► 05/21/12 – Criminal complaint filed v. Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth Print E-mail
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05/21/12 – Criminal complaint filed v. Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth

May 21, 2012
 
Gregg Cox
Travis County District Attorneys Office
Public Integrity Unit
Austin, Texas
 
Re:     State Sen. Jeff Wentworth and Inaccurate Financial Statements
            & Pocketing State Reimbursement paid by Campaign
 
Dear Mr. Cox:
 
This complaint deals with what certainly appears to be the persistent filing of inaccurate (false) annual financial statements by Jeff Wentworth as to Part 6: Personal Notes and Lease Agreements, which required him to disclose all lease agreements involving himself and/or any family members when the liability exceeded $1,000. It also sets forth instances wherein Wentworth was personally reimbursed by the State for expenses paid for by his campaign. The specific issues will be addressed below under the following headings:
 
No. 1 – Pocketing Registration Fees paid by State Comptroller
No. 2 – Pocketing Airfares paid by State Comptroller
No. 3 – Lexus/Infinity Leases not disclosed on Financial Statements
No. 4 – Wentworth reimbursement from campaign for Condo he owned in Austin
No. 5 – Non-disclosure of Office Rent/Lease in San Antonio
 
As you’ll see, Wentworth’s campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission demonstrates expenditures to lease a Lexus or Infinity, and to lease a campaign office in San Antonio; however these leases are never disclosed on Wentworth’s annual financial reports. This conduct is reminiscent of that of former Rep. Kino Flores who was criminally prosecuted by your office in the past.
 
Again, I apologize for overwhelming your office with what appears to be violations of Texas criminal statutes. If you need any additional information please feel free to drop me a line.
 
Respectfully yours,
 
Dave Palmer
The Watchdawg
Folsom, CA
 
No. 1 – Pocketing Registration Fees paid by State Comptroller
 
The following are instances wherein the State reimbursed Wentworth for expenses that he pocketed even though the expenses were originally paid with campaign funds. The first set of entries was obtained from the State Comptroller’s Office and the second from Wentworth’s campaign expense records.
 
Registration Fees for Employee Training
7203-REGISTRATION FEES-EMPLOYEE TRAINING
20100917
710.00
7203-REGISTRATION FEES-EMPLOYEE TRAINING
20100913
300.00
 
American Legislative Exchange Council
$710.00
8/05/2010
Registration Fee For Alec's
37th Annual Meeting
Washington
Council Of State Governments,
$300.00
6/10/2010
Registration Fee For Csg
Spring Meeting
Lexington
 
No. 2 – Pocketing Airfares paid by State Comptroller
 
The following facts prove that Wentworth was personally paid by the state for airfare that was in fact paid for by his campaign. The first entries below are campaign expenditures and the second entries are payments from the State to Wentworth
 
2008 – A
Us Airways
$1,038.00
5/28/2008
(see Travel Info)
7111-TRAV OUT-OF-ST-PUB TRANS FARES     20081030 1,038.00Entry No. 2506
2008 – B
Southwest Airlines
$187.50
8/10/2008
Air Transportation San Antonio Dallas
Senate Transportation Homeland Sec
 
7101-TRAV IN-STATE-PUB TRANS FARES     
20080423
187.50
2009 – A
American Airlines
$244.20
8/18/2009
Air Travel Attend Transportation Homeland
Security Quarterly Meeting In Dallas
 
7101-TRAV IN-STATE-PUB TRANS FARES
20090915
244.20
2010 – A
Southwest Airlines
$720.40
8/04/2010
(see Travel Info)
 
7111-TRAV OUT-OF-ST-PUB TRANS FARES
20100917
720.40
2010 – B
Southwest Airlines
$443.80
6/04/2010
Air Travel San Antonio Amarillo
Senate Committee Hearing Meeting
 
7101-TRAV IN-STATE-PUB TRANS FARES     
20100713
443.80

 

No. 3 – Lexus/Infinity Leases not disclosed on Financial Statements
 
From at least 2011 to 2012, Wentworth has seen fit to bill his contributors for the cost to lease a luxury Lexus and/or Infinity. It would be difficult to imagine that the leasing companies would not have required Wentworth to execute said leases; however, these leases are never disclosed on his annual financial reports as set forth below.
 
2011 = $12,552.98 – Not listed on Report
Lexus Financial Services
$78.00
6/04/2011
Lease Payment
Lexus Financial Services
$6,964.24
8/30/2011
Multi-month Lease District/Capitol Travel
Lexus Financial Services
$287.54
6/04/2011
Property Tax
Lexus Financial Services
$5,223.18
6/04/2011
Motor Vehicle Lease
 
$12,552.96
 
 
2010 = $31,896.06 – Not listed on Report
Lexus Financial Services
$ 86.08
9/03/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services
$2,067.93
7/24/2010
Excessive Mileage Charge
Lexus Financial Services
$1,741.06
6/09/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services
$3,482.12
7/24/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services
$249.50
4/18/2010
Personal Property Tax
Lexus Financial Services
$8,607.80
12/28/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services
$6,964.24
8/11/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease
North Park Lexus
$1,927.81
5/11/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease Payment
Lexus Financial Services
$6,769.52
1/25/2010
Motor Vehicle Lease
 
$31,896.06
 
 
2009 = $20,552.98 – Not listed on Report
Lexus Financial Services,
$846.20
12/08/2009
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services,
$10,154.28
1/26/2009
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services,
$9,308.08
7/13/2009
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services,
$587.28
3/15/2009
Motor Vehicle Lease
 
$20,895.84
 
 

 

2008 = $13,566.38 – Not listed on Report
Ifs,
$ 1,709.72
2/26/2008
Property Tax On Leased Vehicle
Lexus Financial Services,
$ 5,077.14
6/15/2008
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services,
$ 1,692.38
9/17/2008
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services,
$ 5,077.14
11/03/2008
Motor Vehicle Lease
 
$13,566.38
 
 
2007 = $20,544.38 – Not listed on Report
Ifs,
$235.82
8/28/2007
Motor Vehicle Lease
Lexus Financial Services,
$20,308.56
6/16/2007
Motor Vehicle Lease
 
$20,544.38
 
 
2006 = $15,495.36 – Not listed on Report
Ifs,
$15,495.36
6/06/2006
Motor Vehicle Lease
2005 = $18,700.12 – Not listed on Report
Gunn Infiniti,
$500.00
4/02/2005
Deposit On Auto Lease
Ifs,
$15,495.36
8/18/2005
Motor Vehicle Lease
Ifs,
$2,704.76
10/25/2005
Motor Vehicle Lease
 
$18,700.12
 
 
2004 = $5,459.52 – Not listed on Report
Gunn Infiniti,
$ 5,459.52
12/31/2004
Auto Lease
2003 = $23,976.28 – Not listed on Report
Gunn Infiniti,
$ 1,364.88
6/11/2003
Automobile Lease
Ifs,
$ 4,119.64
10/22/2003
Auto Lease
Ifs,
$ 1,364.88
7/17/2003
Auto Lease
Ifs,
$ 2,729.76
9/23/2003
Auto Lease
Ifs,
$ 13,648.80
12/31/2003
Auto Lease
 
$23,227.96
 
 
2002 = $16,976.28 – Not listed on Report
Gunn Infiniti,
$16,976.28
5/14/2002
Lease For Automobile
2001 = $12,552.98 – Not listed on Report
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.,
$683.60
7/19/2001
Excess Mileage Lease Vehicle
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.,
$797.90
11/12/2001
Property Tax Lease Vehicle
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.,
$2,059.36
1/23/2001
Motor Vehicle Lease
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.,
$2,416.22
2/28/2001
Motor Vehicle Lease
Gunn Infiniti,
$16,976.28
5/22/2001
Motor Vehicle Lease
2000 = $1,441.40 – Not listed on Report
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.,
$ 1,441.40
11/13/2000
Desc: motor Vehicle Lease
 
No. 4 – Wentworth reimbursement from campaign for Condo he owned in Austin
 
According to Travis County records, Wentworth owned a Condo on Colorado Street in Austin beginning 1989. Since Wentworth lives in San Antonio I cannot see how it would be lawful for him to bill his campaign for condo fees in Austin when there are no legislative sessions.
 
Owner's Name
WENTWORTH E JEFFREY & KARLEEN
Mailing
Address
& KARLEEN R
160 COUNTRY LN
SAN ANTONIO, TX78209-2228
Location
1122 COLORADO ST 1703 78701
Legal
UNT 1703 BLD A WESTGATE CONDOMINIUM THE AMENDED PLUS 0.3177% INTEREST IN COMMON AREA
Deed Date
08141989
 
2010 = $8,238.93 – No legislative sessions
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 347.00
6/18/2010
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 352.00
1/27/2010
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 359.00
4/18/2010
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 377.30
9/05/2010
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 748.30
8/11/2010
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 71.65
10/27/2010
Austin Lodging
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 368.30
6/23/2010
Austin Lodging
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 351.00
2/25/2010
Austin Lodging
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 352.00
4/26/2010
Austin Lodging
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 445.08
9/22/2010
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 2,050.00
10/20/2010
Austin Lodging
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 367.30
10/29/2010
Austin Lodging
 
$8,238.93
 
 
2009 = $4,363.46 – Sessions – Jan 13 to July 2
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 736.00
7/06/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 354.00
12/24/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 363.00
8/22/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 383.00
11/07/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 347.35
2/28/2009
Housing In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 384.76
4/26/2009
Housing In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 377.00
12/05/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 367.00
8/03/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 361.00
11/07/2009
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 352.35
1/26/2009
Housing In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 338.00
3/28/2009
Housing In Austin
 
$4,363.46
 
 
2007 = $2,117.14 – Session Jan 9 to May 28
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 351.62
4/30/2007
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 384.23
2/06/2007
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 352.62
3/29/2007
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 359.82
5/29/2007
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 360.23
1/15/2007
Lodging In Austin
Westgate Condominium Assn
$ 361.62
2/27/2007
Lodging In Austin
 
$2,117.14
 
 
 
No. 5 – Non-disclosure of Office Rent/Lease in San Antonio
 
Again it would certainly seem reasonable to conclude that North Frost Center would have required that Wentworth execute a lease for a property he was using for personal purposes. However as with the case for the Lexus and Infinity, Wentworth never discloses this lease on his financial reports.
 
2011 Office Rent/Lease = $19,800 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,800.00 x 11
4/24/2011
Office Rent
2010 Office Rent/Lease = $21,600 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,800.00 x 12
6/09/2010
Office Rent
2009 Office Rent/Lease = $21,600 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$ 1,800.00 x 12
1/26/2009
Office Rent
2008 Office Rent/Lease = $21,600 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,800.00 x 12
1/03/2008
Office Rent
2007 Office Rent/Lease = $21,600 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,800.00 x 12
2/05/2007
Office Rent
2006 Office Rent/Lease = $20,080 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,800.00 x 8
4/30/2006
Office Rent
NorthFrostCenter,
$3,079.95
2/28/2006
Office Rent
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,500.00
8/07/2006
Office Rent
NorthFrostCenter,
$2,100.00
8/29/2006
Office Rent
2005 Office Rent/Lease = $11,000 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,000.00 x 11
10/27/2005
Office Rent
2004 Office Rent/Lease = $11,000 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,000.00 x 11
6/28/2004
Office Rent
2003 Office Rent/Lease = $12,000 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,000.00 x 12
12/31/2003
Office Rent
2002 Office Rent/Lease = $15,000 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,000.00 x 15
7/09/2002
Office Rent
2001 Office Rent/Lease = $12,000 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$1,000.00 x 12
11/30/2001
Office Rent
2000 Office Rent/Lease = $11,200 – Not listed on Report
NorthFrostCenter,
$800.00 x 14
1/08/2000
Office Rent

 

 

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