Solomon found guilty of misconduct

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October 19, 2012

Solomon found guilty of misconduct

By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff The Herald-Banner Fri Oct 19, 2012, 12:33 AM CDT

GREENVILLE — A jury in the 196th District Court Thursday found West Tawakoni City Council member Carol Solomon guilty of one count of official misconduct.

A separate ruling today could directly affect the start of early voting next week for the West Tawakoni municipal election.

The panel found from a preponderance of the evidence that Solomon as a public servant accepted or agreed to accept a benefit from a person she knew to be subject to her regulation, inspection or investigation.

The jury deliberated for about one hour before returning with the verdict shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday.

The jury did not find that Solomon intentionally misused government property that came into her possession by virtue of her office or employment.

West Tawakoni Mayor Pete Yoho filed suit in October 2010 against Solomon, seeking her removal from the council due to allegations of misconduct.

Following the jury’s announcement, defense attorney Timothy Brightman asked 196th District Court Judge Steve Tittle for a judgment not withstanding the verdict, arguing Solomon was not directly involved in the actions which were the basis of the civil suit.

“There was no evidence of any intentional action,” Brightman said.

Tittle denied Brightman’s motion, then instructed Hunt County District Attorney Noble D. Walker Jr., who represented Yoho on behalf of the State of Texas, to draw up a judgment, which may include Solomon’s removal from the city council. Tittle will then rule on the judgment during a hearing scheduled at 10 a.m. today.

Should Solomon be removed from the city council due to official misconduct, she will be unable under state law to hold the same office for two years.

Solomon is unopposed in seeking the Place 4 spot on the council in the November 6 election, with early voting set to begin Monday.

Yoho’s original suit claimed Solomon and her husband Larry used city employees and equipment to remove a tree stump from their property, replace a drain culvert and grade the driveway to their residence in late May or early June 2010, without compensating the city.

Solomon has denied the allegations.