The city manager of La Marque has officially resigned following allegations regarding his job application. This decision came after the city held a special meeting to discuss his future. The allegations revolve around the city manager’s claims about his military service and educational background.
Police Investigation into Allegations
The La Marque Police Department is currently investigating the accusations. Police Chief Randall Aragon shared that the claims concern whether J.B. Pritchett served in the military and his educational qualifications. Aragon revealed that a city council member raised these concerns in June, prompting the investigation.
J.B. Pritchett’s Background and Role
J.B. Pritchett had been with the city for nearly four years, initially serving as the interim city manager, followed by a role as deputy city manager. He was appointed as the city manager just a couple of months ago. However, due to the allegations, his position has come into question.
Potential Legal Consequences
Aragon mentioned that the investigation is serious, and authorities expect warrants to be issued against Pritchett. If found guilty of submitting fraudulent military records and providing false educational qualifications, Pritchett could face charges for both, which are classified as Class B misdemeanors. These charges carry a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of $4,000.
Aragon expressed that while there were suspicions for some time, the allegations escalated, leading to a formal investigation. “When the complaint came forward, we had a duty to investigate it,” said Aragon. “We found that much of what was said could possibly be true.”
Interim City Manager Appointment
Following Pritchett’s resignation, the city has appointed the deputy city manager to serve as the interim city manager. This move ensures that the city continues to run smoothly while the investigation progresses.
The situation surrounding J.B. Pritchett has raised serious concerns about his qualifications and integrity. With the La Marque Police Department actively investigating the allegations, it remains to be seen what legal actions will follow.
The interim appointment of a new city manager will help maintain leadership stability during this challenging time.
