Texas City, TX — Authorities are investigating alleged fraud tied to the recall petition against Mayor Dedrick Johnson after several citizen complaints were made about the validity of the signatures collected.
Texas City Police have confirmed that they are looking into claims that a deceased person’s name and signature were fraudulently included on the petition.
What We Know So Far
Fraudulent Signatures: Police have received multiple reports indicating that a deceased individual’s name, address, and signature were used on the petition to recall Mayor Dedrick Johnson.
Ongoing Investigation: As of Wednesday, no arrests or charges have been made in connection with the fraud claims. However, law enforcement is working with the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office to determine if any criminal charges are appropriate based on the findings.
Transparency in Investigation: Texas City Police emphasized their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. They assured the public that all allegations would be handled impartially.
What We Don’t Know
More Information Pending: At this stage, there are no additional details available about the nature of the fraud claims or how widespread the issue may be. The investigation is still ongoing.
What Authorities Are Saying
Texas City Police issued a statement regarding the situation:
“Given the seriousness of these allegations, we are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and uphold all applicable laws.”
How to Get Involved
Provide Information: If you have information related to the petition or the alleged fraud, you are encouraged to contact the Texas City Police Criminal Investigations Division at 409-643-5838.
Check Your Information: If you believe your information may have been fraudulently used on the petition, you can visit the Texas City website to verify whether your name appears.
The Backstory: The Recall Petition
Recall Petition Filed: The petition to recall Mayor Dedrick Johnson was filed by local resident Joshua McMeekin, who alleged several violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act.
McMeekin also criticized Mayor Johnson’s handling of public records and police staffing, and claimed there was political interference in the city’s economic development.
Mayor’s Response: Mayor Johnson responded in an interview by acknowledging residents’ right to organize and file petitions, but he labeled the recall effort as baseless and denied any wrongdoing.
The investigation into possible fraudulent activity in the petition against Texas City Mayor Dedrick Johnson is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. As of now, the case is still in its early stages, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
