| ► Judge Mario Ramirez of Edinburg, TX; scofflaw, moron, ethical gnome |
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Judge Mario Ramirez of Edinburg, TX; scofflaw, moron, ethical gnome
Judge M
 ario Ramirez found guilty of multiple violations of Texas criminal laws. In 2008, a complaint was filed with the Texas Ethics Commission v. Judge Mario Ramirez for serial violations of Texas law making it illegal to convert campaign funds for personal use. On August 28, 2009, the Texas Ethics Commission found Judge Maria Ramirez guilty of several violations of the Texas Elections Code. Those violations by Judge Mario Ramirez constitute at least four (4) Class A criminal misdemeanors. (See full report at: http://tinyurl.com/kvvdry)
The Texas Ethics Commission handed down a fine of $900 and ordered Judge Mario Ramirez to remiburse his campaig $3,910 for his own personal funds.
Judge Mario Ramirez purchases of suits, shirts and ties
Contrary to well-established Texas law, Judge Mario Ramirez illegally used campaign funds to purchase suits, shirts and ties for “campaigning.” The so-called “campaign” clothing was purchased from Larry Malkani in Cape Coral, Florida, which would lead me to believe they were tailor-made. The illegal expenditures (three Class A criminal misdemeanors) are as follows:
I’m not aware that there is such a thing that can be specifically designated as a “campaign suit, shirt or tie. However, if Judge Mario Ramirez purchased a suit or tie as show to the right and left respectively, then maybe I’m wrong and he’s right, right?
Illegal Payment of Dry Cleaning Expenses
 
Texas law makes it illegal to use campaign funds for dry cleaning or laundry expenses (Ethics Opinion 104 – 1992).
Judge Mario Ramirez defended his use of campaign funds to dry clean his clothing by stating under oath “the dry cleaning bills are for my judicial robes and on a very few occasions for the clothing I was wearing under my judicial robe when the clothing got soiled while performing my public duties.”
Hopefully, there weren’t times when Judge Mario Ramirez was not wearing any clothes under his judicial robe, right? More importantly, how did Judge Mario Ramirez’s clothing under his judicial robe get “spoiled?”
Illegal payment of Fitness Center Fees by Judge Mario Ramirez
The Texas Ethics Commission found Judge Mario Ramirez guilty of illegally converting campaign funds for personal use (Class A misdemeanor) to pay $400 to Cornerstone Fitness in Edinburg for membership fees/dues on Aug. 2, 2006.
In a rather lame attempt at levity, Judge Mario Ramirez defended this expenditure by stating under oath “The August 2, 2006 expense of $400 to Cornerstone was a surprise to me as that was a personal expense and was mistakenly paid by the campaign. I will promptly reimburse the campaign account.”
Judge Mario Ramirez’s claim of “surprise” doesn’t pass the involuntary laugh test. The claim of “surprise” by Ramirez would be analogous to Jeffrey Dahmer claiming he was bewildered that none of his dinner guests returned
When Judge Mario Ramirez paid Cornerstone $400 for membership dues, one of two things occurred, which are as follows.
He paid Cornerstone with a campaign check or via use of campaign charge card
He instructed Cornerstone to bill his campaign for the $400
When this illegal payment was made, Ms. Tootsie Barrera was the campaign manager for Judge Mario Ramirez. Are we to believe that Ms. Barrera accidently paid this $400? Or is it more likely that Judge Mario Ramirez directed her to pay it?
$590 for Judge Ramirez to visit Physician in San Antonio
On Dec. 13, 2005, Judge Mario Ramirez directed his campaign to pay him $589.46 “for physician visit to San Antonio.”
In a sworn affidavit, Judge Mario Ramirez stated “The Dec. 13, 2005 expense was a reimbursement to me for travel expenses to a public office related meeting. I did see a doctor in San Antonio on that trip, but the primary purpose for the trip was for a meeting I was required to attend.”
Of course Judge Mario Ramirez never provided any evidence of where this “required” meeting was held; what its purpose was, and why he was required to attend. Unfortunately, the so-called wizards at the Texas Ethics Commission never demanded this type of evidence. I can assure that I would have!
More importantly, San Antonio is 235 miles from Edinburg. One would have to possess an IQ of 55 or less to believe that anyone and that would include Judge Mario Ramirez made an appointment to see a doctor whose office was 235 miles away.
Judge Mario Ramirez’s Expensive Travel Habits
Not satisfied with hosing contributors for illegal expenditures, Judge Mario Ramirez also finds it acceptable to have them pay for lavish vacations, examples of which are as follows:
Conclusion
It cannot be disputed that Judge Mario Ramirez is guilty of multiple criminal Class A Misdemeanors. Moreover, due to his laughable defenses, it would seem that Judge Mario Ramirez missed his calling as a stand-up-comedian.
Unfortunately, Judge Mario Ramirez remains on the bench in Hidalgo County. And lastly, I am filing (ca. 09/10/09) an ethics complaint with the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct regarding the egregious misconduct of Judge Mario Ramirez. Hopefully, the Judicial Commission will take appropriate action. As they say, stay tuned for the results!
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