El Paso City Rep. Morgan had gun at time of arrest, remains in office for now, wife seeks divorce

UPDATE: Councilman Sam Morgan’s wife has now filed for divorce in the wake of domestic violence allegations, according to court records reviewed Tuesday night by ABC-7.

ORIGINAL STORY:

El Paso District 4 City Council Representative Sam Morgan will remain in his post, for now, following charges of domestic violence. Mayor Dee Margo said during Tuesday’s council meeting that the legal process has to run its course before council can take action.

“In the event that a City Council member is convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude the individual could be subject to removal proceedings,” city spokeswoman Tammy Fonce explained after the meeting.

Meantime, police say Morgan had a handgun tucked into his waistband at the time of his arrest on Oct. 4th, according to a complaint affidavit obtained by ABC-7.

The document states when officers arrived at his northeast El Paso home, he and his wife were inside the upstairs bedroom. Officers said after several unsuccessful requests for Morgan to come out, his wife stepped out of the bedroom.

Officers said she was “terrified and crying hysterically.” Officers said she had redness and swelling to the left side of her face. Officers said according to Morgan’s wife, Morgan struck her with his right, open hand.

According to the documents, police tried to get Morgan to exit the bedroom when they heard the racking of an unknown type of firearm. Officers said Morgan eventually opened the bedroom door, and exited with a handgun tucked into the right side of his waistband.

Morgan was then placed under arrest. Morgan’s attorney would not comment on details contained in the affidavit, saying he will respond through the legal process.

KVIA 2019