Expediente-0101: Abuso de autoridad

A year-long investigation of four Phoenix Police officers and a Hispanic woman involved in a cover up case of abuse of power and discrimination. It took 6 months to obtain this report due to a pending appeal to dismiss the case and 9 months to obtain critical footage and find the victim. This story presents an inappropriate arrest and a current gap between the phoenix police force and the Hispanic communities they serve. The officers were not able to appeal, but received only 40 hours of unpaid leave and a transfer to a different station. Was justice served?

NO AL MURO

We take you to the border in Naco Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Our visits happened two weeks before Trump’s immigration speech in Phoenix and the presidential election. Our report presents the opinion about "Trump's wall" from those who live next to the border. You’ll meet John Ladd, a republican rancher in the border voting for Trump, but against the wall. On the other side, you’ll meet the “Border Bedazzlers” a group of children in Mexico painting murals on the wall to change its image. You’ll learn from two different worlds about American politics and why they say a wall will never work..

SOMBRAS DEL DESAMPARO

“Sombras del desamparo” highlights the social issues among the senior homeless community in Arizona. It opens your eyes to a heartbreaking reality about the more than 1500 homeless dying in our streets in the last decade. The story not only humanizes a current issue, but also shows how homeless and those without family or whose bodies were never claimed die with dignity with the help of a group of inmates.

VÍctimas de las calles

"Victimas de las calles" (Casualties of the Streets) A nine-month investigation reveals a disproportionate number of homeless deaths by homicides, suicides, and traffic related accidents in Travis County between 2013 and 2014. This story highlights the leading killer among this population and how they are at a higher risk of premature death than the general public; it also humanizes homelessness providing heartbreaking testimonies from homeless and their families. But what is more shocking throughout this investigation is the discovery of what happens to their remains after they die..

"Victimas de las calles" (Casualties of the Streets) was a special investigative report in partnership with the Austin’s American Statesman newspaper. We created a Spanish broadcast and print, an English digital and print versions. This Investigative report was awarded in 2016 by the Online Journalism Awards.

MADRE A LOS 15

"Madre a los 15" covers teen pregnancy in Arizona throughout the stories of two young mothers who got pregnant at 14-years old and had a baby at the age of 15.The story provides resources for teen mothers to continue their studies, find shelter, clothing, and counseling. Both mothers conclude the story with an inspirational message to other teen mothers to continue fighting for their dreams.

ATRAPADO EN LA DEUDA

"Atrapado en la deuda" takes an in depth look at title loans in Arizona. It provides information about what title loans are, the annual percentage rate they offer, hidden fees, as well as testimonies from those who were trapped in debt due to these loans. Experts talk about the risks and benefits, as well as the abuses by some lenders and the rights consumers have. Atrapado en la deuda educates the viewer about the differences and similarities between title and payday loans as well as the laws to regulate them in AZ.

NATIONAL COVERAGE

Joe ARPAIO FOR SENATE

Former and controversial Maricopa County sheriff announces he is entering the senate race. Arpaio spoke to me about his decision and what he would do to win the Latino vote in Arizona.

PAYSON TRAGEDY

A flash flood in a swimming hole in northern Arizona killed 10 family members among them were five young children. I spoke to family members who still had hope that a person who's body was missing could be recovered alive.

"WHITE ONLY"

Stickers with the words "Exclusively for white people" & with the logo of the City of Austin appeared at different local businesses in Austin, Texas. 

"ENGLISH ONLY"

A woman in Austin, Texas claims to have been fired from her job because she refused to not speak Spanish with her coworkers in front of her manager. 

in-state tuition

A federal judge ruled that dreamers with DACA in Arizona are not legally in the country and can no longer obtain the benefit of an in-state tuition.

 SERIES

LUCRANDO CON LA FE

A team investigation regarding two Phoenix metro area pastors accused of profiting with people's faith through investments with BITCOIN.

IMITACIÓN MORTAL: FAKE OXY PILLS

Fake oxy is the new opioid epidemic in Arizona targeting people from all ages and backgrounds. This story highlights a health crisis as deadly manufactured pills that look exactly like the painkiller oxycodone take the streets at an alarming rate. As tougher restrictions get implemented, doctors prescribe less doses of the painkiller. The need to consume it forces those with addiction or pain problems to buy from drug dealers. This health crisis has become the new market for the Sinaloa cartel manufacturing the pills with unknown substances including lethal doses of fentanyl. This story shows how no one is safe from becoming a victim.

SPECIAL STORIES

MAMÁ PRISIONERA

A Mother's Day Special

I went inside Maricopa County’s Estrella Jail for a unique mother’s day story. I met with mothers incarcerated for low level crimes with sentences for less than a year to learn about their stories. I found women victims of sexual abuse, who never had a stable life and found a family or friends in gangs that ultimately led them to a vicious crime cycle. During my visit they were regretful, ashamed, willing to change, but also showed no self esteem or dignity. Everything changed when they received a surprise for mother’s day. A gift they’ve never in their life received before. An opportunity to smile, a shot to see themselves differently to believe that they are beautiful inside and out and that they can rise and begin a better and new life for their children. This story uplift them. It gave them hope. Two of the inmates I interviewed reached out to me after their release to notify me they have found jobs and to th ank me for my story. This was the first time a story like this has been done in the history of Maricopa County jails and it opened a discussion to make more opportunities like this one available as a reward for good behavior and empowerment to women inmates

Isaiah: Louder than Words

Isaiah is a unique teenager who loves hip-hop and writing rap songs, but the way he does it is completely different than others. He is mute and has never spoken a word, but that didn’t stopped him from becoming a rapper. He wasn’t expected to survive and now uses his music to raise money for children in a similar situation and to be an inspiration to teens victims of bullying. 

LA RENDENCIÓN DE UN PANDILLERO

A profile of an organization helping gang members to find a better life away from criminal activity and addiction. "The Redemption of a Gang Member" humanizes convicted criminals and talks about the importance of breaking stereotypes an prejudice against them reflecting at the same time the need of giving them second chance.

EL VÍBORERO DE PITIQUITO

Located in a rural town of the state of Sonora in Mexico, you'll find Don Ramon the town "curandero" or healer. Don Ramon has been healing locals for more than 30 years using remedies made of snake skin and tongue. I visited his home in Sonora and interviewed him exclusively.

MARBELLA AL RESCATE

Una taxista decide utilizar sus servicios de transporte para ayudar a mujeres víctimas de violencia intrafamiliar ofreciéndoles traslado de sus hogares a un lugar seguro o albergue gratuitamente.