Indictment and Background
A significant development has emerged in the ongoing investigation into water line repair contracts in Houston. Patrice Lee, the former city manager of Houston, is now facing an additional felony charge amidst a scandal involving water line repair contracts. Lee has been in jail for nearly two months, accused of bribery and abuse of official capacity. The latest charge against her is for engaging in organized criminal activity, marking the sixth felony charge she faces.
Details of the New Charge
According to legal experts, this new charge amplifies the stakes significantly. Engaging in organized crime could increase the punishment for Lee, with potential sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison without the possibility of probation if found guilty. This charge suggests a broader scope of criminal activity, indicating that Lee may have been part of a conspiracy involving multiple underlying crimes. The organized crime charge necessitates that a group of individuals worked together to commit these offenses.
Previous Exposures and Indictments
The investigation into Lee’s activities began last November when KPRC 2’s Amy Davis revealed that Lee, then head of the Houston Water Department, was steering city water contracts towards her family and friends. Specifically, Davis reported that Lee had quickly formed a construction and inspection company and appointed her brother as the owner, subsequently awarding him a $4.5 million contract.
In May, a Harris County grand jury indicted Lee, her brother Andrew Thomas, and five others on charges of bribery and corruption. While Lee remains in jail on a $460,000 bond, her brother has bonded out and maintains his innocence, asserting that they were legitimately performing the contracted work.
Legal Implications and Expert Opinions
The new charge of engaging in organized criminal activity brings with it severe legal implications. Ed McClees, former chief of the organized crime section of the Harris County DA’s office, explained that such charges expand the range of punishment available to prosecutors and can broaden the net of admissible evidence at trial. This strategic move by prosecutors might be aimed at ensuring a harsher penalty or influencing the terms of Lee’s bond.
McClees suggested that the timing of this new charge could indicate that prosecutors have obtained new information or are seeking to prosecute the case more aggressively. The addition of this charge might also be a tactic to influence Lee’s bond conditions, potentially leading to a bond reduction discussion scheduled for an upcoming court hearing.
Statements from the Accused
Lee’s brother, Andrew Thomas, recently spoke to Amy Davis outside of court, vehemently denying the accusations. He stated, “There was a narrative that, you know, you had that we’re basically stealing money from taxpayers. And that’s something that’s completely untrue. And that’s something that I would never do, never stolen anything in my life. Everything that I’ve gotten, I was he the bliss so I just want to say I just want to say we’re actually out there doing the work.” Thomas’s statements highlight a firm stance against the allegations, asserting their innocence and commitment to the contracted work.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Proceedings
The DA’s office has confirmed that, at this time, there are no additional people facing charges in relation to this scandal. However, the investigation is ongoing, and further developments are anticipated. The upcoming court hearing will be crucial as it may address a potential bond reduction for Lee, who has been unable to secure release under the current bond conditions.
Prosecutors and legal experts continue to scrutinize the case, evaluating the extent of the alleged crimes and the appropriate legal consequences. The case remains a significant point of interest for the Houston community, with implications for public trust in local government and the integrity of public contracting processes.
As the investigation unfolds, further updates will be provided to keep the public informed of any new charges, court decisions, or revelations regarding the scandal. The legal battle for Patrice Lee and her co-defendants will be closely watched, with substantial consequences hinging on the outcome of these proceedings.
