warrant used in the raid was obtained through false information provided by Gerald Goines, the lead narcotics officer on the case. Goines falsely claimed that a confidential informant had purchased drugs from Rhogena Nicholas and Dennis Tuttle’s home, leading to the fatal raid. However, it was later determined that the couple was not involved in drug-related activities.
Despite the controversy and charges against Goines, who has been accused of falsifying documents, more than a dozen Houston police officers entered the home, resulting in the deaths of the couple and their dog.
The families of Nicholas and Tuttle are suing the police department and former Chief Art Acevedo. The City Council’s recent decision approves up to $1.7 million in additional funds for the legal defense, bringing the total authorized amount to approximately $2.95 million.
City Attorney Arturo Michel highlighted that the city’s position is that Goines lied, and measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents. These measures include requiring the chief’s approval for a no-knock warrant, execution by a specialized tactical unit, and the warrant being signed only by a district court judge.
While most council members voted to approve the defense funds, District F Council Member Tiffany Thomas dissented. Thomas has not provided additional information about her vote at this time.
Former Chief Art Acevedo, who was set to take on a new role as an assistant city manager overseeing the police department in Austin, reversed his decision after facing backlash, as announced on social media.
