Solis and Others Detail Sleazy Rosenthal's Methods in Pre-Trial Hearing

Jim Solis

In a story published in BOTH the Valley Morning Star and the Brownsville Herald,  veteran reporter Emma Perez Trevino details the testimony of former Representative Jim Solis, now awaiting sentencing on his conviction of aiding and abetting extortion.  Solis was testifying in a pre-trial hearing before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen to determine if Austin lawyer Marc Rosenthal was involved in a conspiracy in manipulating court cases to certain judges and paying for sworn, but false testimony.  Hanen agreed that he was.

Several juicy tidbits from the testimony will no doubt make their way into court house coffee shop conversation this week.

Solis testified to a proposal to get Elia Cornejo-Lopez arrested for something so corrupt judge Abel Limas could stay on the bench, where he could continue to be of service to Rosenthal.  Solis admitted to steering cases to Limas court.

"Solis also testified that at Rosenthal’s request, Limas, just before leaving office, had transferred several cases to another court he considered friendly, the 357th state District Court under Judge Leonel Alejandro." according to Ms. Perez Trevino.

Gilbert Benavides, a former Rosenthal employee, testified that Rosenthal needed an "eyewitness" to a train/car accident he was working and approached former County Commissioner Pete Benevides, Sr.  who suggested his stepson, Jesse Matta.  Rosenthat fed Matta the story that he was traveling south and suddenly felt the urge for a bowel movement.  He pulled off just in time to witness the train wreck.  Jesse Matta was paid $2,500 for reciting the fake account.  Matta is Gilbert Benavides' first cousin.

Gilbert Benavides also testified that he gave George Gavito $20,000 for his help on cases.

Jimmy Manrique

Convicted former judge Abel Limas also had some interesting comments, mentioning former County Sheriff Candidate Jimmy Manrrique.

Limas testified that Rosenthal wanted him to pay City Manager Charlie Cabler civil service officer Carlos Ayala $10,000 to ensure then police officer Jimmy Manrrique passed an exam for lieutenant, thinking that would smooth is ascent into the job of Chief of Police.

"Jimmy showed up and told me what he wanted also," Limas testified.  He did not know if Manrrique knew about the $10,000.  Manrrique told the Morning Star that he did not know anything about the money and did not go to Limas' office.  He declined further comment.