Jackson Lee gives feds copy of taped HPD beating

HOUSTON U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee joins Congressman Al Green in seeking a federal investigation in the Chad Holley case.

"I announce today that this matter is under review. But that I intend also to hopefully secure, as I understand it, other tapes that have been made available in order to present them to the Justice Department as well," said Rep. Jackson Lee.

The congresswoman also said she would like to hold some congressional hearings on the issue of police actions, not just in Houston, but all across the country.

Nancy Herrera with the US Attorney's Office on Monday said the FBI has opened an investigative file into the matter. Herrera says the US Attorney's Office is monitoring the state investigation. She declined further comment.

Houston police and the FBI say the Justice Department has been involved since the beginning. In a statement released this afternoon, the FBI says, "There is nothing new. We have been coordinating with HPD and the DA from the beginning and nothing has changed. We have a case opened to gather this info and monitor the local investigation and prosecution. The FBI cannot conduct any overt investigation until the local process has taken it's course."

Jackson Lee said she also supports the creation of a local civilian review board that would have subpoena power, which she says currently is not happening in the Houston area.

The beating video was first seen on Eyewitness News and abc13.com earlier this month. Officers appear to be kicking and stomping Holley. It sparked an uproar from the community and a need for answers from the Houston Police Department, the mayor and the district attorney.

Holley in October was convicted in juvenile court of burglary and put on probation.

Four officers who were fired face various charges. Prosecutors had asked that the video not be released until their trials.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.