Page 2 - Carson Division News Today

A former secretary at a Houston Independent School District elementary school pleaded guilty this week to stealing about $35,000 in school activity funds, then setting a small fire at the campus in a failed attempt to cover up her theft, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.

Adriana Castorena-Narvaez pleaded guilty and was convicted Thursday of felony misapplication of fiduciary property, as well as paying to repair damage from a small fire that she set to divert attention.

Taft Police have arrested a man in connection with a small fire that broke out in downtown Taft Sunday night.

The fire happened the morning of April 26, closing area roads and forcing a dozen or more agencies to respond to the scene.

A traffic stop in Pinon Hills led to a search warrant at a residence where sheriffs deputies discovered firearms and illegal drugs.

Austin FD says fires were set at the Crow Bar on South Congress and a vacant auto repair shop on South First. There were also about 15 grass, dumpster, and trash fires in the area.

The fire was not reported when it happened, but a neighbor called the police the following day.

A traffic stop in a remote area turned up military-grade explosives, weapons, and ammunition.

Three people are arrested near Joshua Tree after 'improvised military-grade device' and other explosives are found in their possession, authorities say.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.