60 Minutes

Prevaricating Informants and Poison Fruit: the People are obliged to either produce their informant or forfeit the resulting evidence

2008-05-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

What matters, is producing valuable information or processing information in a sophisticated way, not the unintelligent movement of information."

"A snitch is the scum of the information industry" "A snitch has no soul."

Two diverse scenarios I submit those "holier than thou" who have narrowed their minds and closed their eyes in despisement, banishment and embitterment.

It is with stupidity we acquiesce while our neighbor is abandoned & his inalienable rights, unimportant to the average citizenry; are trampled and circumvented.

So when the snitch hears rumors of grenades, LAWS, and electronic wire interceptors being used in violation of Federal Laws and he has no firsthand knowledge of the actions yet a Judge signs search warrant after search warrant on the word of a proven liar.

Now because of inability, inadequateness & the leveraging of his fallacial foundations there are approximately 20-50 doors kicked in illegally and unconstitutionally.

"The legal doctrine of "fruit of the poisonous tree" is fairly basic in its premise: if the information being used in a case was obtained through illegal means, then any other information gathered via that illegal action is also tainted by the poison from the initial illegal action."

The names of the SS division officers and the are being held in one final appeal offered in good faith.

CAN YOU IMAGINE ANOTHER TULIA?

Having said that I will pause.

FRUIT OF A POISON TREE

Defendants were arrested by an FBI agent who discovered them unloading a truck containing stolen merchandise. The sole issue presented in their appeal from an Appellate Division order denying suppression is whether the People may refuse to comply with a trial court's order to produce a confidential informant for a Darden inquiry on the ground that the agent obtained enough confirmatory information through his own observations to justify a finding of probable cause. We conclude that the exception the People seek represents an unwarranted circumvention of the Darden rule and its salutary goals. Accordingly, we hold that, notwithstanding the arresting authorities' own observations of criminality, the People were obliged to either produce their informant or forfeit the resulting evidence.

In early October 1989, the Samsonite Corporation reported to the FBI that some 589 cartons of luggage, marked "Samsonite, Stratford, Ontario" and "made in Korea," had recently been stolen from a parked truck located in North Plainfield, New Jersey. On October 18, 1989, the Newark office of the FBI notified Special Agent Wright of the New York office of the theft and told him that a confidential informant had stated that the stolen luggage could be found on a Ryder rental truck parked at 527 East 86th Street in Brooklyn.

Within a few hours of receiving that information, Agent Wright drove to the specified Brooklyn address and observed a Ryder truck parked in the driveway. After conducting a three-hour surveillance, Wright saw a second Ryder truck, driven by defendant Anthony Grado, arrive and park nearby. Wright watched as Grado entered the truck that in the driveway. He also watched as a car pulled up onto the driveway and its driver alit to join Grado in his truck. Grado then drove the truck a short distance to what appeared to be a common alleyway or driveway running between the backyards of houses facing East 84th and East 85th Streets. After the truck backed up to a garage located at 610 East 85th Street, Wright, who had called for back-up, observed defendants Adrion, Grado, Scarpati and Torlone unloading cartons from the truck and placing them in the garage.

When two back-up officers arrived, Wright drove with them onto the common driveway and identified himself as an FBI agent. At that point, having observed that the markings on the cartons matched the markings on the Samsonite luggage cartons that had been reported stolen, Agent Wright asked the group which of them had leased the Ryder truck. Defendant Grado stepped forward, acknowledged that he was the lessee and produced a rental agreement. He gave implausible responses, however, when asked whether he had a bill of lading, where he had gotten the merchandise, whether he knew the goods' consignee or final destination and why he was unloading the goods into the garage of a private residence. Grado told the agent that he had just started a trucking company and that he was on his first job but did not know the last name or location of the person who had hired him. He also initially told the agent that this was his only truck and then stated that he had "forgotten" about the other one when confronted with the agent's observations of a second truck on East 86th Street. The agents subsequently arrested defendants.

I want to know, Have You Ever Seen...............
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 00:44:48 AM by Jaime Kenedeno

You mean the narcs are getting narc'd on by the wanna be narc who thinks he is a MADE narc and cant be touched but the narcs leave him in the open and he continues to bring scrutiny on his utility and now a true liability. His safety is not their primary goal. Is it Blackmail a bunch of narcs into doing your bidding or is it an informant who has lost his utility / credibility?

Now if StickED is a problem he is YOUS guys Problem. The safety of a community and networks there of are in peril. The word flows through the streets while he becomes an easy target for "yesterday" to return.

Someone told me long ago theres a calm before the storm,
I know; its been comin for some time.
When its over, so they say, itll rain a sunny day,
I know; shinin down like water.

Chorus:
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin down on a sunny day?

Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard,
I know; been that way for all my time.
til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow,
I know; it cant stop, I wonder.

Having been indicted for third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, defendants moved to suppress the physical evidence. The trial court granted defendants a hearing on their motion and, at the same time, informed the People that they should make the FBI's confidential informant available for a potential Darden hearing. Asserting that the FBI would not make its informant available, the People advised the court that they would not be able to comply. Consequently, the court was "unable to verify the confidential informant's existence." Finding that Agent Wright had reasonable suspicion but not probable cause for arrest in the absence of the information that had been supplied by the informant, the court ruled that the evidence the flowed from the illegal arrest, including the stolen property, should be suppressed.

On the People's appeal, however, the Appellate Division reversed the suppression order and revived the prosecution (188 AD2d 606). The court reasoned that because of the People's refusal to produce the informant, the informant's information was reduced to the equivalent of an anonymous tip. Citing People v Elwell (50 NY2d 231), the court posited that such a tip could be used as a basis for establishing probable cause if the arresting officers' independent observations "are sufficiently confirmatory of criminal activity" (188 AD2d, p 607). Here, the Appellate Division concluded, probable cause was established by the combination of information Agent Wright had before he approached defendants and his observations, including defendant Grado's unsatisfactory answers to his inquiries and the fact that the markings on the cartons defendants were unloading matched the markings on the stolen cartons. Thus, production of the confidential informant was not fatal to the People's case. We now reject the Appellate Division's analysis and hold that the indictment against the defendants should be dismissed.

In People v Darden (34 NY2d 177, 181), this Court held that it is "fair and wise" to require the production of an informant for an in camera inquiry "where there is insufficient evidence to establish probable cause apart from the testimony of the arresting officer as to communications received from [the] informer" and a question as to the informer's identity is raised at the suppression hearing. While recognizing the "weighty considerations countervailing against disclosure" of the informant's identity, the Court also deemed it appropriate to "protect against the contingency, of legitimate concern to a defendant, that the informer may have been wholly imaginary and the communication from him entirely fabricated" (id., pp 181-182). Accordingly, the Court devised a procedure that would best balance the parties' competing interests.

Finally Came To........
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 01:00:04 PM by Jaime Kenedeno

Where?

You mean Camp Ed?

Way out in the Sticks?

OH, I get it now, you are making the lame attempt once again to discredit my claims and you know around these parts; coming from you, we take it as a compliment as well as a verifying statement.

You know, like the black helicopters and the "Chicago Ranch" thingy?

StickED text messages claim IRA as the handler when we all know it is STEVEN who plays good cop and IRA is the A$$hole. YouS guyS are the enabling element and the responsible party.

28 - 2 but,..... from where did the fruit come?

state judge determined that the charges were founded on little more than innuendo

Under that procedure, once an appropriate challenge by the defense has been raised, the People are required to produce the police informant for an in camera inquiry unless they can demonstrate that the informant is unavailable and cannot be produced through the exercise of due diligence (see, , 68, citing People v Fulton , 86 AD2d 675, affd 58 NY2d 914; People v West , 56 AD2d 955, revd on other grounds 44 NY2d 656). The trial court may then question the informant outside the presence of the defendant or defense counsel, although counsel should be afforded an opportunity to submit written questions to be posed by the Judge ( People v Darden , supra, p 181). Whether the informant's identity should then be disclosed to the defense is a matter entrusted to the sound discretion of the trial court (see, , 583; see also, People v Huggins , 36 NY2d 827).

In this case, the Darden procedure clearly was properly invoked. The trial court found -- and the Appellate Division impliedly agreed -- that the information derived from the confidential informant's tip was necessary to establish probable cause. Although Agent Wright personally observed a number of suspicious circumstances, including the unloading of a "commercial quantity" of cartons from a rented vehicle into a private residence, markings on the cartons that matched the markings on the stolen cartons and the evasive answers of one of the suspects, these circumstances were not sufficient to link defendants to the purloined property without reference to the informant's statements. Thus, under the established Darden analysis, this was a situation in which the trial court was authorized to require production of the informant.

Video Confessions of the Great Corruptor & a Vistit From CCPD Fed Agents (hybridized)
Posted on May 5, 2008 at 01:18:32 PM by Jaime Kenedeno

There is much more to come including but not limited to Inebriated Agents Driving Under The Influence, and statements implicating law enforcement agents in criminal activities.

PS: Several duplicate copies have been placed in the custody of entities with instructions for the release should the need arise.

The People acknowledge these general principles. Moreover, they have not argued that these principles should not be applied here because the decision to withhold production of the informant was made by the law enforcement authorities of another jurisdiction. Instead, the People contend that a failure to comply with Darden should not lead to suppression in a situation such as this one, where the arresting officer's own observations furnished substantial corroboration for the informant's "tip." Elaborating on the analysis employed by the Appellate Division, the People argue that the same principles that are used to validate the accuracy and reliability of an anonymous informant's tip should be invoked to support the use of this confidential informant's tip as a component of the arresting officer's probable cause predicate. Relying on People v Elwell (50 NY2d 231, supra), the People assert that it would be unsound as a matter of judicial policy to require production of a known, albeit confidential, informant under circumstances in which an anonymous tipster's information could be used to establish probable cause. Such a rule, in the People's view, would furnish an incentive to perjury on the part of police witnesses and should therefore be shunned.

The People's position is flawed because it equates the inquiry that is mandated when probable cause is based upon an anonymous tip with the inquiry that is mandated when probable cause is derived from a tip from a known informant whose identity the People do not wish to reveal. The core problem in the first situation is whether and how the Aguilar - Spinelli test requiring documentation of the informant's reliability and/or basis of knowledge can be satisfied when the informant's identity cannot be ascertained. In that context, People v Elwell (supra) and ) held that the independent corroborative observations of the police may be used in certain circumstances to supply the missing veracity or basis-of- knowledge component of that two-pronged test. The teaching of Elwell and DiFalco is that law enforcement authorities have a reasonable basis for crediting a tip's accuracy and for acting upon it when the details of an informant's tip are borne out in significant ways by their own direct observations.

The Darden procedure, however, addresses an entirely different problem. While Elwell and DiFalco concern the problem of assuring that the arresting officer or warrant issuer has acted upon information received from a sufficiently reliable and accurate informant, Darden concerns the analytically distinct problem of verifying the truthfulness of the police witness's testimony about his or her dealing with a known informant (34 NY2d, p 181; see, People v Carpenito , supra, p 68; People v Fulton , 44 NY2d 914, 916, supra; People v Huggins , supra, p 828). As to that question, the officer's testimony regarding observed facts corroborating the accuracy of the informant's purported tip is of no moment, since it does not aid the court in ascertaining that the source of the underlying information was, in fact, a real informant as distinguished from an unauthorized wiretap, an improper search or some other illegal origin. In situations where a question is raised about such matters, there is no satisfactory substitute for the production of the informant -- or at least the production of extrinsic proof of the informant's existence when the informant is demonstrably unavailable (see, e.g., People v Carpenito , supra, p 68).

What is at stake in Darden situations is the integrity of the proceeding itself. While the People suggest that any misrepresentations about the origin of the police's information may be adequately unmasked and addressed in the fact-finding process through the use of traditional credibility-testing methods such as cross- examination, Darden makes clear that the trial court's options are not limited to such methods. We concluded in Darden that the most "sensitive and wise balancing of the rights of the individual defendant and the interests of the public" could be accomplished by permitting the trial court to call for the in camera production of the confidential informant whenever a question is raised as to that individual's existence. The People have offered no persuasive reason to modify that conclusion in this situation.

Indeed, the need for the production of the informant in these situations is manifest. Notwithstanding Agent Wright's on-the- scene observations of circumstances suggestive of criminality, the People's showing fell short of probable cause without the confidential tipster's information. Moreover, Agent Wright would not even have been in a position to make those observations without the information purportedly supplied by the informant, since he had no knowledge independent of that source that would have led him to the street addresses in Brooklyn where the observations were made. Thus, the informant's tip was inextricably tied to every aspect of the People's proof on the probable cause question, including the so-called "independent" indicia of criminality on which they now rely. Accordingly, the trial court was entitled to insist on production of the informant to assure itself that he or she was not "wholly imaginary" and that the claimed communication was not "entirely fabricated" ( People v Darden , supra, p 182).

Inasmuch as the People offered no legally cognizable basis for ignoring the trial court's request for the production of the FBI's informant, that court acted properly in holding that the information derived from the informant's tip could not be used to establish probable cause. And, since the trial court was justified in concluding that the other information possessed by Agent Wright as a result of his own observations was not sufficient to constitute probable cause, that court did not err in concluding that the arrest was unlawful and that, accordingly, the evidence seized as a result of the arrest should be suppressed.

Accordingly, the order of the Appellate Division should be reversed, defendants' motions to suppress physical evidence granted and the indictment against each defendant dismissed.

F O O T N O T E S

See, People v Darden (34 NY2d 177).

Spinelli v United States (393 US 410); Aguilar v Texas (378 US 108).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Order reversed, defendants' motions to suppress physical evidence granted, and indictment against each defendant dismissed. Opinion by Judge Titone. Chief Judge Kaye and Judges Simons, Hancock, Bellacosa, Smith and Levine concur.

Come On Doggie Dog, You Have Got To Be Kidding Me, Thomas J Henry owes so many people and businesses so much money that he never ever intends to pay"

2007-10-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

CORPUS CHRISTI — The Nueces County Sheriff's Department is investigating a Corpus Christi man accused of impersonating a peace officer and interfering with a police investigation.

That same man, 35-year-old Mauricio Celis, also is in a legal battle with attorney Thomas J. Henry and KRIS Communications involving a TV advertisement that accuses him of falsely representing himself as an attorney.

No charges have been filed against Celis. Sheriff Jim Kaelin said investigators are awaiting an official transcript from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education regarding Celis' certification before turning the case over to the District Attorney's Office.

According to police reports, a woman told officers that she fled Celis' home naked and ran to a convenience store about 4 a.m. Sept. 17 because she panicked when another man tried to have sex with her.

The woman, whose name and age were not released, said she had been drinking that night with Celis and the other man. The three took off their clothes and went into the hot tub, the report said.

Celis, dressed in only a bathrobe, arrived at the store and tried to intervene several times by showing a badge to police saying he would take custody of the woman. Police, who interpreted the badge to mean that Celis was a Nueces County deputy, later contacted Kaelin.

Celis failed the basic peace officer exam in 1996 and his certification as a reserve officer for the Duval County Sheriff's Department expired in 2003, according to the state commission.

Kaelin said investigators contacted Celis' office, CGT Law Group International LLP, to recover the badge.

The next day, former Sheriff Larry Olivarez, who also works for the business, turned in the badge, which bears a five-pointed star and Duval County Sheriff's Department emblem, Kaelin said.

A call to CGT's Corpus Christi office Thursday seeking comment from Celis was not returned. It is unclear whether Celis owns the company or is an employee.

The company's Web site, which boasts other offices in Washington, D.C.; Beverly Hills, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Mexico, shows an image of Celis and several other men but does not indicate any of their job titles.

Duval County Sheriff Santiago Barrera would not comment on whether Celis still was employed with his department. Kaelin said Barrera still had used Celis as a reserve deputy because he was unaware his certification had expired.

The Caller-Times filed an open records request with the Duval County Sheriff's Department for information on Celis' employment status.

District Attorney Carlos Valdez said he would review the case and let the grand jury decide on any charges. Celis could face up to a third-degree felony charge for impersonating a peace officer and interfering with a police investigation, Kaelin said.

Last week, Celis filed a temporary restraining order against Henry and KRIS Communications to stop a TV advertisement from running on the station.

Henry said the ad, which also ran on three other local stations, warned the public that Celis is not licensed to practice law and suggested anyone who may have been a client could be eligible for a refund.

"People need to know he's not an attorney," Henry said, adding he would resume the ad if the order was removed. "It's not fair to do that to people when you know you are not legally allowed to accept attorney's fees."

Officials with the State Bar of Texas and the Corpus Christi Bar Association have no record of Celis as a licensed attorney.

According to the order, signed by 148th District Court Marisela Saldaña late Sept. 28, if the ad continued to run it would damage Celis' character, reputation and business.

KRIS attorney Robert W. Johnson Jr. said the station has stopped running the ad.

In the past three years, Celis has contributed thousands of dollars to various political and judicial campaigns, including to those of Saldaña, Chris Bell, Juan Garcia and 117th District Judge Sandra Watts, according to online records from the Texas Ethics Commission.

A hearing for a motion to dissolve the order was canceled Thursday after 347th District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos recused herself from the case. A new hearing date was set for Oct. 10 after 105th District Judge J. Manuel Bañales assigned 357th District Court Judge Leonel Alejandro of Cameron County to the case. Bañales is the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region of Texas, which includes 11 counties.

Jaime Powell contributed to this report. Contact Mary Ann Cavazos at 886-3623 or cavazosm@caller.com

Post 1 October 5, 2007 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Was it Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles where I heard the saying, "Badges?! We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Maybe Mauricio Cellis never saw that movie, cause he thinks he's untouchable as a badge-toting, bathrobe-wearing, non-lawyer, non-peace officer at large. Would that fit on a business card or TV commercial?

He's probably got the Chief of Police on speed dial, but the Chief's busy running red lights cause he thinks he's untouchable too.

Maybe that's the new name of Corpus Christi's law enforcement team -- The Untouchables!

Gimme a break!

Post 2 October 5, 2007 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Larry Olivarez - what kind of sleeze are you in business with now? Wow, what a slime ball! Wonder if he is one of those impersonators pulling women over and pretending to be an officer of the law to hit on them. Makes you feel so safe.....My guess is the people will start coming out of the woodwork with stories about this guy.

Post 3 October 5, 2007 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Larry runs cases for Celis office. I'm sure he gets paid very well.

Post 4 October 5, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not sure if its rape if you knowingly get into a hottub naked with 2 other naked men. Rediculous.

Post 5 October 5, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You've got to be kidding callin' the unnamed woman a tease. Regardless of her age, no means NO!!!

Who hasn't made a poor choice in life?

Somehow she had the where-with-all to jump out of the boiling water and run for her life (naked).

What about the pervert(s), one with a badge, who tried to marshall her back from the cops?

Post 6 October 5, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is going to have an interesting outcome. Who are these people? What kind of things are they up to. And, whose political parties do they attend with gifts of campaign monies. Who else do they rub-elbows with? Birds of a feather flock together?

Post 7 October 5, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Impersonating an attorney. Talk about self esteem issues.

Post 8 October 5, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Celis gave Juan Garcia $11,000 in his last race.

Post 9 October 5, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post #8 hit the nail on the head. Case runners for plaintiff's attorneys run rampant in this town. That is called barratry and it is illegal.

Post 10 October 5, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Low and behold, I smell another rat, and wouldn't you know that Larry Olivarez's name pops up again. This scenario defintitly fits into the catagory of "Things that make you go hmmm?" Larry is the one who returned the badge. Surely Larry knew that Celis is not a peace officer. He failed the test in 03'. Hes not a lawer either.
The good ole' boy system is alive and well in this county.

Celis must have some big bucks to donate to all these judges campaigns. I tell you folks, its WHO you know, not WHAT you know that gets you power. What a low down dirty shame.

I wonder if Larry Olivarez is going to be charged with bribery in the other scandal thats brewing over the Costa Rica trip. I wonder if Larry Olivarez is involved with running the new Federal Prison thats being built in Robstown. I wonder wonder wonder...

Carlos Valdez, get ready to swing into action!

Post 11 October 5, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope they find out about this man soon, before somebody really gets hurt.
I bet there is alot of want to be lawyers, and want to be doctors in this town.

We all just need to check the State of Tx. web site for these losers.

I have all the faith in Mr. Valdez.

Watch them run like roaches..................

Post 12 October 5, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 9 - you are SO astute !
Impersonating a doctor, police officer, Leopard Street crack whore, I can understand - BUT an attorney ?????

Post 13 October 5, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Note to Post #10. . .Mauricio Celis has given money to almost EVERY elected official in the region. . .not just Juan Garcia.

Post 14 October 5, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder what this man's family think of him today. He certainly does'nt think much about himself at all. Let's wait and see if the police will do anything at all, sense he has the same mentallity as our police leader. If he spreads enough money around, he is above the law.

Post 15 October 5, 2007 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

post # 16....

Did he give any to Jim Kaelin for Sheriff? or did he give some to Jimmy Rodriguez and Larry Olivarez's campaigns? How about Lloyd Neal? Hummmm, it does make you wonder does it not?
The good ole' boys. Does Celis have a wife? Who was this women in the hottub? Lots of unanswered questions. Celis looks to me like he was breaking the law and flinging that badge around to get what he wanted. He needs to be brought to justice!

Post 16 October 5, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mauricio Celis brought to justice?

For too many, justice means JUST US. . .you know, The Untouchables?

They decide on justice for JUST US.

Post 17 October 5, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 19, you make sense. the chief of police and all his shenanigans was suspened with pay for just a few days and now is playing racket ball with the bishop. maybe his way of begging for forgiveness and a way to find God. it's all a big joke. it truly would be nice if justice came to those who really and truly deserved it, but unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.

Post 18 October 5, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Celis only gives to Democrats.

Post 19 October 5, 2007 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And Rove only helps Republicans.
Who's worse?

Post 20 October 5, 2007 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As long as King Olivares, King Celis King Neal, King Smith, the Court Jester Skppy along with the Feudal Lords of the City Council run things in Corpus Christi and Nueces County things will never change.
Oh King Olivares and King Celis run things behind the scenes do not kid yourselves one little bit.

Yes the Fuedal system is alive and well in our fair part of the land.
And you thought it was dead.....LOL

Post 21 October 5, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is not obvious to you people that this is just a ridiculous smear campaign brought on by an attorney who has huge ego and control issues?!

Who is watching what Henry does behind closed doors? That guy just likes being on camera. Instead of actually helping the community...he makes commercials about people who are actually making good things happen.

It's all political nonsense..

Post 22 October 5, 2007 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is most obvious about this case is that Celis is unethical and immoral. If you care to overlook that, you have your heads stuck in sand. But that is just a way of life for many of you in Corpus. Celis literally got caught with his pants down.

Post 23 October 5, 2007 at 3:54 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Post 24 October 5, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

post 22 ....

you want to know who's worse between Celis and Rove?

I'll tell you.... Celis is. Celis is running into a Stripes store in the middle of the night in his robe flashing a fake badge after the girl claims she's been raped and she is nude running through the store. He claims "he'll handle this" He's also not a licensed attorney but acts and works as one. He's a fraud and possibly a rapist too. Then you have Larry boy personaly hand Celis' badge over to Sheriff Jim Kaelin instead of Celis. I guess Celis didn't want to make a personal appearance. Maybe they should have asked Larry about his trip to Costa Rica while he was down there handing the badge in. Sounds like alot of ileagal activity is going on over at this lawfirm. So, When you see Rove getting out of a hot tub at 3 a.m. in the morning flashing his phony badge around then I'll reconsider.

Post 25 October 5, 2007 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Attorney's ethical and moral is one big oxymoron.It's like the Republican Party and the Idiot Karl Rove being men of integrity when in fact all they are is a bunch of sleazeball hypocrites and war profiteers.

Post 26 October 5, 2007 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm really confused...who is this man...and does he have a real job? He must be getting money somewhere to be supporting so many people.

Post 27 October 5, 2007 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 29,

I agree with you...I'm confused too! I got confused reading the crazy article, trying to keep track of all the different occupations! LOL!!!!

Sweetie3302

Post 28 October 5, 2007 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posts 9 and 15... I'm not an attorney, but come on.. yes there are some unethical attorneys out there, but try getting falsely accused of a crime or heaven forbid, have one of your children or relatives killed. You would need someone who knows the law well to help you either defend you, or prosecute those responsible. The same would go for a heated divorce case.

I know many doctors in this town and as well as many lawyers and there are bad apples in both barrels. I have family members in the first bunch, and you would be surprised how many crooked, cheating physicians we have in this town who could care less about their patients and just about the vacation house in the Bahamas.

Post 29 October 5, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Accusations are just that. I think we need to consider why all this came about and the source of the information I personally don't consider Mr.Thomas J. Henry a pillar of the community this is the same Idiot who had a billboard right across the street from Driscoll childrens hospital what a lowlife. I happen to know Mr. Celis and Mr.Larry Olivarez both are good descent men..

Post 30 October 5, 2007 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully, someone is informing the Texas Rangers about this because Carlos Valdes will wiff on it like he does for all of his cronies.

Post 31 October 5, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Mr. Larry Olivarez is such good people, (honest & integrity) as you claim, then where are all the guns that went missing while he was in charge of the jail for so many years? Why was there a gun in a briefcase at the bottom of a secretary's closet?

Why won't Larry answer questions about the bribe he took from the Commissary with a free trip to Costa Rica? How come the Sheriff in San Antonio is being indicted for this same trip?

How come the jail was in such a deplorable state while Larry was in charge?

Why is Larry working with Celis who possibly has raped a girl and running around flashing a fake badge in his bathrobe? Claiming that he is there trying to take this naked girl into custody after she claims she has been raped! How come she is clamming up now and doesn't want to press charges? Did Celis get to her first? Did he threaten her?

Post 32, I know your trying to counter the negative comments on this board but there is definitely something shady going on here.

Thank God the Voters of Nueces County did not elect Larry Olivarez for County Judge and give him an all access free pass to the Nueces County Taxpayers monies.

Sheriff Jim Kaelin is doing a fantastic job as our new Sheriff and putting Larry Olivarez to shame. Larry has a cloud hanging over him and its looks like its fixing to rain.

Post 32 October 5, 2007 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that before the news media blows all of this out of proportion the definetly need to consider the source....Mr.Henry is in fact at the top of the Crooked Idiots list with not only the Bonillas and the Tony Calderons but many others as well. Investigate one investigate all. It's sad because theIdiots who run C.A.L.A will now have some ammunition against trial lawyers, There are some very good lawyers in this town hopefully they will not be affected or judged. Oh and as far as Jim Kaelin being a good competent sheriff I won't comment I think his backing of his officer who felt it necessary to shoot a man who had mental problem 13 times shows that there is a serious problem with his department. That was just a COWARDLY act and Jim Kaelin failed Nueces County. I hope the mans family is succesful in they're lawsuit against the Sheriffs dept. in order to reveal the incompetence.

Post 33 October 5, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

poster 35.......'

Ugh, I would love to see what you would do if a machete wielding maniac came at you, by golly you better get on your knees and sing Kumbaya my lord because you won't have a prayer in hell.

And the officer shot him 10 times. But if 13 sounds better for ya then all be it.

Mr. Henry might not be an outstanding attorney but your saying Mr. Celis has a right to go flashing a phony badge while in his bathrobe? He's not licensed to be a piece officer, since 1993. He failed the test. But the Duval County Sheriff said he's on the payroll? Then call Austin to see if he is a board certified attorney with a licence to practice in that profession? Negative again. Girls do not usually run into a public store naked screaming help at 3a.m. in the morning screaming "help!, I've been raped!", and then low and behold here comes Mr. Celis. You can defend this all you want, obviously you have a close relationship with these fine citizens of Corpus Christi. But until we have undeniable proof that Mr. Henry is a fraud, we do have ample reasons to believe that Mr. Celis is a fraud and a crook, and possibly a rapist. This is stranger than fiction, you can't make this stuff up!

Post 34 October 5, 2007 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I take everything back. The yoyos at Caller.com DID fully understood the action they implemented on 9.24.07. Would you agree if ArticleComments featured blog handles, one-half-a these cracks would never have been posted today. Hard to beat sex with a dog, but this has, and God's work, too!

Post 35 October 5, 2007 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#31... sorry for the sarcastic comment about attorneys. I know it is just the 95% that give the rest a bad name.

Post 36 October 5, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what a story!

Post 37 October 5, 2007 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, come with me Miss, oh thats o.k. officer, she's with me. Just a little situation that got out of hand. Back to the hot tub you go young lady. Any more shenanigans out of you and we'll have to put the alcohol up till next time. Don't be alarmed officer, heres my badge. You see, I am with the Sheriff's Department.
How many woman have had forced sex with this circus freak because he flashes a badge on them in some compromised situation? This clown is DANGEROUS!
Bubbadog
Appointed by
The Assistant to the Assistant
In Charge of Really Special Affairs
for His Royal Highness Grand Finale IV

Post 38 October 5, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wonder if Melody Cooper was in the house, making margaritas for everybody...Skip was making popcorn.

Post 39 October 5, 2007 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bubbadog, that was a great way to end all this for the day. You just gotta love it. = )

Post 40 October 5, 2007 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post #34 said it all!

Post 41 October 6, 2007 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

34 & 43, quit trying to deflect the truth from the issue...Celis is a very noble man. Almost all noble men show up at convenience stores in the middle of the night flashing their false credentials to try to subdue and detain a witness to a crime that was committed against her by him or his male guest.

Post 42 October 6, 2007 at 2:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The people involved are friends of mine, and nobody tried to rape anyone. The media is as usual not getting their facts straight especially if they are relying on the C.C.P.D. for their information. Everyone knows that the police dept. are a bunch of liars,just watch them questioned under oath by a experienced cross examiner then you get to see Corpus Christi's finest lying under oath. nobody raped anyone and thats why nobody was arrested.

Post 43 October 6, 2007 at 5:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#45 states that "nobody tried to rape anyone". Really? Was he/she actually there as a witness? If so they are duty bound to come forward. The fact that a girl was so scared as to run down the street completely nude surely suggests that something happened. Given that Celis was producing a badge, it is not inconceivable that female would think twice about reporting a crime against him to the police. You claim that all the media and CCPD are liars. Yet the man chasing down a naked woman wearing only his bathrobe attempting to “take custody” of her is an honorable guy? No body seems to worry about or consider the poor girl in any of this…

Post 44 October 6, 2007 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, until we hear it from the "naked girl on camera @ stripes" , until we hear it from her, should we ........
consider:

know doubt this girl was poor
she obviously was so poor she could not afford clothes
if she was poor in judgment than it is no wonder she was intoxicated to the point of no return ........why else would she have been naked?

Now for the double Jeopardy ......why put your naked body in this position?

At 4 in the clock in the morning?

He must have wanted it for free and tried to give her a bus token of his appreciation.

Or maybe she was his prisoner and he was trying to take custody but let us give him an A for effort....he was trying to get his prisoner in custody but.....

I guess he forgot to tell her he was law enforcement........

Post 45 October 6, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Smear campaign" - now that's funny! How do you smear something that smells this bad? Regardless of whether or not there was an "attempted" rape - this guy running around in the middle of the night in his bathrobe flashing a badge when he wasn't a certified law enforcement agent is just disgusting, and the appearance that he was doing so in order to put the wraps (so to speak) on the other "fact" that a woman had left his house naked and asked for help - that's just smelly. How does Tucker have anything to do with "smearing" this - sounds like Celis needed no help in getting smeared!

Post 46 October 6, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

post 47

Mr. Celis is not poor by no means, if you check his taxes on his homestead, (which is free to the public) "just go on property taxes in Corpus Christi and type in "Celis Mauricio" you will see that this poor man owns a 560,000
dollar home over in Kings Crossing. He's probably got 4 hot tubs
and plenty of money to pay for any girl he might want to have his way with. He payed $17,000 dollars in property taxes this year! Whoa, where does he get this kind of money?? And has the audacity to flash a phony Duval County Sheriffs Dept. Badge around? Oh that's right, The Duval County Sheriff said "Celis is on our reserve team." What does that mean? He doesn't do nothing but is still on the payroll at the Duval County taxpayers expense? Pleeeeze, The Sheriff in Duval County does not even check his credentials? Or did the Duval County cover for him?

Celis is not even licensed to practice law but yet he's working for the Law Firm CGT International LLP? Something is really fishy here. And Larry Olivariz works for this same firm which is located on the 8th floor of the South Tower on Water St. Rumor is that Larry Olivariz and his cohorts from CGT law firm came to inspect the new Federal Prison out in Robstown. Larry is still involved with the new prison that is being built out there even though he did such a shoddy job here in the County Jail. He should not be allowed to have anything to do with this Federal Facility.

Its time to call in the Texas Rangers.

Money talks bull@#%# walks. Its a shame that justice does not apply to the rich. I expect some answers Carlos Valdez.

He gives Law Enforcement a bad name and he's a scheming "phony" lawyer to boot. I wonder if the people he represents even knows that he is not a licensed practicing attorney. Making money off of suing big corporations and taking the prize home for himself.

Post 47 October 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 45

States that the CCPD are a bunch of liars......So I guess Jim Kaelin is a liar too? He is the man that called up to Austin to check the badge license to see if it was valid. Records indicated that Celis failed his law enforcement test back in 2003! How do you concoct that into being a lie? Also Jim Kaelin has discovered that there is no record of Mr. Celis being a certified Lawyer. So let the investigation continue. I'm sure this story will unfold as the facts keep coming in.

And if Mr. Celis is innocent then why isn't he screaming from the rooftops that everybody got it wrong. You would think he would let the media interview him to set the record straight. Duck and dodge, hide and hope the dust settles. Maybe he's passing some big bucks behind the scenes to quiet this thing down? Who knows but the CCPD got it right when they enquired about this badge! Its not everyday you have a nude women screaming I've been raped at 4 o'clock in the morning and a man chasing her in his bathrobe. Pleeeze, it is the duty of our Corpus Christi Police Department to get to the bottom of this so he cannot continue to flash that phony badge in the future!

Post 48 October 6, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said post 50!

Why is it that wherever Larry is there is someone crooked around him?
Mr. Celis better get punished for this. As for the incident with the young woman, we dont know because we werent there. Why would a woman run naked at 4am away from someone if she wasnt scared of something? Something happened.

Post 49 October 6, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There's plenty of blame to go around but that's not what this is about.

Mauricio Celis plays by his own rules.
Bryan Smith plays by his own rules.

The people need to monitor this situation so one guy isn't helping the other to cover it up.

Post 50 October 6, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Are there any good investigative reporters with the caller times that can really dig and come up with facts?? Instead of a bunch of unkowns

Post 51 October 6, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why would a woman just hop into a hot tub naked with 2 men ? It's Obvious that the ccpd saw that nothing happened otherwise they would have or should have made an arrest...All this smearing came about because of a lowlife that suffers from the NAPOLEON syndrome Mr.Thomas J. Henry. King of incompetent sleazeballs. Big time Looooooooozer.

Post 52 October 6, 2007 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

She can agree to jumping into a hot tub with these idiots but that doesnt mean she has to engage in any activity with them.

Post 53 October 6, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 54

Thomas Henry has absolutely nothing to do with a naked women running and screaming at 4 am in the morn and coming into a store with Celis not far behind in his bathrobe!

That is his OWN DOING. Thomas Henry did not give Celis a phony Duval County Badge (to flash around at his own discretion to the general public!!) Thomas Henry did not tell Mauricio to claim that he worked for the Sheriff's Dept.!! These are two entirely different things.

The Caller Times just happened to mention that Mauricio Celis has other problems besides impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer. Please do not try to construe facts. His problems with Thomas Henry only adds more incriminating evidence and sheds light that he is not a Board Certified State Bar Association Lawyer either! No record of his name whatsoever? So therefore he looks to be a FRAUD!

Post 54 October 6, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 55,......and we don't even know if she indeed got into the hot tub naked, maybe its quite possible that Mauricio Celis and his unknown friend took her bathing suit off without her consent.

If Celis is capable of lying about being a certified peace officer and a lawyer then he's quite capable of telling a little lie here too.

Carlos Valdez, you've got a plate full this time!

Post 55 October 6, 2007 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh yah you bet Carlos Valdez has a plate full... is every day this town not a step to the better but two steps to the worse ... the tragedy that has struck down Mr. Herrero, who can believe it ... are we not allowed to go for scrambled eggs ... are we in a town so controlled by babosos that one selling home-made taggings to classmates, another is running to the store in a bathrobe flapping around his his, and still others are making one rule after the other on caller.com... who o who is the unknown friend ... let's check our lists at church in the morning bwahahahaha

Post 56 October 6, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Post 28

Or like Bill Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman"?
Or like Sen. Edward Kennedy leaving a poor woman to die on that bridge and getting off scott-free?
Or like Al Gore's claims to saving this planet while traveling in nothing less thanfirst class jumbo jets?
Hyprocrisy is everywhere!

Post 57 October 6, 2007 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you post 59, ......some folks always jump at the chance to bring the Republican party into every single story out there!

It gets so oooold.... Can you imagine Lloyd Neal or Jim Kaelin or President Bush or Karl Rove running into a Stripes store naked underneath a bathrobe at 4 a.m. in the morning chasing after a naked girl that just got out of your hot tub screaming rape!? Really, try to imagine it for just a second if you can. The Democrats WOULD EAT THEM FOR LUNCH!!! They would be fired and humiliated yesterday! They would not be allowed to keep their jobs for one more second, but if a damn democrat does this .....( flashes fake Sheriff's dept. badges) and tries to impede the investigation they are still allowed to go on their merry way! They keep their jobs! Enough said! What Mr. Celis did is against the law and he needs to be brought to justice. I think there's way more than meets the eye behind the scenes with this bunch (Larry Olivarez and Mauricio Celis) He's got a cozy little half million dollar house over there in the South side and we deserve to know if he makes his money the crooked way, under the table.

Post 58 October 7, 2007 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Carlos Valdez should ask for an Attorney General opinion for his "expert" opinion on all these new developments that have seemed to magically appeared.

Post 59 October 7, 2007 at 3:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 60 i only responded that way because of what previous post had said. My personal thoughts on cala is my personal thought period. But when you have a orginization who's only agenda is to deprive an injured victim of an accident the right to a fair trial that my friends is called JURY TAMPERING it will never be enforced against the CROOK Insurance companies thanks to George DUMYA Bush and our Idiot governor Rick " The Homo" Perry for appointing a bunch of Heartless or Ignorant Idiots to the Supreme Court Of Texas

Post 60 October 7, 2007 at 4:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The San Antonio paper wrote a REAL story about Mauricio Celis and Thomas J. Henry. The crazy 4 am naked rape story was a sideline.

Post 61 October 7, 2007 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Caller-Times now knoze its readers likes funny stuff like this better than sex with dogs so HA there ya go

Post 62 October 7, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is why "I love my CC" items (t-shirts/mugs, etc) are 30% off at the OMNI Hotel. People read sad news about our city all the time. Way to go Caller. Making us the South Texas National Enquirer. First the sex with dog story and other choice headline news. The blog feature doesn't help either the way alll the bickering is being posted. OMG.

Post 63 October 7, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Clash is one for the law books oh yah oh yah

Post 64 October 7, 2007 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

30% off and it's front page hahahahahaha I rest my case (oops, just kidding).

Post 65 October 7, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those of you that think this stuff only goes on in Corpus Christi get a clue.
San Antonio fired (indicted) its Sheriff for taking a bribe from the same Commissary company as Larry Olivarez did when he was Sheriff. The crookedness has got its tentacles spread out all over Texas.

Larry Olivarez works with Mauricio Celis. Nobody knows what Mauricio Celis does exactly over there at CGT Law firm. What does CGT even stand for? Is Celis an owner of this company? Celis's picture with this group of men is front and center if you just google CGT "Corpus Christi". Does the C stand for Celis?? The picture gives none of the mens identity which is strange. What does the G or the T stand for?? Celis does not even have a license to practice law so why is he in the the Law firm business? Why is he carrying a badge for the Duval Sheriffs Department and actively on their payroll? That is the San Diego, Conception part of Texas.

Why would they keep a reserve officer on the payroll who lives all the way in Corpus Christi? Celis lost his certification for law enforcement back in 2003? He failed his BASIC laws enforcement test back in 1993????? How could he have ever been a Law Enforcement Officer???? Sounds like a whole lot of covering up going on here. Its time to shed some light!

Post 66 October 7, 2007 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks for your help post 68

Post 67 October 7, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Numerous reports have been filed by CCPD officers in the past listing Mauricio Celis as a suspect in assault, terroristic threats, and impersonating a peace officer (yes, this is not the first time). He escaped justice when his victims failed to follow up and press charges against him. The impersonation charges were never pursued because the Duval County Sheriff's Department verified that the was a "reserve" Deputy. No one took the extra step of contacting the Texas Commision for Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education to verify his license status. Most reserve officers in Texas volunteer their services and do not get paid. Mr. Celis does own an impressive house on Oso Parkway and also drives flashy cars. I suspect he was able to accumulate a nice sum of money through his "law" practice. He never hesitated to flash a badge or make it known that he was an attorney whenever he got himself into trouble. He also never hesitates to let everyone know that he carries a gun. All of this information can easily be verified through an open records request at CCPD. It appears that Celis throws his money around to curry favor and buy loyalty from anyone who might be of value to him, such as judges, attornies, a current Sherrif (Duval County) and an ex-sheriff (Olivarez). I trust that Jim Kaelin will do the right thing by conducting a thorough investigation and presenting a case to the District Attorney for indictment of Celis for impersonating a peace officer and attorney. If this does not happen then I hope that the Texas Rangers will pursue the case and expose Celis for what he is; a FRAUD.

Post 68 October 7, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We all know this is the reason he makes substantial donations to various judges and other high profile campaigns in our city. He's lining their pockets so they look the other way when trouble comes.

You should not be able to buy off the Judges and Law Enforcement. Its not fair and it should be stopped immediately! I guess he's sorry that he doesn't have his best buddy Larry Olivarez as the standing Sheriff of Nueces County. Now he doesn't have anyone to cover for him where it counts. Sheriff Jim Kaelin is not going to look the other way I hope. I think we can count on him to get to the bottom of this or find somebody who can.

Post 69 October 7, 2007 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You better believe Kaelin will not let this slide by. He takes great pride for his department. He will make sure the investigation is done properly. I have pure faith in him. At least this sheriff cares about his reputation and the people that work for him. When you have those factors you most likely will end up with a good department.
As much as I support CCPD....those that run the department could use some lessons from Kaelin.

Post 70 October 7, 2007 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea, I agree post 72......

I firmly believe that if I was to ask a question of Jim Kaelin I'd get a straight answer out of him every time. He is not the kind of person to duck and dodge questions. He's on the up & up with his constituents. Wish all of our politicians were like that, we'd have nothing to worry about then would we? He has nothing to hide and damn that's refreshing for a change. He's worked his way up the chain of command the old fashioned way, hard work, discipline, and never takes a hand out. You can't buy him out under the table.

Post 71 October 7, 2007 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wish all our leaders could be like Kaelin.

Post 72 October 7, 2007 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Most used to be

Post 73 October 8, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like we need new leaders in our community. Are there any out there that are worth it, not money greedy, and really care about the rest of us?

Post 74 October 8, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ITs funny how Celis had time to stop and find his badge to flash around, since he was running around with just a robe on. I have lots of friends that are police officers in every area of law enforcement and I really don't think they wear their badges in the shower,hot tub etc. Furthermore I know they have never tried to make an arrest or take custody of someone in their bathroobe.UNLESS Celis has a badge in every fancy car he is alleged to drive. HAHAHA. Who is this loooossseerrrr. Makes you wonder who the unnamed friend is. Possibly a partner in his phoney law firm????? HMMMMM True not many women run in to a Stripes store @ 4AM naked, yelling rape, but come on girlfriend what did you expect this scum bag that got you to his house, in his hottub with a friend was actually wanting from you? marriage, a house and kids? Come on sweety dont fall for that stuff. A red flag should have come up sometime during that evening. Women/men be careful, men/women will do anything for a piece, this one obviously uses a badge to get it. HAHA. OK before everyone here gets in a huff, I am in NO WAY saying it is right for anyone to demand or take sex from anyone. Its a crime and should be punished I dont care who you are. Im just saying to everyone out there not just women. DO NO put yourself in such predicaments. PEOPLE BE CAREFUL there are more idiots in the world than there are reasonable people. We're out numbered so we have to beware. As for Duval County SO. It is the job of that department to know before you hire anyone, including a reservist, if their qualifications are true and certifications are up to date. No matter how long the person has been in law enforcement. Police officers,peace officers and all other types of officers in law enforcement and in the courts are responsible for keeping their credentials up to date with training hours and recertification. The departements that these people work with have someone in charge of checking these things. Unless any department is stacked full of money to pay out lawsuits, they would be dumb not to check all officers. Sounds to me like Celis had that county paid off to look the other way knowing he could not get away with it in this county. People can say what they want about the SO and CCPD, but the majority of officers and administrators in each agency are good, loyal people running their departments the best they can knowing they will all get a bad name when a crack pot like Celis does something this stupid to make them all look bad. As for other attorneys in this town . There are still very good attorneys in this town. I dont let fools like Celis change my mind about our town. I just pray for justice and thank Celis' dumb @$% for giving me something to laugh about.

Post 75 October 8, 2007 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want Larry Olivariz and Mauricio Celis indicted. Then I'll get some peaceful sleep at night. (with a smile on my face) =)

Post 76 October 8, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love my CC coffee cup it's been blocking the sight of my smirky smiles from the boss

Post 77 October 8, 2007 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 77......

Maybe the unnamed friend is Larry Olivariz! I've always heard he's quite the ladies man, even though he is married.

The public wants to know!!!! Who was this man Maurcio?
Women do not run into Stripes stores everyday naked as a jaybird screaming rape! This is outrageous and hope the puzzle pieces are put together soon.

Post 78 October 8, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 80 ...
Fine words, quick shot. Repeat 'em to the lady's FACE next time

Post 79 October 8, 2007 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The other man was Larry Olivarez.

Post 80 October 9, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know for a fact that the other man was NOT Larry Olivarez...or anyone else who works within the firm.

Post 81 October 9, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Larry Olivarez has nothing to do with this people. Get a life. Quit trying to ruin others.

Post 82 October 9, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the article on the SA Express website is outstanding- shedding more light on the game and one of its principle players- Celis. Caller, this is in your backyard-no, front yard, and all we got is the naked girl and attorney suing attorney article? Do a search for his name at that SA Express site. heck do a search for Celis on Caller.com--- see how many attorney references you get for Celis- wow

Post 83 October 9, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

from san antonio express news:
"Henry's confrontation with Celis has some lawyers here wincing and others cheering.
"The general feeling is that Thomas J. Henry has put his law firm and reputation on the line," said Robert Hilliard, another local plaintiff's lawyer. "If he's wrong, he won't be able to keep practicing in this town. If he's right, I don't know how Mauricio can stay."
Hilliard said the Celis flap made him reconsider a case he recently took on referral from CGT. He said a series of letters back and forth with the firm did little to strengthen his confidence.
Other Corpus Christi firms are believed to have taken lucrative referrals from CGT. But with Celis now under attack, not all of them wanted to confirm it.
"I'm not going to talk about that. I'm providing no information," said Craig Sico, a principal in the firm of Sico, White & Braugh, when asked about the referrals.
Mikal Watts, an even bigger fish in the local legal pond, acknowledged the relationship, but downplayed it.
"It's not a major part of my business. There may have been one or two cases in the past few years," he said.
Watts is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S Senate and Celis donated $4,600 to that effort this year.
Henry predicted the court order blocking his TV spots will soon be lifted, and he vows to resume his public crusade against a man he believes is a threat to the public and legitimate lawyers in town.
"I'm smoking him out," he said. "My intention is to spend $100,000 on this advertising so the public is aware. I don't want to see people victimized by this man at the worst time of their life. It's sickening."

Post 84 October 9, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ooh, thanks so much post 88 for this very interesting article out of the San Antonio Express news. Isn't it interesting that Mikal Watts name comes up too? Lawyers can be a deceptive and seedy bunch can't they?

Post 85 October 9, 2007 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not a Illegal immigrant...but I play one on TV.

Post 86 October 9, 2007 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For those of you who keep saying that since the police made no arrest that night, then nothing must have happened, consider this; police had no allegation of wrong doing by the naked woman/girl. It is not inconceivable that after seeing Celis claim to be an officer with badge and perhaps bragging about his connections with high ranking law enforcement officials she would think twice about telling the officers what she may have originally told the Stripes clerk.

As for impersonating a peace officer, I would assume it is very difficult to verify such matters at night when most law enforcement administrative officers are closed. Like all of us, officers dislike needless paperwork and will avoid it when possible. The fact that the officers felt it necessary to generate a report suggests to me that they wanted a follow up investigation.

For those of you who say the other man in the hot tub was Larry Olivarez, I hope you know this for certain. I’m no fan of Larry’s, but we should be sure not to slander someone’s name because this forum is anonymous and easy to get a cheap shot in.

For those of you who continue to defend Celis, I think if it were your wife or daughter that he was trying to take custody of under similar circumstances, you might take issue with his actions.

Post 87 October 9, 2007 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn’t a local police chief get accused of sexual assault and was not convicted? I’m sure that this thought crossed this woman’s mind…

Post 88 October 9, 2007 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Strypes was already making jillions every week - poor marketing, all "How are we gonna top THIS" - they're probably begging their supervisors to send gift cards to Certain Parties as thank-you for
the favor of day after day of this hilarious PR. And the crowds all waiting while they're pumpin gas for the next crazee thing to happen before their eyes. Not to mention why are you reading this instead of praying the Rosary for Mr. Herrero

Post 89 October 9, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a former administrator with a police department, Texas Department of Law Enforcement Standards and Education always contacts all departments as soon as an officer has failed a test or is not qualified as an officer. For this man to be saying he is a licensed peace officer but it expired in 2003, makes you wonder if he paid to have someone turn their backs. How much was given to the Duval County Sheriff? hhhhmmm

Post 90 October 9, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Celis's dirty money is raining all over the place, from Jerry Garcia to every Democratic Judge in Corpus Christi to Mexico, to Duval County, to Solomon Ortiz Jr. to Mikal Watts, to you name it, his moneys on it if the person running for office could look the other way when needed.

Post 91 October 10, 2007 at 1:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

there must be good money for being a glorified ambulance chaser. There are alot of those ambulance chasers around....just look at the attorney turned "faith healer's" firm...These guys are all dirty and rotten to the core. They must be made examples of.

Post 92 October 10, 2007 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The road to easy street is through the sewer"
(I've heard)

Post 93 October 10, 2007 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

boy, can i smell a full audit investigation from the IRS comin! you can only write off a small portion of campaign contributions...i bet there is some serious money laundering going on. Not to mention fraud. They are gonna nail his a*s.

Post 94 October 10, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess their feathers have been ruffled a bit over there at the
CGT Law firm International.

If you google CGT Law firm you get a blank page that states its under reconstruction.

All 7 or 8 unidentified men that were sitting & standing behind a table in the picture are gone. Mr. Mauricio Celis was FRONT AND CENTER. With the smuggest little smile you ever saw! I bet he had that Duval Sheriffs Badge right there in his pocket, and loaded with a pistol and dirty money filling his pockets. Its time to pay the piper.

Post 95 October 10, 2007 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pictures! Pictures! why doesn't the Caller-Times print the picture of this person like they do for other crimes. Is this because this person was also involved in a "white collar" crime? IF a person is impersonating a peace officer, wouldn't it be a good idea to post his picture in the newspaper so that if he tries to do it again, people will have a visual image to relate to? So for once we could be proactive. Or are pictures in the paper only reserved for the lower economic social groups of the community? Sounds like a double standard to me. P.S. the television stations are also equally inconsistent.

Post 96 October 10, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I say the Caller Times should look into Thomas J Henry's deceptive advertising campaign on his own behalf, he in his advertisments claims to have been awarded millions when in fact he hasn't ever won a case.Maybe Mr.Henry is trying to deflect some attention from himself . Not only is Thomas J Henry a incompetent trial lawyer but is also a swindler and a liar.

Post 97 October 10, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Red letter day - 4 people have mentioned this story to me - from what they saw on Channel 6 - hahahaha

Post 98 October 10, 2007 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

post 100 .......I'm beginning to wonder the same thing.

His picture was plastered all over the 6 oclock news on KRIS tonight. And it was proceeded by the Thomas Henry commercial.

His picture will be seen plenty of times before this is all over.
Our District Attorney is working overtime to get all the information he needs to indict Mr. Celis.

Mr. Celis's picture was on the CGT Law firm International LLP web site when you googled it but now it has mysteriously been taken down due to reconstruction or investigations. HUM????

Post 99 October 11, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know Larry Olivarez and he is a good man who truly cares about people. A lot of you people go on this site and make comments. You need to stop and think about other people you are hurting when you make those comments. Larry has a wonderful wife, children, daughter in law and grandson and making those comments without knowing the whole truth is uncalled for. Most of you make judgemental comments and can you honestly say that you are perfect and have never made a mistake or been involved in something or with someone that was out of your control. Don't make comments unless you know that it is absolutely true. I did not appreciate the post 82 - leave scum comments to yourself.

Post 100 October 11, 2007 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea Yea Yea......

Larry Olivarez never went to Mexico and set any of these deals up right? He never brought work back to Celis from Mexico? Larry Olivarez never took any campaign donations from Mr. Celis? You don't think Olivarez had one little inkling of knowledge that Celis was a phony cop? And Olivarez has been a Sheriff for many years? You don't think Olivarez took a trip to Costa Rica and now refuses to answer any questions pertaining to this trip? Poster 99, perhaps you are Larry's wife and you got to take the trip with him to Costa Rica?
I think there is probably more going on than most of us know but the friends he keeps company with speaks volumes. Where ever there seems to be a scandal, Larry seems to pop up. Why did Larry hand in the phony Duval County Sheriffs Badge for Celis? Is he doing him a favor and letting Celis save face? Larry should have told Mauricio Celis to go turn it in himself! If Larry doesn't want his name mentioned then maybe he should lay low. The San Antonio Express is the one that mentioned Larry Olivarez's name first, not I. The Caller Times mentioned Larry again stating that he was the one to turn in the phony badge. Larry put himself in the newspaper.

Post 101 October 12, 2007 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I say we run both Celis AND Henry out of town on a rail.Henry's sudden display of legal "ethics" is both laughable and insulting.

Henry is the same ambulance chaser who had to be taken to court to get him to remove his enormous signs from Alameda,across from Driscoll Choildren's Hospital..signs that encouraged parents to sue their children's doctors. He's also the same Thomas Henry who was heavily fined in San Patricio County for filing dozens of frivolous lawsuits.

Thomas Henry is a joke..the kind of Adidas wearing ambulance chaser who gives lawyers a bad name. It IS somewhat amusing to see one snake try to devour another,though..I guess there really isn't any honor among thieves.

Post 102 October 12, 2007 at 2:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone know is Celis is an American citizen and if this is required to be a peace officer?

Post 103 October 12, 2007 at 3:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 100 Mr. Larry Olivarez as well as his son are personal friends of mine and from what I know of their character is not only honorable but admirable very decent men of strong moral character. Post 100 must be a Rethuglican liar who like most Rethuglicans only find comfort in slander..... Just like the IDIOTS Yowell and Bertuzzi with the rethuglican party who continue to file frivolous complaints against The Honorable Juan Garcia....When will these Idiots ever learn.

Post 104 October 12, 2007 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

your post speaks volumes #103

All you can do is call people names, and not address any questions that pertain to Larry. So infantile. About the same as if I called you a Democrap, but I won't stoop to that level. This is not about Democrats or Republicans. This is about blatant illegal activity.

Once again, since you are such good friends with Larry, ask him please if he went to Costa Rica? Very simple, a "yes" or "no" will suffice. =)

Post 105 October 12, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 38 I'm laughing my ass off. I've met hairy Larry and he's no saint by any means. Liar, full of bs comes to mind. If this guy is associated with him there is trouble of a big kind in little CC.

And, leave the doctors out of this.

Post 106 October 12, 2007 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post 100 are you perfect? All I said (by the way, I am not Larry's wife) was not to be making comments that will knownly hurt his family.

Post 107 October 12, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets all eat more tacos and burritos.

Post 108 October 12, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By running for public office, one’s life and actions are fair game for discussion and criticism. Free speech is a fundamental safe guard of our democracy.

No one is perfect, but there is a big difference between perfection and incompetence or illegality. Larry spent much of his police career, not catching criminals or investigating crimes, but instead being involved in public relations positions in order to lay the ground work for his political aspirations.

The jail was left to rot to such an extent that the federal government felt the conditions were too inhumane for their prisoners. This lost us revenue and respect. Larry placed inexperienced people in top law enforcement positions in his administration simply as political payback. Look at Jimmy Rodriguez, what business did he have being the number two guy over other deputies who had years of experience and dedicated service to the community. Larry also refused to accept prisoners, the primary responsibility of any sheriff. This caused the city to start their own jail costing us all millions. Even once magistrated Larry refused to accept prisoners. That violates state law. He also refused to provide medical care for some prisoner brought to him, again illegal.

Larry’s involvement with this food services company that has already resulted in the arrest of another sheriff is still yet to be seen. Did he take the free trip to Cost Rico? His silence speaks volumes.

Larry’s choice of friends like lawyer and cop impersonators like Celis demonstrates the type of values that he shares. You are after all judged by the company that you keep. Post 103 it is you who are calling people idiots and other names, not addressing the actions of Mr. Olivarez. It is Larry’s own action that bring shame to his family not some comment on a blog.

Post 109 October 12, 2007 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don’t forget about all the prisoners who were mistakenly released from the jail. You don’t seem to hear about that anymore…

Post 110 October 12, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

post #108..... That was well said, and you didn't do any name calling while getting your point across. And that is the kinds of information the people need to know.

Thanks

Post 111 October 12, 2007 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So what...police officers impersonate peace officers!

Post 112 October 12, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations, post #108. You hit the nail on the head and did it eloquently. There are many loose ends...I just hope if Celis is not a lawyer that he is punished for holding himself out to be one. And if he did assault that woman, I wish she could look past all the comments made about her and do the right thing in speaking up. Everyone needs to put themselves in her shoes. She's probably scared to death because of all the publicity. As far as Larry goes, he needs to come clean about the Costa Rica trip and should probably resign from that law firm. What goes around comes around. I do feel sorry for his family for all the negative comments made about him, but if they truly know him, then they are aware that he is not a nice man. He always thought about only himself. Well, now, he needs to think about the needs of his family and just come clean. It's the right thing to do.

Post 113 October 12, 2007 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

post #111

Your posting wreaks of ignorance! "So What" you say? If you can't say anything smart then why are you here? = /

Post 114 October 12, 2007 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

seems the ball has started rolling against celis....henry has already filed one lawsuit from a client who called into his office. I bet hat house and fancy cars will be up for sale shortly......mr celis better get on the phone and start asking for those campaign donations back because by the time mr henry and valdez are done with him hell be living in La Armada

Post 115 October 12, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

post #112, I agree with you on this woman coming forth and not being afraid to tell what she knows.

I thought rape victims (or supposed rape victims) do not have their identities revealed?

I think the public would think highly of her for being brave and telling the truth. I for one would never look down on her if she proved to be telling the truth. If a women runs from her assailant into a public store completely naked and yelling that she's been raped then I really tend to believe her story from the get go. She was afraid of Celis and somebody at his home to have done what she did. Now Celis probably has her running scared of him or he paid her off handsomely.

Post 116 October 12, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rumors have it that there will be other commercials targeting so-called lawyers by the names of John Bazan and Tony Caderon with the faith healer / lawyers office.Its laughable seeing an incompetent trial lawyer Thomas j Henry. go after IDIOTS Posing as lawyers, I say the Texas Rangers go after all these individuals they really give Honest Lawyers a really bad name.Mr. Henry is a legalized swindler. ..... As for the girl involved in the Celis story I know her and that night she and her boyfriend were at celis house completely wasted.....this girl is no angel not even close......as for Larry Olivares he is a good man who was smeared in his campaign as he is being smeared here by a bunch of rethuglican IDIOTS......Hang in there Larry.

Post 117 October 12, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is Celis, a phony peace officer hanging with people that are (wasted?) He must of enjoyed getting wasted himself. And just because your wasted does that give someone the right to rape you? Pleeeze. Celis must have been wasted too to actually put on a bathrobe and chase her down the street with his badge in tow!

And Larry Olivarez continues to work for this phony law firm and continues to not answer the question of whether he went to Costa Rica? Did he go? Did he know it was a bribe? Did he know that was illegal?

Quit trying to deflect negative attention away from Mauricio Celis and Larry Olivarez (who handed in the badge). These other Lawyers you speak of might be a little on the sleazy side but they are registered in the State of Texas to practice Law. So what say you?

Post 118 October 12, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea,....hang in there Larry. Maybe the Texas Rangers won't come knocking on your door next. Just lay low and maybe all this will blow over. That's what your hoping for anyway huh?

Post 119 October 12, 2007 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Obviously Posters117-118 you guys have no real knowledge or Life.The only reason Jim Kaelin won was because the Beach Issue brought out a bunch of voter that most likely wouldn't have voted. We recognized this so count on Jim Kaelin having an opponent next time around...and as for the others so- called lawyers they in fact are not registered with the state so quit pretending to have some form of intellect your repetetiveness is ohhhhhhhh so boring. Know go suck you alls thumbs little doggies.

Post 120 October 12, 2007 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only reason Sheriff Jim Kaelin won is because he was the only "Legitimate" candidate, and look at Jimmy Rodriguez, he sure didn't fit the Sheriff prototype! Extra large, never made an arrest in his life? Jim Kaelin has turned things around down there at the county jail. He knows where every gun is that has been issued out on his watch. He works well with the City Councel, the Mayor, the County Judge, the District Attorney, the Chief of Police and on and on. He has brought back the respect the Nueces County Sheriff's Dept. deserves. Jim Kaelin deserves to be re-elected and WILL be re-elected.

So who is going to be Jim Kaelins opponent??? Dare I say Larry Olivarez? Bring it on!

Post 121 October 13, 2007 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Celis and Henry are both bad guys. This story has no good guys. Henry should've done us all a favor and kept his problems to himself. For the debt of $100,000 that Celis owes him he's going to end up costing himself much more. He's such a hypocrite though, Henry owes so many people and businesses so much money that he never ever intends to pay. All his little media campaign is doing is further angering those he owes, the money should go toward his debts and not the commercial ads.

And Celis engaging in activity that forces women to flee from him naked and for their lives? Horrifying! Nevermind the alleged fraud. The whole scenario is dark and sleazy. They were all obviously out of their minds, but to go after the woman with a badge in a bathrobe...insanity!

Post 122 October 13, 2007 at 6 a.m. (Suggest removal)

# 120,

Does that literally mean you are going to put your money whre your mouth is? or are you just another BACALA more wanna be "VIP" ......or just your run of the watermill Sycophant?

Subscribe to "Junk Science"? Then I have a bag of Asbestos for you and yours?

The only reason Kea\lin won is because he was NOT related to Kato! LOL

Kaelin knows who his back up is.

Larry Olivarez was listening to paid consultants to convince him to have.......... resigned ?

Why pay for someone for telling you what they can NOT do?

That is getting your money's worth!

Post 123 October 13, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What's new on Mr. Celis and All That ... did he have a party at his house Friday night? Did his friends call him over to their place?? My invite never came (again) so proceeded to resist temptation until my strength wore out oh yah oh yah

The Serpent IN the Garden January 14, 1996 Houston: Inaction Allowed Abuser To Roam For 10 Years.

2007-07-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

If this was leaked to the media did the Corpus Christi Caller Times tell us about this pedophile?

Did the Caller publish any stories on this matter?

And the CCISD Board did they inform the community?

The Serpent IN the Garden January 14, 1996 Houston: CCISD board President Henry Nuss AQUIESCED. CCISD eagerly supplied pedophile with young patients - even after he had been publicly charged.

CORPUS CHRISTI - James Plaisted was a respected child psychologist, a deacon in one of the city's largest Baptist congregations and the father of four.

He also was a child molester so brazen he escorted little girls into church and fondled them under his coat while listening to the sermon.

Parents knew. So did church pastors, school officials and state regulators. But few did anything to stop him, and those who tried were remarkably unsuccessful.

It took 10 years to get Plaisted behind bars. Only he knows how many children he molested during that time.

Last month, Plaisted - already serving a two-year federal prison term for luring a Texas patient to Boston to continue molesting her -was brought back to Corpus Christi in chains.

He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting four girls and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

State regulators have yet to revoke his license to practice psychology.

""I think the Plaisted case is the model of what happens when the system fights with itself," said Susan Snyder, a Kingsville attorney and former prosecutor who tried to lock up Plaisted in 1992.

""Obviously, there have been safeguards in place to prevent this man all along, but either (state officials) were too lazy or too busy, or too scared of the politics of going and yanking this man's license," Snyder said. ""It's not the legal system failing. It's the people within the legal system that refuse to let the legal system work."

It's not as if no one tried.

Carmen Alvarado, the mother of the first child to accuse Plaisted more than 10 years ago, sought criminal charges against the therapist and filed an ethics complaint with the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists. She alleged that Plaisted had fondled her son's penis during a late-night counseling session.

Alvarado called the Parkdale Baptist Church, where Plaisted, 46, was a deacon.

""They said they were leaving it in God's hands," she recalled.

""I don't think they were thinking straight at the time."

She went to other parents. She got no help.

In the end, it was just her son's word against Plaisted, who told a Corpus Christi jury in 1986 that the 6-year-old child was a habitual liar and a pyromaniac who derived sexual excitement from setting fires. It didn't help that a new prosecutor was assigned to the case just before trial.

The jury acquitted Plaisted; his practice continued.

""It made me mad because when I went for help, all I asked was for them to testify," Alvarado recalled. ""We lost because my son was the only witness we had."

""It was a very tough call to make," said another victim's mother. ""And looking back, I really should have crucified him, but I didn't. I chose not to after talking to my attorney. He told me it would just really traumatize my daughter."

The Corpus Christi woman, who asked not to be identified, said she did confront Plaisted and his wife, who were neighbors in 1984, when her daughter was allegedly molested while spending the night with one of Plaisted's daughters.

""He did not deny it," she said. ""He said he could have done it

in his sleep."

Plaisted's wife laughingly added that she and her husband often made love at night, and he would not remember the next morning, the woman said.

The woman, who was also a member of the Parkdale Baptist Church, recalled telling church officials later about Plaisted's molestations.

""But it didn't seem to make any difference," she said. ""The church really backed him up, and a lot of people left the church after that."

Plaisted's attorney, Doug Tinker, refused to allow the Chronicle to interview his client. The criminal defense lawyer, who earlier this year represented Yolanda Saldivar, who was convicted of murdering Tejano star Selena, declined to discuss the Plaisted case.

The victims' families have since sued the church for negligence, but Parkdale's lawyer argues the congregation should not be held responsible for Plaisted's actions.

""It would be the church's wish to get this thing resolved without causing any additional hurt to anyone," said attorney Van Huseman. But he added, ""If a child gets molested in the middle of the service, how does that get to be the pastor's fault?"

Plaisted - a Nebraska native who served in the Army in Vietnam -came to Corpus Christi in 1982 with impeccable credentials, having earned his doctorate in clinical and child psychology from Auburn University in Alabama in 1981.

He quickly built a private practice, and over the years, developed a good reputation as an expert on brain dysfunction.

The Corpus Christi school district, along with local pediatricians, eagerly supplied him with young patients - even after he had been publicly charged. Members of the church also sought his help, and he had hospital privileges at the prestigious Driscoll Children's Hospital, a South Texas institution known both for quality care and charity.

Neighbors described Plaisted as pleasant, reserved, well-spoken. He was methodical, they said, and liked to work on projects around the house.

Plaisted recruited some of his victims from broken homes, showering the children with gifts, inviting them and their parents to Thanksgiving dinners. One 9-year-old girl who spent the night with Plaisted's daughter told prosecutors the psychologist molested her on the sofa in his living room while he and the children watched the movie "Home Alone"

on video.

He curried favor with his victims' parents by lending them money and refusing repayment, or by buying them air conditioners and other gifts. One mother even acted as a character witness for the therapist during the Alvarado trial, unaware that her own child was being molested.

""The bottom line is this guy had complaints filed against him at the psychology board - and they are serious - and the board doesn't notify the school about the complaints," said Jerry Boswell, director of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, a group funded by the Church of Scientology (SEE CORRECTION) that documents cases such as Plaisted's. ""And the school is still referring children to this guy."

Corpus Christi school administrators said they used Plaisted infrequently for psychological testing of students, although school records and correspondence indicate he was a consultant from 1983 until he was indicted for child sexual assault in late 1992.

School administrators have identified records of five students referred to him for psychological testing between 1985 and 1992. There are no records prior to 1985.

School board President Henry Nuss, who has served on the board for seven years, said he first heard of the Plaisted case when he was contacted by the Houston Chronicle last week.

""We certainly should be more selective in who we're using," he said.

After Plaisted was charged in the Alvarado case in April 1986, Robert J. Garcia, the school district's special education director, wrote to the state psychology board to ask about the psychologist's record. The agency's executive director replied that Plaisted's license had been suspended, but because the psychologist was in the process of suing to get it back, he remained licensed to practice. The letter gave no details about the nature of the complaints.

""He was given a clean bill of health by the only agency that had anything to say about it," said Dr. Adrian Haston, a psychologist who coordinates the school district's psychological services, and who, years ago, shared an office with Plaisted.

Haston emphasized that none of the schoolchildren referred to Plaisted were molested. ""And we never had anything untoward, any problems of that sort," he said.

Asked why the district would risk using a psychologist once accused of being a child molester, Haston replied, ""This is something the district did, and you can ask the director of special education why."

Garcia said in a recent telephone interview that he could not remember whether he knew about the child molestation charges at the time he wrote to the psychology board.

""All I know is we asked for what his status was and they said he could still practice," he said. ""We knew he was under review, but we didn't know what for.

""Look, the state board of psychologists, they're the ones that allowed him to continue to practice," Garcia added angrily.

""If anyone should be asked as to why this guy was allowed to continue, it should be the state board of psychology."

Pressed for further details, Garcia abruptly ended the interview and hung up the phone.

Although Plaisted was acquitted in August 1986 in the Alvarado case, the psychology board continued its investigation and ruled in November of that year that Plaisted had violated professional standards.

The board officially suspended his license for two years, but said he would be allowed to resume his practice in three months.

Meanwhile, Plaisted challenged the suspension in state district court in Austin, arguing the psychology board had unfairly considered allegations that had not been introduced during his hearing, denying him the opportunity to defend himself against them. The judge agreed, and in January 1987 reversed Plaisted's suspension.

While the board was investigating Plaisted's case, they were contacted by Corpus Christi psychologist George Kramer.

Kramer, who had hired Plaisted in 1982 before Plaisted was licensed, told the board to subpoena records of the state Department of Human Resources. It did, and found other instances of alleged molestation by Plaisted.

In April 1989, the board reached an agreement with the psychologist that allowed him to keep his license if he agreed to be supervised for 11/2years. Plaisted was to treat children only in the presence of an associate or in a location where he could be observed by a television monitor. He also was to pay to have Corpus Christi psychologist Joseph Horvat supervise his casework.

Horvat met with Plaisted weekly, but after a year - convinced that Plaisted was doing nothing wrong - he recommended the supervision be terminated six months early. The board decided to continue the supervision.

""I have found no evidence in any way, shape or form of any behavior on his part which could be in any way construed as unprofessional or unethical," Horvat wrote to the board.

Included in one of his reports to the board was a review of Plaisted's treatment of an 8-year-old girl - a child Plaisted was later charged with molesting.

The board's general counsel, Barbara Holthaus, acknowledged past actions taken by the agency were inadequate.

""With hindsight, of course it wasn't appropriate, because look at what happened," Holthaus said. But she said the board has since added lay people to its ranks and has a new, tougher state law giving it better enforcement powers.

""Now, if we get a report that a psychologist is molesting a client, we can go before a judge and say we want to temporarily suspend the license," she said.

Holthaus said the board has filed a motion to revoke Plaisted's license, but Plaisted is fighting it.

""It's all kind of moot, because he's incarcerated," she said.

Soon after Plaisted completed his board-ordered supervision, Corpus Christi police received new information from state child welfare workers that Plaisted had been molesting girls at his office, in church and at home in his hot tub.

Former detective Eric Michalak, who now works in Colorado, remembered taking the Plaisted case to a Nueces County assistant district attorney for prosecution.

""He wanted to get a warrant for the doctor and arrest him, because we had very strong evidence against him," Michalak said. ""We had multiple victims and you had a guy in the position he was in, where he had access to all these victims.

You would want to take quick action rather than let it go on for so long."

The prosecutor was overruled by then-District Attorney Grant Jones, Michalak said. ""(Jones) just said, `We're not getting a warrant. We're taking our time.' He wanted the kids reinterviewed by one of the prosecutors.

""Any time you go after someone like that, there's a lot of politics that come into play," Michalak added. ""Instead of stepping in right then, and bringing it out in the open and taking it to a grand jury (for indictment), they delayed."

Jones contends that any delay in prosecution was an effort ""to tie the case down tight. We didn't want to lose him twice,"

said Jones, on whose watch Plaisted was acquitted in the Alvarado case.

Jones called it ""outrageous" the psychology board still hasn't revoked Plaisted's license.

""They should have done it in 1986," he said. ""What they want to do is wait around until you go to trial and you convict him, and then they come in behind your conviction and revoke his license. Well, what's he doing in the meantime? He could be out in the community molesting kids for two years."

Michalak said the case was finally taken to the grand jury several months later after he leaked the information about Plaisted's investigation to the local media.

""It was taking too long, and it wasn't being handled like another case," he said. ""And it was because he was so prominent in the community."

Plaisted was finally indicted in Corpus Christi in October 1992. He posted bond, closed his practice in Corpus Christi, and negotiated an agreement with the psychology board to place his license on inactive status until he could prove his innocence.

He then moved to Boston, where he enrolled in Boston University Law School and successfully completed his first year of studies by May 1994.

While in law school, Plaisted began calling a former patient - the girl whose treatment Horvat had reviewed in Corpus Christi. Plaisted convinced the girl's mother - who was also a patient of his - to bring the girl to Boston for additional therapy.

Plaisted's plans were foiled when a policeman setting up a speed trap in his neighborhood accidentally intercepted on his police radio a sexually explicit telephone call between the girl and Plaisted, who was using a cordless phone.

FBI agents were called in, six other calls were taped, and Plaisted was arrested on June 3, 1994, after he met the girl, then 13, and her mother at the train station and took them to a budget motel.

""The mother wasn't aware" of the molestations, said Adolfo Aguilo, an assistant Nueces County district attorney. ""The mother had a borderline personality disorder - she developed dependency on people -and unfortunately for her the person she developed a dependency on was Dr. Plaisted."

Sgt. Michael Harpster, a police detective from suburban Boston who helped arrest Plaisted, described him as ""very congenial, almost shy."

""He'd answer questions very courteously, but he didn't show any outward signs of knowing the seriousness of the situation," Harpster said.

Last January, Plaisted was sentenced by a federal judge in Boston to a two-year prison term after he pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines to engage in illegal sexual activity.

The Corpus Christi conviction and sentence came almost a year later.

In the end, Plaisted admitted molesting four victims. But prosecutors say no one will ever know how many others failed to come forward.

""I imagine there could be several other victims. Through his practice and the church he probably had access over the years to thousands of children," said Aguilo, the Corpus Christi prosecutor who eventually secured Plaisted's guilty plea.

""To me, any kid that came in contact with this guy was a victim in some way or another," added Michalak.

When Plaisted was sentenced last month, it was a bitter emotional meeting for many of his young victims and their parents, who had been called as witnesses in case Plaisted decided against the plea bargain.

Parents said Plaisted stood up straight, held his head high and looked the judge in the eye. And when he saw the relatives of his former victims, he acted as if he were attending a reunion of old friends, they said. One parent said Plaisted looked as if he thought they were there as supporters or character witnesses.

""He turned around and gave the families a big smile," Alvarado said. ""I couldn't believe it."

Alvarado, who sued Plaisted in civil court, has received a settlement for an undisclosed amount. Her son, now a teen-ager, is still struggling with his past abuse, she said, and she continues to feel betrayed by those who would not join her in speaking out years ago.

""I told them if they had helped me in the beginning, none of this would have happened," she said.

Plaisted timeline

Key dates in the career of Dr. James R. Plaisted:

January 1983: Licensed to practice psychology in Texas.

October 1984: Investigated by Texas Department of Human Resources for allegedly molesting a neighbor's child.

April 1986: Charged in criminal case for allegedly fondling a boy during therapy.

August 1986: Acquitted by jury in Corpus Christi.

October 1992: Indicted for sexual abuse of three Corpus Christi girls.

December 1992: Closed Corpus Christi office; moved to Boston to begin law school.

June 1994: Arrested by FBI agents for luring a 13-year-old former Corpus Christi patient to Boston.

January 1995: Indicted by Corpus Christi grand jury on three counts of aggravated sexual assault for incidents years earlier involving the same girl.

January 1995: Sentenced to two years in federal prison in Boston case.

Dec. 7, 1995: Sentenced to 40 years in state prison by a Corpus Christi judge after pleading guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Kenedeno's Texas Monthly: What did Randy tell his Insurance Agent? "If he turned up dead, his @(@*& did it."

2007-05-24T02:32:00.000-07:00

Kenedeno's Texas Monthly: What did Randy tell his Insurance Agent? "If he turned up dead, his @(@*& did it."

Was Ramsey a threat to Sissy?

Parkdale Bank: According to Gambi Gamboa, "John Longoria, Carol Scott and Dwayne Hargis already have chosen and will officially choose Roland Barrera

2007-05-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

Parkdale Bank: According to Gambi Gamboa, "John Longoria, Carol Scott and Dwayne Hargis already have chosen and will officially choose Roland Barrera as soon as Fri

After analyzing the recent events surrounding the resignation of CCISD Board Trustee Harry Williams (1 of 3 at large district positions); one thing IS clear. That one thing is Due Process (or lack of it). Immediately one's memory of search firm fiascos and the CCISD Board tool of choice, the Interim Superintendent buffer / scapegoat. The process was elaborate and ethical reasons or rule were claimed as the reason for the process.

Well, why such a rush fellas?

Why is the CCISD board in such a hurry to fill this position?

A Superintendent position and a Trustee position; one we wine, dine and lodge and the other we announce for applications for a month or so and "narrow the list down" from 20 to 5 in most expedient fashion. Now, making a long story short we have 20 candidates who invested their creative, intellectual and professional abilities into a work product they hope will be scrutinized by the Board and be successfully competitive. A good letter of interest comes only from the heart. The application is at times tedious but at least it is more objective than the TAKS. Updating one's resume and with a list of references most meaningful to the position and all of this for 15 to get thrown in the trash can and the 5 resumes remaining are to place on public display

full story here

"I'll be as hardy of mind as I am of body. I'll be a straight-shooter and a square-dealer. My family name will be sacred My word will be as good as any contract. I'll remember the Alamo. I'll stick by my friends. And I'll eat more chicken-fried steak."

"IN THE KNOW": Carlos Truan | Hugo Berlanga & The Primrose Path & Rangel Law School @ Texas A&I University.

2007-05-07T03:50:00.000-07:00

"IN THE KNOW": Carlos Truan | Hugo Berlanga & The Primrose Path & Rangel Law School @ Texas A&I University.

Nueces De La Parra: Corpus Christi Watchdog Authority: When the District Attorney has questions and the SOS has cleared the Candidate to run, how can

2007-05-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Corpus Christi Watchdog Authority: When the District Attorney has questions and the SOS has cleared the Candidate to run, how can there be criminal proceedings?

Whichever suits the interest of the "Pick and Choose" self dealers of Del Mar College. The voters made their choice; but it is not the choice of the "Pick and Choose" self dealers, so they whine. Always changing the rules in the middle of the process and calling it due process and they actually believe their own prevarication. It is requested that the AG attend the board meetings and closed sessions in the interest of Del Mar Taxpayers, Faculty and Student body as the AG did in the Kenedy Foundation debacle with Rene Gracida.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

Nueces De La Parra: Nobody kicked Joe Elizondo off of the CCREDC Board. He was inebriated and "with" females not his wife. Ask Denise about the "Bache

2007-05-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

Nueces De La Parra: Nobody kicked Joe Elizondo off of the CCREDC Board. He was inebriated and "with" females not his wife. Ask Denise about the "Bachelorettes' dancing w/ her hubby?

If the situation was reversed I would definitely be the bad guy. Maybe I should go yell at Juan's next event "WHO GIVES A F//K" and chant the CCREDC mantra Chorus. "JUAN MORE" "JUAN MORE" and ask him if he remembers? Juan must be held to a higher standard. Keep the reigns tight on him and everytime he starts to veer byte his a$$.

LOL

Joe Elizondo, surely he is a gentle man and a member of our leadership INFRASTRUCTURE? However, there must be HOUSECLEANING and the "Pulling of Weeds" that poisons us from the Top Down.

Elizondo began chanting JUAN MORE, JUAN MORE over and over (increasing in menacing heckle tone). Everyone ignored him so he continued with the JUAN MORE, JUAN MORE escalation. Then the Guitar Guy with the HAt "straight off of the sunset strip" was suggesting songs (lead ins). Elizondo yelled, "WHO GIVES A FUCK" and some other MINUTIA (uncalled for). He was directing his disrespect at the stage. My wife & I at the same time said, "HEY" and we turned to him with a meeting of the eyes. His group separated and Elizondo departed in a new truck. The others with him were friendly & charming before and after.

Autopsy shows lawyer Shelby killed himself

2007-03-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

Autopsy shows lawyer Shelby killed himself

Associated Press

HOUSTON — A former U.S. attorney in Houston killed himself with a gunshot to his chest, an autopsy released Thursday showed.

Michael T. Shelby, 47, had been suffering from cancer, friends and colleagues said.

Sheriff’s officers were called to his Houston home Tuesday mid-morning and found his body in his bedroom, Harris County Sheriff’s Lt. John R. Martin said Thursday. He said Shelby’s wife, Diana, and his mother were in the home when officers arrived to find Shelby, who had fatally shot himself with a handgun.

Shelby was a career prosecutor, first in Harris County, and then the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston. He resigned as the Houston area’s chief federal prosecutor a year ago to lead the white-collar criminal defense practice at Fulbright & Jaworski.

At the time of his resignation, he said he chose to go into private practice to better support his family and pay for the college educations of his daughters, aged 13 and 17.

Appointed by President Bush to be in charge of the seventh largest district in the country, including Houston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville and Victoria, Shelby was sworn in to the post in December 2001.

07/21/06

Former Houston U.S. attorney dies

By KRISTEN HAYS
Associated Press

HOUSTON — Former Houston U.S. Attorney Michael Shelby, who resigned as a prosecutor to go into private practice about a year ago, has died. He was 47.

Shelby died Tuesday of cancer, said Don DeGabrielle, his successor as Houston’s chief federal prosecutor.

When asked about Shelby’s death, Harris County Sheriff’s Lt. John R. Martin said deputies were called to a house in the same block where Shelby lived where a person had shot himself. Martin declined to release the name of that person or any of the details about the suicide.

Shelby’s body was taken to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, which was to be performed today.

“I’ve known him for 20 years. There’s not a finer or more zealous advocate. He is one of the most effective orators I’ve ever heard. He loved his family completely, and he had passion in everything he did,” DeGabrielle said.

Shelby, a married father of two, was a career prosecutor, first in Harris County and then the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University and then a law degree in 1984 from the University of Texas School of Law.

He resigned from his federal post in June last year to become a partner and lead the white-collar criminal defense practice at Fulbright & Jaworski, a Houston-based international law firm.

“He was immediately a star within our firm,” said Steve Dillard, head of Fulbright’s litigation department. “He was in demand from the time he set foot here. He opened up opportunities for building out his practice and was a major contributor despite the relatively short time he was here.” Shelby joined Houston’s U.S. Attorney’s office in 1989 and specialized in cases involving public corruption, organized crime and environmental law. In 1997, he moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he served as an assistant U.S. attorney until he was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas in December 2001.

He was appointed by President Bush to be in charge of the seventh largest district in the country, including Houston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville and Victoria.

The same month he was sworn in, Houston-based Enron crumbled into bankruptcy proceedings amid a scandal of hidden debt, inflated profits and accounting tricks. Shelby recused himself from the Justice Department’s Enron investigation because he had relatives who were company employees and shareholders.

Shelby said last year that he resigned from his federal job to join Fulbright so he could better support his family and pay for his two daughters’ college educations. His survivors include those daughters, aged 13 and 17, and his wife, Diana.

Funeral services were pending.

7/19/2006

Shelby resigns
Chief law enforcement officer plans to be with family

By CELINA ALVARADO
LAREDO MORNING TIMES

United States Attorney Michael Shelby, who has served as the chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Texas for the past three-and-a-half years, announced his resignation Friday, effective June 11.

According to a U.S. Department of Justice press release, Shelby announced to a stunned crowd of almost 300 district employees in Houston Friday -- he plans to dedicate his time to more important things such as his family.

"I believe in what we do. I have a strong sense of obligation to the president, Attorney General (Alberto) Gonzales, and the people of this district," he explained, "But I also have an obligation to my wife and children that I can no longer put aside."

Although no definite plans have been announced, Shelby is expected to enter the private practice of law in the Houston area, the press release states.

Throughout his distinguished career as a prosecutor, which spans more than 20 years, Shelby, a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas School of Law, served as an assistant district attorney in Harris County and as an assistant United States attorney for the district of Arizona.

In December of 2001, Shelby was chosen by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. district attorney for the seventh largest district in the country - the Southern District of Texas.

The Southern District of Texas is comprised of 7 million residents living in 43 counties, covering Houston, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Laredo, Victoria, and other areas.

During his tenure as U.S. district attorney, Shelby and his office have successfully prosecuted significant criminal cases in international terrorism, corporate and complex fraud, public corruption, drug trafficking, civil rights, human smuggling and organized crime, reports state.

During his speech Friday, Shelby attributed much of this accomplishment to his staff.

"The strength of this office isn't found at the top. It comes from each of you, the remarkably dedicated people who spend their days trying to make people's lives a little safer, more secure. In that, you have succeeded beyond anyone's greatest expectations," he told them.

In his three-and-a-half-year tenure, Shelby was one of only eight U.S. attorneys to be appointed as a member of the Corporate Fraud Task Force, a member of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee (twice), chair of the Controlled Substances Subcommittee, served as the coordinating authority for all organized crime and drug trafficking investigations and prosecutions in the Southwestern United States, and was a leader for effective anti-terrorism task forces around the nation, the release states.

(Celina Alvarado can be reached at 728-2566 or by email at celina@lmtonline.com)

05/14/05

Armstrong Ranch

2007-02-11T02:23:00.000-08:00

Armstrong Ranch

Found You, The Coast Guard Channel

2007-02-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard Channel' Web Network Launched

    SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Tam Communications, the
digital media company behind the first-ever reality television series about
a branch of the military, today announced the first Internet television
network about a branch of the military, the Coast Guard Channel (
http://www.coastguardchannel.com ). The Channel, which has enjoyed a
pre-launch life as Coast Guard Rescues, is a micro-television network
offering "viewers" web-based access to entertaining and informative content
about the U. S. Coast Guard.
   The network, the brainchild of Tam's co-founders, Tam and Susan
O'Connor Fraser, creators of the series "Coast Guard," which aired in
syndication from 1995 - 1998, and several Discovery Channel specials
focused on the U. S. Coast Guard, has been launched with programming
developed over the last 12 years. "As early as 1995, we had a website to
support our TV series but posting video was out of the question. The small
number of people with broadband connections into their homes made it
impractical," notes Tam Communications CEO, Susan O'Connor Fraser. "With
the completion of our most recent project for Discovery's Military Channel,
'Coast Guard at War,' we decided to focus our attention back on Coast Guard
content. And now the technology is here to support our vision."
   The launch of the network's predecessor, Coast Guard Rescues, in
September was concurrent with the opening of the "The Guardian." "We wanted
something on-line while the nation's attention was focused on the Coast
Guard's search and rescue mission." Since September, the Tam Communications
team has been fine-tuning the website and spreading the word, preparing for
the launch of the Channel. "We've seen a steady increase in website
visitors. I've never been involved in a project where viewer feedback has
been so overwhelmingly positive and proactive."
   In addition to original web-only series and features playing in a "24/7
Video" area, the site also provides an on-line shopping area where viewers
can buy Coast Guard-related DVDs and books. Other items will be added to
the catalog over the next year. Viewer-submitted content including photos,
stories and videos and a forum are featured in the "Get Interactive"
section of the Channel.
   While Tam Communications has a significant library of existing
material, Tam O'Connor Fraser emphasizes, "We have an ambitious slate of
new programming scheduled for the next 12 months. We've already started
pre-production on a Coast Guard in WWII special and we're planning a summer
full of Coast Guard production to take us to some of the Coast Guard's
busiest stations." More information about upcoming productions and other
new content can be found at the Coast Guard Channel at
http://www.coastguardchannel.com .
   The Coast Guard Channel is an advertising-supported network with
several advertising packages available.
   About Tam Communications
   Tam Communications is a leading digital media company, with both
corporate and entertainment client. The company produces video, interactive
multimedia, and web-based content. Additionally, the company has an
expanding portfolio of original entertainment programming-developed for
broadcast, cable, syndication, and the web. Tam Communications is a
privately held company located in Scotts Valley, CA. Please visit our web
site at http://www.tamcom.com.

Overlawyered: Can you guys hear me now?

2007-01-19T01:43:00.000-08:00

Overlawyered: Can you guys hear me now?

Armstrong Ranch: Colleen Mc Hugh Radio Shack Tandy Heiress?? Shadow Government in the Body of Christ

2007-01-16T02:04:00.000-08:00

Armstrong Ranch: Colleen Mc Hugh Radio Shack Tandy Heiress?? Shadow Government in the Body of Christ

These guys should be ashamed of themselves for turning a blind eye to the thievery of Eddie Lucio and Solomon Ortiz (or was it Lencho's Deal)

2006-12-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Administration

Commissioners
Arambula, Mr. Martin C - Chairman
	1000 Foust Rd Brownsville , TX 78521 Office phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956) 831-5006 Email mcarambula@netscape.com
Cristiano, Mr. Luigi - Vice Chairman
	2025 Central Blvd. Suite B Brownsville , TX 78520 Office phone: (956) 550-8367 Other phone: Mobile (956) 551-8367 Fax: (956) 542-0904 Email lcristiano@rgv.rr.com
Masso, Mr. Carlos R - Secretary of the Board
	2390 Central Blvd. Suite E Brownsville , TX 78520 Office phone: (956) 579-4903 Fax: (956) 831-5006 Email c.masso@sbcglobal.net
De Los Santos, Mr. Roy - Commissioner
	6419 Southmost Road Brownsville , TX 78521 Office phone: (956) 831-4592 BND Other phone: Mobile (956) 497-4294 Fax: (956) 831-5006 BND Email
Zavaletta, Mr. Peter - Commissioner
	603 E. St. Charles Brownsville , TX 78520 Office phone: (956) 546-5567 Other phone: Mobile (956) 459-0912 Fax: (956) 541-2205 Email peter@thezavalettalawfirm.com

Administrative Staff
Eymard, Donna E. - Interim Port Director
	Phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956)831-5006 Email: deymard@portofbrownsville.com

Ramirez, Rey - Harbormaster Operations
	Phone: (956) 831-8256 Fax: (956) 831-3068 Email: rramirez@portofbrownsville.com
Lopez, Hector - Director of Engineering Services
	Phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956) 831-6153 Email: hlopez@portofbrownsville.com
Mercado, Vicky - Administrative Assistant - Port Director's Office
	Phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956) 831-5006 Email: vmercado@portofbrownsville.com
Duke, Debby - Director of Finance and Administration
	Phone: (956) 838-7021 Fax: (956) 831-5106 Email: dduke@portofbrownsville.com
Rosenbaum, Beatrice - Director of Industrial Development
	Phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956) 831-6185 Email: brosenbaum@portofbrownsville.com
Rico, German - Director of Business Development
	Phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956) 831-5353 Email: grico@portofbrownsville.com
Rodriguez, Antonio - Director of Cargo Services
	Phone: (956) 831-4592 Fax: (956) 831-5353 Email: trodriguez@portofbrownsville.com
Garza, Joe - Director of Facilities Maintenance
	Phone: (956) 831-8273 Fax: (956) 831-5243 Email: jgarza@portofbrownsville.com
Gavito, George - Chief Of Police/Security
	Phone: (956) 831-8256 Fax: (956) 831-3068 Email: ggavito@portofbrownsville.com
Saban, Jo Lynn - Director of Human Resources
	Phone: (956)-831-4592 Fax: (956)-831-5612 Email: jsaban@portofbrownsville.com

Brent Wilkes Speaks up. Andiamo

2006-12-24T00:43:00.000-08:00

August 26, 2005 — Political Intelligence

Chasing Immigrants, Not Polluters

CALLING ALL VIGILANTES
It’s a dangerous world out there, and the nation seems besieged by potential terrorist threats: Thousands of shipping containers aren’t being inspected; transit systems are vulnerable; the war in Iraq is breeding more extremists than any superpower can handle. Not to fear, though, because U.S. Representative John Culberson (R-Houston) has just the solution to keep us safe: roving gangs of armed civilians.

In late July, Culberson introduced House Resolution 3622 that would authorize armed volunteer militias to defend America’s borders against terrorists, who are now apparently coming across from Mexico disguised as Hispanics. Culberson’s Deputy Chief of Staff Tony Essalih claimed in an interview with the Observer that al-Qaeda members are crossing the U.S.-Mexican border with drug smugglers and Salvadoran gangs in increasing numbers.

To combat this, the militia would be trained by local law enforcement and serve under the governor’s command. Volunteers, presumably irate landowners and police academy dropouts, would prevent illegal crossing using “whatever means or force is authorized under state law,” according to the bill, to take individuals into custody and have them delivered to federal authorities for deportation. The militia would be called the “Border Protection Corps,” which sounds like some sort of New Deal program, as re-imagined by Charles Bronson. While the volunteer militias would be armed, they would allow only those with no criminal background or mental illness to join. Don’t you feel better already?

Culberson’s office is working with the Department of Homeland Security to determine exactly what the cost breakdown would be. Funding for the armed mobs would come from $6.2 billion in the department’s first responder fund reserved for emergency workers, which has gone unused for two years. Volunteers presumably would have to supply their own torches and pitchforks, though.

Some aren’t so yee-haw about the idea.

“We anticipate it won’t get any attention, because it’s crazy,” said Brent Wilkes, executive director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). “From what we can tell, it’s an open invitation for armed racist amateurs to come patrol the border and detain people using any force necessary. The proponents are the same fanatics that have always wanted to keep people out. But now they are using terrorism as an excuse.”

Despite the naysayers, Culberson’s office had a bright outlook on the bill’s future. “We’ve been shopping it,” Essalih said. “Sure, we’ll listen to criticisms of the bill, but we don’t plan on changing it …. All it takes is catching one terrorist to make everything worth it.” There’s no justice like angry mob justice.

NIPPING AT NEPA
It’s hard to overstate the importance of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, known in policy circles as NEPA. It’s the equivalent to the Bill of Rights for environmental law. NEPA requires, in broad terms, that any federally funded or permitted project—everything from highway construction to natural gas drilling—must undergo an environmental review and public comment. Environmentalists credit NEPA with preventing or modifying countless environmentally harmful projects. Industry takes a dimmer view. The mining, logging, and construction industries have long argued that NEPA delays projects through overly burdensome bureaucracy. The U.S. House Resources Committee has spawned a taskforce to study NEPA with the goal of improving and “streamlining” the law. Since both the committee and its taskforce are stacked with conservative Republicans, environmentalists are understandably suspicious. And the taskforce’s series of less-than-public hearings have only further angered the environmental community.

For its third hearing (out of six), the taskforce traveled on July 23 to Nacogdoches, a perfectly out-of-the-way town. So out of the way, in fact, that only two Congressmen from the 20-member taskforce showed up. Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, who represents the area and lives nearby, and Rep. Cathy McMorris (R-Wash.) heard testimony from eight Texans and one Alabaman, although the hearing was supposed to include representation for Louisiana and Mississippi. This invitation-only witness list wasn’t released until four days before the hearing. Those not invited to testify were relegated to supplying their public input on the taskforce’s web site, under a link entitled “Tell us your story.” The witness list made clear whose point of view the taskforce wanted to hear. The nine invited witnesses included representatives from the American Loggers Council, Texas Forest Products, Texas Mining and Reclamation Association, Texas Farm Bureau, and TXI Geologic and Mine Services. Just two of the nine witnesses were environmentalists, and none were private citizens or landowners.

One of the industry reps invited to testify was Debbie Johnston, a spokeswoman for Abitibi-Consolidated’s Lufkin newsprint mill. Johnston testified that the mill closed in 2003 because of escalating energy prices, combined with a poor newsprint market. With sleight-of-hand logic, Johnston proceeded to accuse NEPA and its regulations of impeding drilling projects, which caused increased energy prices and caused the plant’s closure. “Our mill was particularly dependent on natural gas,” Johnston said in an interview with the Observer. “[NEPA] impacts the availability of natural gas [making it] difficult to drill and expand supply.”

Could a 35-year-old law be responsible for a recent surge in energy prices and the closure of a paper plant in Lufkin? In reality, drilling permits are being handed out faster than steroids in Major League Baseball. Approvals of drilling permits have been at an all-time high since about 2001, according to officials at the Texas Railroad Commission and a separate report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Environmentalists say there are many factors involved in natural gas pricing, such as inclement weather, natural disasters, national and state economies, and oil prices.

When the hearings are complete, the panel will make recommendations on how to alter NEPA. Given the tenor to date, it’s not hard to figure which side that report will take.

UPSET OVER UPSETS
Too often, industrial facilities spew tons of hazardous pollutants into Texas skies and simply label it an unpreventable “upset.” They can do this with impunity because the companies know that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is unlikely to levy a large fine against them. These are the basic findings in a new report, “Industrial Upset Pollution: Who Pays the Price?” by Public Citizen and a coalition of national and community-based environmental organizations. The report takes a close look at 20 “upset events” in the Port Arthur and Corpus Christi areas (upsets are emissions that occur outside of permitted air pollution). The study also examined the possible impact of these upsets on public health and the local economy—one of the first attempts to look at the effects of major air pollution in Texas.

Using TCEQ and the EPA’s databases of emissions events, Public Citizen’s analysis seeks to demonstrate that many refineries often get away with blowing more smoke in their upsets than they do each year in their permitted pollution. For example, the report notes that during upsets the BASF FINA facility in Port Arthur emitted “3,700 percent of the hazardous air pollutants released during routine [permitted] operations in 2003.” While TCEQ will perform an investigation into major upsets such as the one at BASF FINA, the report notes that less than 1 percent of these releases resulted in penalties in 2004. Even when the company must pay a fine, the average amount is only 19 percent of the economic benefit gained from polluting, according to a study last year by the state auditor’s office. In other words, it pays to pollute. This is what the economists call a perverse incentive.

Residents living close to smokestacks, usually poor people of color, have long complained of unannounced outbursts of pollution from their noxious neighbors, but have been unable to prove a link between these sudden and concentrated emissions and short- and long-term health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, elevated rates of leukemia, neurological disorders, and heart and lung disease. “This is the first report to ever draw the connection between upsets, decreased school enrollment, and an increase in the number of kids admitted to hospitals,” said Hilton Kelley, executive director of the Port Arthur-based environmental justice group Community In-Power and Development Association. Public Citizen looked at attendance rates for schools in a two-mile radius of the Valero East facility in Corpus Christi following several upsets in 2004. While noting that the “figures do not prove direct causation,” the report does indicate a possible correlation between upsets and drops in school attendance.

Stephen Ligon, a manager in TCEQ’s Air and Enforcement Section, didn’t dispute the report’s basic findings but said some of the numbers may be off because of the way upsets are reported to the agency and because TCEQ is still investigating some incidents. Ligon said the agency is working on tightening the rules on upsets. He said the agency is wrapping up a series of public hearings on new proposals that will forbid upsets during routine maintenance. But Tashiica Miles of Community In-Power and Development said that the TCEQ’s proposals fall short. “What’s it going to take for TCEQ to change their rules to comply with federal law and start looking at school attendance, cancer rates, and hospital visits?”

DISTURBING DEVELOPMENT
Just when a national wildlife refuge is almost a reality for Caddo Lake (see “The Only Honest Lake in Texas,” July 8, 2005), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has stepped in to muddy the waters. As reported in the Marshall Daily Messenger, Senator Kay has moved to strip away between 1,000 and 2,000 acres from the 12,000-acre refuge for an industrial park “for economic development.”

The move is in direct conflict with the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Army, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Caddo Lake Institute. It is also likely a response to intense lobbying by retired General Vernon Lewis, who has been on a jihad against the people of Uncertain, the Greater Caddo Lake Association, and especially Don Henley and Dwight Shellman of the Caddo Lake Institute ever since he was rebuffed in his efforts to became the titular spokesman for the lake.

The so-called economic development is being promoted by Marshall attorney Sam Moseley and Marshall businessman Tommy Whaley, despite plenty of available space at Marshall’s own industrial park near Interstate 20. Moseley contends industrial development can co-exist with the refuge.
The Greater Caddo Lake Association, the local Chamber of Commerce, and other lake residents say otherwise. In fact, an industrial park’s presence within the refuge will effectively “undermine the ecotourism investments that have been accelerating since the [wildlife refuge] became a reality,” wrote GCLA President Robby Speight, Jr. in a letter to the Senator. And ecotourism around the lake isn’t chump change. Even without the refuge, Caddo Lake’s ecotourism is the single most important factor in Harrison and Marion counties’ $60 million tourism industry, according to Speight.
He also pointed out to Senator Hutchison that the industrial park promoters are “a very small group of individuals with a long history of opposing efforts to protect and conserve Caddo Lake and its wetlands.”

Should the Senator continue to side with Marshall interests against the locals, she will not only screw the pooch as far as tourism on the lake goes, but will have awarded by default the bigger prize of water rights to parties who look at Caddo as just another reservoir to exploit, rather than the special place that it is. Caddo supporters wonder whether the Good Senator would site a concrete batch plant near her Turtle Creek residence in Dallas in the name of economic development? Don’t bet the manse on it.

SAY IT AIN'T SO
Joe After four years, Congress finally passed an energy bill in late July. In it are $9 billion in taxpayer subsidies for the oil, nuclear, and coal industries, and pork a-plenty for lawmakers. Conspicuously absent is a plan for weaning America off foreign oil and onto sustainable, renewable energy sources. Key to this transition, say environmentalists and alternative energy proponents, is a federal renewable electricity standard, which would require 10 percent of the nation’s electricity to come from solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable energy sources by 2020. Although the Senate has approved such a measure three out of the past four years, including 2005, the House has punted every time thanks, in part, to the work of Texas Republican Joe Barton (R-Ennis). Barton chairs the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, and his close ties to various polluters has earned him the nickname “Smokey Joe.” He has received $1.84 million in political contributions from energy companies since 1997, more than any other House member, according to the Washington Post. “It’s amazing what an enormous negative role Joe Barton has played in killing renewable energy,” said Karen Hadden of the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Coalition. “He led the opposition and in typical fashion he lined up the votes.”

In late July, the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) crunched the numbers on the potential economic benefit to Texas from a federal renewable electricity standard using a modified Department of Energy model. The group found that the standards would produce 19,400 new high-skilled jobs, $4.7 billion in consumer savings from reduced electricity and natural gas bills, and billions of dollars in capital investment and income for ranchers and rural landowners.

Sounds like a pretty good deal for Texas, right? Barton, however, at a news conference on July 27, called opponents of his energy bill “anti-American” and from “the extreme left, which ... wants us to go back to rubbing two sticks together to create a fire.” On the same day, to his credit, he did send a staffer, Ron Wright, to meet with representatives of the UCS and the SEED Coalition. Hadden said that Wright “referred to the fact that other states didn’t have the same potential as Texas and that it may not be fair to them [to pass renewable standards].”

Wright confirmed that is one reason Barton opposes renewable energy standards. The energy bill is “a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach,” Wright told the Observer. “Should we do more wind and solar?” he asked. “Absolutely. Can we solve our energy problems with wind and solar? No. There’s only so much government can do in a global situation.”

Kate Abend, energy field coordinator for UCS, says she believes the House will eventually warm up to renewables. But Barton is a major obstacle. The chairman recently launched an investigation of a climatology report that echoes what is now scientific consensus for everyone but him: Fossil fuel consumption is warming the planet. “Even if we build a base of support in the House, Barton can prevent action on [renewable standards],” Abend said. “We haven’t been too pleased with his treatment of science lately.”

YOU'VE GOT MAIL! - "IN THE KNOW" - "We're From Here!"

2006-06-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": Del Mar Dreams of perjury, forgery, attempted capital murder, and gross violations of procedural due process

6:20 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": Van Wie refused to acknowledge her presence, and instead simply ignored her.

8:38 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": Matula began a series of remarkable actions in retaliation

8:45 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": Leticia Clark and Angie Alonso claimed that they was just obeying orders.

8:51 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": With Del Mar doing nothing, the campaign against Mr. Benitez and Ms. Lopez took a shocking and horrific turn.

8:55 PM

Comment Deleted

This post has been removed by the author.

8:58 PM

Comment Deleted

This post has been removed by the author.

9:00 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": Mr. Benitez answered a knock at the door to find a gunman, Francisco Perez, waiting for him.

9:02 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": Del Mar – In-House Counsel Michael Westergren and Vice President Garcia – were present at the trial of Reynolds, providing assistance to the defense

9:07 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

"IN THE KNOW": The Retaliation and Harassment Continues After the Shooting

9:17 PM

Jaime Kenedeño said...

OK Here goes the emails.

9:22 PM

Yes sir ocifer we were trying to buy a baby and we paid for it

2006-06-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

Posted on June 1, 2006 at 10:15:45 PM by Jaime Kenedeno

Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Yes sir ocifer we were trying to buy a baby and we paid for it, but she did not produce the product and we want our money back

""The judge denied bond for 24-year-old Belinda Ramirez saying she's a flight risk, and a danger to the community".

=====================================================================================

"Packages were found at the defendants house with addresses matching the victims who sent her money and gifts...I saw video surveillance of her using the gift cards at Wal-Mart""

Now, a few red flags pop up in my mind.

First of all if something sounds too good to be true then.......

Secondly and more so this reminds ME of an illegal transaction (like say human trafficking) gone bad and one of the parties reports it to the authorities.

"However, there are some basic elements of trafficking that are widely agreed upon, such as violence, deception, coercion, deprivations of freedom of movement, abuse of authority, debt bondage, forced labour and slavery-like practices, and other forms of exploitation or use of force.

The above elements are largely and commonly agreed upon, and trafficking is considered to be a violation of the basic rights of women and girls. The issue however, gets mired in controversy and confusion when prostitution too is considered as a violation of the basic human rights of both adult women and minors, and equal to sexual exploitation per se. From this standpoint then, trafficking and prostitution become conflated with each other. This conflation is also historically grounded. It is important to remember that the historical understanding of trafficking in international law has been focussed primarily on the movement of women and girls across borders for the purpose of prostitution. This is indeed the key aspect of the 1949 Convention on the Suppression of Traffic in Person and the Exploitation of Others which declares that the very entry of a woman into prostitution with or without her consent, and third party involvement is an offence.
"there is a growing agreement that the problem of 'trafficking in human beings' involves two key elements: recruitment/transport and forced labor or slavery-like practices (actual or attempted) ... Moreover, most experts agree that trafficking should be defined as involving deception or coercion of some kind."

Yes sir ocifer we were trying to buy a baby and we paid for it, but she did not produce the product and we want our money back.

Deception is common in the black market and when attorneys and adoption agencies are circumvented; the players (now illegally conspiring to traffic or sell a human being) become dealers and consumers in the Black Market. High risks and lucrative returns but most of all any contract is void when it violates Statutory Law.

Basically, the courts will not get involved in any suit that involves illegality or immorality.

Therefore, fraud would be based on a legal agreement between two parties. In this case the agreement involved an illegal transaction since it is illegal to buy sell or trade human beings. In the Belinda Ramirez case, she was not obligated to produce a baby in return unless there is a contract agreement in which Laura Valois' Attorney and Adoption Agency would have required. Undoubtedly, the gifts and such were outside of the agreement if there was one.

It amazes ME how a Media Entity such as KRIS TV (NBC) would take the word of a New Yorker without any requirement of documentation or investigation. It is highly irresponsible and unprofessional to advocate for a YUPPIE who was obviously was conspiring to purchase and traffic a human being (a newborn baby).

Now if the girl knew she was not pregnant WATT then?

It is possible she knew all along while she was defrauding those conspiring to commit a criminal act.

Does that make the YUPPIES victims?

Or Criminals?

Another issue would be the entering into a contract with a party of diminished mental capacity.

Hypothetically, if the girl was selling heroin and the Yuppies were giving her "gifts" in good faith as consideration, does her not providing the illegal and illicit drug make the buyers victims?

Bottom Line: If the transaction was illegal the both parties committed felonius acts against the human race.

Of course, according to KRIS TV the mentally diminished Texan victimized the New Yorker YUPPIES.

========================================

"We feel it's unfair that the alleged victims are being portrayed in such an innocent light when it appears to us that they were not going through lawyers, they were not going through adoption agencies, and they were tendering this money voluntarily to my client as if they were gifts," said defense attorney Mark Dicarlo"

http://kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4973111&nav=menu192_1

=====================================================================================================

WATT happened on LAGO this morning
Posted on June 2, 2006 at 08:03:09 PM by Jaime Kenedeno

Threats only make us more determined.

And if these haters have any brains they will realize true influence results out of men and women of action. If you gonna do somethin the by all means dont warn us.

Rhetoric only is effective when the integrity of the words are determined by the imminence of the foretold outcome. Action when they call your bluff.

Lago thugs I am calling your bluff. I am the e Advocate for said party Belinda Ramirez.

I am quality assurance in the flesh.

Wat is good for the goose is good for the ggander.

AND EQUAL JUSTICE FOR ALL!

RIGHT JOE FLORES??????

===================================================================================

Re(1): WATT happened on LAGO this morning
Posted on June 3, 2006 at 01:26:00 PM by Elwood Blues

"I am the e Advocate for said party Belinda Ramirez".

LOL..you sure know how to pick 'em..don't you,Jaime? You "advocate" for the Fernandezes,then they stab you in the back (by your account,anyway)..now you're going to advocate for this skank who's got a history of defrauding people.

I guess you didn't read both the Channel 6 stories on this piece of work.She's jailed with no bond because she conned at least SEVEN (7) people out of money and gifts,which is why they've charged her with several counts of fraud and wire fraud.Pretty much shoots down her story that this last couple just "gave her gifts"..doesn't it? According to federal authorities,Ramirez targeted people who wanted to adopt a baby.

Laura Valois said they DID use a lawyer to secure the adoption,and only sent money and merchandise AFTER it was requested.Valois said, "She (Ramirez) would call and say needed money for rent,for a down payment,for a deposit for that apartment,her cell phone..everything she asked".

Ramirez has also been previously arrested for forgery,Jaime.

Like I said,dude..you sure know how to pick'em...

==================================================================================

Every single one of the seven....
Posted on June 3, 2006 at 01:55:37 PM by Jaime Kenedeno

were engaging in the purchase of a baby.

I sure know how to pick em? I help people who need it most and recieve it the least.

I advocate for her yes; if she is guilty then so are the black market buyers. She has a diminished mental capacity and every single human being accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. They are also entitled to bond under certain conditions. Even the accused must be afforded certain procedural rights. Not every single person we stand by is innocent but they are guaranteed certain inalienable rights. We are Quality Assurance. Nice to hear from you pal. Regardless of a client's guilt or innocence an attorney or advocate cannot allow threats to go unaddressed. Most criminal defense is defending the guilty. Such is life.

===================================================================================================

key word here, "registered" where is the pregancy test?
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 07:25:30 AM by Jaime Kenedeno

"had registered with several adoption agencies"

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE?

I dont believe it and let ME tell you why:

Proof of pregancy would have been the first bar to clear. Do you think adoption agencies just take the word of just any "would be con"?

Also, it is my understanding adoption agencies make regular home visits. They look for signs of "nesting" to determine and assure their clients of a perfect choice.

==========================================================================================

If the "Victims" would have went through an adoption agency......
Posted on June 6, 2006 at 03:50:08 AM by Jaime Kenedeno

Extensive Acceptance Procedures for Birth Parents
We believe that the initial contact by a birth parent is an emotional event. We understand that deciding to place a child for adoption is one of the most difficult decisions a mother will ever have to make. Our policy is to personally meet with the birth mother within 24 hours of our initial phone contact with her.

Once we determine that the birth parent is committed to making an adoption plan for their child we assist them in completing the necessary paperwork for the adoption. This includes a detailed application and medical/social history among many others. The birth mother is then assigned to a case worker who counsels the birth parents on their decision to seek adoption of their child. We obtain medical releases and all available medical records pertaining to the birth mother and/or the prenatal care of the baby. We also receive results of tests for HIV, Hepatitis, drug and alcohol use, etc. We verify the pregnancy of the birth mother and her OB-GYN exam results.

http://www.adoptionadvantage.com/adoptive_parent/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=14

It is a fatalistic attitude that TEAM KENEDENO will eradicate! Quality Control begins with accountability and consequences not only rewards and power.

2006-06-03T02:02:00.000-07:00

Cato
Posts: 142
Infrastructure is needed somewhere else, my point
6/2/2006 9:21 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The politicians, COMMONSENSE, argues will win 98 percent of the time. This is what is wrong with this community. It is a fatalistic attitude.

COMMONSENSE has not faith and hope and love in his own people and residents. The power is with us. We control the votes, we decide where our taxdollars go because, we are the RATEPAYERS. We have the democractic right to scrutinize every dollar and cent.

Infrastructure (the transportational one) is needed thoughout town, there are obvious neglected areas that we do no talk about. We need to reach out fairly to all the community. Personal Fiefdoms? The avarice of the Curtis Rocks who justify their kow tow to the Nealgolian and the Department of Transporation system and the MPO by pointing out that they gave a few beans they give away as token lipservice to community causes, need a reality check.

The power is with the people. The lights of the Harbor Bridge have been off and should be turned on. The same with the masses they should not loose hope. We have something they do not - Numbers. We can flaunt the numbers and parade them around the bridge or at both corners of it. A message needs to be sent.

98 percent? Heha. What a defeatist attitude. You must be a latent boy who likes to get wiped at an S&M ritual. IT's your thing and do what you want to do; but let get one thing straight: we all don't like to be on the receiving end.

SIXTY MINUTES with Mike Wallace

2006-05-21T18:28:00.001-07:00

60 Minutes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For Sixty Minutes in Australia see 60 Minutes (Australia).
For the unit of time, see hour.
Sixty Minutes was also the replacement for the BBC current affairs programme Nationwide.

The ticking TAG Heuer stopwatch from 60 Minutes.
60 Minutes is an investigative television newsmagazine on United States television, which has run on CBS News since 1968. The program was created by long time producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation. It has been the top-rated program for much of its life, and has garnered numerous awards over the years. It is considered by many to be the pre-eminent investigative television program in the United States.
Contents[hide]
1 History
2 Format
3 Ratings history
4 Correspondents
4.1 Past Correspondents
4.2 Commentators
5 Recognition and controversies
5.1 Controversies
6 60 Minutes II
7 International versions
7.1 Australia
7.2 New Zealand
8 References in popular culture
9 See also
10 References
11 Book references
12 External links
//
[edit]

History
The initial run of 60 Minutes was as a bi-weekly show hosted by Harry Reasoner and Mike Wallace which debuted on CBS on September 24, 1968. Don Hewitt, who had been a producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, sought out Wallace as a contrast to Harry Reasoner (Madsen, 14). According to one historian of the show, the idea of the format was to make the hosts the reporters, to always feature stories that were of national import but focused upon individuals in conflict with those issues, and to keep the reports to around thirteen minutes (Madsen 14). However, the initial season was troubled by lack of network confidence. In 1970, the FCC instituted a rule stipulating that local network affiliates produce their own content for half an hour on weeknights and one hour of prime time on Sunday. Because affiliates found the costs for these productions high and the advertising rates low, the FCC created an exception for network-authored news and public affairs, and this ensured a place for 60 Minutes on Sunday night, as well as a duration for it (Madsen 15).
Morley Safer replaced Harry Reasoner in 1969, and he took over the task of reporting less aggressive stories. However, when Richard Nixon began targeting press access and reporting, even Safer began to do "hard" investigative reports, and in 1970 alone 60 Minutes reported on cluster bombs, the South Vietnamese Army, Canada's amnesty for American draft dodgers, Nigeria, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland (Madsen 15). 1970 also saw the introduction of "Point/Counterpoint," with James J. Kilpatrick and, eventually, Shana Alexander, a three minute debate between spokespeople for the political right and left, respectively. This segment pioneered a format that would later be adapted by CNN for its Crossfire show.
By 1975, it was the top-rated show on Sunday nights in the United States. By 1982, it was one of the highest rated shows overall. Its advertising rates went from $17,000 per thirty seconds in 1975 to $175,000 in 1982 (Madsen 17). In 1981, Channel 9 in Australia licensed a spin-off of 60 Minutes, complete with ticking clock and format and, later, New Zealand followed suit with its own 60 Minutes.
At 87 years old, Mike Wallace is not only the oldest television personality today (tied with Helen Wagner), but one who has last the longest with one news show continuously, having been a part of 60 Minutes since its inception in 1968. On March 14, 2006, Wallace announced his retirement from 60 Minutes after 37 years with the program. He will continue working for CBS News as a "Correspondent Emeritus."
As of 2005, it is the only regularly scheduled television program without any type of theme music.
[edit]

Format
The format of 60 Minutes consists of three long-form news stories, without superimposed graphics. The stories are introduced from a set which has a backdrop resembling a magazine story on the same topic. The show undertakes its own investigations and follows up on investigations instigated by national newspapers and other sources.
Many topics center on allegations of wrongdoing and corruption on the part of corporations, politicians, and other public officials. Said figures are commonly either subjected to an interview, or evade contact with the 60 Minutes crew altogether, either by written notice or by simply fleeing from the approaching journalist and his camera crew. Instead of summarizing an interview or providing direct commentary on an issue, 60 Minutes prefers to air the interview itself. When the subject is hiding a secret, the viewers witness the evasion directly.
The show also features profiles. The profiles are occasionally of celebrities and offer up a biography of the figure, focusing upon the celebrity's early life story, obstacles, and choices, rather than offering a simple publicity platform. Non-celebrity profiles usually feature a person who has accomplished an heroic action or striven to improve the world.
In tone, 60 Minutes blends the probing journalism of the seminal 1950s CBS series See It Now with Edward R. Murrow (a show for which Hewitt was the director its first few years) and the personality profiles of another Murrow program, Person to Person. In Hewitt's own words, 60 Minutes blends "higher Murrow" and "lower Murrow."
For most of the 1970s, the program included the Point/Counterpoint segment in which a liberal and a conservative commentator would debate a particular issue. This originally featured James J. Kilpatrick representing the conservative side and Nicholas von Hoffman for the liberals, with Shana Alexander taking over for von Hoffman after he departed in 1974. Although discontinued in 1979, when Andy Rooney, who had previously left the show with Harry Reasoner, returned to offer commentary, the segment was an innovation that caught the public imagination as a live version of competing editorials. Point/Counterpoint was also lampooned by the NBC comedy series Saturday Night Live, which featured Jane Curtin and Dan Aykroyd as debaters, with Aykroyd typically beginning his remarks with, "Jane, you ignorant slut".
A similar concept was revived briefly in March 2003, this time featuring Bob Dole and Bill Clinton, former opponents in the 1996 presidential election. The pair agreed to do ten segments, which were called "Clinton/Dole" and "Dole/Clinton" in alternating weeks, but did not continue into the fall television season. Reports indicated that the segments were considered too gentlemanly, in the style of the earlier Point/Counterpoint, and lacked the feistiness of Crossfire.[1]
Since 1979, the show has usually ended with a (usually light-hearted or humorous) commentary by Andy Rooney expounding on topics of wildly varying import, ranging from international politics, to economics, and to personal philosophy on every-day life. One recurring topic has been counting the amount of coffee in coffee-cans[2] . Rooney's pieces, particularly one in which he referred to actor Mel Gibson as a "wacko," have on occasion led to complaints from viewers.
[edit]

Ratings history
Based on ratings, 60 Minutes is the most successful broadcast in U.S. television history. For five of its seasons it has been that year's top program, a feat only matched by the sitcoms All in the Family and The Cosby Show. It was a top ten show for 23 seasons in a row (1977-2000), an unsurpassed record.
60 Minutes first broke into the Ratings Top 20 during the 1976-77 season. The following season it was the fourth-most-watched show, and by 1979-80, it was the number one show. During the 21st century it remains among the top 20 programs in the Nielsen Ratings, and the highest-rated news magazine.
[edit]

Correspondents
Mike Wallace is perhaps the iconic representation of the style of journalism for which the show is known and has been on the show since its inception in 1968.
The program's correspondents and commentators have included:
Ed Bradley (1981-present)
Steve Kroft (1989-present)
Lara Logan (2005-present)
Scott Pelley (2003-present)
Dan Rather (1975-1981, 2005-present)
Morley Safer (1970-present)
Bob Simon (1996-present)
Lesley Stahl (1991-present)
Katie Couric (Beginning September 2006)
Anderson Cooper (Beginning September 2006)
[edit]

Past Correspondents
Harry Reasoner (1968-1970, 1978-1991)
Diane Sawyer (1984-1989)
Meredith Vieira (1989-1991)
Mike Wallace (1968-2006)[3]-Correspondent Emeritus
[edit]

Commentators
Since 1978, Andy Rooney has contributed a humorous and sometimes cantankerous commentary at the end of each episode. Other commentators include:
Shana Alexander (Liberal debater, 1975-1979)
Bill Clinton (Liberal debater, 2003)
Stanley Crouch (Commentator, 1996)
Bob Dole (Conservative debater, 2003)
Molly Ivins (Liberal commentator, 1996)
James J. Kilpatrick (Conservative debater, 1971-1979)
P. J. O'Rourke (Conservative commentator, 1996)
Nicholas Von Hoffman (Liberal debater, 1971-1974)
[edit]

Recognition and controversies
CBS has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Peabody Awards for the segments "All in the Family", an investigation into abuses by government and military contractors; "The CIA's Cocaine", which uncovered CIA involvement in drug smuggling; and "Friendly Fire", a report on incidents of friendly fire in the Gulf War. They received an Investigative Reporter and Editor medal for their segment "The Osprey", documenting a Marine coverup of deadly flaws in the V-22 Osprey helicopter.
[edit]

Controversies
The show has been praised for landmark journalism and received many awards. However, it has also become embroiled in some controversy, including:
"Unintended acceleration"
In 1986, Don Hewitt greenlit a story concerning the Audi 5000 automobile, a popular German luxury car. The story concerned a number of incidents where the car purportedly accelerated without warning while parked, injuring or killing people. 60 Minutes was unable to duplicate this behavior, and so hired an outside consultant to modify the transmission to behave in this manner, and aired a story about it.
The incident devastated Audi sales in the United States, which did not reach the same level for another fifteen years. The initial incidents which prompted the report were found by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada to have been attributable to operator error, where car owners had depressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal. CBS issued a partial retraction, without acknowledging the test results of involved government agencies[4].
A rival to 60 Minutes, Dateline NBC, would be found guilty of similar tactics years later regarding fuel tank integrity on General Motors pickup trucks.
Brown and Williamson
In 1995, former Brown and Williamson (B&W) Vice President for Research and Development Jeffrey Wigand provided information to 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman that B&W had systematically hidden the health risks of their cigarettes. Furthermore, it was alleged that B&W had introduced foreign agents (fiberglass, ammonia, etc.) with the intent of enhancing the effect of nicotine. Bergman began to produce a piece based upon the information, but ran into opposition from Don Hewitt. Because of the hesitation from Hewitt, The Wall Street Journal instead broke Wigand's story. The 60 Minutes piece was eventually aired with substantially altered content, and was missing some of the most damning evidence against B&W. The exposé of the incident was published in an article in Vanity Fair by Marie Brenner, entitled The Man Who Knew Too Much [5]. The New York Times wrote that 60 Minutes and CBS had "betrayed the legacy of Edward R. Murrow." The incident was turned into a seven-times Oscar-nominated feature film entitled The Insider, directed by Michael Mann and starring Russell Crowe and Al Pacino.
U.S. Customs Service
60 Minutes alleged in 1997 that agents of the U.S. Customs Service ignored drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border at San Diego [6]. The only evidence was a memorandum apparently written by Rudy Camacho, who was the head of the San Diego branch office. Based on this memo, CBS alleged that Camacho had allowed trucks belonging to a particular firm to cross the border unimpeded. Mike Horner, a former Customs Service employee, had passed the memos on to 60 Minutes, and even provided a copy with an official stamp. Camacho was not consulted about the article, and his career was devastated in the immediate term as his own department placed suspicion on him. In the end, it turned out that Horner had forged the documents as an act of revenge for his treatment within the Customs Service. Camacho successfully sued CBS for an unknown settlement, and Don Hewitt was forced to issue an on-air retraction[7].
Memogate / Rathergate
Officially known as the Killian documents, Memogate involved 4 historical memos used in a 60 Minutes Wednesday broadcast aired on September 8, 2004, during the 2004 US presidential campaign. The memos indicated that President George W. Bush was given preferential treatment and later was excused improperly from completing his tour with the United States National Guard. Conservative American bloggers later asserted that these documents had not been verified properly by CBS and claimed they were forgeries. The authenticity of the documents has neither been proven nor disproven. Dan Rather, who narrated the segment, publicly vouched for the documents for twelve days before he reversed himself on September 20, 2004 and stated that he could no longer support their authenticity and that "We made a mistake in judgment, and for that I am sorry".
Viacom cross-promotion
In recent years the show has been accused of promoting books, films, and interviews with celebrities who are published or promoted by sister businesses in the Viacom empire, without disclosing the journalistic conflict-of-interest to viewers[8]. However, due to media consolidation, this has become standard practice on many television news broadcasts.
[edit]

60 Minutes II
Main article: 60 Minutes II
In 1999, a second edition of 60 Minutes was started in the U.S., called 60 Minutes II. This edition was later renamed 60 Minutes by CBS for the fall of 2004 in order to signify its quality. CBS News president Andrew Heyward said, "The Roman numeral II created some confusion on the part of the viewers and suggested a watered-down version" [1]. However, a widely-known controversy which came to be known as Rathergate regarding a report that aired September 8, 2004 caused another name change. The show was renamed 60 Minutes Wednesday both to differentiate itself and to avoid tarnishing the Sunday edition, as the editions were editorially independent from one another. The show reverted back to its original title with Roman numerals on July 8, 2005, when the show moved to a Friday night 8pm ET timeslot to finish its run. Its last broadcast was on September 2, 2005.
[edit]

International versions
[edit]

Australia
Main article: 60 Minutes (Australia)
The Australian 60 Minutes premiered on February 11, 1979. It airs on Sunday nights on the Nine Network.
Reporter Richard Carleton suffered a heart attack on 7 May 2006, while reporting at a mine. It was reported that he asked a question at a news conference, walked out and suffered a heart attack. Paramedics tried to revive him for 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
[edit]

New Zealand
Main article: 60 Minutes (New Zealand television series)
The New Zealand version of 60 Minutes has aired on national television since 1989, when it was shown on TV3. In 1992 the rights were acquired by TVNZ, who began broadcasting it in 1993. The network aired the program for nine years before dropping it in 2002 for its own program, entitled Sunday. Sunday is currently the highest rating current affairs show broadcast on New Zealand television, followed by 20/20. 60 Minutes is now broadcast by rival network TV3.
[edit]

References in popular culture
60 Minutes has become an iconic newsmagazine show, in part due to its long run, the stopwatch, and the "Few Minutes with Andy Rooney" segments. As a result, references to the program have frequently appeared in movies and other television shows.
The 1980 film Airplane parodied Kilpatrick of Point/Counterpoint commenting about the passengers of an apparently doomed aircraft.
In The Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror V" episode, one short story references 60 Minutes. In a parody of The Shining, Homer breaks through a door with an axe shouting "Here's Johnny!" but finds nobody. He breaks thorugh a second door, shouting "David Letterman!", finding Grandpa Simpson, who responds "Hi David, I'm Grandpa!" On the third door, he breaks through, he holds up a stopwatch and yells, "I'm Mike Wallace, I'm Morley Safer, and I'm Ed Bradley. All this and Andy Rooney tonight on 60 Minutes!", scaring Marge, Bart, Lisa.
In the Family Guy "Death Is a Bitch" eipsode, the beginning spoofs the 60 Minutes introduction. The show seen is titled 60 Minutes: After Dark and features four newscasters from 60 Minutes saying their names while in bed. Lesley Stahl, the last person to speak, says, "And one of you smells." (On Region 2 DVD edits and Adult Swim airings, this is "And one of you is hung like an elf"). This is a possible poke at the long tenures of the correspondents; most of the current ones have worked together for at least a decade, some for two decades.
In the penultimate episode of Seinfeld titled "The Puerto Rico Day Parade", it is discovered that Elaine uses 60 Minutes as a way to 'wind down' from the weekend every Sunday.
In Ed, Edd n Eddy the jock character Kevin was revealed to regularly watch 60 Minutes.
[edit]

See also
This Hour Has Seven Days, which pre-dates 60 Minutes by a couple of years, was similar in journalistic style and format
[edit]

References
^ '60 Minutes' may veto Clinton-Dole face-offs, Peter Johnson, USA Today, 6 May 2003.
^ "A Pound of Coffee?", Andy Rooney, CBS News, July 6, 2003.
^ Mike Wallace Retires From '60 Minutes,' CBS News, 14 March 2006.
^ "A Car Possessed by Demons," Ukrainian Archive, April 24, 2002.
^ "The Man Who Knew Too Much," Marie Brenner, Vanity Fair, May, 1996.
^ "I'd Rather Be Blogging: CBS stonewalls as 'guys in pajamas' uncover a fraud.", John Fund, The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2004.
^ "Another `60 Minutes' Apology on a Drug Smuggling Story", The Washington Post, April 13, 1999 (abstract).
^ "All in the Family: Who says 60 Minutes doesn't pay for interviews?", Bryan Preston and Chris Regan, The National Review, April 2, 2004.
[edit]

Book references
Who's Who in America 1998, "Hewitt, Don S." Marquis Who's Who: New Providence, NJ, 1998. p. 1925.
Who's Who in America 1998, "Wallace, Mike." Marquis Who's Who: New Providence, NJ, 1998. p. 4493.
Madsen, Axel. 60 Minutes: The Power and the Politics of America's Most Popular TV News Show. Dodd, Mead and Company: New York City, 1984.
[edit]

External links
U.S. version
Official website from the CBS website
History and summary from the Museum of Broadcast Communications website
60 Minutes at The Internet Movie Database
60 Minutes II at The Internet Movie Database
The End Of the Golden Age?, a March 1999 article from American Journalism Review
Tick, tick, tick, a November/December 2001 article from Columbia Journalism Review, also available here
Australian version
Australia's 60 Minutes official website from Nine Network
60 Minutes (Australia) at The Internet Movie Database
New Zealand version
New Zealand's 60 Minutes official website from the TV3 website
60 Minutes (New Zealand) at The Internet Movie Database
Little Green Footballs - Identical recreation of a Killian document with a modern word processor
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60_Minutes"
Categories: 1960s TV shows in the United States 1970s TV shows in the United States 1980s TV shows in the United States 1990s TV shows in the United States 2000s TV shows in the United States Australian television series CBS network shows CH network shows News television series Nielsen Ratings winners US primetime network series that ran over ten years

60 Minutes

Prevaricating Informants and Poison Fruit: the People are obliged to either produce their informant or forfeit the resulting evidence

Come On Doggie Dog, You Have Got To Be Kidding Me, Thomas J Henry owes so many people and businesses so much money that he never ever intends to pay"

The Serpent IN the Garden January 14, 1996 Houston: Inaction Allowed Abuser To Roam For 10 Years.

Kenedeno's Texas Monthly: What did Randy tell his Insurance Agent? "If he turned up dead, his @(@*& did it."

Parkdale Bank: According to Gambi Gamboa, "John Longoria, Carol Scott and Dwayne Hargis already have chosen and will officially choose Roland Barrera

"IN THE KNOW": Carlos Truan | Hugo Berlanga & The Primrose Path & Rangel Law School @ Texas A&I University.

Nueces De La Parra: Corpus Christi Watchdog Authority: When the District Attorney has questions and the SOS has cleared the Candidate to run, how can

Nueces De La Parra: Nobody kicked Joe Elizondo off of the CCREDC Board. He was inebriated and "with" females not his wife. Ask Denise about the "Bache

Autopsy shows lawyer Shelby killed himself

Autopsy shows lawyer Shelby killed himself

Associated Press

Former Houston U.S. attorney dies

By KRISTEN HAYSAssociated Press

Shelby resignsChief law enforcement officer plans to be with family

By CELINA ALVARADOLAREDO MORNING TIMES

Armstrong Ranch

Found You, The Coast Guard Channel

Overlawyered: Can you guys hear me now?

Armstrong Ranch: Colleen Mc Hugh Radio Shack Tandy Heiress?? Shadow Government in the Body of Christ

These guys should be ashamed of themselves for turning a blind eye to the thievery of Eddie Lucio and Solomon Ortiz (or was it Lencho's Deal)

Arambula, Mr. Martin C - Chairman

Cristiano, Mr. Luigi - Vice Chairman

Masso, Mr. Carlos R - Secretary of the Board

De Los Santos, Mr. Roy - Commissioner

Zavaletta, Mr. Peter - Commissioner

Eymard, Donna E. - Interim Port Director

Ramirez, Rey - Harbormaster Operations

Lopez, Hector - Director of Engineering Services

Mercado, Vicky - Administrative Assistant - Port Director's Office

Duke, Debby - Director of Finance and Administration

Rosenbaum, Beatrice - Director of Industrial Development

Rico, German - Director of Business Development

Rodriguez, Antonio - Director of Cargo Services

Garza, Joe - Director of Facilities Maintenance

Gavito, George - Chief Of Police/Security

Saban, Jo Lynn - Director of Human Resources

Brent Wilkes Speaks up. Andiamo

August 26, 2005 — Political Intelligence

YOU'VE GOT MAIL! - "IN THE KNOW" - "We're From Here!"

Yes sir ocifer we were trying to buy a baby and we paid for it

It is a fatalistic attitude that TEAM KENEDENO will eradicate! Quality Control begins with accountability and consequences not only rewards and power.

SIXTY MINUTES with Mike Wallace

By KRISTEN HAYS
Associated Press

Shelby resigns
Chief law enforcement officer plans to be with family

By CELINA ALVARADO
LAREDO MORNING TIMES