HEMPSTEAD MAYOR INDICTED FOR THEFT OF SERVICE BY A PUBLIC SERVANT
The mayor of Hempstead has been indicted on a felony charge connected to previously unpaid utility bills.
(Texas Rangers)
58-year-old Michael Shayne Wolfe was indicted by a Waller County Grand Jury on one count of Theft of Service by a Public Servant, a third-degree felony.
The indictment comes after several months of investigation, which began after an audit of city finances found inconsistencies in delinquent City of Hempstead utility accounts.
According to an affidavit, Wolfe is accused of removing names from a list of delinquent accounts, including the name of his daughter, when they were supposed to have their utilities shut off for not paying. The affidavit indicated Wolfe’s name was also removed by a utility clerk. Wolfe and his daughter were said to have owed the city over $20,000.
In October, Hempstead’s utility billing clerk, Audrey Nell Zientek, was also charged in connection to the unpaid bills.
Wolfe said previously he would not resign as mayor, and that he has since paid back the outstanding bills.
According to prosecutors, the grand jury panel reviewing evidence has been extended for 90 days to consider additional defendants and charges.
It is worth noting that the mayor also claims to be a pastor. It makes one wander how someone who claims to be a pastor and a man of integrity would face charges like this and not be humble enough to resign. Hempstead should throw him out of office.
I couldn’t agree more! Hempstead deserves better!