Heightened Security Surrounds Kings Mountain Hotel Amidst Ongoing Investigation

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — A significant law enforcement presence was established near a hotel in Kings Mountain on Wednesday, prompting speculation and concern among local residents and travelers. The increased police activity drew attention to the area, raising questions about the motivations behind such a show of force. Details surrounding the situation remain limited, but nearby residents reported that several law enforcement vehicles were stationed outside the hotel. Witnesses discussed seeing officers in tactical gear and specialized units, suggesting a serious incident or ongoing investigation. The sight of numerous police cars and personnel led to … Read more

Kings County Jury Awards $1.9 Million to Victim of Sexual Harassment by Former DA Keith Fagundes

HANFORD, Calif. — Kings County will pay $1.9 million to a former employee who alleged she was sexually harassed and retaliated against by former District Attorney Keith Fagundes. A jury reached the verdict in favor of Alexandria Smith, who served as a secretary in the District Attorney’s Office. Fagundes, who held the district attorney position for two terms, lost his reelection bid to current District Attorney Sarah Hacker in 2022. During his tenure, he faced previous sexual harassment allegations from Robert Waggle, a former investigator in his office. Those claims were settled for $1.1 million, … Read more

Kings County Board Advances Mental Health Care Solutions and Addresses Audit Compliance in Home Gardens District

Hanford, California – The Kings County Board of Supervisors has approved the county’s responses to two significant Grand Jury Reports, one focusing on the urgent need for a mental health facility and the other concerning the Home Gardens Community Services District. During a meeting on Tuesday morning, Administrative Analyst Alex Walker outlined the findings of the Grand Jury, emphasizing the necessity of a mental health clinic. The county received the Grand Jury’s recommendations in March and is required to respond by June 12. The Grand Jury made five recommendations aimed at improving mental health care … Read more

Sweet James Attorneys Secure Record $17.4 Million Verdict in Kings County for Injured Seniors

Los Angeles, CA – A landmark $17.4 million jury verdict has been awarded to two elderly victims of a traffic collision in Kings County, marking the largest payout in the county’s history for such a case. The Los Angeles-based personal injury law firm, Sweet James, achieved this victory on behalf of 81-year-old Barbara Musick and 89-year-old Gayle Dutton, who suffered severe injuries in the crash. The incident occurred when a City of Hanford tree-trimming vehicle, driven by Damian Espinoza and Colton Banuelos at 51 miles per hour, failed to stop at a sign and collided … Read more