Internal records obtained by KSAT show Fernando De Leon, who served 14 months in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme, has contacted city Public Works and Development Services Department staff on at least 74 projects since his release from custody.
“Defendant De Leon would push city officials and employees to expedite permitting issues identified by De Leon’s co-defendant,” according to the indictment. De Leon’s co-conspirator was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay over $315,000 in restitution, Department of Justice officials previously said.‘Good Afternoon Razi, I hope you are doing well’
Public Works Director Razi Hosseini and Development Services Director Michael Shannon defended the city's contact with Fernando De Leon. Officials in recent weeks have defended the contact between city staff and De Leon, stating he is a “customer” of the city and that they cannot discriminate against people with criminal backgrounds when issuing permits.
Both men said they played no role in the 2010 decision to fire De Leon while he was under criminal investigation.In an interview with KSAT at his near West Side office, De Leon discussed his past legal troubles. Westheimer confirms his group made multiple offers to buy the property, as Vicinia believed early on that it needed to acquire the land to help with drainage.
A March 2021 email from Shannon himself was labeled high importance and asked for a 45-minute meeting with several staff members to review the allegations contained in the letter and to list confirmed violations, if any, at the property. A city spokesman told KSAT via email the city is unaware of who sent the letter to District 6 or who from the council office received it.
The couple had looked into pouring concrete in the parking area, but determined it was too expensive and would constantly need repairs due to cracking, city records show.