Profanity-Laced Testimony In Sanchez, Jones Trial

Profanity-laced testimony filled the courtroom as the second week of the federal corruption trial of former District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez and former County Judge Luther Jones got underway.

On Monday, the jury heard from Irma Keith, who worked for late El Paso County Sheriff Leo Samaniego for 26 years before being coaxed by Sanchez in early 2003 not to run for District Clerk and instead join Sanchez in the District Clerk’s office as his Chief Deputy.

Keith testified that she did take Sanchez up on his offer and worked for him for a couple of years. Shortly after taking the job she said she met Fernando Parra, who was hired by Sanchez as sort of an office manager and computer guy. She admitted to becoming friends with Parra and speaking with him about a trip to an Altep seminar in Las Vegas in 2004, the company Sanchez and Jones are alleged to have rigged to win a digitization contract with the County.

Keith said: “(Sanchez) wanted (Parra) to go to Vegas, but he said he didn’t have the money. (Sanchez) suggested (Parra) ask Altep for the money. I told (Parra), ‘That’s not right! It’s unethical, because (Altep) will be bidding on the digitization system. You are going to feel obligated.'”

Keith said Parra took her advice and did not go on that trip to Vegas. Parra testified last week that he didn’t go because Sanchez had made a pass at him.

Keith then testified that in 2004 she overheard a phone conversation between Parra and Sanchez about a flight. She said Sanchez was asking Parra to purchase an airline ticket form him to return home It was unclear where Sanchez was at the time.

Keith said Parra told Sanchez he didn’t have the money and his credit card was maxxed out. Keith said she then agreed to pay for Sanchez’ ticket, if he would reimburse her. When he hadn’t a month later, she called Jones and told him she wanted her money.

Keith was then asked by the Government’s attorney: “Why Mr. Jones?”

She responded, “Because Mr. Jones was always bailing him out. Mr. Jones was on top of (Parra and Sanchez).'”

Jones told Keith he’d take care of the situation. Later, after Sanchez returned, Jones showed up at the district clerk’s office to confront him.

Keith said, “Then all hell broke loose. (Jones) yelled at (Sanchez), ‘What the (expletive) is wrong with you?! You stupid SOB. Do you know what it cost to get you elected?'”

Keith said the next morning, Sanchez put an envelope on her desk with the money for the airline ticket in it. She said her days were numbered, however.

Keith accused Sanchez of trying to force her into retirement. When she refused, she was terminated.

Testimony wrapped up early today due to a Judge’s engagement, but not before getting a quick look at Jones personal journal and credit card records. They showed an alleged trail of thousands of dollars in payments to both Parra and Sanchez.

Testimony continues Tuesday morning.