Ethics Complaint Against San Antonio Councilman Progresses
In San Antonio, an ethics complaint against city councilman Marc Whyte (D10) advances to the city’s Ethics Review Board. The charge was filed by local attorney Martin Phipps, who accuses Whyte of abusing his official position to interfere in a private matter.
The Accusations
The accusations by Phipps allege that Whyte used his status as a councilman to influence the San Antonio police and Bexar County sheriff’s departments. Phipps claims Whyte arranged for officers to visit his residence on April 26 with the aim of removing a child from his custody.
Whyte, a serving his first term as a councilman, was accused of deploying his authorities to aid his wife, an attorney by profession. Phipps’ ex-wife was one of her clients, and they were embroiled in a custody dispute.
Whyte’s Response
In response to the accusations, Whyte has detailed that his wife and Phipps’ ex-wife are friends. Whyte stated that text messages tangibly showed a conversation between a child residing at Phipps’ home and his ex-wife, and his actions were influenced by concerns for the child’s safety.
Phipps’ ethics complaint refers to an alleged conflict of interest, use of the councilman’s position to unfairly advance private interests, leveraging the prestige of his position wrongfully, and misuse of public resources by involving the police.
Moving Forward with the Complaint
City of San Antonio spokesman Brian Chasnoff confirmed the complaint is advancing to the Ethics Review Board for consideration after being investigated by an external attorney. However, a segment of the complaint accusing Whyte of a conflict of interest on behalf of an “outside client” was dismissed.
Whyte now has ten business days from Phipps’ original complaint to submit a rebuttal. The councilman has indicated his intentions to submit his response sometime next week.
Potential Outcomes
The Ethics Review Board, consisting of eleven members appointed by the council and mayor, might call a hearing, though it’s not a guarantee. Unless Whyte requests an extension, the board is obliged to issue their written opinion within ninety days of the original complaint. This opinion may either dismiss the claims or identify a violation. If the latter, sanctions could be applied, criminal prosecution recommended, civil remedies suggested, or they may specify why no action is warranted.
About the Author
Garrett Brnger is a reporter covering this ongoing story.