News Summary
Nakia Holmes, co-founder of the Turkey Leg Hut, has been arrested and charged with felony hindering apprehension. The arrest stems from allegations of obstructing the capture of Jonathan Saizon, who faces serious criminal charges. Holmes reported minimal assets and has faced legal challenges, including her restaurant’s closure and bankruptcy following a fire. The relationship between Holmes and Saizon complicates the ongoing story that has drawn significant media attention amidst the restaurant’s decline.
Houston — Nakia Holmes, co-founder of the Turkey Leg Hut restaurant, has been arrested and charged with felony hindering apprehension in Harris County. The arrest follows allegations that Holmes attempted to obstruct the apprehension of Jonathan Saizon, who is accused of kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend on October 8.
Saizon faces serious charges, including aggravated kidnapping, classified as a first-degree felony, and aggravated assault of a family member, a second-degree felony. Holmes, 45, was not listed as having legal representation in court documents, and her bond was set at $10,000. In her financial disclosure, she reported having $700 in assets while identifying as the owner of Turkey Leg Hut, which has been closed for a year.
The Turkey Leg Hut, a popular dining establishment in Houston, was initially opened by Holmes and her then-husband, Lyndell Price, as a pop-up venue in 2015. The restaurant established a brick-and-mortar location in 2017 and quickly gained a reputation for its signature smoked and stuffed turkey legs, attracting numerous celebrities. However, the establishment has been plagued by complaints from neighbors regarding noise and smoke, as well as various lawsuits from vendors and partners over unpaid debts.
In 2023, Holmes and Price divorced, during which Holmes made allegations of an abusive relationship and later accusations of financial misconduct. The challenges for Turkey Leg Hut escalated in March 2024, when a fire caused significant damage to its business offices. As a result, the restaurant was forced to shut down in September and subsequently filed for bankruptcy.
The circumstances surrounding Holmes’ arrest reveal a complex relationship between her and Saizon, who reportedly share the same address in Cypress. Law enforcement officers had been monitoring Holmes’ residence when she allegedly warned Saizon, allowing him to evade capture temporarily before officers were able to apprehend him.
Interestingly, Holmes has no prior criminal history in Harris County, which raises questions about the recent developments in her life and her association with Saizon. Following the arrest, Holmes is scheduled to appear in court on October 17.
The ongoing legal troubles concerning Turkey Leg Hut have drawn significant media attention, particularly the allegations against her ex-husband related to arson and drug activities linked to the restaurant. The once-prominent eatery that enjoyed immense success faced a sudden downfall, leaving both the co-founders and its loyal customers in disbelief.
As the story continues to unfold, the connection between Holmes, her former spouse, and Saizon complicates an already turbulent narrative. The future remains uncertain for Holmes, her prominent restaurant, and the community that embraced the culinary success of Turkey Leg Hut.
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- Chron: Turkey Leg Hut Co-Owner Arrested
- Wikipedia: Turkey Leg Hut
- Houston Chronicle: Nakia Holmes Arrested
- Google Search: Nakia Holmes arrested
- Click2Houston: Turkey Leg Hut Co-Owner Arrested
- Google Scholar: Turkey Leg Hut arrest
- Eater: Turkey Leg Hut Marijuana Sales
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Turkey Leg Hut
- KHOU: Federal Arson Case Turkey Leg Hut
- Google News: Turkey Leg Hut arrest
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
