Questions That Still Demand Answers: The Timeline Keeps Growing
Over the past several months, the people of Trinidad have watched resignations, investigations, public records, and state documents paint a picture that raises more questions than answers. While some continue to attack the messenger, the focus should remain exactly where it belongs—on the facts.
Today, we know that Aqua Services, the city's water contractor, was receiving violations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) concerning Trinidad's water system. The timeline already shows that the city and Aqua Services were aware of significant water issues before my arrest. Yet instead of focusing on correcting those problems, a criminal investigation was launched against me after I publicly discussed the city's water supply and encouraged residents to come forward with information.
That raises one of the biggest questions still unanswered:
Who made the decision to prioritize putting a citizen journalist in jail instead of addressing the state's water violations?
As this investigation has continued, more information has come to light.
I have obtained TCEQ correspondence showing that certified letters regarding water violations were mailed directly to the Mayor of Trinidad. I also have documentation showing those certified letters were signed for by City Administrator Cynthia Dosier.
When asked, the mayor stated he had not received those letters.
That leaves a critical question:
Why were certified notices from the State of Texas, addressed to the mayor, signed for by Cynthia Dosier instead of being delivered to the official they were intended for? Those notices exist so city leadership can take corrective action before additional violations and fines occur.
Another issue involves communication with TCEQ itself.
During a city council meeting, Cynthia Dosier stated she had approximately 30,000 emails. After reviewing the timeline and speaking with TCEQ, I believe the agency eventually resorted to sending certified mail because email communication was not resulting in the necessary response.
That raises another question:
Why did TCEQ feel it was necessary to begin sending certified letters instead of relying on email correspondence?
Perhaps the biggest question of all is this:
If I had never been arrested... if I had never continued investigating... if I had never filed public information requests... if I had never uncovered these documents... would the mayor and city council have known these certified violation letters even existed?
Based on the evidence I've uncovered, I don't believe they would have.
This investigation has also established that before my arrest, both the city and Jeremy Crocker of Aqua Services had already been notified of water-related issues. That timeline existed before anyone sought a warrant for my arrest.
Which brings us back to another question that deserves an answer:
Who directed the effort to pursue criminal charges against me instead of focusing on correcting the water problems the city had already been notified about?
That answer has not yet been revealed.
But investigations have a way of uncovering the truth.
This has never been about tearing Trinidad down. It has always been about ensuring the people of Trinidad know the truth, holding public officials accountable, and helping the city move forward.
Several officials have now resigned. I believe those changes give Trinidad an opportunity to rebuild trust, address the water system, and begin moving in the right direction.
The investigation isn't over.
The timeline continues to grow.
And eventually, the remaining questions will be answered.