Councilman

Former City Councilman and Company Ordered to Pay $728K for Securities Fraud and Lavish Spending

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SHERMAN, Texas — A Grayson County jury awarded a $728,000 judgment on Tuesday against former Denison city councilman Michael Wright, in a case that spotlighted allegations of investment and securities fraud linked to his business, Wright Drilling and Exploration. The verdict, confirmed after a week-long trial and six hours of jury deliberation, concluded a legal battle that began three years ago when investors accused Wright of mismanaging their funds, leading to significant financial losses under the guise of profitable oil and gas investments. Fernando Bustos, representing the aggrieved investors, lauded the jury’s decision as a … Read more

California Councilman Found Liable in Civil Case for Past Sexual Misconduct, Owes Over $1 Million in Damages

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Los Angeles — A California jury awarded over $1 million in damages to Stephen Siefke on Tuesday, ruling that Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra was liable for sexual battery and lewd acts on Siefke when he was a minor. The civil court decision concluded that Dutra caused Siefke considerable emotional and mental distress following the incident, which took place nearly two decades ago. The case, adjudicated in Los Angeles, centered on allegations from an incident in 2005, when Siefke was 12 years old. According to Siefke, the abuse occurred during a family visit to Los … Read more