For immediate release
October 31, 2024
LAMPASAS COUNTY, Texas—In a resounding victory for justice, Michael & Associates announced that City of Lometa Police Chief Melissa Cantu has been cleared of all charges in a high-profile case that showcased deep-rooted issues within City Hall in Lometa, Texas, and exposed the ugly side of small-town corruption.
Cantu, the former Lometa Police Chief, faced two felony charges of unlawful interception, use, or disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications, commonly referred to as “wiretapping.” A not-guilty verdict was delivered by a jury in less than two hours of deliberation, completely exonerating her of all allegations.
The Michael & Associates defense team, consisting of Ben Michael, R.C. Pate, Nathan Ossowski, and Kaytlyn Knowles, proved to a 12-person jury in Lampasas County District Court that Chief Cantu’s actions were lawful, transparent, and directed by former Mayor Stephen Hicks.
With Mayor Hicks’ permission, Chief Cantu retrieved surveillance footage following an altercation involving Municipal Court Judge Sharon Watson, her clerk Stephanie Sweet, and city secretary Elizabeth Lambert. The footage from City Hall’s own surveillance cameras had been intended for internal review by the Lometa City Council.
During the trial. the defense exposed how a transcript of the conversation between these three city employees that was recorded by the surveillance cameras in the building – evidence which was later lost and corrupted beyond use while in the custody of the State – was used as political leverage by Judge Watson and her clerk, Ms. Sweet, to retaliate against Chief Cantu for purely personal and petty disagreements they had between each other, by encouraging District Attorney John K. Greenwood to pursue baseless charges and run her out of town.
“Today’s victory is more than just an acquittal; it is a stand against small-town corruption and the abuse of authority within the justice system,” said Ben Michael, owner of Michael & Associates.
From the start, Michael & Associates maintained that Cantu’s actions were above reproach. Chief Cantu, who is in charge of security for City Hall, accessed these recordings to provide a report for the City Council based on allegations made by a city secretary of workplace harassment against Judge Watson and Ms. Sweet.
The city secretary even went so far as to tell Chief Cantu that she felt unsafe returning to work after being berated and verbally abused by the judge and her clerk while at work in City Hall.
Permission to obtain the surveillance footage of the altercation between these city employees was later given directly from the mayor himself. Chief Cantu dutifully did as instructed and turned over a transcript of the conversation that could be heard on the recording, as well as a copy of the audio and video recording itself, to the Lometa City Council so they could hold a hearing at the next executive meeting.
Chief Cantu’s lawful actions, conducted transparently and without malicious intent, were intentionally misconstrued by Judge Watson and Ms. Sweet to shield themselves from potential embarrassment in front of the city council and the community they were meant to serve.
Due to these baseless accusations, Chief Cantu was indicted on two felony charges, was summarily fired by Mayor Hicks, and her family has since endured a year of undue public humiliation and condemnation. Michael & Associates commends the jury for seeing through the corruption misinformation and restoring Chief Cantu’s reputation.
“Ms. Cantu’s acquittal is not just a legal victory; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of truth and justice in our communities. We are grateful to the jury for their dedication and commitment to justice,” Michael said.
Michael & Associates will continue to stand against abuses of power and fight tirelessly for those wrongfully accused.
Michael & Associates is an Austin-based criminal defense law firm. For further comments or to schedule an interview, please email media@zealousadvocate.com.
Ben has vast experience in defending criminal cases ranging from DWIs to assault, drug possession, and many more. He has countless criminal charges dismissed and pled down. Among many other awards, one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Texas and winner of Top 40 under 40.
Ben has vast experience in defending criminal cases ranging from DWIs to assault, drug possession, and many more. He has countless criminal charges dismissed and pled down. Among many other awards, one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Texas and winner of Top 40 under 40.