By ELIOT ELCOMEDOR
The Tribune Staff Writer
HARLINGEN, Texas - Someone said they heard it from someone who heard it from someone else that these guys just weren’t up to the task of governing, that a sensational case involving local children possibly being molested by a grown man wasn’t about to roust them from their Summer slumber.
We bring you the photos of Mayor Chris Boswell, in red tie, Commissioner Robert Leftwich, in goldish tie, and Commissioner Kori Marra, in Thanksgiving-brown business wear, so that you get the picture. They said nothing during the saga of Carlos Levon Anderson, husband of Harlingen Police Department Lt. Myriam Anderson. As acknowledged leaders, they all did the Ol’ Down Low when push came to shove, when the community sought answers as to why Mssr. Anderson would not turn himself into law enforcement authorities, when word surfaced that he’d been indicted days earlier and nothing had come of it.
Where was Anderson? Where was his city employee spouse? And why was nothing done until the word hit the streets and all Hell broke loose, when things just got too hot for HPD Chief Danny Castillo. He’d handed the ball to the Texas Rangers, believing the mess was too close to home. When the Cameron County District Attorney’s office indicted Anderson and he then failed to show-up for his scheduled arraignment, the chief apparently did nothing to help capture him. When Anderson, a karate instructor, finally walked into the county court yesterday to face the music, Chief Castillo issued a namby-pamby press release saying the case had not been his and that his lieutenant – the alleged child molester’s wife – was not involved.
Some news reports said the Andersons are estranged and have not lived together for some time. That part of the story should come out during the trial, as will other info related to the alleged assaults and how Chief Castillo decided the investigation could not be conducted by his department. Lt. Anderson was said to be head of the HPD’s Sex Crimes Division. Why Chief Castillo did not merely shift the investigation to another high-ranking officer has not been explained. Proof of criminal wrongdoing is proof, and it would not have been swayed by Lt. Anderson’s role in the department.
Still, it is the silence at City Hall that has many in town outraged. Why didn’t the mayor, or any city commissioner, speak to the community about the explosive case? Children being sexually abused, as is being alleged here, is never a laughing matter. Yes, it was quirky. And, yes, Mssr. Anderson still has his upcoming day in court, a day that may in the end find him not guilty of some or all of the charges. But you don’t simply go home and hide under the blankets, either. Mayor Boswell, or any city commissioner, should summon the chief before the council and ask him to explain his actions in an open forum. Enough is known about this case to lead any citizen into thinking something went horribly wrong.
And just how much is not known? Inquiring minds want to know.
Breakdowns at City Hall are not an option…
EDITORS NOTE:
City commissioner Jerry Prepejchal was the only one who called me amd was very upset about the turn of events.
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Jose Infante was indicted.
Awaiting to go to trial.
And what exactly does Prep know about anything? Does he even have a high school education?
It does not matter.
He is a public official.
You should respect that.
Where do you serve?
Jerry Prep, is a very good Commissioner, and a humble man, who only wants good for the city he loves. Why is it?? That everybody, bashes him, just because he works for a living.
It is honest work, at least he didn’ t get elected to benefit himself, or has any dealings with the city to profit, or is not involved with any take overs.
Tony , It doesnt matter to you if J. Prep doesnt have a H. S. education . Yet you complain about others working for the city of only having a H. S. education . You are a HYPOCRITE !
Lyer, lyer catch on fire.
I have never said that.
I delete most of your comments.
Tony Chapa says:
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 10:17 pm
It does not matter.
He is a public official.
You should respect that.
Where do you serve
……………………………………….
This STAGGERING hypocricy!
yes, i would say an ironic statement
who is jose infante?
Jerry Prep. was elected to represent the district, and there is nothing wrong with working to support your family. As a matter of fact, all the commissioners work for a living. Each one us picks different carrers. There is nothing wrong with that, end of story.
Jose Angel Infante is a former Harlingen police officer who was fired and indicted for sexually abuse a teen age girl in one of the housing projects.
He is awaiting trial.
Anon. 1 Jerry Prep was not elected .Tony you have made those statements and why wasnt officer Vela fired and prosecuted for harrassing officer Garcia .
The chief of police has several pet npolice officers.
Vela is one of them.
They get special protection from the incompetent police chief.
Sure Prep was elected. He just ran unopposed. The city (old guard) decided not to hold an election in that district in order to save money.
The money they saved will be donated to charity. Bass Pro Shops.
Anon. How can you say he was elected and then say that the city decide not to hold an election to save money . You are confused am friend >
Okay he ran unopposed, that isn’t his fault. And who really cares, he is doing his job and thats all that matters. Since when is it okay for architecs and realtors to run local appointed boards and be the only ones allowed to run for city commissioners??
The truth is that the economy is so screwed up for lack of another word. Because it is the business industry that causes all the problems, and create all types of havoc. It is people who get into this positions to make a buck from their elected positions.