New arrest report details alleged abuse at Las Vegas dog training business; 2 charged

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Alyssa Bethencourt

Click here for updates on this story

    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — New details are emerging in a criminal case involving a now-shut down Las Vegas dog training business, where police say what was happening inside “was not reasonable” and caused “unjustifiable suffering.”

An arrest report obtained by Channel 13 lays out allegations against employees at Working Dogs of Nevada, where investigators say dozens of dogs were subjected to abusive training methods.

According to police, the investigation began after several videos surfaced showing how dogs were being handled inside the facility.

In one instance, investigators say a dog named Dottie was lifted by a leash until her feet were off the ground and then swung during training.

In another case, a dog named Jeb was subjected to repeated activations of an electronic collar while resisting commands.

A third dog, Astro, was found with injuries to its neck, according to the report. Investigators documented those injuries but did not specify a definitive cause.

Police ultimately removed 35 dogs from the facility.

Charges filed

Police arrested two people in connection with the case:

John Johnstone, 38, faces multiple felony counts of animal cruelty. Tabitha Berube, 32, is charged with one count of felony animal cruelty. According to the arrest report, Berube is accused of being present during at least one incident, observing the conduct, and failing to intervene.

When reached by phone, Berube told Channel 13 she had no comment.

What proper training should look like

To better understand the allegations, Channel 13 spoke with a local professional dog trainer, who reviewed the reported actions and images described in the arrest report.

Trainer Brad Norton, co-founder of Norton Dog Training, said while dog training can involve corrections, there is a clear boundary.

“If the dog’s afraid, you’re crossing a line,” Norton said.

He added that proper training should build trust and understanding, not fear.

Heigl Foundation responds, cuts ties

Channel 13 also followed up on tips that Working Dogs of Nevada may have been connected to actress Katherine Heigl’s nonprofit, the Jason Heigl Foundation.

In a statement, the foundation confirmed it had previously used the business for training services but says it is not a partner and has now ended all involvement.

Full statement below:

The Jason Heigl Foundation has been made aware of the arrests of individuals at Working Dogs of Nevada and the animal cruelty charges now under investigation.

We understand that people will want to know about the Foundation’s relationship with WDN. We want to be precise.

Working Dogs of Nevada is one of several dog training facilities the Foundation has retained on a fee-for-service basis to provide training and placement for dogs we rescue from Los Angeles shelters. We are not a sponsor or partner of WDN, and any characterization to that effect on WDN’s website is false.

Nothing we encountered in the course of that engagement indicated the conduct now alleged. Had it, we would have acted immediately — as we are acting now.

Effective immediately, the Foundation has ceased all involvement with Working Dogs of Nevada. We are actively working to ensure the safety of dogs connected to our programs.

We do not yet know the full scope of what occurred. What we do know is that any mistreatment of animals is unacceptable. The Foundation was built on the belief that every animal deserves humane, accountable care. That is the standard we hold — for ourselves and for anyone we work with.

What happens next

31 dogs remain in the care of The Animal Foundation and are currently under a legal hold as the case moves through the court system.

Johnstone and Berube are due in court on April 29.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Couple, ex-police officials tied to prostitution scheme, intel-gathering effort, district attorney says

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Doug Myers, Marvin Hurst

Click here for updates on this story

    Texas (KTVT) — A North Texas couple and former Godley police officials are under investigation after authorities say a prostitution conspiracy and a scheme to gather intelligence on local public officials were further revealed during a search of the couple’s home last week.

The District Attorney’s Office for Johnson & Somervell Counties said Wednesday that the investigation focuses on ongoing criminal activity involving Michael and Ashley Ketcherside and former members of the Godley Police Department.

While Michael Ketcherside has been arrested, Ashley Ketcherside has not, though she is named in the District Attorney’s Office release on the charges. No one at the Ketcherside home responded to CBS News Texas’ request for comment on Wednesday.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation, and additional arrests are anticipated,” District Attorney Timothy M. Good said.

Search warrant and seized devices

A search warrant was executed on March 31 at the Ketchersides’ residence, where authorities seized electronic communications and storage devices believed to contain evidence of criminal activity, according to the release.

The devices contained evidence of a prostitution conspiracy involving the Ketchersides and numerous “clients,” and evidence showing the Ketchersides coordinated with then‑Godley Police Chief Matthew Cantrell and other officers, according to the release.

Cantrell, who was arrested and out of jail on bond, told CBS News Texas he had no comment.

He and former Officer Solomon Omotoya were indicted in late 2025 after the City of Godley found discrepancies in its fleet fuel card purchases. The Valley Mills City Council also fired Cantrell as its police chief in early 2025 after a council member flagged suspicious police‑department credit‑card charges.

Court documents describe decade‑long scheme, newspaper reports

CBS News Texas is in the process of obtaining the court documents connected to the case.

The Cleburne Times‑Review, which covers Godley, reported details from those documents on Wednesday.

According to the Times‑Review, citing court records:

Cantrell was arrested Tuesday on a charge of promotion of prostitution amid a widening investigation.

Michael and Ashley Ketcherside allegedly ran a years-long prostitution and racketeering operation, with Ashley Ketcherside coordinating clients and communicating regularly with Cantrell and Omotoya.

Omotoya admitted soliciting Ashley Ketcherside for sex in exchange for yard work or babysitting and said both he and Cantrell were aware of the Ketchersides’ operation.

Cantrell pulled criminal histories on city officials and on people involved in disputes with Ashley Ketcherside, while maintaining close ties with the Ketchersides.

Cantrell admitted to subscribing to Ashley Ketcherside’s OnlyFans account.

Cantrell acknowledged longstanding knowledge of the Ketchersides’ prostitution enterprise and said Ashley Ketcherside charged about $1,000 per hour.

Officials allegedly targeted

According to the District Attorney’s Office, the alleged purpose of the group was to compile information on local public officials and private citizens they viewed as opponents or enemies.

The “adversaries” included members of the Godley City Council, Godley ISD School Board, the former mayor, and the former Godley police chief.

“As the investigation progresses, we will update the public as needed,” Good said in the release.

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City offers help replacing Colorado lawns with drought-tolerant alternatives​ as drought restrictions tighten

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Tori Mason

Click here for updates on this story

    Colorado (KCNC) — As drought conditions worsen and new water restrictions take effect, Aurora is pushing residents to rethink their lawns. The city is even offering money to help.

Through its Grass Replacement Incentive Program, or GRIP, Aurora Water is paying residents to replace traditional turf and replace it with more sustainable landscaping.

“The ubiquitous water-guzzling grass is Kentucky bluegrass,” said Diana Denwood, Aurora Water’s conservation supervisor.

She says that type of grass requires about 28 inches of additional water each year beyond natural rainfall to survive.

By comparison, water-wise landscapes, made up of native plants, shrubs and mulch, can cut water use dramatically, sometimes requiring little to no supplemental watering.

To encourage that shift, Aurora is offering rebates through GRIP:

Up to $3 per square foot for traditional water-wise landscaping 50 cents per square foot for native, low-water grass

Denwood says one common misconception is that the most water-conscious option is to cover a yard entirely in rock or artificial materials, often called “zeroscaping.” But she warns that approach can actually create new problems.

“It contributes to the urban heat islands. We don’t want to see a landscape that’s devoid of plants and has a heat absorbing rock, or even worse, potentially rubber,” Denwood says.

The GRIP program is designed to help offset the cost of replacing turf with drought-tolerant alternatives that are also lower maintenance and better suited for Colorado’s climate.

Projects must be approved before installation and rebates are paid after completion.

Switching landscapes still require water upfront.

Denwood says new native or water-wise grass requires an establishment period of about four weeks, when it needs more frequent watering to take root. After that, the difference is significant.

“Just like any kind of turf grass during a normal year, we do a permit. Now this year, because we’re in drought Stage 1, you’re not allowed to do a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, so we’re not issuing permits for that,” said Denwood. “But we will still absolutely issue a permit for doing a native or water-wise grass, and we’re really happy to see people do that.”

City officials say participation is picking up as restrictions take hold.

“We’re getting about five new applications a day,” Denwood said. “That’s a significant increase compared to this time last year.”

Still, funding is limited, and not every project gets completed.

At Nick’s Garden Center, the change is already showing up in what customers are buying.

“I was lucky if I could sell a yucca to someone 20 years ago…now I show them a yucca, and they’re down,” said horticulturist Colette Haskell.

Haskell says more customers are coming in specifically asking for drought-tolerant plants, often with city-provided lists in hand.

“We get customer after customer saying, ‘I don’t know what this plant is, can you show me?'”

Even as demand for water-wise plants grows, traditional lawns aren’t disappearing overnight.

Haskell says some customers are still buying Kentucky bluegrass, despite restrictions and rising temperatures.

The city offers support, including a landscape design program, in-person and online classes, the GRIP Manual and staff ready to answer your questions.

For more information about GRIP visit auroragov.org.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Miami city officials are urging residents to prepare for planned implosion of Mandarin Oriental hotel

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Nikiya Carrero

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — Residents of Brickell Key are being urged to prepare for the planned implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental hotel as if they were getting ready for a storm, according to the company overseeing the demolition.

City officials with Miami Fire Rescue and Miami police said they have been planning the implosion for about a year.

The demolition is scheduled for Sunday morning. The former luxury resort will be brought down to make way for a new residential and hospitality development. The structure now sits gutted with explosives attached to its concrete columns, which officials say will ensure a smoother implosion.

Ivy Fradin, managing member of BG Group, which is overseeing the demolition, explained the process. “The tower will come down first, the parking garage will come down second, but to the public eye, it will look like one carefully choreographed event,” Fradin said.

Fradin described the collapse as a “cascading fashion,” where the floor above collapses as the column below it gives way.

For safety reasons, Brickell Key will be closed to residents and visitors from 7 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, with no access in or out of the island during that time. An 800-foot exclusion zone around the property will also be enforced.

For those inside the exclusion zone, Fradin advised, “If you’re located within the exclusion zone, we ask that you stay indoors with doors closed. If you’re not in the exclusion zone, keep your doors and windows closed. It’s obvious — if you have things outside, bring them inside”.

Some residents living within the exclusion zone expressed safety concerns. Brickell Key resident Ydais Laya said, “I have not seen anything to provide details regarding the city’s plans, if anything should go wrong during the implosion on Sunday, because in reality, no one knows”.

Other residents were less worried. Alejandro Barahona, another resident, said the required precautions were “reasonable,” adding, “Either you get out, or you stay in, but it’s too much of a liability risk for the explosion and all that stuff”.

The company conducting the implosion has previously handled several high-profile demolitions, including the historic Deauville Hotel, South Shore Hospital, and the remaining structure of the Surfside condominium building.

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Pennsylvania state police trooper pleads guilty to using work computer to create AI-generated pornography

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Frederick Sutton Sinclair

Click here for updates on this story

    Pennsylvania (KYW) — A Pennsylvania State Police corporal has pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated pornography, possessing child sexual abuse material and secretly filming women, including coworkers and a Montgomery County judge, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

Thirty-nine-year-old Stephen Kamnik pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court Wednesday to a total of 15 charges for years of abusing law enforcement databases, state-owned devices and unauthorized material for personal sexual gratification.

Kamnik, who is currently suspended without pay, used secured law enforcement and commonwealth computer systems to create AI-generated pornographic images of numerous women, according to the attorney general’s office. Prosecutors said Kamnik created some of the explicit material at a Montgomery County barracks.

The investigation, which was conducted by state police, found that Kamnik secretly filmed and photographed numerous women while on duty. Authorities said he repeatedly entered the women’s locker room at the state police barracks to take pictures of female officers.

Prosecutors said Kamnik also used the state’s Justice Network, known as JNET, to obtain hundreds of photographs of women, violating database policies.

Investigators also found an unlawfully recorded video of a Montgomery County magisterial district judge during a court proceeding that prosecutors said Kamnik edited for lewd purposes.

Authorities also found a stolen .22-caliber gun during a search of Kamnik’s vehicle in January 2025.

Kamnik pleaded guilty to four felony counts of unlawful use of a computer, sexual abuse of children, misdemeanor counts of invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and other related offenses.

A Montgomery County judge is scheduled to sentence him July 8.

“These crimes stain the great work being done by law enforcement every day in communities across the Commonwealth,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement.

A lawsuit filed by a victim who alleges her image was used in AI-generated pornography claims Pennsylvania State Police were aware of prior incidents of Kamnik abusing his position as a state trooper but failed to properly discipline him.

The complaint alleges Kamnik took undergarments belonging to female troopers from a locker room and kept a mannequin at his assigned station where he placed the stolen clothing to photograph it.

It also alleges Kamnik conducted traffic stops involving female motorists while presenting himself as a law enforcement officer and making degrading requests, including asking them to stick out their tongues while he secretly filmed them.

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Brooklyn-based taekwondo para athlete overcomes tragedy, homelessness to fight for gold

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Hannah Kliger

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    NEW YORK (WCBS, WLNY) — Ismael Ox survived an attack that left him without a hand.

Now, the Brooklyn-based para athlete is celebrating a series of victories, from overcoming homelessness to getting his American citizenship.

“I never feel disability” You might walk by a park in Bed-Stuy and see Ox, 25, training in taekwondo. No stadium lights, no sponsors, just sheer determination. But look a little closer, and you’ll see what a fighter really looks like.

At just 11 years old, in his village in Niger, Ox tried to save his neighbors from a grenade launched by members of the militant group Boko Haram.

“I tried to find a way to throw it away from everybody, so everybody will not get like dying or injured. So before I throw it, it explode. But everybody survived. It’s just my hand,” Ox said.

He lost his right hand, but didn’t quit his sport. Instead, he learned to adapt.

“I never feel disability or maybe something missing or anything,” he said.

Rain or shine, he’s chasing a dream most people would have given up on long ago. Today he’s a para athlete in one of the most competitive adaptive sports: taekwondo.

In an interview translated from French, his coach Ali Amadou called him “a diamond in the rough.”

Paralympic dreams Then came another fight. Ox arrived in the United States alone at 17 and was homeless for weeks with nothing but a dream. That persistence paid off. He went through the foster care system, was adopted by a loving family, and last year became an American citizen.

“I just so happy. I don’t know how to express it. Just one big emotion to make you excited, make you feel good, make you feel like these great people and you are part of them,” Ox said.

Filmmaker Chris Chu has been documenting his journey.

“Every experience that he’s had, he’s never made it like a problem that holds him back. It only just motivates him. And he never used as an excuse,” Chu said.

Ox is supported by a loyal community of friends and athletes he’s managed to build in his new home.

“Not just that you have that dream, but that you commit to it through your actions every single day,” said friend Jan Avendano.

At tournaments across the globe, he’s raking in medals, preparing for his shot at Paralympic gold. He’s now qualified to compete for Team USA and is hoping to make his Paralympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

“It’s just amazing to be part of this big society and be with all these people and then be able to represent the country I wanted to be in since I was young,” Ox said.

Perhaps a reminder that the strongest fighters are often built off the mat.

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Restaurant owner opens on Easter Sunday to fulfill dying man’s wish

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Katie Morse

Click here for updates on this story

    LOCKPORT, New York (WKBW) — A Lockport restaurant owner opened his doors on a holiday to fulfill a dying man’s last wish to feed the hospice nurses who cared for him.

Ken Ozimek recently lost his older brother, Frank Ozimek, to cancer. Frank spent six weeks at Niagara Hospice in Lockport, where he bonded with the nursing staff. Before he died, he asked his brother to make sure the nurses were fed for Easter.

Ken called around to find a restaurant that could fulfill the request, but everywhere was closed for the holiday. He eventually reached out to Tommy Milani, the owner of Sub Delicious on Locust Street.

When Milani heard the request, he agreed to help.

“I said absolutely, whatever you need, Ken,” Milani said. “They do an amazing job there. They’re all saints.”

Milani put his own holiday plans on hold, opened the restaurant, and sent pizzas to the entire nursing staff at the hospice facility.

“He was kind enough to push back Easter to him, put everything aside, open his restaurant, and make us food for the whole building down there,” Ozimek said.

Ozimek described his brother as someone who looked like a “big bad biker guy” straight out of the band ZZ Top, but who had a generous heart.

“But you could come up to him, say I’m cold, he’d take the shirt off his back and give it to them,” Ozimek said.

Ozimek said his family is incredibly grateful for the way Milani helped honor his brother’s memory.

“To me, it means the world to see that kindness, that greatness spread,” Ozimek said. “And I hope when people see this story, they take it and say, why can’t we do this, and spread joy and kindness to each other.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WKBW’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

9-year-old Maryland boy with autism visits all 50 states to spread awareness across the country

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Taylor Epps

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    CECIL COUNTY, Maryland (WMAR) — April is Autism Acceptance Month, and one Cecil County family is celebrating by marking a major milestone.

As of Easter 2026, Tiffany and Caleb Brown have visited all 50 states, spreading autism awareness along the way.

From Maryland to Montana to Minnesota, the adventurous mother-son duo has been sharing their journey on social media along the way.

They’ve been traveling since Caleb was a baby and realized this was an attainable goal and went for it. They’re also aiming to hit 50 countries this year.

“I’m here to encourage others because autism doesn’t stop the show; he goes and travels and lives his best life with autism,” Dr. Tiffany Brown said.

Caleb was diagnosed with autism in 2019 at 3 years old.

“I was devastated to hear the news. I remember the doctor telling me, I couldn’t believe it,” Tiffany Brown said.

Tiffany had always been a big traveler, and that didn’t stop when Caleb was born or diagnosed. She kept traveling with him, learning how to pivot and adapt to his needs.

“He can be overstimulated; I have to take that into account, and that happens whenever. It happens, so you just have to be prepared,” Tiffany Brown said.

They’ve written a book and started Autism Spectrum Adventures on social media to inspire other parents to travel.

“I want parents to understand that they can do it; take your time and plan the trip,” Tiffany Brown said. “We love to cruise; we’ve been on about 16 cruises. That’s an easy way.”

Caleb also wears a sunflower lanyard when traveling to let people know he’s living with autism. He’s also a fan of upgrading to first class.

“The comfortable one, it was so nice. I was so happy for that! It was really good for me,” Caleb Brown said.

The family travels to see the world and show others what is possible for a child like Caleb.

“You can travel with an autistic person; autistic people have feelings. They are so special, very special people, and I wouldn’t change anything about my child,” Tiffany Brown said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Warrants: Woman ran unlicensed child care, failed to report child’s death

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By WRAL News staff

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    WENDELL, North Carolina (WRAL) — A Wendell woman was accused of failing to notify the state about the death of a child who was under her care in 2024, according to arrest warrants.

Tamika Jones Fowler, 47, was arrested Tuesday after Wendell police said she failed to report the death of a child in December 2024 to the Department of Health and Human Services, while also running an unlicensed child care facility at the same time.

Wendell police said their investigation into Fowler began after a report of an unresponsive child on Dec. 5, 2024. Officers determined the five-month-old child died in their sleep.

A further investigation found that Fowler was operating a daycare with a license, along with other child welfare violations, but she was not charged in the death of the infant.

WRAL News reached out to Fowler’s employer, Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh, to ask about her employment status.

A hospital spokesperson said Fowler was placed on administrative leave after learning of her arrest.

“There are no records of any incidents, allegations or complaints involving this individual at Holly Hill Hospital, and the matter you are referencing did not occur at a Holly Hill facility,” the hospital spokesperson said.

The arrest warrant also indicates that in April 2024, Fowler was caring for more than five children at the home, all younger than the age of six.

In the same month, she allegedly failed to make records, other than financial records, of that child care facility available to the DHHS.

The warrant also stated that in April 2024, neither Fowler nor a licensed caregiver was present at the home.

Wendell police charged her with three misdemeanor counts of child welfare violation and two counts of child welfare unlicensed violations.

Fowler’s bond was set at $10,000, and she is expected to appear in court on May 5 in Wake County.

WRAL News reached out to the DHHS for comment. The department said that it is aware of the situation and cannot comment on investigations or possible investigations.

The statement continued:

The department said child care facilities licensed by the DHHS-DCDEE follow applicable child care requirements and are visited, at a minimum, once annually, during visits by DCDEE consultants.

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Police use drone to help arrest sex-trafficking suspect found under porch

CNN Newsource on April 9, 2026

By Tracy Johnke

Click here for updates on this story

    LAUREL, Maryland (WTOP) — A Maryland man faces sex trafficking and prostitution charges after his April 1 arrest at a Laurel home.

Robert Eakins, 31, was also wanted in connection with an armed robbery in Charles County.

Police said the sex-trafficking investigation started two to three weeks earlier, when an anonymous tipster said a woman at the house was being pressured into sex work.

They also said Eakins was taken into custody without incident, but that he first attempted to evade officers by ducking into a crawl space under a porch.

Footage from a body camera shows officers removing a panel from the porch, and Eakins emerging from the opening to be detained.

An emergency response team made up of Laurel and Greenbelt police officers received assistance from a drone while executing a search warrant on Eakins’ home and locating the alleged victim.

Prior to the April 1 raid, the drone’s infrared camera recorded someone leaving the house and heading to a nearby parking lot, Capt. Stephen Ivory told WTOP.

A detective sent to talk to the person identified her as the alleged sex-trafficking victim who was there to meet a client. Police said they got her away safely and reunited her with her family.

The video the Laurel Police Department released to the public includes drone footage showing several officers approaching the house and eventually taking Eakins away.

Drones are “relatively new technology for us,” Ivory said.

He said that as more operators are trained and receive FAA certification to pilot the drones, police in Laurel are beginning to use them more frequently. But right now, they are used only for preplanned operations, providing an additional vantage point for the officers on the ground.

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