New developments in city hall scandal

(3/14/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The district attorney's office made its move Tuesday, seizing evidence from the mayor pro tem's office. The investigation into improper bonuses widened into a probe that could expose wrongdoing by city leaders for years.

Eyewitness news was the only TV station there when officials from the DA's office started removing files Tuesday. A truckload of documents was seized from the mayor pro tem's office around 10:30am. The documents range from travel schedules to financial statements. District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal says he'll be looking at everything.

"We don't know what's in all of them and obviously, too, there are some things that are pertinent to the investigation of the thefts in the mayor pro tem's office because we have documents that have signatures on them and initials on them and things like that for comparison purposes," he said.

It won't be limited to Carol Alvarado, nor the four employees who allegedly improperly took the $143,000 in bonuses. Rosenthal says he wants to investigate current, former, elected, and appointed city officials.

"There have been allegations made over the years that that office has also been used by some city officials to use their budget to do some things that officials didn't want to do on their own budget," said Rosenthal.

The city attorney says the current administration is cooperating fully.

"I think they're just trying to make sure they have their hands on everything they need," said Houston City Attorney Arturo Michel. "I think they're just trying to make sure they're conducting a thorough investigation."

Investigators even returned a second time for more documents Tuesday afternoon, leading to what could be an investigation that lasts for months with no indication how many people will ultimately be affected.

"We're not leaving anyone out of the mix right now," Rosenthal assured us.

Houston City Councilmember Carol Alvarado, who has temporarily stepped down as mayor pro tem, released a statement Tuesday:

"I'm encouraged at this sign that the district attorney's office is moving forward. I strongly believe the investigators should have access to all the information they need to get their work done and complete this investigation."
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)
(Copyright ©2009 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)



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