Investigative Summary:
After years of investigating problems with Texas’ Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, a viewer tip revealed a new and unexpected issue: Texas is seizing millions of dollars earmarked for victims of violent crimes to collect on old, unrelated state debts.
AUSTIN (KXAN) – It all started with a disagreement over a parking spot, Michael Mena recalled. The argument between Mena and his apartment neighbor escalated to yelling. Then she hurled and hit him with a metal hand trowel, according to video of the incident and an arrest affidavit.
Before long, the police arrived at the central Austin apartment to sort it out. Mena was threatened with eviction and the police told him he had to leave, he said…