The paying of a witness to drop charges is a crime. Assuming this story is true - I tend to believe it is true - too easy to refute to not be true - Zavaletta will loose the election because he received a political favor from a corrupt DA - the end result is we end up with a DA who gives out political favors to his friends and political allies.

Cameron County was screwed from the beginning on this one - I blame the local lawyers who encouraged Zavaletta to run - after several short months of dealing with his attempts to manipulate the BV I realized what kind of person I was dealing with. These lawyers knew better and did not care. They should have been out their trying to recruit a better candidate instead of a sure fire loser - but then again maybe that is what they wanted - a guaranteed win for Villalobos.

Bobby WC
Bobby Wightman-Cervantes | 02.13.08 - 7:47 am | #

BWC -

Who, exactly, are those local lawyers you mention? The only local lawyer who encouraged his run was Peter himself. If only his delusions, over-inflated ego, grand-standing antics, and deceitful soundbites were allowed to vote - only then could he muster 5-7 votes of encouragement.

I (and I hope others, too) can read through your "I'm not for Peter; now we're doomed with Armando" scare tactics. If you want Peter to win, just say so and like Peter's campaign - let it be over and done with.
Lift the Wool | 02.13.08 - 10:49 am | #

Given everything I have said about Zavaletta being a master manipulator it is beyond me how anyone could believe I would vote for him - never -ever - going to happen.

My only point remains - many people believe Villalobos grants political favors to his allies - if true it is ironic Zavaletta will end up losing because of such a political favor he received from a previously corrupt DA.

Exactly how does this serve Cameron County?

For the record I too have challenged Zavaletta on blogs as related to his total lack of knowledge as to how the criminal justice system works. I also stated his position paper on plea bargains lacked any sense of reality. How does this translate into an endorsement of Zavaletta? Yes I get it - selective reading and constant denial about just how bad Villalobos really is.

You seem to subscribe to the notion that because Zavaletta is a myth and a manipulator Villalobos must be clean. How very sad your critical thinking skills cannot get beyond a personal bias. Just face the fact both are nightmares and then make a decision as to who will do the least amount of harm.

If you have read my posts elsewhere I have said in terms of exposing Cameron County to liability Villalobos will do the least amount of harm.

Just Reality
Bobby Wightman-Cervantes | 02.13.08 - 12:20 pm | #

"...it is ironic Zavaletta will end up losing because of such a political favor he received from a previously corrupt DA."

BWC, if the Assistant DA motioned to dismiss the case because the complainant declined to cooperate and testify (as detailed on p.27 of PZ's criminal case file), how is that a political favor granted from the DA at that time?

If the star witness is out, where's the beef for prosecution?

Did the DA's office have any other choice? I say probably not.

Chris Davis | Homepage | 02.13.08 - 12:35 pm | #

CD,

The prosecuter's investigator had taped conversations of the payoff! Why didn't the DA pursue this.... The DA was protecting a local bar member. No harm, no foul. That's the DA's game. And still is. Just another DA.
Anonymous | 02.13.08 - 2:53 pm | #

You seem to lack an understanding of how the criminal justice system works. The other day I watched a case on the old Court TV- the wife testified for the husband - specifically testified he never hit her - the jury did not believe her and convicted him.

It is not lost on DA's that witnesses are paid to drop charges. Read the last part of the Indictment - "against the peace and dignity of the state of Texas." the crime is against the state not the person.

JUST NOTICED GUYS - READ THE INDICTMENT - this woman's affidavit does not comport with the indictment - the indictment states her interest was only 10,000.00 not 20,000.00 - you know what this woman just lost all credibility

BObby WC
Bobby Wightman-Cervantes | 02.16.08 - 3:00 pm | #