Thread: TX-Brownsville mayor pleads not guilty

Brownsville mayor pleads not guilty

By Associated Press
Published: Thursday, April 9, 2009 12:42 PM CDT

BROWNSVILLE — This city's seated mayor has pleaded not guilty to charges that he abused his office by depositing a $26,000 city check intended for a vendor in his own bank account.

Pat Ahumada, who made headlines with his vocal opposition to the border fence's construction through his city on the U.S.-Mexico border, was charged Wednesday with abuse of official capacity, misapplication of fiduciary property and theft.

In front of a crowd of supporters, Ahumada pleaded not guilty after asking that the grand jury's indictment be read.

Ahumada continues in his position as mayor.

"I'm a very engaged mayor and people have trusted me to represent them and they expect no less of me and I will continue to do my work as mayor," Ahumada told The Brownsville Herald.

In October, Ahumada deposited a $26,129 city check written to a New York-based vendor in his own bank account.

Ahumada has pointed out that he requested the investigation that ultimately led to his indictment. He says he does not know how the check ended up in his possession. A bank teller confirmed that Ahumada had deposited the check.

District Judge Rolando Olvera scheduled the trial for July 27.

http://www.lmtonline.com/articles/2009/ ... 072613.txt

Pat Ahumada

Nice Name!