In September we published an exclusive report detailing allegations made against Henry Rivera and his wife, Dora Oaxaca, about a complaint filed by a former staffer in Rivera’s office. Our report detailed allegations that Oaxaca was running Rivera’s office and that she allegedly had access to confidential City files. The report into Rivera’s actions was described to us as “brutal”.
During the city council meeting of September 26, 2023, the city council retired into Executive Session to discuss Executive Session item number one. The item was titled “Complaint against elected official.” (Matter No. HQ# 1453) After returning from executive session, city council voted five to two to accept “the preliminary findings of the investigation.” The city council also directed the City Manager to arrange for “further investigation with a broadened scope.” The motion to broaden the scope of the investigation was made by Joe Molinar and seconded by Art Fierro. In addition to Fierro and Molinar, Brian Kennedy, Isabel Salcido and Chris Canales voted in favor of expanding the investigation.
Voting against broadening the investigation were Cassandra Hernandez and Henry Rivera. Alexsandra Annello was not present to vote.
On Monday’s Special Meeting of the City Council there is item EX2 under the Executive Session part of the agenda. The item reads “Complaint regarding elected City Official” and it carries the same matter number, HQ# 1453, as the agenda item on September 26 where the city council voted to expand the scope of the investigation into an “elected City Official.”
Although in both cases the elected official is not named, several sources confirmed to El Paso News that the official is District 7 representative Henry Rivera.
A source with knowledge of the agenda item agreed to speak to El Paso News on the condition that we do not name them because of the sensitive nature of the issue. The source confirmed that the item involves Rivera.
When we first began investigating this issue, we heard several times that a former staffer of Henry Rivera’s office may have attempted suicide as the result of the working conditions at Henry Rivera’s office.
We have been told that Monday’s agenda item may reveal more information about the alleged suicide attempt and other problems in Henry Rivera’s office after council members return from Executive Session.
As this is a developing story, we will be monitoring Monday’s city council meeting, and we will report on any developments.
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations.
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