District Attorney’s Investigation Complete No Evidence Of Wrongdoing Found

July 27, 2010

The Harris County District Attorney’s office has notified METRO that it has found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing following a nearly five-month investigation of alleged document destruction at the agency. In a letter to METRO, it also stated those “allegations were unfounded.”

“We’re pleased with the outcome of the investigation,” said METRO Chairman of the Board Gilbert Garcia. “With this issue behind us, we can continue to move forward building the NEW METRO, promoting greater transparency and restoring public trust and confidence in the agency.”

The DA’s investigation began March 4, 2010, following a lawsuit by Houston attorney Lloyd Kelley involving allegations of illegal document destruction. That lawsuit was settled in June with no findings of any improper or illegal destruction of documents responsive to Kelley’s document requests.

METRO actively encouraged the District Attorney’s investigation so as to quickly resolve the matter. 

Under the new board’s directive, the agency quickly moved to adopt a new records retention policy and a new e-mail management strategy.  METRO also hired an outside law firm to conduct a review of internal controls which will be completed in the near future.    

With the matter now settled, Garcia said the NEW METRO can focus on securing the federal funding for the construction of light rail and providing a better transportation system for the region’s citizens.

Read the DA’s letter here. (PDF)