Velazquez joins 'Major Crimes' ensemble

Nadine Velazquez is to be a series regular on the Los Angeles-set television drama "Major Crimes," TNT announced Thursday. Best known for her roles on the television series "My Name is Earl" and "The League," the actress also appeared in the Academy Award-nominated, 2012 film "Flight." Velazquez will play Deputy D.A. Emma Rios on "Major Crimes." "Newly assigned to the Phillip Stroh case, Emma interviews Rusty [played by Graham Patrick Martin] about his involvement as a key witness in the murder case. She immediately causes a stir within the department, coming into conflict with Captain Raydor [played by Mary McDonnell] when she questions Raydor's intentions as Rusty's guardian and challenges her authority," a synopsis said.