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Staff -Eagle Pass
Maverick County's newest elected officials, Javier Libson and Daniela Flores have taken their seats in place of Eliaz Maldonado and Rudy Heredia respectively and sat in on their first regular meeting after they were named interim commissioners by Visiting District Judge Dick Alcala. Both Libson and Flores stated that they plan to get to work for the betterment of the community and their precincts as well as to attend to the needs of their constituents. The new commissioners have said that they intend to fulfill their obligations with honesty and a clear focus on the proper handling of County business. Libson in particular informed The News Gram on Monday that he would work towards bringing the County's financial situation "Into the black." In a few days, it is expected that the person who will replace soon-to-resign commissioner Cesar Flores, whose resignation takes effect on March 15th. Judge David Saucedo will choose the new commissioner.
Staff -Eagle Pass
Eagle Pass Police Department are looking to arrest those responsible for the assault of a young Eagle Pass man who was severely injured last weekend while he was washing his car on Veteran's Blvd. According to the report, a group of several subjects arrived at the car wash and began to beat the man, which also included some kicking to the body. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Police said he was not injured with any weapons such as knives or guns. The incident occurred in the afternoon and there were several witnesses who were able to assist police with their report. The police department mentioned the fact that the victim's vehicle was also damaged, however there seems to be no motive for the beating. The case remains under investigation.
Staff -Eagle Pass
Two young girls from Del Rio were apprehended by Eagle Pass police on Monday afternoon on charges of stealing $1,700.00 of merchandise from different local stores. The women were identified as Erin Velasquez, 19, and Monhique Marie Moreno, 25. According to the report, police found a large amount of clothing which was taken without being paid for, according to Chief of Police Antonio Castaneda. The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 P.M. on Monday afternoon when police received the report that two women had left a store in Mall de las Aguilas without having paid and who were driving in a BMW sport coupe. Officers proceeded to look for said vehicle and were able to find it on Main Street. When they conducted a routine search of the vehicle, they found many new clothes which was confiscated and returned to the stores from which they came. This has been one of the largest arrests in terms of the amount of clothing in reference to clothing stolen from retail stores.
Staff -Eagle Pass
The Catholic church, Our Lady of Refuge in Eagle Pass, informed The News Gram that the period of Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday which officially kicks off Lent and three masses will be held for those who wish to receive the holy ash to attend. Lent is a forty day period which is honored by Catholics the world over which concludes with Easter Sunday in memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Catholic authorities have said that Lent is a perfect time for all to reflect and improve and enrich their lives. Masses have been set at OLOR for 8:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. OLOR would like to remind the community that they will be selling Platillos de Cuaresma for $6.00 on every Wednesday and Friday during Lent from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Proceeds will benefit needy families in our community as OLOR is used to providing vital assistance to low income families in our area.
A.D. Ibarra -Eagle Pass
In an historic hearing which lasted all of two hours, The Honorable Dick Alcalá, visiting District Judge, heard admissions from both sides and suspended County Commissioners Rodolfo Bainet Heredia and Eliaz Maldonado pending the posting of $2,000 assurance bonds prior to the suspensions taking effect. The petition was formally filed by County Attorney Ricardo Ramos on December 28th calling for the replacement of both commissioners in light of their recent federal indictments which have yet to be settled before Federal Court. According to the US Department of Justice, both commissioners face similar charges of participating in an organized kickback and bribery scheme and who both await their day in court. Local attorney Claudio Heredia was present at the proceedings and approached the bench to advise the visiting judge to take into consideration that his brother had not been given any prior notice to this hearing and that he should be given the opportunity to defend himself. Unfortunately for Heredia, however, Judge Alcalá and County Attorney Ricardo Ramos refuted any such pre-requisites by citing official code from the Texas Government Code and the judge overruled Heredia's objections. "The petition is deficient," reiterated Heredia, a counsel of utmost experience and knowledge of the judicial process and a professional in the courtroom, "Because it's based on incompetency and official misconduct and with special exceptions, it would be a violation of due process, plus the language in the petition is so vague, I have very serious objections, Your Honor, there are pre-requisites that need to be met." The judge replied that he felt Heredia had sufficient notice and overruled the objection before Heredia's counsel asked for a continuance which was not granted. "The primary purpose is that he is still drawing a paycheck," stated Ramos, "It's mostly to protect the public," stating that in essence the commissioners have been, "Corrupt and have violated the public trust." "He's innocent until proven guilty," Heredia rebutted, "If this is only for suspension, defense has provided its objection, but I think we're jumping to conclusions, he has not been convicted." With that, Alcalá retired to his chambers before coming out to officially suspend both commissioners where he thanked Heredia for his presence and his professionalism before taking public statements on a large group of individuals who were recommended to take their places. Those taken into consideration by Judge Alcalá included: Gerardo Morales, Leopoldo Vielma, Oscar Cantú, Jesus casas, Joaquin Rodriguez, Billy Davis, Ricardo Salinas, Javier Libson and Alex Flores for Precinct 1 and Rafael Chancey, Rosa Cantú, Joe Gonzales, Daniela Flores-Aleman and Salvador Rios for Precinct 2. Judge Alcalá said that any of these individuals could've come in and done a good job and he personally thanked them all for their consideration to volunteer their time for such an important cause. He also closed by saying that the suspensions are good only until the two men either clarify their legal problems and/or there is an election to officially fill their positions.
A.D. Ibarra -Eagle Pass
For the first time in Maverick County history, a woman will occupy a County Commissioner's seat as Daniela Flores-Aleman was appointed Interim County Commissioner of Precinct 2 on Monday by visiting District Judge Dick Alcala at the Old Maverick County Courthouse. The appointment of Flores marks a milestone, however, Flores-Aleman seemed to be focused on the task at hand and making a difference in her seat citing a need to address the education of our citizens said the 2006 graduate of Texas A&M University. "I'm ready to work hard," said Flores who said she is, "Looking forward to working with the people of Precinct 2. I know their needs." Many Eagle Pass residents may recognize her as the voice of KINL News and you may have seen her covering local news along with this reporter and several others of us who are here to provide the latest information important to the psyche of our fair city, what you may not know is that she volunteers her time to several organizations and charitable endeavors such as being the Treasurer of the Eagle Pass Rotary Club and one of the founding members of Project Companion, a local outreach program for local animals and their rights. She only recently married Julio Aleman and is now enjoying the life of matrimony and is fairly young. At 29, she stated in her address to The Honorable Judge Alcala that she has been volunteering in her community since the ripe age of ten.
A.D. Ibarra -Eagle Pass
Javier Libson, local businessman and the President of Texas Natural Gas, was named Interim County Commissioner of Precinct 1 on Monday after being named by visiting Judge Dick Alcala. "I think there is much to do," stated the 1985 graduate of Texas A&M University, "I'm willing to work with Commissioner's Court to bring the County back into the black." He stated that he was very proud to have been asked to take on such a vital undertaking and that the county judge would have the confidence in him to be able to do so. He has a vast amount of experience in finance due to the family business, and he has vast experience running budgets which will come into play daily with respect to his new task of managing the day to day operations of running the precinct. "I live in Westlakes Subdivision," added Libson, "Mr. Maldonado did an excellent job in maintaining our area. Our alleys are very clean, our streets are paved, I want to live up to these same expectations." His main priority in reference to his approach to this new job is to return to a solvent fund balance and not only work towards the benefit of Precinct 1, but for the whole of Maverick County. He was on hand to answer any questions before visiting District Judge Alcala. Libson is of course the brother of Morris and Carlos Libson, who have been in the energy business for decades and the proprietors of more than one natural gas company in the region. "I have people working with me in my private endeavors capable and efficient enough that I'm able to take on the responsibility of serving the public in this capacity," concluded the newly appointed Commissioner of Precinct 1.
Staff - Eagle Pass
A 30 year-old woman was detained by officers of the EPPD for leaving her 7,3 and 1 and a half year old children. The incident occurred over the weekend. Chief of Police Antonio Castañeda, informed The News Gram that the report had arrived around noon on Friday about three small children alone at home on the south side of our fair city and they were not being supervised by an adult. Officers arrived at the home and found the children and were unable to make contact with the woman because there was no phone number available to make contact with her. Almost an hour later, the mother returned to the home. She was arrested for leaving her children unattended and the case was taken up with Child Protective Services. In the meantime, the children will be in the legal custody of their grandmother. According to her statement, the mother left early in the morning to get food but did not return until noontime. The children were left unattended for several hours. Chief Castañeda added that you should never leave young children unattended at home. This could set the stage for a tragic accident this is why charges are brought up against parents. The case remains under investigation.
El Juez Visitante Dick Alcala tomó la decisión de quitar del cargo de manera temporal a los Comisionado del Precinto 1 y 2 del Conado de Maverick, Eliaz Maldonado y Rudy Heredia, luego de que el pasado 28 de diciembre el abogado del Condado, Ricardo Ramos, archivara una petición para separarlos del cargo bajo el argumento de que ambos oficiales electos enfrentaban cargos federales en la Corte Federal en Del Rio, texas y eso los hacia no estar competentes para llevar a cabo su cargo como Comisionados.
De acuerdo con el departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos ambos Comisionados enfrentan cargos similares de haber recibido sobornos de contratistas y estan pendientes de una fecha para el juicio.
En representación de Rudy Heredia estuvo el abogado, Claudio Heredia, y tambien presente en la audiencia estuvo el abogado Ricardo Ramos, que archivó la petición.
En una audiencia publica que fue rapida, y que fue celebrada en la Antigua Casa de Corte del Condado de Maverick, el Juez Visitante Dick Alcala decidió aceptar la petición y a la vez revisar el perfil de personas que estuvieran interesadas en el cargo.
Buscando ser conciderados para ocupar el Precinto 1, hablaron ante el Juez Dick Alcala: el abogado y ex Mayor de Eagle Pass, Joaquin L. Rodriguez; el Concejal Billy Davis; el empresario Javier Libson; Alex Flores, que fue contrincante politico de Eliaz Maldonado; tambien propusieron a Ricardo Salinas; ademas habló Oscar Cantu, que trabaja para el Precinto 1.
Por parte del Precinto 2, se presentaron ante el Juez para ser conciderados al cargo: Rafael Chancey, ex candidato a Comisionado del Precinto 2 y que trabajó por muchos años en las oficinas del Work Force Commision; Rosy Canty, porpietaria de una agencia de Bails Bond y que tambien fue candidata a Comisionada del Precinto 2; la Ex Juez del Condado Enriqueta Diaz se presentó para hablar a favor de Joe Gonzalez, ex empleado de TxDOT y actual empleado del condado; y la periodista Daniela Flores tambien estuvo presente interesada en el cargo.
Cada una de las personas habló algo de su trayectoria y deseos de ocupar el cargo.
Luego de un receso de casi 10 minutos, cerca del mediodía de este lunes, el Juez Dick Alcala, regresó a la sala para anunciar su decisión; Javier Libson, fue nombrado para ser Comisionado Interino del Precinto 1; y para el Precinto 2, fue nombrada Daniela Flores.
Fue una decisión rápida.
El Juez Alcala dijo que estas personas podrán quedarse en el cargo, al menos hasta que los Comisionados electos arreglen su situación y puiedan regresar o bien hasta que exista una nueva elección para estos cargos de eleccion popular.
A.D. Ibarra
-Del Rio, TX
In a motion to reconsider bond hearing held before Magistrate Judge Collis White on Friday in Del Rio, Judge White denied bond to Maverick County Commissioner Rudy Heredia.
When US Magistrate Judge Collis White heard all the evidence in this proceeding last October, he allowed Heredia's attorney to formally request bail to which was denied due to the fact that he may not happen to feel that he is a flight risk, but due to the fact that federal prosecutors have evidence of his relationships with known criminals, his bail was also denied pending arraignment, the discovery phase of pre-trial deliberations which his attorneys waived and a date on the court docket for the actual trial.
Although sources close to the Western District of Texas reported that in some cases a second opportunity to request bail is granted, this time however, Judge White decided that he still could not allow Heredia to recuperate his liberty.
Heredia and County Commissioner Eliaz Maldonado are due to face the 293rd District Court on Monday with respect to a petition which was filed to remove them from office. It is not known whether Heredia himself will be allowed to attend.
