CULTURAL ENRICHMENT: South Texas Town’s City Hall Shut Down by FBI.

The 14-page Federal Indictment (attached below) lists:

• Mayor Ricardo Lopez
• Mayor Pro-Tem Rogelio Mata
• City Manager/City Attorney James Jonas III
• City Councilman Roel Mata
• Former City Councilman Gilbert Urrabazo
• Ngoc Tri Nguyen, a businessman from Keller, Texas

The men are charged with bribery and conspiracy involving more than $10,000 in federal money from the Economic Development Commission, and at least $14,000 in bribes and “loans” to the elected officers. It also alleges that the city officials were soliciting bribes in exchange for votes in city contracts, including an 8-liner gambling room, being promoted by Mr. Nguyen. . . .

The sole city council member not in legal trouble is Joel Barajas, and he told KSAT-12 that the people of Crystal City are looking to move forward and they plan on reviewing the city charter for their next step.