In South Texas city, almost all top officials were arrested. It spurs as a result of an accusation of taking bribes from contractors as well as helping a certain Mr. T with his illegal gambling operation.
The arrested officials were Crystal City's mayor, mayor pro tempore, city manager, one current and former councilman. The court order was from the US attorney's office in San Antonio Texas. In a different case, a councilman was also charged with smuggling Mexican Immigrants leaving only one councilor who has not faced any charges.
Popular for its spinach festival, Crystal city drew thousands of visitors every year but due to the controversies, the once popular town is now a place of confusion because of accusations that these officials use public money the wrong way. According to councilor Joel Barajas, he is sad that these things happen and there is nothing to celebrate, he added that everyone needs to move forward.
The case alleged the town's officials of utilizing their position in government for their personal interest. They ask and accept fees and other things that are of value. Mr. T or Ngoc Tri Nguyen was identified as the operator of the illegal gambling games.
In the details of the case, Ricardo Lopez, the city mayor allegedly took money from Nguyen amounting to $6,000 in order to purchase a vehicle. The mayor also renounced some of Nguyen's tax due. William Jonas, the City Manager and Rogelio Mata, Mayor Pro Tempore was also accused of taking $12,000 payment from a certain contractor. Current councilor Roel Mata and former councilor Gilbert Urrbazo were also accused of keeping Jonas as city attorney and city manager which earned more than $200,00 in salary in exchange for other illicit benefits for the frontrunners.
According to reports, during the time when Barajas was elected, the councilor tried to suspend Jonas' contract but the rest of the council did not attend the meeting resulting in a halt to the suspension order. He further revealed that the city is facing bankruptcy and had nearly $2 million of unpaid bills.
US attorney for San Antonio, Richard Durbin Jr. said that he hopes that these cases would bring back the confidence of the public to the government. He added that they are only doing the first step and it will be up to citizens to decide on who will they put in office for the next election.
