With less than a month before early voting begins in the runoff elections – and more than a year since she resigned her position – a former secretary of Pct. 2 Constable Pete Avila has filed a sexual harassment suit against him in Hidalgo County alleging that he sexually harassed her and then forced her to resign.
Melinda Henderson, whose resignation was accepted on April 14, 2011, alleges that the Texas Worforce Commission and the U.S, Equal Employment Opportuity Commission rules allow her to file a lawsuit after her complaints alleging unlawful termination from Cameron County were turned down.
In her lawsuit filed June 15 in Hidalgo County Court-At-Law #5, Henderson oultines a list of alleged violations of her civil rights that she said she endured at the hands of Avila while she was employed with Cameron County.
Henderson begin working for Avila and Cameron County June 2009. Avila in the past has said that he hired Hendreson because at least three sitting county commissioners asked him to consder her employment and gave their recommendations. However, after a time, she was written up at least twice for not following directions (locking the office doors). There were also some confrontations reported between her and other bailiffs at the courthouse.After she left the constable's office, Henderson filed an unemployment claim with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division which was denied. However, she obtained a plaintiff's dismissal and right to sue from the Workforce Comission on April 12, 2012, almnost a year to the date of her resignation.
The letters were received in Edinburg and gave her the right to file in Hidalgo County. Cameron County is also listed as a defendant in the action.
Avila's supporters say that the timing of the lawsuit indicate a political motive since Avila is locked in a heated runoff with former constable Abelardo Gomez. They also say that the woman's credibility has been questioned during her unemployment hearing and that she has also been sanctioned in the past for fraudulently claiming Medicaid and Food Stamp benefits by stating in her application that her daughter lived with her when in fact she was living and attending high school in Austin, Texas.
Documents indicte that she voluntarily signed a statement admitting she signed the fraudulent applications for benefits.
"She had to pay back more than $2,350 in food stamp and Medicaid benefits when she was caught," said one. "The only reason she was able to negiotiate that was because Rene Oliveira was representing her and he negotiated a deal."
The same supporters also hint that Henderson might have political motivations for filing the lawsuit hoping that any ensuing controversy might result in his loss to his opponent in the runoff. They also hint – as other have in the local blogs – that Gomez might be the subject of an investigation related to the ongoing Limas corruption case and of the Cameron County District Attorney's office.
"Gomez has been seen going to the US Attorneys's office and there is even a report that he might have been taken to San Antonio for questioning," said a commenter on a blog.
Avila said he had been served Monday as had been county's legal counsel.
"They told me not to worry about it," he said. "I didn't believe it when she left the county that she was going to cause trouble for me in the election."
Observers say that the Hernderson lawsuit will probably not be heard for months after it was filed, but that the timing of the filing and the service was meant to generate a negative impact in the constable's bid for re-election.
"What other reason could there be for the filing and publication of it now?," asked one. "It's like the rumors against Gomez. It's curious it all comes out right at election time."
49 comments:
Word is Gomez paid Henderson to file the lawsuit and he promised her a position if he wins. Fat chance Abel
It is true JUanito,....Abel Gomez was picked up on the 5th of this month and taken to San Antonio for two days by the FBI. Them releasing him like nothing happened tells you that he is cooperating with them. Watch out for all you "crooked" people, as Limas would say, he is getting info to help his cause.
Melinda Henderson is a bone-a-fide puta!
Rumor is he is giving up Carlos Masso. He is next to be picked up.
Todos saben que esa vieja es una puta!
She's killed more cocks than Pollo Loco's butcher.
Para que se haya cogido al Pete, se necesitan huevos.
I'm not saying Pete is ugly its just that hes face's been set on fire and put out with a golf shoe!
boom boom cchhh... (Rimshot)
I'll be here all week.
(Watch out for all you "crooked" people, as Limas would say, he is getting info to help his cause.)
Lupe must be flip-floppin in the grave. Shame.
Jonas
Esa Melinda she just wants $. Mr. Castle is thanking god he is done with you. I would like to annul the wedding que chingona. That cadilac was real nice to bad it had a GPS and he knew where you were at. MENSA!!!! Abel is crooked maybe he is next on that A-Z list. What eight liner should I hit to make more signs for my campain???? Pete is a good guy always ready to help the community. Thanks for helping, and teaching our girls in softball.
When will the FBI begin to investigate city of brownsville employees for corruption?
pee wee herman and and pete avila...one and the same person...................
Abel Gomez stated: As a Texas peace officer cooperating with Federal Agencies and testifying in court is part of my daily duties. As a peace officer I have taken an oath to enforce all laws and report any wrong doing something Pete Avila would know nothing about. Avila has know been accused of sexual Harassment for his own wrong doings and like everything else he blames me and even the county commission. I’m surprised he hasn’t blamed me for the three wrongful termination complaints, his Theft charge or Pete’s DWI arrest. But its still early I’ll probably get blamed for that too.
Pete u know what you did, man up and deal with it. Keep up the simple work, serving papers turn your head away to the crime being committed on our streets. Pete you wanted to be law enforcement that entails responsibilities u can't handle go check into a nursing home. Don't tell them about the SEXUAL harassment they won't let u in. Every constable in the county works for their pay check why don't you. How many criminals have u arrested, how many drug dealers, can u even write a report. The constable should set the example show your deputies what you know put out a fire.
It's one thing to cooperate with Federal agencies during the course of running an investigation. It's a TOTALLY different thing to be investigated by the same agencies your supposed to be working with.as for the oath you've been shitting on it since you were fired as a sherries deputy and then crooked constable. Just fess up admit your part, I hope the Feds don't let you slide because your flipping on Villalobos.
I'd rather have what one deems as a lazy cop, than a corrupt one 10 days out of the week. The Feds should make an example out of you! Intimidating and extorting people with a badge and a gun is the lowest cowardly act! Wonder if you had anything to do with that missing Asst DA?
Pete broke this story on himself because he doesn't have anything to hide. Those are balls
What's a bone-a-fide Puta? wow, y dicen que le gano al carnicero de Pollo Loco? lol, lol, lol, I can just imagine...Se la van a tragar viva a esta vieja aqui en este blog por pendeja.
Business as usual in Cameron County politics and government. Favors to commissioner leads to political support in the election and financial support. We have to wonder, is Henderson related to a commissioner, a close friend or did she get the job from a lap dance.
Pete sexually harassing a woman ????? Really ???? Pobresita Melinda ... he sure ain't no" Magic Pete". Esta mas feo que la chingada ese buey!
Melinda Henderson better think this over very carefully? Melinda, we all know what you are and you had no problem maintaining that reputation. If this makes it to court, you will be "trashed" for there is no one in CC that knew what you liked? You loved showing your puppies and what was hidden in them. If you think that Abel will support you, you got another thing coming or you have already made him come? Abel is going down with all the other crooks! The only thing that will save him if he sings like the "little bitch" that he is to save his own ass! Armando Villalobos was too stupid to believe in him and have him speak for him on certain situations. That will contribute to his downfall as well as Armando Villalobos. Melinda, you better just take the hit and go away! Vote for Pete Avila!!!
Curios minds in the city of Brownsville would like to reveal facts about Mr. Gomez. When you raid an arcade and 8 thousand and a gun are located at the casino. What was turned in to be documented as evidence? People know at the eight liner business said only SIX was documented and turned in. We are so tired of being extorted just so you can purchase more political signs. We all have to make money don’t forget your brother use to work security for us. Oh sorry that was at the Andrade arcades that you still managed to hit, your only friends. It should have been eight thousand, but you want the public to elect you after all your wrong doing. The skeletons will come out don’t forget about your best friend Mr. Vallejo, oh yea another Longoria case. His case was heard so fast that not even Mr. Prontisimo would have beat it in a race. I guess they didn’t want him spilling any beans. Too bad there is another bird singing and in that song your name came out. It’s always ok to work with other agency and give statements when you worked on a case together. We all know what this was about, you and Mando were a tag team so now you are in it and there is no way out.
Rumor is there was a case held in court due to an arcade making money. In this case 8,000 was discovered at the eight liner location, but when it came to the Court date Abel Gomez only reported 6,000 and a gun. Owner of the casino stated there was 8K what happened to the other 2,000.00was the question of the Owner of the casino. Maybe it was used to purchase political signs???
Little Conrado and big time slut trying to hurt Mr. Avila. Bad things happen to evil people. Thanks for helping my family when we most needed your help Mr. Avila. You got my vote brisket plate was super good better than that dry ass chicken cooked by cartel members or extortionist.
I would like to say that I am a worker for Mr. Saenz and I was denied a chicken plate by Mr. Gomez during electiion time. I would like to thank Pete for giving me water it's a shame how some people want to look good when they are really asses. My family will vote for Pete in the run off and so will my family, 25 good votes for sure to Mr. Avila.
OMG!!! Mr. Gomez, you are an ass!!! and you should never denie a plate to anyone!! You bastard!! That really shows that you aint worth shit, you peace of trash!!! I hope and wish you loose and others will humiliate you the same or worse. This action of yours just proved to everyone that you will never be a good candidate for our community. PIECE OF TRASH
Negative comments, accusation's and allegations is all you idiots have against Abel. It's the facts that count. Fact is Pete is a lazy ass womanizing drunk. He admitted to hiring Melinda as a FAVOR to three commissioners. That goes to show his lack of judgement and authority. Pete so were you also told to fire Joe Cisneros and Frank Robles. Pete has been arrested for THEFT, now charged with SEXUAL harassment those are facts. Pete you still haven't proven what u have done as a constable vs. Cesar Diaz, Robert Lopez, Merced Burnias, Horacio Zamora, Joe Cavazos all real Law Enforcement Officers not mediocre wannabe's like you.
Pete Avila is a winner already no matter what!
Ex Employee at the Constable's office stated there was a ghost working in that office during the Gomez Admin. X Mayor of Combes would collect a pay check and never worked during eventhough,he was hired as the assistant to the secretary. He would never show up to work, but still managed to collect a pay check. Ex employee also stated he is way happier at his new job and does not work at that office anymore. Win or loose he said I'm leaving your office.
OMG PETE AVILA KISS ASS LOVER THIS OLD FART THE ONLY THING THIS GUY IS GOOD IS FOR COURT GOLFER AND ELEVATOR BOY AT NO TIME WAS ANY BODY DENIED A CHICKEN PLATE IVAN THE OLD FART (PETE AVILA ) CAME AND WE GAVE HIM A PLATE AND THE OTHER GUY THAT SAID OF A BOTTEL WATER YOU OVER DID IT YOU WANTED TO TAKE THEM AND YOU WERE SELLING THEN ALL THIS HAPPEN IN CRISTO REY EARLY VOTING I FEEL THAT ALL THIS HAS TO STOP HAVE YOUR TIO,FATHER OR FAMILY PETE AVILA ENJOY HIS RETIREMENT CHECK MEDICADE ,MEDICARE HAVE HIM GO OFF AND ENJOY THE DAYS BECUASE THE COUNTY NEEDS FRESH BLOOD NEW PEOPLE WITH NEW IDEAS WE NEED A PERSON THAT DOES'NT REQUIRE BAN-GAY AND COFFE EVERY MORNING AND HOPE THERE NO COLD FRONT COMING IN BECAUSE LAS RUIMAS WELL TO ALL THOSE THAT READ THIS HOPE U VOTE FOR ABLE GOMES THIS THIS THE COUNTY NEED
Abel Gomez forgets the raid in La Feria where there was no search warrant and he used the constables from another precinct? What happened to that money that was seized and yet, the machines? Abel Gomez, you forget that there were plenty of witnesses that day? Your buddy, Armando Villalobos covered your ass for it? There are a lot of people who remember that day and I am willing to bet that the Feds know about it? But, you being the chicken shit that you are, you will vomit and tell on everyone to save your own ass! You're a crook and you know it! I bet your picture on those campaign signs will be your booking photo in the future? Keep smiling you coward! For the people know exactly what you are! Maybe your buddy, Coria will sing to the Feds?
Abel Gomez is a crooked rat!! A vote for him is a vote for corruption. The idiot that supports him but can't even spell his name must be as stupid as he is. He's being investigated by the Feds he will probably be locked up by years end and then his supporters will look like idiots as well.
2 of those Consables have done so much that their Pct disappeared. It's all about bringing revenue. Fact not an opinion another fact Quote from a Commissioner Mini Sheriff Depts "Constable's Office" will be transferred to the Sheriff's Office. Duties of a Constables is the serving the Justice of the Peace. Pct. 5 brings alot of $ I wonder why you did not mention the Constable their????
Well I am not an ass kisser like the other guys, but during election time My Family received drinks and even food. So thanks Mr. Avila, Mr.Cortez, and Judge Salazar. Oh and we never got a Chicken Plate just alot of push cards and trash about the other canidates runnning for DA.
This helps me decide who to vote for in November. I will vote for "none of the above".
I say we take this to the Jerry Springer Show???
Abel Gomez in La Feria I remember seeing that on TV. I think he even shut down the one in Los Fresnos that belonged to Mr. Pena, that he also contributed to his campaign. Alot of money was made at that casino.
It is so funny how they talk about arcades in La Feria. I have another good one that deals with arcades. There were 3 arcades raided in san benito and you hit a small jack pot. With the Assistance of Constable Cesar Diaz and the Constable's of San Benito. The sad news is the Constables did your dirty work, but no $ was dispursed to either Constable. You enjoy your nice job raiding arcades. The other Constables can not even afford lights for their new cars.Oh and do you always have to have a mask on when you raid the arcades? Chicken like the chicken plates you gave out through election time. I think someelse is singing this is a good scoop on Mr. Gomez. Coming from another city in Cameron County.
I would like to talk about a function put together by ex County Judge Hinojosa. It was a good party till Abel Gomez began to talking about Constable Pete Avila. Gilbet then shut abel by saying who got elected Dumb ASS!!!
Crooked cops running around with badges and guns. These are the DA investigators Villalobos hired to do his dirty work. these clowns Coria, Gomez. They raid without warrants, set people up by planting drugs and try to eliminate competition for the Andrades. This so they could get their piece from the people who wouldn't pay their bribes.
It's funny how they talk about RUMAS!!! Well for Mr. Avila's age he still plays softball and he has more hair than Mr. Gomez. That is why Mr. Gomez wears caps all the time. I hope you didn't get a hook stuck in your finger during your fishing tournament.
WOW ALL THIS MAKES ME VOTE FOR RENE LARA....He has to be perfect LOL
very very true!!!!
MANDO AND ABEL A TAG TEAM NO WAY. BATMAN AND ROBIN OR LIKE MARCHAN AND LIMAS????
I heard Mr. Gomez does not know the difference between a loaded gun and the male reprodutive organ. How can you not check a prisoner before going to jail. I guess you were young and made a careless mistake. Just like the ones you did at Antonios Mexican Food. Ex Waiter also got fired who gets fired as a waiter. Oh and melinda come on give it a break.... We all know what you are capable of doing you wanted to screw my friends husband who worked at the zoo.
jajajajaaj all she needed was to screw the lions and tigers we have at the zoo too and she would have been COMPLETE PINCHE VIEJA CALIENTE
The Idiot that wrote about Rene Lara about being perfect does he know that he got fired for sexual harassing a prisoner in Sheriff's car while she was handcuff and there is more to say.
Pinche Gomez MAMON! Que his daily duties to work with different agencies. You and Mando are being investigated by the Feds Puto! Working with them and being picked up by them is two completely different things. You protect drug dealers you piece of shit and now your going to get it in the culo.
Claro....a si lo imaginabamos, estos servidores publicos donde quiera se handan sacando la verga y las viejas andan como las PERRAS EN BRAMA BUSCANDO PERROS PARA QUE SE LAS COJAN!!! Es el colmo que estos DEGENERADOS no llenen de verga ni de panocha!!! Eso es lo unico bueno que saben hacer los mendigos, coger y demandar!! si los pendejos pelados se guardaran bien la verga y se amarraran bien los pantalones con el cinto, no se meterian en problemas, y las viejas calenturientas empleadas de la ciudad si fueran decentes como segun se dicen llamar NO ANDUBIERAN RODANDO COMO PELOTAS DE PELADO EN PELADO, PINCHE BOLA DE PUTAS Y PUTOS. PONGANSE A TRABAJAR
Es mas... La calle 14 de aqui de Brownsville se queda corta en cuestiones de puteria, en comparacion de la prostitucion que se lleva hacabo en las instalaciones del condado, sheriffs y policias, esta es igual de corriente pero con la BACHA de autoridad, ahh y toda via tienen el sinismo de arrestar a la gente de la 14 y llevarselos presos, creo que sienten que les ganan en la competencia.
WTF Juanito, post the continuing comments! Why is that rat bastard Gomez always over the Avila ad. Are you malaligned with the Awful Andrades too?
Hablan de Gloria? La black widow?
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