Residents Asking Questions About Purported Texas Ranger Investigation Into Gregory Mayor Pro Tem For Theft
GREGORY, Texas- Several concerned residents addressed the Gregory City Council Monday, April 4th in regards to a purported Texas Ranger investigation into Mayor Pro Tem Celestino Zambrano.
Zambrano is believed to have ordered the illegal installation of a sewer lateral line approximately one year ago in April of 2014, at his private residence located at 509 4th Street in Gregory.
It is believed that the installation was done as part of a trade of service agreement in exchange for the storage of construction materials and equipment at the Zambrano residence by Hubert Construction LLC, of Corpus Christi.
Norberta Zambrano spoke to the council on behalf of the Zambrano Family. "Upon the advice of legal council, the Zambrano Family, which includes the Mayor Pro Tem, are not allowed to comment on the allegations brought forth...or the ongoing investigation. Any questions need to be directed to the District Attorney", she said .
San Patricio County District Attorney Michael Welborn has already confirmed that a criminal investigation has been initiated by the Texas Rangers and that at last word the Ranger in Charge was only waiting for the approval of his superior commanders.
At least one resident spoke on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem Zambrano, speaking to his character and said he did not believe that the allegations were true, and that the claims were unwarranted. "I believe, well I know, that he (Zambrano) does not do anything against the law or anyone...I have known this man for forty years and it's not true", he said.
According to the reports Zambrano allowed Hubert Construction to store equipment and materials at his personal residence while working to attach the Gregory sewer and water systems to the TPCO America Plant as part of a 2012 Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant.
A City of Gregory Application for the Permit in question to install a sewer lateral line was obtained. That permit confirms the existence of the possible claims and is signed on April 9, 2014, by Donald Hubert, owner of Huber Construction. Hubert lists Zambrano's personal residence as the location for the installation of the sewer lateral line and lists the payment for the permit as "Gift In Kind".
Hubert refused to answer questions but did say he was more than willing to speak to authorities. "I would rather not speak to media about this, but I will speak to the DA, the city, whomever I need to if I am so requested", said Hubert.
Mayor Pro Tem Zambrano avoided questions during a Gregory City Council meeting on October 19th. An obviously taken back and confused Zambrano was quickly ushered out of city hall by his wife and refused to answer.
Several witnesses involved in the installation of the sewer lateral line say that Zambrano purportedly used approximately 300-feet of piping purchased with a grant from the EDA, and that construction was being done at the Mayor Pro Tem's residence at the time the permit was requested.
According to city staff Zambrano made attempts to pay the $1,600 permit fee for the connection of the sewer lateral lines, but was turned away due to the purported ongoing investigation under way by the Rangers.
Confidential sources say that the Rangers have in fact accepted the case and will begin their investigation in the coming weeks, but are not willing to go on record at this time.
If the allegations are discovered to be true Zambrano could face felony charges of theft by a public servant. Charges of which could be elevated since the materials used were purchased with a federal grant.