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Unfolding Law Enforcement Corruption and Cover-Ups

By Mayra Sofia Soto

Today we joined an exciting virtual session hosted by the Houston Area ACFE Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education.

The event was led by Lawrence P. Smith, President and Founder of the STIRM Group Inc, which conducts complex investigations for law enforcement, legal entities, and private clients.

Smith, who also hosts the podcast Bribes, Lies & Alibis, is releasing a new book this fall– Six Degrees of Corruption: The Fleecing of a City– detailing corruption at the heart of institutions designed to protect the public.

The case began when a police chief approached Smith in late 2021 to investigate a forged training record tied to a former Methuen Police Department officer. What seemed at first like a simple case of document fraud unraveled into something much larger: a pattern of systemic corruption involving fraudulent certifications, fake officers, conspiracy, and significant Brady v. Maryland implication. Smith’s background in document fraud, including years with Homeland Security, allowed him to immediately spot the forgery. But the deeper he dug, the more the issue grew– from one fake cop to institutional complicity at the highest levels.

Central to the scandal was the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), the body responsible for overseeing municipal police training statewide. Smith initially gavethem a professional courtesy call, as is customary in law enforcement when an officer is under investigation. Instead of honesty, he encountered what he believed was direct involvement andcriminal negligence by the executive director. Despite presenting overwhelming evidence such as forged academy records, evidence tampering, and false arrests. The case was rejected 11 times by the Attorney General’s Office, the District Attorney, and even the Department of Justice.

The report was not only turned down, it was impounded. Officials cited “not enough evidence” and tried to use prosecutorial discretion to avoid action. Smith detailed how elected officials and politically connected figures shielded the MPTC leadership from accountability. The MPTC agency stripped metadata from requested records, withheld documents from investigators and the media, lied to investigators and tampered with evidence. Those responsible, including Robert Ferullo, the MPTC’s executive director, faced no charges even as evidence of their active involvement increased.

These failures rippled outward. Every officer trained by the MPTC, every conviction they played a role in, now comes under question. The legal, financial, and reputational damage is profound. The scale of corruption and political protection in the state as Smith noted “is mind-numbing.”

When an accreditation body is compromised, the entire justice system is at risk ranging from civil rights violations to erosion of public trust. The fallout includes not just criminal liability, but also obstruction of justice, conspiracy and accreditation loss.

Smith emphasized that this case isn’t about money or value but it’s about protecting human rights. At the end of the day, the greatest badge of honor is honesty.

Partnership, Photography, and Philanthropy: Boy Scouts of American and the LEAP Ambassadors

The concept of helping other people is central to the BSA “Scout Oath,” while also being integral to the mission of the LEAP Ambassadors. It was perhaps no surprise, then, that these two organizations would eventually work together and, in doing so, would help others.

The partnership was prompted by Troop 114’s end-of-the-school-year celebration, a need for photography, and a request from Gene Roberts. So, in mid-May, with temperatures hovering around 95, the LEAP Ambassadors came armed with cameras to do individual, family, and group photos of the Scouts.

The immediate result was more than 200 photographs of young people, their families, and scout leaders.

The young people did a good job in the face of heat, delays, and the youthful discomfort of being the center of attention in a crowd of peers and the camera’s gaze.

It was a learning process for us as photographers. While we have a competence with the technical aspects of the camera, we do little formal photography. We also don’t do a lot of posing of other people, particularly young children and groups with extreme height differences. So, it was a little overwhelming at times, trying to keep up with camera settings, posing and positioning, backgrounds, impatience, and changing light conditions, not to mention the heat. In turn, this led to longer wait-times for the photography, which must have been frustrating to the Scouts and their families.

Nonetheless, we were able to take more 1,500 photographs in a matter of an hour, with some of the children showing an inclination for attention.

We stayed for another hour or so, photographing the Scout meeting…

…and we were generously offered meals from the Troop’s potluck dinner, and in the process, learned more about Scouts, their mission, and the contributions to those involved and to the community at large.

Indeed, although we offered to do the photography for free, many generous parents/leaders donated $360 to LEAP. In turn and in the spirit of the community-minded impulse that animates the Scouts, we matched the donation and contributed it to the Salvation Army of Kerry .

Insights from a “City Fellow” Experience

by Macey Schank

As a City Fellows intern, I’m spending the summer working with the Huntsville City Manager’s Office and learning all about how a city operates. As part of this well-rounded experience, I attended a City Council meeting to gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how various municipal departments collaborate through the council’s leadership.

This was my very first time attending a council meeting, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Before the meeting began, I had the chance to reconnect with several city officials from different departments, including my former supervisors Penny Joiner, the Parks Director, and Kristy Wheeler, the Parks Administrative and Recreation Coordinator, from my previous internship with Parks and Recreation.

The meeting opened with a call to order and a proclamation from Mayor Humphrey declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the vital role the department plays in enriching our city. From there, the agenda moved into voting on public improvement projects and grant funding, including items related to airport improvements, water erosion issues, and enhancements to the public library with a new makerspace. The meeting itself was structured and efficient, a far less confusing experience than I had imagined. It moved smoothly from one item to the next, with each discussion focused and purposeful.

Observing the council in action was much more engaging than I expected. It gave me a practical look at how parliamentary procedures are applied and how council members and city staff work together to serve the public.

Attending the meeting helped me connect the dots between the work I’ve done this summer and how those efforts support broader city goals. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort and preparation that go directly into the policy discussions and project planning at the council level.

Before becoming a City Fellows intern, I had no idea how much coordination and planning go into city operations. This internship has not only helped me build real-world skills that will strengthen my resume, but it has also made me a more informed and engaged member of the community. I now have a better understanding of how local government functions, and these firsthand experiences have given me a foundation to build on in future roles.

An Opening Reception to Remember: Elkins Artisans at Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center

by Olivia Discon

On July 8, 2025, the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center–a pillar in the Huntsville community for the arts–hosted an opening reception for its newest art exhibit featuring a local art group known as “Elkins Artisans”. The gallery features 13 local artists from the Elkins Lake community–and a variety of mediums at that!

One of the artists, Jeannie Boyle, commanded the room with a brief opening statement about the group and the important work they do to support the arts in the Elkins Lake and Huntsville community. Many of the artists are good friends with one another, some are even related or married! This goes to show that community engagement and the arts go hand in hand.

Each artist in attendance took turns discussing how they entered the art world, the kind of work they do, and most interestingly, why they love what they do! It was really fun to see each of the artists emerge from the audience and light up at the chance to speak about their work. Some do it as a hobby, and others, professionally. Nevertheless, each had a unique story to tell. 

Donna Coulter is a ceramicist who got her start into pottery on a Groupon deal. From that point on, she cites that experience as a turning point in her life. On the piano in the gallery, Coulter had 10 pieces on display–inspired by an Australian ceramics class. 

Mike Gaultz, a wood turner, had a lovely set of bowls on display. So lovely, in fact, some were immediately sold 15 minutes into the event! The patron was visibly proud of his newest piece of art.

An artist that stood out to many was Gale Pruitt and her work called “Life’s Just a Game Anyway”. The bronze sculpture features a mirror image of two women looking into a reflection of how they perceive themselves. While that was thought-provoking in and of itself, she also noted that they were both standing on a checkerboard floor, as life is just a game anyways!

There were several watercolor artists featured in the gallery–Mary Wolfskill, Pat Fekete, Tonia Brown, Jeannie and Bill Boyle. While each artist was definitely distinct from one another, they individually expressed a relative sense of enjoyment with the medium and the ability to experiment with it.

Among the oil paintings, I have to say Barri Green’s Jazz Singer was my favorite piece. The expression on the musician’s face was very realistic and filled with emotion. It’s hard to articulate other than I found it extremely refreshing and visually appealing.

There were also some incredible pieces in oil paint from Trish Roberts and Betty Liles. Macey enjoyed Betty’s painting of the cattle that hung on the mantle.

Randy Carlson, a gemologist and gemstone artist, specializes in the official cut of Texas, known as the Lone Star Cut. He also took the time to educate Macey on the official gemstone of Texas, which is Blue Topaz for any curious readers. After the remarks, Randy did a demo of the Lone Star Cut for those who were curious about the process. While we only saw a piece of the puzzle, I could only imagine how intricate and time consuming this process might be! 

In all, this event was fabulous. It not only served as a gathering place to celebrate the efforts of a local art group, but it also provided a sense of pride to Huntsville by extension of the community they’ve built. It was an opportunity to meet new people, connect with old friends, and feel good about the good things going on in our community.

I would highly recommend you check out this exhibit at the Wynne Home, which will be on display until September.

Reflections from the Capitol: A Day of Service, History, and Perspective in Austin

by Olivia Discon

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Texas Capitol and share a few reflections from my term as student regent. I was invited by the Governor’s Appointments Office to speak to the newly appointed student regents, which was a real honor—and a full-circle moment I didn’t take lightly. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity and my time in Austin.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was being invited to the Governor’s Mansion. After a quick security check by DPS, I had the chance to tour one of the most historic and iconic buildings in Texas. The Greek Revival-style mansion was designed by Abner Cook—who, interestingly, also supervised the construction of the Walls Unit in Huntsville. That connection alone was enough to trigger my compulsive need to tie Sam Houston into everything.

Photo Courtesy of The Office of Governor Greg Abbott

I’ll admit I was a little photo-shy walking through the mansion, but that didn’t stop a few photos from happening. To my surprise, I got to greet Governor Abbott again and take a quick photo with him—inside his house, no less. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being appointed as a student regent during my undergrad was an incredible opportunity, and I’ve felt supported at every level of my college experience. That support made moments like this possible.

As we made our way through the mansion, we passed through rooms filled with stunning 18th-century furniture—and, of course, nods to Sam Houston in almost every one. They even have a room named after him. Seeing this more glamorous side of Houston’s life, and then comparing it to his final years at the Steamboat House in Huntsville, was oddly moving. He was so committed to his principles that he gave up comfort for conviction. It’s just one of the reasons Huntsville has such a strange charm to me. Somehow, all roads in Texas lead back to it.

Even though the Governor’s Mansion is a historic landmark, it’s still a lived-in space. Just outside the window, we caught a glimpse of the Abbott family’s three golden retrievers playing in the yard. The timing of the visit couldn’t have been better—it was a great reminder of how historic homes can still be part of everyday life, thanks to organizations like the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion.

Photo Courtesy of SHSU LEAP Center, 2016

Later that afternoon, I joined Chris Covo, a former student regent for the Texas State University System, and Luke Shwartz, who was recently appointed student regent for the UT System (congrats again, Luke!). We sat down with Brent Connett for a moderated conversation about the role, what surprised us, and what advice we’d offer.

For me, the biggest takeaway was this: being a good representative can open more doors than you might expect. Investing in your professionalism, doing your research, and showing up prepared—not because you’ve “made it,” but because you’re serious about learning—goes a long way. When you present yourself as someone competent and curious, people take notice. You get to be in the room for real conversations and real opportunities.

After the panel, I stopped by to see my good friend Michelle Cardenas, who was deep in the legislative trenches as session wrapped up. She took a much-needed breather and walked me through the Governor’s Reception Hall. Watching her in action, compared to where we started—back when we walked into the Capitol for the first time with LEAP—was surreal. We’re in completely different places now, but there’s something meaningful about knowing LEAP brought us both here.

Electric Gravy
For dinner, I continued on my sappy tirade by joining Cinthia Villarreal and Michelle Cardenas at an Indian fusion restaurant—Electric Gravy.

It’s been getting a lot of local attention, including a recommendation from former LEAP Ambassador Saara Maknojia.

We started with the curry queso (which was excellent), and then I had the chicken tinga curry, Cinthia got the chicken masala, and Michelle went with the pork vindaloo. All of it was solid—definitely a fun place worth checking out.

Mount Bonnell
To wrap up the day, I visited Mount Bonnell for a great view of Lady Bird Lake. It ended up being the perfect spot to close out a long day—quiet, scenic, and full of the kind of quirky passersby you can only find in Austin.

The sun didn’t set until about 8:30 p.m., but once it started going down, it dropped fast.

I might be wrong, but I think this was the first time I ever intentionally watched a sunset. It was a nice experience!

Where Texas Rests: A Visit to the Texas State Cemetery

by Sarah-Hope Parohl

I visited the Texas State Cemetery in early February for the first time since I was in fourth grade. Growing up in Austin, I visited almost every historical site in town, but before I could absorb and make connections between the material I was learning at the site and the material I learned in classes.

Upon arriving at the Cemetery, I walked through the Visitor’s Center, reading about the lives of some of the folks buried there and seeing memorabilia to highlight them. There is also a short video in the Visitors Center that goes into detail about the history of the Cemetery, the recent restoration projects, and the geography of the grounds. The grounds, divided into sections, are so named to highlight the individual’s achievements. For example, Confederate Field is home to the headstones of Texas Confederate soldiers; Republic Hill is the resting place of Texas Revolutionaries, Justices, Legislators, Governors, and old Texas Legends; while Monument Hill is home to astronauts, District Judges, and Texas State Cemetery Committee members, to name a few.

The most fascinating aspect was, of course, the stories of individuals that the kind lady at the Visitor’s Center (who happened to be from Calgary, Canada!) shared with me. She informed me that the oldest individual buried in the Cemetery is not a Texan but a French explorer estimated to have died in the late 1600s in a shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico. A delegation from Texas even reached out to French preservationists to see if they would like the remains back in his home country, but they let him rest in Texas. On the highest point of the Cemetery lay an astronaut, Eugene Cernan, the second American to walk in space.

The Texas State Cemetery is not just a collection of headstones; it’s a place of diverse and deeply meaningful memorials. These memorials pay tribute to those who can never return to Texas. There is a monument recognizing those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and those who traveled to help New York rebuild. The monument contains two steel columns from Ground Zero, serving as a solemn reminder of the tragedy. There is a monument for Texans who have received the Medal of Honor, those who fought in the War of 1812, received a Purple Heart, fought in World War II, or Vietnam. Each of these monuments is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of these individuals. There is a monument that honors the African American legislators who served during the Reconstruction Era, a tribute to their contribution to Texas history.

While learning about others’ history, I was able to take a trip down memory lane. The only time I remember being at the Texas State Cemetery was for a guided tour that my Girl Scout Troop took in 2012. I do not remember much from that trip, but I have always remembered the story of Josiah Wilbarger.

Wilbarger is one of the few to survive scalping after Native Americans ambushed him and some others. His friends, thinking he was dead, rode away, and the only reason Wilbarger survived with an untreated open wound was because blowflies laid eggs in his wound, and once the maggots hatched, they ate away the infection. While he survived, he never truly recovered from his wound, so his wife made him a raccoon skin hat to protect his skull and brain. Wilbarger died over a decade after his scalping when he hit his head on his workbench without wearing the hat his wife made him. I do not remember much from my fourth-grade trip, but I remember the tour guide saying, “This is why wives are always right” after finishing the tale of Josiah Wilbarger.