Home Builder for Arlington Police Chief Not Indicted
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth) June 21, 2000 Section: METRO Home builder for Arlington police chief not indicted A grand jury finds no basis for criminal charges alleging misappropriated funds. FORT WORTH - A Tarrant County grand jury yesterday found no basis for criminal charges against the builder of Arlington Police Chief Theron Bowman's $600,000 south Arlington home. Bowman filed a police report in August 1998, when he was an assistant chief, after the cost of his 7,000-square-foot home in the 2900 block of Collard Road went at least $80,000 over its initial construction budget. Arlington lawyer Wes Ball, who represented the builder, said the case should never have been considered a criminal issue. "After nearly two years of this going on, my client is very relieved at the grand jury's decision," Ball said. Bowman had accused Bill Jenkins, president of Marquis Homes, of misappropriating funds for the construction project. "I think the grand jury's decision means that the evidence wasn't sufficient enough for the requirements of the law," Bowman said last night. "That's the justice system, and we will live by that." Bowman said he is pursuing civil litigation against Jenkins' business, and he said the matter "has a long road ahead yet." Ball said he was concerned about the Arlington Police Department's ability to remain objective during its investigation because Bowman was named chief while detectives were investigating the case. "I thought it was a bit of a problem," Ball said. "But after the case was sent to the DA's office, we felt that an objective inquiry by the grand jury would vindicate Mr. Jenkins." Anthony Spangler, (817) 548-5412 |
