Ethics Investigation Targets Big Spring Leaders

Mayor Tommy Duncan, Councilman Marcus Fernandez, and Councilman Glen Carrigan are all accused of taking illegal campaign donations back in 2010.

It's been an ongoing battle in Big Spring for a while. Criminal charges were first filed against the three men by the Big Spring Herald in May 2011, butt hey were dropped by a Grand Jury Now one local woman says she wants to make sure these leaders are held accountable.

"I have responded to them indicating that after research I did find that 2 corporations have made contributions to my account," said Mayor Duncan. "I repaid those funds fully last year."

When the original charges were dropped last year, Duncan thought the matter was over. But Joyce Crooker, a Big Spring resident. filed a new complaint after a Grand Jury dropped the case.
 
"When you sign a statement that you are aware that you do not take any contributions from corporations or labor organizations you have to abide by that vow that you made," stated Crooker.

 Big 2 tried to contact Fernandez and Carrigan, but were unable to reach them. The TEC declined to comment on the issue citing confidentiality. If the allegations are confirmed, these city leaders could face stiff fines up to three times the amount of donated money. They also could be forced to pay twice the amount of donated money to each person they ran against during their elections.

"If you violate the rules of the Texas Ethics Commission, you should answer for that," said Crooker.

"I accept responsibility for making a mistake," said Mayor Duncan. "But I reiterate that I have not knowingly nor have I intentionally violated any rules or regulations."