TEXAS CITY, Texas (KTRK) — Texas Metropolis police introduced Wednesday that they are investigating a petition to recall Mayor Dedrick Jonson for fraud hours after metropolis officers declared the petition invalid.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Texas Metropolis mayor will not resign after recall petition submitted
Of the 1,600 signatures that had been reportedly submitted, the town stated solely 989 had been legitimate. That is 21 signatures wanting the 1,010 wanted to set off a recall election.
Town stated that among the signers weren’t registered voters and that others had incomplete or lacking data.
However most alarming are the allegations of fraud, police say they’re investigating.
“TCPD has obtained sworn affidavits alleging forgery, together with no less than one confirmed occasion the place the title, tackle, and signature of a deceased particular person appeared among the many submitted entries,” the division stated in a information launch Wednesday.
Eyewitness Information submitted a request for copies of the affidavits in query, however hasn’t but obtained them.
Earlier this month, ABC13 reported the Texas Metropolis Municipal Police Affiliation was accusing the mayor of intimidation — which he denied.
The affiliation stated it had verified 871 signatures, whereas Texas Hometown Options stated it collected and verified greater than 500 signatures.
“I stand by these signatures 100%, those we turned and verified,” stated Bryan Rivera, president of operations at Texas Hometown Options.
Rivera stated he in contrast data submitted by petitioners to information from the Texas Secretary of State’s Workplace.
Eyewitness Information requested Rivera if he was conscious of any useless individuals signing the petition.
“I’ve heard the rumor, however I’ve not seen the proof of this or the particular person’s title. I have not been suggested of any of that,” he stated.
Mayor Johnson informed Eyewitness Information Wednesday, “I am glad residents spoke by their rejection of the recall… We’re gonna preserve transferring ahead.”
The Texas Metropolis Police Division stated it is working with the Galveston County District Lawyer’s Workplace to find out if legal prices are warranted in reference to the forgery allegations.
“Given the seriousness of those allegations, we’re dedicated to conducting a radical and neutral investigation to make sure the integrity of the electoral course of and uphold all relevant legal guidelines,” Texas Metropolis PD stated.
However some critics query whether or not an outdoor company may be extra neutral.
“I believe the town investigating themselves is simply. It is gonna get greasy and soiled,” Rivera stated.
The TCMPA despatched a response to Wednesday’s end result, which learn, partly:
“The Texas Metropolis Municipal Police Affiliation (TCMPA) board wish to prolong its deepest gratitude to the residents, officers, and group leaders who supported the latest effort to recall Mayor Dedrick Johnson. Whereas the recall initiative fell quick by simply 21 signatures, we need to be clear: it is a setback, not a defeat.
We’re extremely happy with the braveness, unity, and help displayed by those that stood with us not only for the pursuits of legislation enforcement, however for the better good of Texas Metropolis. Your voices had been heard, and your willingness to step ahead within the face of adversity speaks volumes in regards to the character of our group.
Whereas we’re upset by the end result, we’re not discouraged. The TCMPA stays steadfast in its mission to advocate for transparency, accountability, and respect for the devoted officers who serve our metropolis, in addition to the residents who name Texas Metropolis residence. In simply six months, the following election cycle begins, and our stance stays unchanged. We’re dedicated to making sure that management displays the values and integrity our metropolis deserves.
We additionally acknowledge with concern the a number of stories of blatant acts of retaliation confronted by each officers and residents who merely legally exercised their proper to help this democratic course of, in addition to allegations of the illegal launch of confidential data by metropolis officers that we guarantee shall be investigated by the Lawyer Normal’s workplace.”
Town stated it will take no additional motion advancing the petition.
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