Juvenile Board to investigate exploitation of juvenile probationers and appoint Interim Administrator

By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal Copyright  2015

The Juvenile Board of Maverick, Dimmit, and Zavala Counties will hold a meeting on Monday, July 6, 2015, at 3 P.M. at the District Courtroom of Dimmit County, Texas in Carrizo Springs to discuss the appointment of an individual to conduct an investigation for the alleged exploitation of juvenile probationers from Maverick County, Texas over an extended period of time, the appointment of an Interim Administrator of the Juvenile Probation Department, and other agenda items.

The current 293rd Judicial District Juvenile Probation Department Chief is Bruce Ballou, serving the tri-counties of Maverick, Dimmit, and Zavala.

The Chairman of the Juvenile Board of Maverick, Dimmit, and Zavala Counities is 365th Judicial District Judge Amado J. Abascal, III, and other board members include 293rd Judicial District Judge Cynthia Muniz, Maverick County Judge David R. Saucedo, Dimmit County Judge Frank Ponce, and Zavala County Judge Joe Luna.

Agenda Item No. 5 calls for the discussion and possible action to appoint an individual to conduct an investigation of alleged exploitation of juvenile probationers of Maverick County for an extended period of time.  This is an important agenda item as there are allegations of possible exploitation of juvenile probationers from Maverick County for an extended period of time.

Agenda Item No. 6 also calls for discussion and possible action to authorize the Chair of the Juvenile Board to enter into a contract with an individual to reasonably compensate them for the investigation.

In addition, Agenda Item No. 7 will discuss and take possible action regarding the appointment of an Interim Administrator of the Juvenile Probation Department.  Also Agenda Item No. 15 calls for an Executive Session to discuss personnel and pending legal matters and Agenda Item No. 16 calls for possible action in Open Session regarding personnel and pending legal matters.

The Juvenile Board meeting on July 6, 2015 is open to the public.