Texas is renowned for its long history, diverse culture, and economic prosperity. But not everything is perfect in the Lone Star State. Some Texas cities have been plagued by corruption, crime, and poverty, garnering a reputation for being among the most hazardous and unethical in the country.
One such city is Crystal City, a small town in Zavala County about 115 miles southwest of San Antonio. Crystal City has been dubbed the most corrupt city in America and with good cause. In 2016, nearly every major city official was arrested for corruption, leaving the community in disarray and misery.
The Corruption Scandal
The corruption crisis in Crystal City began in February 2016, when the FBI stormed city hall and arrested the mayor, city manager, two council members, and a former council member. They were charged with multiple counts of bribery, conspiracy, and fraud for a scheme to solicit and collect bribes from contractors and vendors in exchange for preferential treatment and city contracts.
The bribes included money, automobiles, trips, and even an illegal gambling enterprise. The city manager, who was also the city’s attorney and the chairman of the economic development organization, was accused of abusing his several positions to benefit himself and his associates. He allegedly paid himself more than $200,000 in illicit salaries, utilized city funds for personal needs, and transferred monies from the economic development corporation to his own bank account.
The mayor, who was also a part-time school system employee, was accused of abusing his position to secure a pay raise and a promotion, as well as using school district cash to cover personal costs. The council members were accused of voting for the city manager’s ideas and contracts while accepting payments from him and other contractors. The former council member, who resigned in 2015, was accused of participating in a bribery scheme and illicit gaming operation.
The Aftermath
The corruption scandal has put Crystal City in a condition of instability and bewilderment. The city has no functioning government, budget, audits, or transparency. The city’s water supply was poisoned with high levels of arsenic, requiring inhabitants to boil their water before consuming it. The city’s police agency was understaffed and underfunded, and crime was increasing.
The city’s schools struggled to deliver excellent education, and kids had low test scores and high dropout rates. The city’s economy remained stagnant, and the unemployment rate was high. The city’s reputation had been ruined, and inhabitants were dissatisfied and outraged.
The Recovery
Since the corruption incident, Crystal City has been working to rehabilitate and rebuild. In May 2016, the city had a new election, electing a new mayor and three council members. The new officials promised to restore trust and integrity to the local government while also addressing the city’s challenges and needs. They appointed a new city manager, attorney, and police chief.
They also engaged an auditor to investigate the city’s finances and operations, as well as a consultant to assist with the water system. The new leaders are aiming to improve the city’s services, infrastructure, and public safety. They have also worked to recruit new firms and investments, as well as to provide new possibilities and jobs for citizens.
The new officials have encountered numerous hurdles and difficulties, including lawsuits, debts, and opposition from some of the previous officials and staff. However, they have also gotten support and aid from the state, county, and various other authorities and organizations. The new officials have voiced confidence and hope for Crystal City’s future, urging citizens to be patient and cooperative.