Saturday, January 3, 2015

SHAKEUP AT DA'S OFFICE: THE PEASANTS ARE REVOLTING; STONEWALL SANDOVAL NOW FIRST ASSISTANT TO DA SAENZ

By Juan Montoya
Our request to the Cameron County District Attorney was simple: Tell us if you have sold any of the eight-liners confiscated by your office, who you sold them to, and how much did you get in return?
Or, formally: "Please consider this an open records request by the Texas Open Records Act.
I am requesting any and all documents containing information concerning the sale or transfer of 8 liner machines or other gambling devices which have been seized by the Cameron County District Attorney office during Operation Bishop from January 1,2013 to present. Please include name and address of buyer and price paid to this office."
That seemed  – to us, anyway – a pretty straightforward request. But just in case that our email would be swallowed by cyberdemons or the like, we sent three identical requests to D.A. Luis Saenz, Melissa Landin (Zamora), and Asst. DA Matthew Kendall.
We thought the item was newsworthy because Saenz had told more than one media organ that he would not do what his predecessor – convicted former DA Armando Villalobos – had done: sell the confiscated machines and use the funds to reward his favored employees with salary supplements from the forfeitures.
Here's the link: http://m.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_18c67c06-a4ac-11e2-aa5a-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm
In fact, Saenz was very specific (Oh, how we hate that word and you'll see why a little further down).
 Was Luis keeping his word?
On the very 10th day after our request was made, we received an email from one Edward Adrian Sandoval, an Asst. DA we had never heard about informing us that he would be handling our request, but that he needed a mailing address so that he could communicate with us. Why, we wondered, did he require a mailing address if one had never been needed in the past? In other words, why snail-mail instead of email?
Now, we had been told by previously reliable sources in that office that the dragging out of the response of our info request was just a ploy to stretch out the process and stonewall us to the point of fatigue so that we would just tire of the game and go away. With the additional delay attributed to the holidays, we would be told, they said, that our request was vague, not specific, and "ambiguous."
Well, "Goooolly," as Gomer Pyle used to say, they were right on the mark.
This Sandoval finally emailed us the letter which said that "no responsive documents can be tendered at this time as your request is (ready?) ambiguous."
And, predictably, Sandoval goes on into saying that "although the DA's office spearheaded (his words, not mine) Operation Bishop, various different local law enforcement agencies have participated in the operation, made arrests, and seized contraband...The DA's Office has only effectuated some of the seizures.
"Under a plain reading of your request, it would seem you seek information /material of those seizures done by the DA's Office investigators," Sandoval wrote. Since we referred to Operation Bishop, he continued, it would appear to him that we were seeking information relating to the entirety of the seizures performed under Operation Bishop. So be specific, he hints, and clarify your request.
OK. We know a stonewall when we see one, and this is a good one. Sandoval wants us to specify what specific machines (sweepstakes, eight-liners, computers, etc.) seized during which specific raid, on what specific date, and from what specific establishment, and by what specific law enforcement entity we are referring to.
In other words, a snipe hunt.
Look, what we want to know is did you sell any of the machines that you seized from gambling parlors here to someone else elsewhere so they could them to work just as they were before you seized them? And what did you do with the money? And how does this square with published statements attributed to the DA's Office that the machines would not be resold?
We first got the lead that some machines had been resold by the Cameron County DA's Office to a buyer in Starr County and that the buyer had put them to work doing exactly what they had been doing in Cameron County. We also spoke with a former DA's Office employee who said he had personal knowledge of the buyer and the profit made by the DA's Office on the sale.
We will try to be meticulous about specifying in the modified information request which is now being prepared by our crack legal staff. But for now, we wonder who this Sandoval is and how he has emerged as the DA's point man on this matter. We looked and found out our Mr. Sandoval is a Saenz look alike clone (moustache and all) on a meteoric rise in that office.
We thought that our old friend Rene Gonzalez was the DA's First Assistant, but we were told that was no longer the fact.
Gonzalez is no longer the First Assistant at the D.A.'s Office. Saenz made it known publicly that Gonzalez was not demoted; but rather, that Rene requested a transfer to another position (Appeals) within the office.
Saenz appointed our Mr. Sandoval as his new First Assistant. This appointment left some employees and courthouse observers surprised/miffed. Sandoval, we have learned, has relatively little criminal trial prosecution experience. The Texas State Bar website says he has only been licensed as an attorney since 11/06/2009, a scant five years, and has been working at the D.A.’s Office for about one year. Loose tongues there tell us that they can't remember him handling a criminal jury trial. Before coming to the D.A.’s Office, Sandoval worked as a legal aid attorney, handling evictions in the local Justice of the Peace courts.
It's not like Saenz didn't have plenty of other options to appoint someone else with experience. Numerous Assistant D.A.s have far greater experience than Sandoval. Peter Gilman and Gus Garza each have over 30 years experience. And Ismael Hinojosa and Adela Garza each have tried over 100 criminal trials. If experience is important in this position, how can the First Assistant provide guidance on complex criminal trials if he has no extensive experience trying a criminal case before a jury?
Take this recent
case, for example where Sandoval’s youth and inexperience may have already been a problem. His most recent assignment was in the civil section of that office, where he handled bail bond forfeitures and mental health commitments. During his tenure in the civil section, Sandoval mishandled one case,that resulted in a witness (and his lawyer) being falsely arrested.
As a result, Sandoval and others are named as Defendants in a $1 million county civil suit (2014-DCL-8262) now pending in district court.
 With so many experienced attorneys, why did Saenz choose Sandoval? Some courthouse Saenz wants a "yes" man. Someone who will not question Sanez’ decisions when he strays off the path of good judgment. Someone who will stonewall information that may prove embarrassing Luis or his office. Sandoval, apparently, is just the man.
observers believe that
The saying goes that a lawyer's word is his bond. Saenz made a big media splash when he vowed to end gambling and put the machines out of circulation. We want to know if he meant what he said in the quote in the graphic at right.
We will probably spend months trying to winnow the information we requested from the chaff that Sandoval piles our way. But we know what we want (and so do they). So let the games begin until the truth emerges from this tussle.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

WE are very upset, Luis got money from the 8liners and he closed us down. What happen to his promises to us. We didn't do anything wrong, the Bingo Parlors are worse. Luis, you were a good guy, what happen to you. Maybe, Greed or Political Survival. Look in the Mirror, are you O.K. with what you see. I feel so sad for you. Good luck Luis, I feel so bad for you

Anonymous said...

sandoval is the one that news to be more specific. Especially when ordering at McDonald's. He needs to order off the light menu. Saenz must like him because of his gross mustache, it resembles his.

Anonymous said...

The "real" Luis Saenz is slowly emerging....and soon the public will see that Luis Saenz is cut from the same mold as his predecessor and other Dumbokrats in Cameron County. The culture of corruption is dominant and Luis Saenz was raised as a part of that culture and he doesn't have the intelligence to survive without becoming part of the problem...corruption. With Melissa Zamora he has a "mouthpiece" that is as corrupt as they come and she will do anything to promote herself...she is an unethical person. And now we see others who are floating to the top of the DA's cesspool....who are willing to sell their souls to the culture of corruption...after all, that culture puts money in their pockets. The culture of corruption is quickly adopted by those who lack the intelligence to make a living on their own. As the old saying goes..."shit floats" and we see some big turds floating around the Cameron County Courthouse.....and the DA's office.

Anonymous said...

The DA has "selectively" raided 8-liner businesses and when the county eventually (as other counties and cities are doing) legalizes and taxes the 8-liner....then those not raided (probably friends of the DA) will be sitting in high cotton and can easily transition to full and open operations.
Operation Bishop has been a program to purge certain businesses and leave the door open to those "friends" of the DA.

Anonymous said...

The Dude with the funny mouchtache and glasses, is he related to Porky Pigg? Who is he?

Anonymous said...

Juan you should know by now if you want the inside scoop you need to be like Bobby and like anal sex to get a straight answer from the DA.

We ALL know Melissa and Bobby have A LOT in Common. Don't we Melissa!!!!

Anonymous said...

When Mr. Saenz was running for the position of District Attorney for Cameron County I honestly thought he meant everything he said he was going to do. I believed he wasn’t going to have favorites, become greedy, have an open door policy and especially clean up corruption with the elected officials. His campaign manager Zeke Silva assured me that he was a changed man. He said that after so many years he had changed his ways and said he would vouch for him. I’m sure he is kicking himself right about now.

3 years later I’m finding out that he played everyone including myself. I called him numerous times including leaving countless messages with his PIO officer Melissa Zamora but never got a response. I inbox him on his Facebook account but got a reply to call the office, which I did but no return call. All I wanted to do was to tell him that on San Marcelo St. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday they open up a house that has 8 liner machines inside but his staff and he doesn’t care. It is so obvious; they park their cars on both sides of the street blocking the entrance from Morrison Street. He is either a liar or his is in on the take, Integrity is something he knows nothing about. It is just a word in the dictionary that sounds honorable when campaigning for public office. I never thought Mr. Saenz was going to become the same ol same ol lying politician like the Hernandez. Sad Day in Cameron County

Anonymous said...

COME-ON MR. DA...DO WHATS RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE...THIS GUY YOU CHOICE FOR ASSISTANT ISN'T CUTTING THE CAKE. HE ALREADY HAS A BAGGAGE AT A VERY YOUNG-STAGE OF HIS CARREER AS A LAWYER, COME-ON MR. DA...YOU HAVE PEOPLE IN YOUR OFFICE THAT HAVE AS MUCH OR MORE EXPERIENCE ON THE CRIMINAL SIDE AS YOU. AS YOUR EMPLOYER, TAX PAYER, VOTER AND CITIZENS OF CAMERON COUNTY...REPLACE THIS PERSON NOW WITH SOMEONE MORE EXPERIENCE. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST BUT A DEMAND FROM ONE CONCERN CAMERON COUNTY CITIZEN WHO EMPLOYES YOU.

Anonymous said...

Why did Zeke turn on DA Saenz?
Why is Zeke paying Juan to bash DA Saenz and Mel? Who is the convicted criminal here?

Anonymous said...

Juan, don't beat your head against the wall playing that game. Your request specifically asked for information on articles seized under "Operation Bishop," which encompasses all entities raided and all items seized under that umbrella. Had there been a series of raids by independent PD's, then Sandoval would be correct. However, since the DA's office coordinated the efforts of those PD's and labeled it "Operation Bishop," your request is appropriate. Hell, Saenz stood before the press extoling his own greatness for spearheading OB; let him now answer your information request for it.

Don't waste time playing Saenz's game. Have your crack "legal department" file suit under the FOI act. Perhaps Oscar Garcia would be interested in continuing his fight against corruption at the courthouse by taking on your suit. After all, he can probably get fees from the county and their insurer for his efforts.

Anonymous said...

Chill out! Lose the caps, learn to spell and maybe you will be taken seriously.

LEO familiar with 8 liners said...

This is interesting considering that Luis Saenz has retired federal officers as investigators? If I recollect, the law changed about the seizure and forfeiting of 8 liner machines? Any 8 liner machines or their components when forfeited are to be destroyed following enviromental procedures, if applied or sent to Austin where the 8 liners and components are sold and then the proceeds distributed to all agencies involved? That was a common practice with Armando Villalobos in selling the 8 liner machines back to those who were raided with a supposed condition of them not being used again in the State? Rene Gonzalez asked for a transfer because he probably didn't like the way things are going and he doesn't have the heart to do things that are questionable or very questionable. Rene Gonzalez is a good guy and very religious, that would probably be the factor more than anything else.
I voted for Luis Saenz and I hope that it was not a mistake as it was with Armando Villalobos?
Until the State elected officials get off their ass and make a decision on these 8 liner locations or pass a gambling law, there will continue to be legal and illegal problems with these locations.

Anonymous said...

True story: I recently called the DA's office and voiced an OPINION on the state of corruption in the county. Half-way through my narrative, the secretary hands the call off to an investigator.
This investigator had a very thick accent. He said, "your comment is not going anywhere." He was infuriated that I had the balls to call the courthouse and leave an opinion. I said, "You can still do that in this country Mr. Investigator." I immediately called the Governor's office and relayed the level of PARANOIA at the courthouse. I also said it is time for the FBI to come and look at this rattlesnakes nest. These people behave more like Mexicans than Americans. It is time for the rule of law to rule this land called Cameron County.

Anonymous said...

Edward Sandoval is a fine young man and an honorable lawyer. I have had numerous dealings with him (as an attorney handling bond forfeitures that he was prosecuting) and have found him to be fair, honest, intelligent and diligent. I have been impressed by him and can attest that he does not deserve any of the criticism that I have read in this blog. Actually, the County (and the D.A.'s office) is very lucky to have a man and attorney of his caliber representing the State/County/D.A.'s office and the people of Cameron County. I have no dog in this fight - just trying to se the record straight and prevent unjust criticism.

Anonymous said...

Like the rosenbaums,,,,hummmm

Anonymous said...

Sure, 10:38AM.....keep demanding and hold your breath while you are at it....see where that gets you!

Anonymous said...

There are still a lot of 8 liner machines, still going strong, in olmito behind the gas station in a little house there are some, the word out there is the DA IS GETTING HIS CUT.. ALSO IN SOUTH MOST THERE ARE SOME AS WELL AND THE ROSENBLUM OWN THOSE. WONDERING IF THE DA IS GETTING A CUT FROM THEM ALSO ON 511 THERE ARE SOME WHY HASN'T HE SHUT THEM DOWN.

Anonymous said...

How can you trust a District Attorney that says one thing publically then turns around secretly to the opposite to make money by deceiving the people. Just as he went very public about he not being like his predecessor he should have gone very public to announce his decision to sell the 8 liner machines to be used illegally in another county.

His Public Information Officer sucks at their position. He is being led by incompetent PR people who have no idea what the perception of the people outside of his inner circle really think of him. People refer to him as an imbecile, two face, selfish arrogant, stubborn, womanizer, heartless, unapproachable Boss and Public Servant District Attorney.

Anonymous said...

Voters need to come to a very true realization that DA Luis Saenz is no better than Armando Villalobos. The difference between Armando and Luis is they have a different lover working for them.

Anonymous said...

Dude looks like he has a spider on his lip. Vato seboso!

Anonymous said...


At Anonymous January 4, 2015 at 12:58 PM

Melissa you are not helping Luis Saenz at all. You keep blaming Zeke for everything (and that may have worked in the past) but he hasn't worked at the DA's office for over 2 years. What you need to do is quit allowing Mr. Saenz to run a clean campaign because you have and will continue to give him bad advise. You are the reason information is being leaked to Juan from within the DA's office. No one trusts you Melissa which in turn makes everyone question your boss. Why the DA listens to you is a bigger question than where is Jimmy Hoffa..

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Why did Zeke turn on DA Saenz?
Why is Zeke paying Juan to bash DA Saenz and Mel? Who is the convicted criminal h.ere?



January 4, 2015 at 12:58 PM

Anonymous said...

ese pinche gordo,parese payaso de pelicula Mexicana

Anonymous said...

People always complain about and write the same thing about Melissa in the blogs. What, exactly, has she done wrong? Nothing. Stop being jealous of this woman. She is kind, hardworking, and HONEST. It's sad that people try to belittle her to try to feel better about themselves. I've worked with her, and have nothing but great things to say about her. The uneducated, hate-spewing public, on the other hand...your opinion doesn't matter anyway.

Anonymous said...

at anonymous January 5, 2015 at 4:31 PM

We know its you Jessica T. writing this sad excuse for her to help you with your campaign. If you are so proud of your relationship with Mellissa Zamora then why don't you put your name instead of posting Anonymous. We all know why. Go ahead put your name and you will find out why people dislike, distrust Melissa and you.

Not one is jealous of Mellissa. Mellissa has gotten so many people fired for pure pleasure because she used her assets to manipulate old married men. Isn't that right George D.?

Anonymous said...

Citizens of Cameron County the 8-liner business has been here for a while and only those that have pull will remain open. Befor Luis Saenz was around rumor has it Sheriff Lucio would only choose which 8-liners to hit.(excluiding Gus Reyna's brothers
) Abel Gomez had the similar inclinations under Armando Villalobos. mmmmmmm.. Feds should look into all this crooked people which are still in Office.

Anonymous said...

Yo opino que es un corrupto asqueroso, no ha hecho nada solo con las maquinitas, hay mas cosas Sr. Saenz.

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous said...
at anonymous January 5, 2015 at 4:31 PM

why don't you put your name instead of posting Anonymous."

Ironic, don't you think?

Anonymous said...

AT January 7, 2015 at 5:37 AM

I'm not defending Melissa like you are Jessica T. Look at the time you are posting probable still drunk.

Anonymous said...

pelos de sobaco de burro....yikes!

rita