Union calls for investigation into probation agency
Allegations of poor management and revelations of an inappropriate relationship.
One organization said those are the reasons why it is calling for an investigation into the West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department.
The push for an investigation came after a crash Sunday night involving David Zavala, 25.
Zavala was booked into the El Paso County Jail Monday and is now facing charges of intoxication manslaughter because his passenger, Cynthia Mendoza, 43, died Tuesday night from her injuries.
ABC-7 has learned that Mendoza served as Zavala’s probation officer and advocated for his early release in February, despite being removed from his case after allegations of an inappropriate relationship in May 2013.
“What should have been done is to follow protocol … for the department and director to intervene, and tell the officer to cease and desist with the relationship,” said Greg Powell, the area field services director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 59.
The AFSCME is calling for an investigation of the West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department following revelations of the inappropriate relationship as well as allegations of favoritism, retaliation and discrimination.
Powell said he has documentation, including emails and memos showing the WTCSCD’s director, Maggie Morales-Aina, was aware of the inappropriate relationship between Mendoza and Zavala last May. Powell also said Morales-Aina was at the hearing when Mendoza pushed for Zavala to be released.
A memo regarding the probation officer-probationer relationship provided to ABC-7 stated the judge overseeing the hearing requested an investigation be conducted and charges be pressed against Mendoza regarding her conduct.
The memo stated that Morales told the judge she found there was no relationship between Mendoza and Zavala.
Powell said the agency needs new leadership.
“I don’t want to stretch it too far, but had there been a proper intervention, had this relationship been disrupted, had there been some effective counseling applied, it may not have resulted in the tragedy that unfolded last weekend,” he added.
ABC-7 reached out by phone and email to Morales-Aina for comment and has yet to receive a response.
Powell said he hopes to address these concerns with the Council of Judges, which oversees the agency, during the next meeting Oct. 30.
