In a significant development within Maverick County, an order was filed on Monday in the 293rd Judicial District Court, raising serious concerns regarding the conduct of County Judge David Cantú. The court order accuses Cantú of “official misconduct” and “incompetency,” as defined by Section 87.011 of Texas’ Local Government Code.
This order mandates that Cantú shall not exercise any powers, duties, or authority of his office and must refrain from interfering with the operations of county government. The implications of this order could lead to Cantú facing permanent removal from his position, pending the outcome of a jury trial.
Official misconduct, as outlined in Section 87.011, refers to “intentional, unlawful behavior” performed by an officer who is responsible for administering justice or executing the law. This definition encompasses a range of actions that could undermine the integrity of local governance.
While the order does not provide specific examples of the alleged misconduct or incompetency Cantú is facing, such allegations are serious and warrant close scrutiny. Competency issues in local government roles can arise from various scenarios, including neglect of duties or failure to adhere to legal standards.
In light of these developments, Rolando Jasso has been appointed as the interim Maverick County Judge, stepping into the role during this tumultuous period. This change in leadership comes as Cantú is also embroiled in a heated Democratic primary runoff against challenger Gerardo “Jerry” Morales. During the March primary, Morales received 49.9% of the vote, while Cantú trailed with 28%.
The primary runoff election is set for May 26, where the future of Cantú’s political career will be further determined amidst ongoing allegations of misconduct. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in public office and the need for trustworthiness among elected officials.
