Police Video

In April, MPD Officer Raymond Miller alleged in a written complaint that Menchaca ordered former Police Chief John Urby, who retired at the end of April, to terminate him following an internal investigation into how a video recorded by the camera in his police cruiser was released on the Internet. Miller, who indicated he distributed the video only to other police officers, stated in the complaint that state law requires that police officers be provided with a written complaint before being disciplined or terminated. Menchaca violated the law by ordering his termination without following the proper procedures, Miller alleged, and broke a state statute that prohibits abuse of office. Additionally, he stated in the complaint that Menchaca retaliated against his mother-in-law, Nancy Witten, after she spoke out at a City Council meeting in favor of higher police salaries by deciding to no longer use her pest control company to treat city buildings.

Texas Rangers Company "E" Capt. Barry Caver told the Reporter-Telegram he can "only confirm" an inquiry is being conducted and indicated the law enforcement agency is "really just doing preliminary (work) to see whether we're going to do an investigation." Caver referred any additional questions to Schorre.

"The status right now... we got a copy of the complaint the officer sent out. We got a copy of that, took a look at it and made an inquiry to the Rangers to see if they'd look into it," Schorre said. "I know from talking to them they've been busy looking into other things. I really don't think it's up to an investigation ... an investigation is where you're pretty sure a crime has occurred. I'd call this an inquiry, where you'd see if there is even a possible offense."

Schorre added he doubts if "it's on their front burner" and pursuing the inquiry is "probably waiting to get on to the back burner, actually," because the Texas Rangers have many other cases they are working on.

Witten, the owner of Boydstun Pest Control, told the Reporter-Telegram that her company bid less than a competitor based in Abilene, but her company has been performing pest control services for the city for around 60 years and had never been asked to submit a bid before. A few weeks after she addressed the subject of police salaries at a City Council meeting last fall, she said, she was notified she would be required to submit a bid to continue performing pest control services for the city.

"If the bid was put out by the city administration in retaliation for speaking out to the City Council, as I believe, then there is definitely something wrong in the state of Denmark," Witten said.

Witten said she does not know how many companies were invited to bid on pest control services and questioned whether it was possible the company that won the bid was contacted because someone working for the city knew it would submit a lower bid. Witten said she does not care about the money, but about "what's right and wrong."

City Attorney Keith Stretcher told the Reporter-Telegram that for contracts worth less than $25,000 city managers are authorized to award a contract to a company without first seeking authorization from the City Council, but may elect to use some form of competitive bidding process. Stretcher said he could not discuss the allegations made by Miller. Menchaca has declined to comment on the allegations, as well.

Prior to the City Council's vote members of the public addressed city officials in Menchaca's defense and requested that more information be provided regarding his removal from office.

"You hear removal and I don't think that's the right word," Perry said. "It is a personnel matter and we have to respect Rick and his family and keep it private to the extent possible."

During a press conference held outside of City Hall after the meeting Menchaca expressed his appreciation for the show of support from members of the public who spoke out on his behalf. Menchaca also recognized his team-members and employees for their contribution to the successful completion of goals set by the City Council during his tenure as city manager.

"I believe you try to make your corner of the world a better place when you leave it, than when you arrived and I've done so in Midland," Menchaca said.

Lydia Madrigal, who said she has been asked to serve as a spokeswoman for Menchaca, told the Reporter-Telegram that Menchaca will be working with the city as a consultant to assist during the period of transition until a new city manager is hired. She indicated that Menchaca resigned, but added that "I think it's fair to say he wasn't thinking of resigning prior to this." Madrigal said that she was not aware of the specific issues surrounding Menchaca's departure from the city and that the parties involved are "trying to keep it internal."

End of news articles.

So, the Chief of Police has retired and the City Manager has resigned. The criminal investigation continues, and the officer who first started this controversy is still employed. I don't think anyone could have predicted the outcome to have been so far reaching over a somewhat trivial incident. That is, if the incident had been handled differently from the outset, it is doubtful that two high placed administrators would now be where they have found themselves.

As always, I appreciate the participation of everyone in this forum.

Chris Cherry