Pending felony charges against Dallas Councilman Scott Griggs stem from allegations that he threatened a city employee over releasing emails concerning the proposed Trinity toll road project and timely posting of the city council agenda. Attorneys for Griggs said this weekend that the pending charges are politically motivated because of Griggs’ opposition to the toll road.
Dallas Assistant City Manager A.C. Gonzalez released this written statement concerning the situation:
“The Dallas Police Department has conducted an investigation into allegations that Dallas City Councilmember Scott Griggs improperly influenced or attempted to influence Assistant City Secretary Bilirae Johnson in the performance of her official duties.
“After concluding the investigation, Chief David Brown believes that the nature of these allegations warrants further action, and has referred all testimony and other evidence to a Dallas County Grand Jury.
“Any allegations of this nature are taken seriously at the city of Dallas, and I want all city employees to know that their safety and security is my highest priority. I have the utmost confidence in Chief Brown and the Dallas Police Department and the manner in which they have handled this investigation. Because the matter is now in the hands of the Grand Jury, it is inappropriate for me to comment any further at this time.”
Chief Brown released this statement: “Due to the serious nature of the allegation, the testimony provided, and the fact that the alleged victim and witnesses work for the Mayor and City Council, the investigation of Councilmember Scott Griggs was referred to the Dallas County Grand Jury to ensure an independent and impartial review.”
A statement from the police department noted that on Friday, May 1, “Dallas Police Department submitted a grand jury referral regarding the criminal offense of coercion of public servant, felony 3, identifying Councilmember Scott Griggs as the suspect. It is alleged that Councilmember Griggs influenced or attempted to influence Assistant City Secretary Bilirae Johnson in the performance of her official duties.”
Griggs’ attorney supplied Dallas Voice with copies of some of the emails eventually released to Griggs, which they say back up the councilman’s claim that design flaws make the so-called “Dream Team” proposal for the road dangerous.
Here’s one email released to Dallas Voice:
“The SARS team raised the concern of differential settlement in the main lanes of the parkway as a result of the current cross sections, see attached. The parkway geotechnical report specifically identified settlement as an issue for parkway construction. At the time of ultimate construction it is felt that if the Lake Project progresses with the current proposed cross sections, uneven settlement would most likely lead to undesirable longitudinal cracking in the area where the parkway main lanes are over new fill placed over and next to lake fill. NTTA’s consultant concurs with this assessment.”
More than 100 people attended an impromptu rally held to support Griggs on Saturday, May 2 at City Hall Plaza.
