KGCT 8 Consumer Investigates

KGCT 8 Investigates exposes a network of fraudulent contractors exploiting homeowners after last week's historic flooding in Jefferson County, accepting large deposits then disappearing before completing repairs. Our team documented 47 complaints filed with the state licensing board in the past 72 hours.

An exclusive KGCT 8 investigation into three stalled flood control projects in Mid-County that were funded with $42 million in Hurricane Harvey recovery money finds evidence of contractor overruns, missed deadlines, and a lack of oversight. Residents are still flooding in the same neighborhoods Harvey hit in 2017.

KGCT 8 Investigates has collected testimony from 200 Jefferson County homeowners who say their insurance companies have delayed, underpaid, or denied flood claims from last week's disaster. Texas Insurance Commissioner has opened a formal inquiry.

Months before the superintendent's resignation, a KGCT 8 analysis of Beaumont ISD budget records revealed millions in payments to vendors without competitive bidding, inflated consultant contracts, and discrepancies between reported and actual enrollment numbers used to calculate state funding.

A KGCT 8 review of TCEQ filings and independent air monitoring data from Port Arthur neighborhoods near the refinery row finds that reported emissions from at least two facilities may significantly undercount actual releases, particularly during flaring events. Residents report persistent health complaints.

An undercover KGCT 8 investigation documents chronic understaffing at area nursing facilities, with some shifts operating at 50% of minimum required staffing levels. Families of residents describe falls, medication errors, and delayed care. State inspection records reveal repeat violations with minimal penalties.

A KGCT 8 hidden camera sting operation at six Beaumont-area auto repair shops finds three facilities charging customers for parts and services that were never performed. Our test vehicle — which had no mechanical issues — was quoted $1,400 in unnecessary repairs at one facility.

The Texas Attorney General's office has received more than 300 price gouging complaints from Southeast Texas consumers following last week's disaster declaration, with some gas stations and hardware stores charging two to three times normal prices for fuel, generators, and building materials.

KGCT 8 interviewed 40 small business owners across Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties about the impact of new federal tariffs on imported goods. From restaurant equipment and HVAC parts to construction materials, owners say costs are up 15-40% with no relief in sight — and they're being forced to pass costs to customers.