Homero Villarreal has put out another hardhitting article. For those who doubt his influence: Remember he was on Conservative Talk Radio and had Bob Jones lagging ratings go skyrocketing. Gifford screwed it up by letting Homer go. He was the spotlight of the week. Rumor has it Clear Channel wants to pick him up! Rock on Homer!
HERE IS THE LINK TO THE CELIS ARTICLE: cut and paste it or click.
http://eldefenzor.blogspot.com/2008/01/blockbuster-article-hitting-south-texas.html
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Local
Celis denies drug connections suggested by attorney general’s office
By Dan Kelley (Contact)
Originally published 03:04 p.m., January 7, 2008
Updated 03:04 p.m., January 7, 2008
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Days after investigators from the Texas Attorney General raided his office with a search warrant hinting at illegal drug connections, Mauricio Celis issued a statement denying he has any involvement with the narcotics trade.
“Let me be crystal clear: There is not, has never been, and never will be a dime of drug money in my pocket, in any of my bank accounts, or in my life,” the law firm operator’s statement reads.
Investigators raided the offices of CGT Law Group International on Friday, removing computers and financial documents related to several businesses connected to Celis in what has turned into a money-laundering investigation.
An affidavit used to obtain the search warrant states that Celis shared a bank account with Raul Armando Winder, a Mexican citizen and former police officer who, according to the affidavit, has been employed as a pilot by individuals linked to narcotic trafficking. The account was for a business called Pegasus Air Services, which Celis owned from 2002-05, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
The affidavit also stated that Celis withdrew more than $7 million from Nueces County banks shortly before traveling to Mexico between 2000 and 2007.
Celis, in his statement, is adamant that he has no connection to narcotics trafficking.
“There is no gray area, no argument about the facts or the law. The insinuation that I have anything to do with the drug trade is a revolting lie that dishonors the office of the Attorney General” he stated.
On Friday, in response to the raid, Celis’ attorney Tony Canales accused the attorney general of political meddling. Celis’ statement reiterated that accusation.
“This is nothing more than politics run amok,” Celis said, “all because the Attorney General is a Republican and I am a prominent Hispanic Democrat.”
The Attorney General’s Office said Friday it was asked to join the Nueces County investigation.
Celis, 36, was indicted in November by a Nueces County grand jury on charges of impersonating a lawyer and a police officer, perjury and theft. Celis has been a prominent Democratic donor. Some politicians returned his donations after he came under investigation.
Throughout the ordeal, he has not granted interviews. He issued a statement Monday, he said, for the sake of his family.
“All I ask is that I be allowed to have my day in court and for the politicians who hold elected office to be held accountable for any false accusations,” Celis said “I remain steadfast in my faith in our justice system, and I’m looking forward to my day in court.’
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Post 1 January 7, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These rumors of drug laundering / drug involvement have been heard all around town. Usually where there are rumors, there is some truth (not necessarily all truth, however) behind them.
Post 2 January 7, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Post 3 January 7, 2008 at 3:18 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Post 4 January 7, 2008 at 3:24 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Post 5 January 7, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's Mauricio gona say? "Yes" I'm involved in criminal drug trafficking?" I think not. It is standard to say you aren't guilty of the crimes you have been accused of.
After all, Maurico Celis was in the business of the .... or in case,....lying about being an attorney and lying about being a deputy sheriff. He knows how law enforcement and the judicial system works inside and out. He's gona do everything possible to get out of this. His life & freedom depends on it.
I frankly do not believe a word he says. Why would you need to make withdrawals from the Corpus Christi banks and head on down to Mexico with hard cold cash? There is such a thing as checks. (travelers checks) Why is a know drug trafficker signed on to your bank account as vice president of your phony company???
And I would still like to hear from Larry Olivarez in all of this. He was working for him as his office manager. Larry has been laying waaaay low since all of this. Last time he was seen was at a fundraiser for Mikal Watts. They're all running for cover.
Cash cannot be traced once it's given to a drug operation. Then once the goods makes it over the border, he undoubtedly cashed in again.
Post 6 January 7, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 3, thats a racist comment.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Post 7 January 7, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sure hope someone can prove the "suggested" drug allegations by the Attorney General's office. There are many people connected to Celis, and the light will be shed on them as well before all of this is over. It's so funny watching the people that greedily accepted his monetary donations and favors act like they don't even know him now.
Post 8 January 7, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's the tip of the iceberg............
Post 9 January 7, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! I didn't think anything about money laundering. I used to think he was just an ambulance chaser. Hooo Boy! Is this getting interesting or what?
If Celis doesn't want to do life, he better get a high-powered attorney. I don't think Canales is capable of doing much with all these new allegations (if they're true). Celis needs to tell his attorney's the truth. I think Canales will run with Celis's BS and get blindsided in court.
Geez, I hope they make a movie about this. I'm sure a bunch of politicians are shaking in their boots now. I don't think any of them would be involved with the likes of Celis if they knew the whole truth. However, play with fire............
Sorry this post is so fragmented, I just type out my thoughts!
Post 10 January 7, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 6 - you can't even properly define "racism" can you?
No, it's not a racist comment, it's a statement of fact and I am not ashamed. It would be racist if I said that Mexicans are genetically inferior to Whites, and therefore Whites should be be the dominant race. That would be racism, but that's not what I said nor was it implied.
You morons who throw out the "That's racist" stuff without even understanding the true meaning frustrate me.
I don't know why they removed my comment. It's a known fact, and I'll say it again if this gets removed: Mexicans are not Hispanics. Mexicans are Mexicans. Americans who are of Mexican descent are Mexican-American, not "Hispanic" which is a political word to begin with.
The Attorney General is not going after Mauricio because he is a "Hispanic Democrat" as he stated. They are going after Mauricio because he appears to have committed a crime of impersonating an officer and attorney on many occassions. It doesn't matter if a White Republican did it, they would also be investigated if the Attorney General or Sheriff caught wind of it.
Mauricio may be rich, possibly wealthy. But he's lacking brains because he was dumb enough to get caught and he's even dumb enough to stoop so low to call it racially and politically motivated. We aren't idiots Mauricio, and you're not going to convince any judge, jury, media, or citizens that you're squeaky clean.
You're busted!
Post 11 January 7, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If not from drugs and/or larceny where did all that money come from? Loans to GCT and who knows what else and donations to every democrat in south texas. Big house in the Lakes, cars, airplanes, a couple of businesses that cant generate that kind of cash. Well maybe it was left over from his days as a aircondition repairman. Be glad when we know the rest of the story and all the dominoes have fallen. Maybe this town will smell better.
Post 12 January 7, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 10
Racism - a belief that race is a primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
And your statement did have racial undertones, even if you lack the intelligence or objectivity to recognize this fact. Apparently the Caller Times staff are of the same opinion. Buenos Dias!
Post 13 January 7, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 10
I'm an American of Mexican descent, but I'm just an American. You have a problem with that?
Post 14 January 7, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Turn off the lights the fat lady just sang "soprano".
Post 15 January 7, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 12: I fail to see the "racial undertones" of Post 10's comment. based on the definitiion you copied and pasted in your post with such impressive primate-like intelligence. Since you are so intelligent, perhaps you could explain your accusation of racism better.
Post 16 January 7, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there is such a thing as Mexican Americans and Hispanics being racist against whites too. Every time someone gets in trouble of a brown ethnicity, some people scream racism.
Maybe Mauricio is in trouble because he broke the law? ya think?
Not because he is brown.
Post 17 January 7, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If I moved to Mexico and then moved back to the US, would I be Hispanic since I came from Mexico? If not, then I tend to agree with post 10's logic that not all Mexicans are necessarily Hispanics. However, his point seems totally irrelevant to the story.
Post 18 January 7, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Celis will be hard pressed to convince a jury that he is being persecuted soley as a consequence of his politcial affiliations. The "biased Republican Attorney General" defesne may convince some in the court of public opinion, but it is highly unlikely a jury will give such allegations any credit. After all, will Mr. Celis ask the jury to disregard the mountain of inculpatory evidence and dismiss it as being manufactured by the AG? If so, he should be thinking about a plea bargain and spending the least amount of time in prison as possible.
Post 19 January 7, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am of the opinion that when local powerful people may possibly be smeared or exposed by actions of a relatively small careless other, most or all of the story will be lost or covered up. For a thorough unbiased investigation, someone should relay this paper's articles on this subject to "60 Minutes". Watch the roaches run for cover. With all the drama that occurs in South Texas, a worthy investigative news company could set up a regional office.
Post 20 January 7, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Caller-Times knows where all the bones are buried. They snooped them up and then covered them up again.
Post 21 January 7, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not defending this Celis guy, if he broke the law he needs to pay for his crimes. We can't do much by being angry at all hispanics for what one did. Let the justice system and the courts deal with Celis.
What I am worried about is all this bigotry, hatered and biased innuendo towards Hispanic/Americans, Mexican/Americans, Spanish, Mexicans or whatever else some of "YOU" see fit to call us. Who died and made you the appointees of what we should be labeled.
I know who my ancestors are.
An American of Mexican ancestory and proud of it.
Post 22 January 7, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
celis needs to be commanded for speaking out against the actions of the GA in as far as invasion of his office is concerned. In our wonderful state, you don't invade someone's home on a rumor as proclaimed by the law officer who committed the injustice. everybody has the right to stand up if falsely accused just as clemens, bonds and others are doing. let justice take its course and if they are all quilty, it will be done by a court of their peers not by some guy wanted to get his face on tv. what is good for the goose should be good for the gender. black, brown, yellow, white, pink or whatever.
Post 23 January 7, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you post 21.
It's really Mauricio Celis' attorney who started all this slandering.
And when the headline came in from Lulac a few weeks ago that also fueled the fire.
But I agree, all of us are humans. End of story. If we brake the law, then the judicial system should be able to do it's work and bring the lawbreaker to justice.
Post 24 January 7, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Back in my day on the northside of town there were three types of colors and believe it or not the kids for the most part interacted. Either that or play alone.
We didnt know a thing about Cuba or anything beyond Mexico. The adults refered to each other as Mexicanos. Personally, I never thought of Chuy as Mexican, nor Juan and I didnt think of Harold as black. When you went looking for somebody to play with they all seem to be at their grandfathers at his rancho in Mexico.
Habits are hard to change just because. To me for the first 13 years of my life, if your name was Cantu, Galvan, Gonzales, Garcia, Davila. You were Mexican, because they said so.
Post 25 January 7, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There he goes again. Anton & LeeAnn Hailey, stop using racist language. Why is it that you two just love to pick arguments with people.
Post 26 January 7, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 25,
they both have been talking crap for years. anton uses the name kenedeno, and his wife uses the name dannoynted. Just ignore them and make sure to look the other way because they are nothing but trouble.
Post 27 January 7, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It will be tough for the state to prove guilt by association on Celis. It isn't a crime. The attorney general's office talks big in the affidavit for the search warrant, now tell us about the evidence. They've had his records four days now. Maybe if this falls through, they can hang Celis with the new red light cameras.
Mr. X
Post 28 January 8, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 22 --
Geez, Mauri-boy, now it is really apparent you're not a lawyer, or educated at all. Please reread your post and then the following:
1. commanded?? Guess you mean commended?
2. GA?? Um, that's AG...as in Attorney General
3. Ok, I'll give you a maybe on Clements, but BONDS?? Come on now.
4.Gender?? Obviously, well maybe not obviously... you mean GANDER.
5. Lastly, there was no INVASION. Maury-boy was visited by members of law enforcement, serving a lawful, duly signed search warrant, which requires a sworn statement by a member of law enforcement and reasonable cause.
Mauri-boy, how did you get by for so longer convincing people you were a lawyer when you can't even spell?
Post 29 January 8, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do people think that because you have a good tan and you speak spanish your "Mexican". OMG, what is this place coming to. I am an American, I have a great tan (golden brown skin tone) and I speak Spanish and English. I have never been to Mexico, nor have my parents or grandparents. My great grandparents came from Spain. Why does everything have to be about race? This man broke the law and he is trying to pull a racist card to avoid prosecution. Where the heck did he get all this money, if not from drugs? Could it be possible they were really good investments?
Post 30 January 8, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Post 28, I am saddened for you. Your hatred for Mauri-boy is indicative for a very jealous person who can not understand how someone like celis can accumulate all this wealth and yet people like you have struggle all their lives to barely make it through the month. Don't blame anyone for your misfortune, look at yourself in the mirror and ask what is happening in your life and how you can find happiness in your heart to keep you from showing your misfortune. Love your neighbor and wealth will come to you. You seem to be in some desperate need of some soul cleansing to better succeed in life. I'll pray for you.
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Can you believe the person behind the #25?
Insist on saying everything posted on
this list of comments is I or my husband.
I am recognized for "doing something"?
Guess Nelly Mae is still bitter about her greedy 10 million dollar fund being depleted by attorneys.
Oh well that is what happens when you are a hypocritical,lying egotistical crab.
nice blog. finally something to replace South Texas Chisme. I really think we should focus on our own backyard. STXC spends so much time on Craddick and Houston and the VAlley. Focus..focus..focus. Coastal Bend Politics. Welcome to the machine.
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