Name That Party: MSM fails to identify party of five indicted Weslaco, Tx city commissioners

02/27/2014

• Video
• Images

Authorities have unsealed indictments filed against five Weslaco city commissioners for violating the Texas Open Meetings Act.

The Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office reported that the five elected officials are now facing criminal charges:

• Lupe Rivera
• John Cuellar
• David Fox
• Joe Martinez
• Jerry Tafolla

The five are accused of ejecting the entire audience at a controversial city commission meeting back in November.

Prosecutors allege that doing so violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Under state law, the public has the right to attend city commission meetings and be notified when they are being held at least three days ahead of time.

The November incident followed heated and highly-contested elections.

A judge issued $2,500 personal recognizance bonds for all five city commissioners.

Their court hearing date was not immediately available.

Neither Mayor David Suarez nor City Commissioner Fidel Peña are facing criminal charges.

source