In a case where the investigators have now become the objects of investigation themselves, attorneys for Austin attorney Marc G. Rosenthal are alleging that at least one local FBI agent has been trying to intimidate potential witnesses into providing testimony against him.
Rosenthal is one of the principals in the racketeering case of former state District Judge Abel C. Limas.
Local attorneys Gamez and George Muñoz, have formally complained about the FBI agent to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Wynne.
The Herald's Emma Perez-Treviño (as always) writes that the "claim of witness intimidation is in connection with the 13-count indictment that a federal grand jury in Brownsville returned against Rosenthal in August. The indictment alleges his participation in a network of racketeering activity which prosecutors describe as the manipulation of the federal and state court system.Coming on the heels of the open split over $750,000 in referral fees between Rosenthal and former Texas State Rep. Jim Solis who was convicted of bribery, this could potentially signal a crack in the federal attempt to paint Rosenthal as the principal "money man" in the Limas scandal.
Emma writes that "Gamez and Muñoz claim they have credible evidence the FBI agent has intimidated a witness to extract a false accusation against Rosenthal. They say this is not the first time they have heard that the agent has used such tactics and that they are considering reporting the instances to the Office of Professional Responsibility.
Previously, it was learned that a current member of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Houston, Ernest C. Garcia, was working for Rosenthal & Watson when the firm filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of Deyanira Gallegos Tapia in 2006.
Tapia, her brother and her common-law husband – all here illegally fro Mexico – that a train conductor gave them permission to climb on board in Kenedy County. She said she was climbing a ladder, fell off and lost her legs when the wheels of the train ran over them. As a result, she claimed in court, she miscarried.
The railroad settled with the parties in October 2007. The federal counts allege mail fraud, tampering with a witness, tampering with a proceeding, and threatening a railroad litigation manager with launching a negative publicity campaign based on false testimony.
Garcia was just one of many lawyers working at the local level for Rodenthal, as was Solis, Gamez, and even Elia Lopez-Cornejo, now the 404the District Cameron County judge who replaced Limas.
With his close ties to the firm now in the gun sights of the federal government, some are asking whether his role in the Tapia case could affect the outcome of the proceedings against Rosenthal.
"Did Garcia play any role in developing this case?" asked a local attorney. "And if he did, did he violate the usual confidential agreements that lawyers sign with their firms when they leave them to go elsewhere?"
More importantly, some ask, if such criminal activity as the feds are alleging took place, was Garcia a part of the scheme to take money form the railroad?
Given the allegations by Gamez and Muñoz against the local FBI, Garcia's role in the Tapia case also under investigation, and the continuing grand jury probe into the Limas case fallout, will the investigators also bear a little investigating?
10 comments:
Wow!For a broke attorney,Rosenthal can afford great clothes,ostrich briefcase,sports cars, & A Team attorney George Munoz? Or is this por bono?Lawyers lying,FBI Agents staging,clients lying.I hope Solis still has recordings of meetings w/Rosenthal.They will play nicely in court.Narsaccist love to hear themselves talk about their deluded selves.Lets hope the jury enjoys them too.
Why is it always someone else fault?? Casting doubt on future jurors.
I doubt it is going to work. Lawyers are like prostitutes, they sell themselves to the highest bitter.
Conrado Cantu claimed innocense, yea, yea, and he got 24 years.
The question remains....when will Aurora de la Garza be indicted for her complicity in the Judge Limas corruption. Aurora is the key to all these cases finding their way to the Limas court. Aurora's office is a key element in the corruption in our courts.
Peter Z was Right!!
We agree with
Anonymous said...
"The question remains....when will Aurora de la Garza be indicted for her complicity in the Judge Limas corruption. Aurora is the key to all these cases finding their way to the Limas court. Aurora's office is a key element in the corruption in our courts."
October 13, 2011 10:22 AM
Who is going to point the finger at Aurora? Villalobos? why would he do that. He looks bad if he does or if he doesent. As long as rats like Ernie keep getting away with their corruption nothing will change. Look at Eddie sucio Lucio a rat of rats and so what? Rene and his signs for what what has he done? Nothing duval county had nothing on us.
"The Herald's Emma Perez-Treviño (as always) writes that the "claim of witness intimidation is in connection with the 13-count indictment that a federal grand jury in Brownsville returned against Rosenthal in August."
Where did she write this? I cannot find an article that mentions anything about witness intimidation.
What a web we weave here in d State of Texas and especially in Cameron County! I'd like everyone involved 2 b prosecuted! Darn, but if that happens-we'll really have more backlogged cases n more overcrowding in d jails! Oh well-I guess it's not gonna happen. And so it continues!
Marchan also appears to be focusing on the Feds and their tactics. Hopefully the courts will see through this smoke screen and convict these dirty lawyers.
My Grandfather who raise me practiced law for over 50 years and handled many criminal cases. When I got out of Law School, he told me about criminal law: "Son, never let them try your client. Try, the police, the Prosecuting Attorney, The Judge, the city, the victim, anybody but your client.".
Oldest defense strategy there is and it is still working today.
Post a Comment