Investigates: Emails show city council relations director, William Paul Thomas, had close communication with private businessman

, corresponded with city leaders seemingly in support of airport concessionaire and private businessman Jason Yoo, according to emails obtained through a public records request.KPRC 2 Investigates first reported Thomas worked on behalf of Yoo to help eliminate airport penalties totaling $861,000 assessed to Yoo and his partners. The total penalties were levied after contractual obligations were not met.

“The director of a department cannot negotiate the settlement of a fine or anything like that,” said council member Michael Kubosh. In city released emails, Houston Airports System Director Mario Diaz said a settlement ultimately was reached for approximately $100,000.“This is completely out the realm of what he should have been doing,” said council member Letitia Plummer after seeing the emails.In 2020, the office of Mayor Sylvester Turner responded in a statement saying Thomas “did not negotiate on behalf of the subcontractor and had no influence in this matter.

“I want to know what were the conversations that led to that email. I want to know what else is there except that email, because there has to be other conversations, other emails, other people involved than just the two people in that email,” said former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Ryan Patrick.Jason Yoo did not respond to requests for comments made via email, phone or in person.The City of Houston has yet to respond to direct inquiries tied to last Wednesday’s report.

Thomas announced his retirement as the city’s director of city council relations in the week before a federal judge unsealed the case.first broke this investigation on KPRC2+]

Mario Had to find a scapegoat

Mario So a good mayor should have known what his aide was up to unless he was complicit?

Mario Just another one of SylvesterTurner corrupt lackeys…. Better follow the $$$ cause it leads to Syl….

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Houston Academy wins volleyball battle over Providence ChristianStruggling with a few injuries, Houston Academy head volleyball coach Chico Tran wasn’t totally sure what he would see out of his Raiders on Monday against city rival Providence Christian.
Source: dothaneagle - 🏆 337. / 59 Read more »

Sharks really do frequent waters near crowded city beaches, experts discoverHave metropolises become meccas for man-eaters? Big city beaches are magnets for man-eaters, according to a new study.
Source: nypost - 🏆 91. / 67 Read more »

Pearland Little Leaguers coming home after World Series run, city to celebrate them next weekHelp the City of Pearland welcome home the little leaguers after a great run in the World Series. The celebration will be at Independence Park on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.
Source: abc13houston - 🏆 255. / 63 Read more »

Police arrest suspect in attack at Union City homeless camp months agoUnion City police arrested a suspect over the weekend who was wanted in connection with an assault at a homeless camp back in March.
Source: KPIXtv - 🏆 443. / 53 Read more »

Columbus deputy police chief suing city now potentially faces firing for missed drug testColumbus police Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight missed a drug test because of work obligations in November. She's now facing potential discipline.
Source: DispatchAlerts - 🏆 72. / 68 Read more »

Hiker found dead on trail in Lake Havasu City is identifiedA hiker found dead after getting lost on trails in the 1,100-acre regional park has been identified as 31-year-old Kyle Matthew Movius, of Irvine, California.
Source: kgun9 - 🏆 584. / 51 Read more »