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Two men Sugar Land plastic surgeon charged with sentenced to significant practicing surgery while intoxicated prison time in child abuse cases By Ken Fountain

KFOUNTAIN@FORRTBENDSTAR.COM

Staff Reports The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office in December secured pleas of guilty on multiple child abuse charges, earning two defendants decades in prison, according to a news release. Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted both cases, ensuring significant prison time while protecting child survivors from reliving the trauma at trial, according to the release. Timothy Carroll, 50, pleaded guilty in two first-degree felony charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child on December 9 in the 268th District Court and was sentenced by Judge Steve Rogers to 25 years confinement in prison in each case. Carroll must serve at least half of his time before he is eligible for parole. The crimes were discovered in July 2023 during a cruise in international waters when a child told an adult about an incident that occurred on the ship. The cruise line’s security service began an onboard investigation and notified the FBI, as the matter concerned criminal allegations within federal jurisdiction. Carroll was detained for the remainder of the cruise. During the onboard investigation, the child disclosed past sexual abuse by Carroll. Upon the ship’s return to the Port of Galveston, Carroll was arrested by the FBI. As the FBI continued to investigate Carroll’s conduct on the cruise ship and the child’s disclosure, their investigation revealed that while living in Richmond, Carroll had committed multiple acts of sexual abuse against the child victim. “Through the coordination of the cruise line personnel and the FBI, Carroll’s offenses were brought from the shadows into the light. The case is a testament to how important teamwork is in investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse cases,” Howard said in the news release. “The child was made to feel safe and supported enough to speak out and finally reveal the truth about this predator.” Drew Bryan pleaded guilty, also on December 9 in two cases of Indecency with a child by sexual contact, also in the 268th District Court, and was sentenced to 10 years prison by Rogers. The 41-year-old Katy man must also serve half his time before becoming parole eligible. In March of 2025, Bryan, a former police officer and private investigator, was arrested for Indecency following an outcry by the child victim. During the investigation, the child disclosed instances of sexual abuse perpetrated by Bryan. Following his arrest, Bryan posted bond, but was later rearrested for additional offenses including harassment and violation of a protective order, which

SEE PRISON PAGE 1

A prominent Sugar Land plastic surgeon has been charged with performing surgery while intoxicated, according to the Sugar Land Police Department. Dr. Azul Shirazali Jaffer, 50, who owns and operates his own practice in Sugar Land, was indicted on December 15 and arrested December 22 and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail,

according to a brief press release from the police department. According to court records, he is free on a $5,000 bond set by Magistrate Judge Tony Duckett. Prosecutors had sought a bond of $40,000. In the indictment obtained by the Fort Bend Star, Jaffer is accused of “perform[ing] surgery on [a] patient, whose name was unknown to the Grand Jury at the time of Indictment, while in-

toxicated, namely, not having the normal use of his mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, controlled substance, drug, dangerous drug, combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into his body and, by reason of that conduct, placed the unknown

SEE SURGEON PAGE 3

Azul Shirazali Jaffer, M.D., 50, a prominent Sugar Land plastic surgeon, has been indicted on a single charge of practicing surgery while intoxicated. He remains free on a $5,000 bond. Courtesy Sugar Land Police Department.

KWANZAA CELEBRATION

On Friday, December 26, the ninth annual Missouri City Area Kwanzaa Community Celebration was held at the Missouri City Community Center. The secular holiday founded in 1966 is a seven-day celebration of the history and culture of African Americans, based on seven principles. The event included presentations, music and dance performances, and a community meal. Photos by Ken Fountain

A.J. Jackson, foreground, and Drumz Uhuru perform at the ninth annual Missouri City Area Kwanzaa Celebration on December 26, the first night of the secular holiday. See more photos from the event on Page 2.

Members of Drumz Uhuru perform.

Members of Joy of Djembe Drumming enter the community center.

Mtangulizi Sanyika, 83, imparts the “wisdom of the elders.”

PROUDLY P ROUDLY E ENDORSED NDORSED B BY Y

,,CPA CP PA A

MATTRESS MACK M KennethForFortBend.com K e n n e t h FFo o r FFo o r t B e n d . c oom m Ke

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, December 31, 2025

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Dannette Brown of Xclusive Scents by D sets up her display.

Jeanice Brown-Brookshire and Norville Brookshire of the “Speak” brand of faith-based products set up for the event.

Mstinda Nyofu and Lynette Reddix, with other participants, light the first Kwanzaa candle.

Malik and Sandra Raymond of Thanki & Sapo African Arts and Crafts set up for the event.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • PAGE 3

EDITORIAL The future lies ahead Get ready. Set. Go! It’s time to celebrate a really big year: 2026, which has finally arrived, and about time. It’s the Year of the Horse, at least for the Chinese. Actually, for them the new year doesn’ start until February 17, and will last until February 21. That time span is an official public holiday, when the Chinese take off from work. This year they will celebrate by invading Taiwan. Back here in America we also have a lot to celebrate. The midterm elections and the World Cup. This is also the time when I make my annual predictions, and, once again, I shall be 100% correct. Last year I accurately forecast that AI would replace parents, a team would win the Super Bowl and Sen. Ted Cruz would embarrass Texas. So take notes while I say the sooth. January – Local TV meteorologists finally learn the difference between “farther” and “further”, and try to convince us that we should care about the dew point. Gov. Greg Abbott, following his vow to “turn Harris County red,” relocates the Cincinnati baseball team to Daikin Park, but he has trouble explaining where to park your Daikin. ERCOT says it is ready for the summer

PRISON

FROM PAGE 1

had been issued against him regarding the facts and circumstances of the child victim’s disclosure. Bryan remained in custody following his re-arrest until the time of his plea. Indecency with a child is a second-degree felony that carries a punishment range of confinement in a Texas prison between two and twenty years. The harassment and violation of a protective order charges, both misdemeanors, were dismissed with the plea to prison time. “Drew Bryan is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is the type of person who uses

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET

heat wave, proclaiming in a press release: “Your air conditioner will work 24/7.” When it is noted that it’s the middle of winter, a spokesman replies: “Oh really? We can’t see our calendar. It’s been dark and cold in our offices for months.” February – Beto O’Rourke issues a press release saying that he is running “for something – anything.” Houston police announce: “This week Buffalo Bayou is relatively clear of bodies.” The University of Texas System regents say, “We are making UT the anti-Harvard.” Harvard replies, “Thank you, Jesus,” and is immediately charged by the Justice Department with prosemitism. On Valentine’s Day President Donald Trump sends Russian President Vladimir Putin a gift: Ukraine. March – Malls take down

trusted relationships and positions of power to manipulate the people around him to get what he wants,” Howard said in the release. “The bravery of one child was his downfall. And because of that child’s courage, his true character was revealed.” “I am grateful for the work of all involved in bringing these defendants to justice, and I know we all wish peace and healing for the brave children who started on their path to justice with the disclosure of abuse,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release. Child Advocates of Fort Bend can be contacted at 281-344-5100 or through the website, ww.cafb.org.

their Christmas decorations. Fox News interrupts its special titled “Donald Trump is a Great President” with breaking news: “A new Fox poll shows that Trump is our greatest president!” Abbott sends 200 National Guardsmen to South Padre for two weeks’ rest, explaining: “They really need some R&R after half a year battling those left-wing rioters in Chicago.” When a reporter notes that there were no riots in Chicago and that the Guards had absolutely nothing to do, Abbott wisely replies: “What’s your point?” April – Accused of false advertising, the White House changes “tariffs” to “taxes.” CBS says it “fully supports” late night topical and cuttingedge talk shows, and will simply replace “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” with reruns of “My Mother the Car.” Regents at the Texas A&M System agree to any demands from the U.S. Department of Education, only to find the U.S. Department of Education has been abolished, so they follow suit and abolish the school’s College of Education. May – The Jeffrey Epstein files are finally released; however Democrats are suspicious – the redactions were handled by “a student in-

tern,” Ghislaine Maxwell. UT quarterback Arch Manning releases his 2025 IRS records. Elon Musk is no longer the richest man in Texas. Malls put up their Christmas decorations. ICE deports the entire Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team to Dublin. A spokesman explains: “Those Irishmen were fighting.” June – With the start of hurricane season, the revamped FEMA announces: “Our crack staff expert disaster relief force is ready to serve. His name is Charlie.” President Trump is awarded the Noble Peace Prize. It’s from Barnes & Noble. The World Cup comes to Houston which hosts the javelin catchers, slipped discus throwers and 1-foot hurdles. Prices have been reduced to only your firstborn or just one kidney. Joe Biden says he’ll serve a second term. July – All of America celebrates Independence Day since, coincidentally, this year the Fourth of July falls on July 4. President Trump presides over a parade featuring the entire U.S. military plus every veteran and the Salvation Army. Trump explains why he’s being honored: “It’s the anniversary of my third marriage.”

August – A terrible hurricane hits Texas, but FEMA is nowhere to be found. “Charlie is on his summer vacation,” a spokeswoman says. CenterPoint Energy reports, unlike previous debacles, “This time we are ready – but we can’t do much until power is restored.” A Fox News climatologist argues that hurricanes, floods and droughts causing massive fires are not due to climate change but angry gods. September – Labor Day is cancelled. “As I’ve said before, we have too many holidays. They interfere with productivity,” the President says as he departs for his weekly golf vacation at Mar-a-Lago. Joe Biden demands to know why his office isn’t oval anymore. The UT System’s flagship campus is renamed Trump University-Austin. October – Halloween is celebrated by costumed children going door-to-door in immigrant neighborhoods demanding, “Trick or Trump?” However, anti-ICE mobs rampage in cities across America looking for anyone dressed in black and wearing a mask. Several Batmen are stoned to death. November – To save taxpayers “billions of dollars,”

Elon Musk halts work on the White House Ballroom. He is quickly deported. War Secretary Pete Hegseth proudly announces the sinking of “a large ship carrying drugs.” Walgreen’s sues. The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is banned from featuring huge balloons following orders from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “We have no inflation.” Ken Paxton denies he ever committed adultery, adding: “Just ask my mistress.” December – U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts declares: “The court hereby overturns a decision by the Fifth Federal District Court which upheld a lower court’s decision to void the ruling by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to allow … uh, what did we just do?” Roberts is quietly led away by his clerks. Abbott orders public schools to stop singing Christmas carols. “Come on now. Don we now our gay apparel? How woke can you get?” Venezuelan fighters nearly knock down the new Air Force One: “We won’t be bombed by Qatar.”

SURGEON

man for the Sugar Land Police Department, told the Fort Bend Star on that the incidents were investigated but were not charged. Those investigations are not related to the current charge, Amodio said. At attempt to reach James Edwards, Jaffer’s attorney, on December 26 was unsuccessful. According to his biography page on his practice’s website, Jaffer is a double board-certif ied plastic surgeon. He obtained his medical degree and specialized in surgery at the University of Massachusetts. Later, he was accepted into and completed the Tulane University Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program in New Orleans, according to the bio. According to the website of the Texas Medical Board, Jaffer has had no investigations or disciplinary actions in his 14 years of practice in the state. He has privileges at Methodist Hospital Sugar Land, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Oakbend Medical Center in Richmond, and St. Luke’s Hospital in Sugar Land.

Ashby is predictable at ashby2@comcast.net

FROM PAGE 1

Timothy Carroll, 50, received 25 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to two firstdegree felony charges of aggravated sexual assault. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

Drew Bryan, 41, received 10 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to two charges of Indecency with a child by sexual contact. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

THE LEADER PUZZLERS.

AnswersANSWERS found in this week’s Classified FOUND ONsection PAGE 6

SUDOKU

named patient at a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm.” The alleged incident occurred on August 12, 2025. According to court records, Jaffer is free on a $5,000 bond set by Magistrate Judge Tony Duckett. Prosecutors had sought a bond of $40,000 based on the “nature of the offense.” As part of the conditions of the bond, Jaffer is prohibited from consuming any nonprescribed medications and alcohol, and must use a breath interlocking device on his vehicle. In an unrelated matter, Jaffer is accused in a civil lawsuit in a Fort Bend County district court of aggravated sexual assault of a female patient of a patient while she was undergoing a procedure in October 2022. In the complaint, filed last March, the plaintiff states she reported the incident to Sugar Land police some time afterward and learned that another woman had filed a similar complaint. Devin Amodio, a spokes-

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1. Hindu stratification 6. Least harm 12. Medical confinement 16. Silver 17. In a sick state 18. Belonging to me 19. 1/2 an em 20. “Makeover’s” Pennington 21. Take a seat 22. 1/10 meter (abbr.) 23. Atomic # 13 24. Fallow deer genus 26. Skin lesions 28. Charlie Parker’s sax 30. 31st state 31. Disparity 32. Poking stroke 34. Long time 35. Wm. the Conqueror grave 37. Hosts film festival 39. Mend 40. Gear teeth 41. Of cadmium 43. 1618 Reformed synod 44. Fringe-toed lizard 45. Where passengers ride 47. 1/60 hour (abbr.) 48. Initials of TV cartoon father 50. Pack down 52. ___ and feathered

54. Hyperbolic cosecant 56. Operating system (abbr.) 57. Atomic #99 59. Crown owned Isle 60. Santa __ trail 61. Booze support group 62. Footcandle 63. Retaliations 66. Natural logarithm 67. Quality of usefulness 70. Sitting position 71. They turn litmus paper red

DOWN

1. Brandy region of France 2. Equally 3. Spittles 4. Very small 5. Ethiopia 6. Filled with sediment 7. An antiviral AIDS drug 8. Saudi king to 2005 9. Early word forms 10. Yes in Spanish 11. Ketchup veggies 12. Used to have (Scottish) 13. Old Greek storyteller

14. Den 15. Stockings 25. Scottish road surface 26. Diego, Francisco, Anselmo 27. Bodily cavity 29. Durations 31. About gene 33. ‘Footloose’ actor Kevin 36. Supply weaponry 38. Neither 39. Capital of Syria 41. Shortcut 42. Feline 43. Have already done 46. Rifle barrel cleaning tool 47. High IQ group 49. Libra constellation 51. Perch genus 53. Summer precipitation 54. Ancient Roman boxing gloves 55. Silver Skates’ Brinker 58. Cobblestone 60. Policeman (French) 64. Pizza, apple or chiffon 65. Winglike structure 68. 37th state 69. Potato state

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Fort Bend County Historical Association announces essay contest winners Community Reports The Fort Bend County Historical Commission recently announced the winners of its annual essay contest for 4th and 7th grade students who either reside in or go to schools in Fort Bend County. In past years the essay contest has centered on themes about the history of Fort Bend County in particular, and Texas in general. However, since 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Commission decided to broaden the themes to be explored by the students this year to include comparisons between elements of both Texas and U.S, history. The theme of the 4th grade contest this year was “Symbols of Freedom.” Students were asked to compare and contrast the history and meaning behind either the flags, anthems, or pledges of allegiance of the United States and Texas. After choosing which symbol they wanted to investigate, the students prepared essays about when and how the symbol was created and adopted, the meaning behind the symbol or its individual elements, and the extent to which it may have changed over time. The 7th graders were asked to investigate one of four topics related to the “Struggle for Independence” by both the United States and Texas. They were asked to compare and contrast either George Washington and Sam Houston as military and political leaders, the preambles to both the U.S. and Texas Declarations of Independence, or the causes of both the US and Texas Revolutionary Wars. The winning 4th grade essay, comparing "The Star Spangled Banner" with "Texas, Our Texas", was submitted by Thrishaan Varun from International Leadership of Texas, Richmond. The second place essay for 4th grade, by Aadhinarayan J. Arun from Donald Leonetti Elementary School, compared and contrasted the Stars and Stripes flag with the Lone Star flag as its topic. The 4th grade essays were judged by history students from Wharton County Junior College under the

supervision of Dr. Paul N. Spellman. Students from Everest Academy swept the 7th grade essay contest this year. The winning 7th grade essay, by Nouray Baloch, investigated the causes of the American Revolution with the Texas War for Independence. Second place was won by Zaynab Meghani, with an essay titled ”Voices of Independence”, which compared the preambles of both the Texas and US Declarations of Independence. The 7 th grade essays were judged by history professors Theresa Jach and Nicholas Cox at Houston Community College. First place winners received a $250 prize and 2nd place winners received a $150 prize. The prizes were provided by the Friends of Fort Bend County Historical Commission, a 501 (c)(3) organization that supports the work of the Commission. Additionally, Dr. Spellman presented each of their schools with a copy of his landmark book, “Old 300: Gone To Texas.” He also provided the schools of the 4th grade winners with a copy of his Adventures of Henry Woods series, written specifically for 4th grade students. A copy of the winning essays may be viewed at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ox a17DNIad_8NlpgsnAa7ga14mXnenAi?usp= sharing The Fort Bend County Historical Commission is an all-volunteer organization whose membership is appointed by the Fort Bend County Commissioners’ Court. Follow the Fort Bend Historical Commission on Facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/p/Fort-Bend-County-HistoricalCommission-100079977860308/ For further information about the Fort Bend County Historical Commission, the essay contest, or planning for future activities, interested parties may contact: • Chris Godbold, Chair: chris.godbold@ fortbendcountytx.gov • Patsey McKnight, Secretary: patseymcknight@outlook.com • Jeff Hoffman, Treasurer: jeff1208@aol. com

Winners from Everest Academy. Left-Right: Hadia Meghani, Zaynab Meghani (2nd place-7th grade), Noman Meghani, Linda Burks (FBCHC Commissioner), Sidra Khalid, Nuray Baloch (1st place-7th grade), Chris Godbold (FBCHC Chair). All Contributed photos

International Leadership of Texas, Richmond Campus winners. Left-Right: Luisana Martinez (4th Grade Administrator), Alex Klondike (Media Specialist), Chris Godbold (FBCHC Chair), Rama Rajagopal, Thrishaan Varun, Varun K. Thiyagarajan, Deanna Woollen (Principal), and Assistant Principal Joseph Elkhadem

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN AIR PERMIT (NORI) RENEWAL PERMIT NUMBER 130515 APPLICATION. PowerSecure, Inc., has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for renewal of Air Quality Permit Number 130515, which would authorize continued operation of a Oakbend Medical Center Williams Way Campus located at 22003 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas 77469. AVISO DE IDIOMA ALTERNATIVO. El aviso de idioma alternativo en espanol está disponible en https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/newsourcereview/airpermits-pendingpermit-apps. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-95.4148,29.3333&level=13. The existing facility and/or related facilities are authorized to emit the following air contaminants: carbon monoxide, hazardous air pollutants, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, particulate matter including particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less and sulfur dioxide. This application was submitted to the TCEQ on November 20, 2025. The application will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, TCEQ Houston regional office, and the Fort Bend County Courthouse, 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review in the Houston regional office of the TCEQ. The application, including any updates, is available electronically at the following webpage: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/air/airpermit-applications-notices The executive director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. In addition to the renewal, this permitting action includes the incorporation of changes in emission factors related to this permit. The reasons for any changes or incorporations, to the extent they are included in the renewed permit, may include the enhancement of operational control at the plant or enforceability of the permit. The TCEQ may act on this application without seeking further public comment or providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met. PUBLIC COMMENT. You may submit public comments to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application and the executive director will prepare a response to those comments. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the TCEQ’s jurisdiction to address in the permit process. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. You may request a contested case hearing if you are a person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility. If requesting a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and permit number; (3) the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing;” (4) a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the application and air emissions from the facility in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location and distance of your property relative to the facility; (6) a description of how you use the property which may be impacted by the facility; and (7) a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period. If the request is made by a group or association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests the group or association seeks to protect must also be identified. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the application/permit which would satisfy your concerns. The deadline to submit a request for a contested case hearing is 15 days after newspaper notice is published. If a request is timely filed, the deadline for requesting a contested case hearing will be extended to 30 days after mailing of the response to comments. If any requests for a contested case hearing are timely filed, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for a contested case hearing to the Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. Unless the application is directly referred to a contested case hearing, the executive director will mail the response to comments along with notification of Commission meeting to everyone who submitted comments or is on the mailing list for this application. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material air quality concerns submitted during the comment period. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction to address in this proceeding. MAILING LIST. In addition to submitting public comments, you may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk for this application. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. All public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www. tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. You can also view our website for public participation opportunities at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/participation. Further information may also be obtained from PowerSecure, Inc., 4068 Stirrup Creek Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27703-9000 or by calling Mr. Caleb Vickery, Air Permitting Specialist at (919) 420-9359. Notice Issuance Date: December 11, 2025

Donald Leonetti Elementary School winners. Left-Right: Dr. Paul Spellman, Tami Perez (Librarian), Chris Godbold (FBCHC Chair), Andrea Sentell (4th grade ELA), Arun Babu Valiual, Aadhinarayan Arun, Jemini Pillai, Principal Danica Fletcher, Assistant Principal Vanessa John, Linda Burks (FBCHC Commissioner), Bruce Lemmie (FBCHC Commissioner), and Jennifer Sexton (4th Grade Math)

Law enforcement implements 'No Refusal' initiative for holiday Staff Reports The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement are implementing a “No Refusal” initiative over the New Year’s Day weekend. Wednesday through Friday night, December 31 through January 3, law enforcement will be targeting drivers who are impaired by alcohol or other substances. Attorneys from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office will be present to draft search warrants allowing lo-

cal judges to authorize a blood draw from drivers who have demonstrated evidence of their intoxication. Nurses will also be on hand to draw blood once a warrant is obtained. The Texas Court of

Criminal Appeals has upheld blood search warrants as a legal means to obtain evidence in DWI cases from suspects who are arrested but refuse to take a breath or blood test. “Our attorneys work through the holiday season to keep you safe,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in a news release. “Enjoy your holidays responsibly, and we can all celebrate the season.” The District Attorney’s No Refusal initiative is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • PAGE 5

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce gala set for Jan. 30 Community Reports The annual Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Gala will take place on Friday, January 30 in the Texas Ballroom at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond,. Presented by TDECU, the theme for this year’s gala is “Decode The Night.” The local business community is invited to enjoy an evening of recognition and connection. The evening begins with a complimentary cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., setting the tone for celebration of leadership, volunteer service, and community impact in Fort Bend County. Guests will enjoy dinner and a program led by outgoing Chair Jim Rice, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc., highlighting key accomplishments from 2025, recognizing retiring Board Members and Division Chairs, and presenting

the Chamber’s Community Spirit Award and Chairman’s Award. The event will feature the formal leadership transition as Jim Rice introduces incoming 2026 Chair Tariq Zafar, Wong Fleming. Zafar will share his vision for the year ahead and present the 2026 Executive Officers, launching the chamber into its next chapter of growth and regional impact. Following the program, the event will feature night an array of casino games, photo ops, desserts and libations, and live entertainment by Password. Title Sponsor: TDECU Presenting Sponsors: Accredo Packaging, Inc., Audi Sugar Land - A Sewell Company, Consolidated Com mu n ic at ion s, P r i meWay Federal Credit Union, and Group 1 Auto. Underwriting Sponsors: City

of Missouri City, City of Sugar Land, GFL Environmental, IndiGO Auto Group, Kinetic, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Pamela Printing Company, PCD, Ltd., Rice & Gardner Consultants Inc., Safari Texas Ranch, St. Lukes Health – Sugar Land Hospital, Tulonay-Wong Engineers, Inc., University of Houston, US Global Fuels, and WJ Interests, LLC. Sponsorship & Tickets: Underwriting Sponsor ($2,500) | Corporate Table ($1,500) | Individual Tickets ($150) Attire: Black tie optional. Futuristic, bold, and modern looks encouraged. Seating is limited. No auction guarantee. Register at FortBendChamber. com or contact Mariana Marmolejo at 281.566.2161 or mariana@fortbendcc.org.

The annual Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Gala will take place on Friday, January 30 at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond. File photo

Man receives 10-year probation with jail time in auto-pedestrian death Staff Reports A Fort Bend County man recently received a maximum 10-year probation plea with jail time in the first arrest in the county under the Lisa Torry Smith Act. Bao Lung Giang was charged in a 2023 auto-pedestrian crash in the New Territory subdivision which resulted in the death of pedestrian Donald Yeager. The law is named after Lisa Torry Smith, who lost her life to a motorist in a Fort Bend County crosswalk while walking her son to school in 2017. The law makes it an offense for a motorist, with criminal negligence, to fail to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a clearly marked crosswalk and requires drivers to come to a full stop for any pedestrians or cyclists who are in the intersection. It is a felony offense for a motorist to cause serious bodily injury to a pedestrian legally in a crosswalk. Fort Bend County District Attor ney Br ian Middleton drafted the proposed law and convinced State Representative Ron Reynolds and State Senator Joan Huffman to sponsor the

Bao Lung Giang recently received a maximum 10-year probation plea with jail time in the 2023 autopedestrian death of Donald Yeager in New Territory. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office

legislation in the 2021 Texas Legislature. The legislation received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov Greg Abbott on June 18, 2021. Giang was sentenced to a 10-year deferred adjudication probation, to pay a $5,000 fine, and perform 300 hours of community service. Giang must also serve 120 days in jail as a condition of probation. Other requirements include attend-

ing a Victim Impact Panel and defensive driving annually for the length of supervision, and to read the Victim Impact Letters from Yeager’s family annually as well. Giang will be subject to random urinalysis tests and his driving severely restricted. “This was the first case my office charged under the Lisa Torry Smith Act, but it has not been the last,” Middleton said in a news release. “We hear reports of motorists completely ignoring pedestrians in crosswalks across the county, including children in school zones. But this can be prevented. And while nothing can replace Donald Yeager, my hope is that his tragic loss of life will grab drivers’ attention and prevent more tragedies.” G i a n g wa s pr o se c ut e d by Chief Vehicular Crimes Prosecutor Alison Baimbridge in the 240th District Court before Presiding Judge Surendran K . Pattel. The offense of Collision Involving Pedestrian in a Crosswalk-Serious Bodily Injury in this case is a thirddegree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Fort Bend Vegetable Conference set for Feb. 17 Community Reports

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the 41st annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference on February 17 at the Fort Bend County Epicenter, 28505 S.W. Freeway, Rosenberg. The conference will feature a new multi-track format for 2026. The event will include speakers, sponsors and exhibitors, along with door prizes, refreshments and a barbecue lunch, partially sponsored by Safari Texas Ranch. The program will run from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with check-in from 7:15-8 a.m. The early registration fee through Jan. 15 is $45, and late registration will be $55 through Feb. 6. Online

registration is available at https:// tx.ag/FBRegionalVegetable. Tracks for participants include: • Backyard gardeners and Master Gardeners. • Small-market producers. • Educators. • Agricultural pesticide applicators. • Food preservation, safety and recipes. Up to five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, CEUs, for agricultural pesticide applicators and continuing professional education units, CPEs, for educators will be offered. The CEUs are pending approval. For more information, contact Lorraine Niemeyer at lorraine. niemeyer@ag.tamu.edu or (281) 342-3034.

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, December 31, 2025

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

FORT BEND COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS FRUIT TREE SALE Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are asking you to circle February 14 on your calendar. That’s when they will hold their annual fruit/citrus tree sale in Barn H at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Texas 36 in Rosenberg. The sale will be open from 9 a.m.-noon or until sold out and will feature an estimated 75 varieties of fruit trees, berries and tropicals/subtropicals. A list of trees at the sale will be available soon. Give a gift that grows for Valentine’s Day!

ONGOING

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.

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 selfconfidence, 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.

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 BEND COUNTY We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.

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.

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB

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.

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 appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195.

EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial. com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.

Master Gardeners elect new officers

Community Reports

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners recently announced that Everett Blanton of Richmond will serve as president for 2026. Certified as a Master Gardener in 2016, Blanton works with Youth Activities Committee programs as a plant science merit badge counselor instructing Boy Scouts about gardening. He is serving as vice president this year on the board of directors and will succeed Ben Welch to the top position. Serving with Blanton in 2026 will be Steve Hicks as vice president, Kathy Hambleton as treasurer and Robyn Partridge as secretary. Candidates were selected by a nominating committee headed by Carol Gaas of Richmond. They ran unopposed for office and were

elected at the November membership meeting. A L ouisia na native, Blanton retired in 2016 to the Houston area to be close to family, The retired technology director worked for more than 30 years managing healthcare data centers and developing healthcare simulation technology with the Department of Eng ineering at the University of Pittsburgh. For more than four decades, he has volunteered with young people in scouting, gardening, social skills development and academics. Hicks of Richmond has been a Master Gardener since 2020 and served as secretary in 2025 . The retired petroleum engineers grew up in Houston and has gardened most of his life starting on his grandmother's farm. Hambleton of Fulshear joined the Master Gardeners

in 2021 and served as board treasurer in 2025. She retired after 30 years as an account controller in the oil and gas industry and serves on the board of directors of the Fort Bend County Fair. New to the board of directors is Partridge, of Richmond. She became a Master Gardener in 2023. A graduate of the Baylor University School of Nursing, she spent nearly 30 years in Richmond caring for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in promoting research-based horticultural practices to help residents be successful in creating and maintaining home gardens. Learn more at https://f bmg.org/ become-a-master-gardener.

Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507

A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 Stephen Higley, Preacher Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordcoc.com

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

502 Eldridge Rd. -Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org Everett Blanton, of Richmond, will serve as president of the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners in 2026. All Contributed photos

Kathy Hambleton, of Fulshear, will serve as treasurer of the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners in 2026.

Steve Hicks, of Richmond, will serve as vice president of the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners in 2026.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

METHODIST CHURCH

Scripture of the week

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Robyn Partridge, of Richmond, will serve as secretary of the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners in 2026.

NON DENOMINATIONAL

OMEGA FIRE MINISTRIES • 832-598-8144 13155 Westheimer Rd. Suite 123, Hou. 77077 Sunday: 1st Service - 9am 2nd Service 11am. Friday: Prayer & Deliverance 7pm. Tuesday: Bible Study 7pm. www.ofmhouston.org

MIRACLE CONFERENCE FREE EVENT Font Bend Epicenter. 28505 Southwest FWY, Rosenberg TX 77471 Apostle Johnson Suleman Pastor Benny Hinn Grupo Barak performing live Oct. 28th - 6pm Healing Service Oct. 29th & 30th - 9am & 6pm Service. Register at www.ofmhouston.org

Introduce Your Congregation to the Community with a listing in our Worship Directory

Call Anqunette for more information

713-371-3600

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