I was cleaning out the office last weekend and came across my copy of the 166-page indictment that eventually led a parade of people to the Earle Cabell thanks to that low-income housing development corruption case at Dallas City Hall. I didn't know what to do with it, so I walked it over to The New Guy's office and chucked it on his desk. Figured that, along with a copy of Jim's book and Darwin Payne's history-of, would bring him up to speed.
I won't need that indictment anymore. Not after today: The final two defendants in that case were sentenced today -- Andrea Spencer (who owned Trinity Signature Homes LLC and pleaded guilty almost three years ago to the day) and wiretapped builder-developer Ron Slovacek (the last man standing who was found guilty on three charges in the indictment just last November). The 43-year-old Slovacek must report to the Bureau of Prisons on June 7 to begin his seven-year stay, courtesy U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn.
Spencer, though, she got off light -- two years probation. Because, after all, she pleaded guilty. And she testified during all three trials, including The Big One starring former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, wife Sheila Farrington and one-time Dallas Plan Commissioner D'Angelo Lee. Here's the feds' recap for those who can't stand to read the whole novel one more time:
Slovacek conspired with former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill, his wife, Sheila Farrington, then Dallas Plan Commissioner D'Angelo Lee and others, including Andrea Spencer, to use Spencer's minority business certificate to solicit overpriced construction contracts from developer Brian Potashnik. Slovacek's role was to perform the actual construction work on a contract that was awarded to Spencer's firm as a result of Hill and Lee's influence. Lee, Spencer and Slovacek created The LKC Dallas and the ... Kiest companies, in which Lee's interest was hidden, to purchase and develop real estate with official assistance from Hill and Lee. Each was important to the scheme: Spencer had the minority business certificate, Hill and Lee brought official influence and Slovacek was a builder. As part of the terms of her plea agreement with the government, Spencer testified at Slovacek's trial.And so, that is that. The Don Hill picture now -- officially, finally -- goes into retirement. Say your farewells now.
