Probe targets Waelder officials

Official complaints alleging illegal conduct were filed against Waelder Mayor Roy Tovar and Justice of the Peace Eulogio Melchor in June.  
Several Waelder area citizens are claiming charges of abuse of office, innapropriate behavior, illegal conduct by the two men, during the 2010 municipal and primary election, and in other recent situations. 
Ann McGeehan, Director  of Elections from the Office of the Secretary of State, sent a letter to Don Clemmer, Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Prosecution, regarding the case.
“I respectfully request your assistance in reviewing allegations of criminal conduct in connection with elections conducted in the City of Waelder,”  McGeehan wrote. “Enclosed is correspondence to our office containing a number of complaints from citizens.”
Materials submitted to the AG’s office included statements from citizens claiming that Tovar offered them beer and future favors in exchange for votes.
“We note that citizens of the city have also been in contact with the State Commissioner on Judicial Conduct concerning Judge Melchor’s activities,” McGeehan wrote.
One of the allegations stems from an event held by Tovar at the city’s park which he referred to as an election rally.  During the Sunday afternoon event, he allegedly offered free beer to anyone who would vote for him
He had submitted a petition days beforehand, requesting that  the voting polls be opened specifically during that time frame, to allow for more early voting.
Tovar owns and operates a bar in Waelder.
According to the letter and the Texas Penal Code, “it is a second degree felony for an individual to intentionally or knowingly offer, confer, or agree to confer on another any benefit as consideration for the person’s vote.”
The Cannon contacted Tovar Wednesday to ask him about the allegations. He denied knowledge of the charges made by citizens. When asked  if he offered beer to anyone in exchange for votes, he said, “No one’s told me nothing, I will consult with my attorney.”
Linda Mae Wilson of Waelder contacted The Cannon in May, explaining her concerns and suspicions regarding Tovar and Melchor during the election process.
Since then, Wilson traveled to Austin to meet with an attorney in the Secretary of State Elections Division office, and officially submit affadavits from herself and others.
“I know they broke the law and I want something done about it,” Wilson said. “They arranged for people to vote who don’t live in our city or even our county, and some of them aren’t even U.S. citizens. That’s just wrong.”
Other women in Waelder, speaking to The Cannon on condition of anonymity, said they submitted affidavits describing situations when Melchor and Tovar threatened them or promised jobs and special treament in exchange for sexual favors.
Tovar refused to answer any questions from The Cannon regarding the new allegations or the status of aggravated assault charges pending against him in another case, repeating, “Do you understand English? I will consult with my attorney.”
Several attempts were made to contact Melchor for comment, but he failed to return phone messages before press time on Wednesday.