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| District Attorney Luis Saenz |
Saenz, according to an April 2017 audit report, is a heavy gas user. Cameron County Auditor Martha Galarza, in a letter quoted in yesterday's Brownsville Herald, has advised Saenz of his need to reimburse the county to the tune of $4977.97 for "misusing his fuel card."
Auditor Galarza, in her letter to Saenz, seems to indicate that Saenz annual $5,400 transportation stipend was designated to cover his transportation needs as a public servant: “I recall this discussion where the intent of the auto allowance was discussed at length. We discussed the fact that you were using a county vehicle whereby the county was paying for the fuel and receiving an auto allowance at the same time,” Galarza explained.
The Brownsville Herald article, written by Frank Garza, hints that Saenz may have been inappropriately dipping into funds confiscated in drug raids to buy gasoline. Again, reporter Garza quotes Martha Galarza: “While the fuel costs for the vehicles you have used is being charged to your Drug Forfeiture Funds, the fact that you are also receiving an auto allowance for the same purpose is not permissible per county policy and state forfeiture guidelines.”
Cameron County's generous taxpayers, not only provide District Attorney Saenz with $5,400 for his in-county transportation needs, but, should he venture outside the county on district attorney business, we provide him with three available vehicles and the use of the county gas card.
Saenz, according to Auditor Galarza, broke the rules by using the county-issued gas card for in- county transportation, inappropriately using drug forfeiture funds for gas money.
Saenz, according to reporter Garza, mentioned his trips to Corpus Christi for the Tony Yzaguirre trial and to San Antonio for a "High Intensity Drug Seminar" as contributing to his high gasoline consumption.
Saenz also blames some in his department: “My staff was using that card for in-county business,” Saenz said.
“In April, when the issue came to light, I asked the county to discontinue the fuel card.”
Did Peter Gillman use the card? Or, "did Eddie Lucio use the card"? Did Tony Yzaguirre not pay his attorney Eddie Lucio for travel expenses? Did Tony Yzaguirre cover-up for this provision? Because as we recalled Eddie Lucio as Yzaguirre's attorney didn't surface until the change of venue. What is Saenz trying to communicate in corruption language? By the way Saenz's mustache is very similar to the convenient visiting judge Bananles, could that be a lead?
ReplyDeleteyes, facial hair as a fetish
DeleteThe only reason there was a change in attorney was because Robert Garza punked out. Apparently he was threatened by the DA on some of his dirty past deeds and was told to resign or be hit with an investigation. Garza and his wet nose son did nothing for Yzaguirre's case of ridiculous charges brought on by an incompetent investigator Rene Olivares. With that aside, why would Yzaguirre's team even use that card which is assigned to the DA? Read that out loud and listen to how silly your question sounds. This should lead to a Special Audit because seems like Saenz is misusing funds under his Drug Forfeiture Funds which is a felony. This man has continually abused funds provided by the county = tax payer monies!
DeleteI trust DA Saenz to do the right thing.
ReplyDeletethe blind leading the blind...
DeleteDon't ever expect Saenz to follow the law. FWIW, drug recovery monies and properties is a gigantic opportunity for abuse by law enforcement.
ReplyDelete"Trust me, ladies! Luis is all man!"
ReplyDeleteMelissa Zamora