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Congressman Joe Barton apologizes for explicit photo, but doesn't plan to resign
Ennis Rep. Joe Barton apologized Wednesday for a sexually explicit photo now circulating online, but doesn't plan to resign.
In a statement released to The Dallas Morning News, the longtime Republican said the image — which first surfaced on social media earlier this week — was taken while separated from his former wife in recent years.
"While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women," Barton, who is twice-divorced, said in the statement. "Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days."
Barton, the longest-serving member of the Texas House delegation, just recently announced his 18th Congressional campaign.
The incident has raised questions over whether Barton is the victim of a crime under Texas laws intended to protect against the release of intimate materials.
More from Washington: Could a New Jersey case at the Supreme Court mean sports gambling for Texas?
From Dallas to DC: Time Warner's top executives have $216 million riding on closing the AT&T deal.
What happens to people caught with marijuana in Dallas after Dec. 1?
Beginning Dec. 1, getting caught with marijuana in Dallas may not mean a trip to jail. That's when Dallas County's new "cite and release" program will allow officers to issue a court summons to someone who has less than 4 ounces of marijuana.
So far, Dallas is the only city in the county that will participate in the program, which county commissioners approved in October. Other Texas cities, including Houston, San Antonio and Austin, have similar programs.
Permitted by a 2007 state law, the program won't spare people with marijuana from legal consequences.
Staff writer Tasha Tsiaperas, who covers crime, courts and the Dallas Police Department, breaks down exactly what's changing when the program goes into effect.
Commentary: Could Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez really be Texas Democrats' candidate for governor? Columnist Gromer Jeffers Jr. examines whether Valdez is ready for prime time.
Dallas cop accused of stealing $830 in groceries while wearing DPD-issued jacket
A Dallas police officer is accused of walking out of a Denton County Wal-Mart with a shopping cart filled with groceries he didn't pay for.
Officer Christopher Hankins, who has been a Dallas officer since 2014 and is assigned to the north central patrol division, faces a misdemeanor theft charge. He is on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation, Dallas police said.
The Northeast Police Department, which covers the Denton County towns of Cross Roads and Krugerville, was called to the Wal-Mart in Cross Roads about 1:30 a.m. to investigate a possible theft.
DPD update: A high-ranking Dallas police official says she didn't give any of her fellow officers an unfair advantage through a promotional exam prep business she owns.
Car chase: Three suspects were arrested after police chased a stolen vehicle from Arlington to Dallas early Wednesday.
Photo of the day
Keller High School Indian Band member Amanda Bernardi, 16, left, and fellow band members practiced Aug. 3. The band will perform tomorrow in the 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Around the site
- JFK files: As theories linger, assassination buffs dig for gold in new files.
- It's a bird! It's a plane! Loud boom that startled Parker County residents was likely caused by supersonic F-16 jets.
- Crash update: A motorcyclist died after cutting into an HOV lane on Central Expressway and setting off a seven-vehicle accident.
- Editorial: How Toyota made Parkland a better hospital.
- Face off: A gun range owner's lawsuit says that NRA's safety standards have no place in Texas law.
Finally,
Deion Sanders' former mansion off Preston Road in Prosper is being auctioned off.
Concierge Auctions will be taking bids for the 29,122-square-foot Sanders house.
Called "Chateau Montclair," the estate has a two-lane bowling alley; a game room with a bar; a theater with a stage; a full indoor basketball court with a scoreboard and sound system; a gym; a barbershop; steam showers; a locker room; a yoga studio; a natatorium with a pool and spa; a screened-in colonnade.
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