Celis sentenced to 10 years probation, no jail time
Judge Bañales lessens terms of earlier ruling of former law firm operator; also removes house arrest
Celis will not serve jail time. Judge Manuel Bañales said it isn’t warranted.
CORPUS CHRISTI — District Judge Manuel Bañales sentenced former law firm operator Mauricio Celis to 10 years probation with no jail time and took him off house arrest at a hearing Monday morning.
Bañales’ decision lessened the terms set in an earlier ruling. In March, visiting Judge Mark Luitjen outlined a sentence for Celis of 10 years probation with one year in jail and restitution, expected to be more than $1 million, as conditions of probation. Bañales removed Luitjen from the case Friday. Luitjen’s sentencing order hadn’t been signed, so the sentence was never official.
Bañales said jail time would not honor the jury’s sentence and isn’t warranted in this case because it was a non-violent offense. A jury convicted Celis in February and recommended probation on 14 of 22 counts of falsely holding himself out as a lawyer, a third-degree felony.
“If the jail were not so crowded, it may be appropriate to put this defendant in jail for a certain amount of time, but we’re not there, we don’t have that luxury,” Bañales said.
The sentence will not go into effect until Celis exhausts his appeals.
District Attorney Carlos Valdez had argued that Celis has not accepted the seriousness of the crime, calling him the “biggest con artist in the history of Nueces County.” Prosecutors have said Celis made more than $10 million impersonating a lawyer.
Defense attorney Tony Canales said his client does understand the seriousness and no one has testified that they didn’t receive proper services.
Bañales also changed the terms of restitution. The amount depends on injured parties coming forward and making their case for restitution. If no claims are filed within 90 days, Celis would pay no restitution.
Celis has filed notice that he will appeal the conviction, though he can’t formally appeal until the sentencing order is signed. He also is asking for a new trial, saying Luitjen was biased against him.
Luitjen had set appeal bond at $700,000 and ordered Celis to wear an electronic monitor and be placed under house arrest pending appeal. Bañales lowered the appeal bond to $100,000, though Celis had already posted the higher bond, and removed house arrest.
In a hearing Friday, Bañales ruled that Luitjen showed at least the appearance of bias and removed him from the case. Bañales, the presiding judge over this administrative region, had appointed Luitjen in 2007 to oversee Celis’ case. Bañales will hear the case until further notice.
Seven jurors have given sworn statements to Celis’ defense team saying they believed Luitjen favored prosecutors in Celis’ trial in February on the counts of falsely holding himself out as a lawyer. Celis faces three more trials on charges of money laundering, theft and impersonating a peace officer.
(117) User Comments:
Posted by 706882 on May 18, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.sad times bro, sad times
Posted by 714040 on May 18, 2009 at 1:32 p.m.WOW...WHAT MONEY CAN DO...REALLY SAD TIMES WHEN JUSTICE IS NOT SERVED
Posted by 706882 on May 18, 2009 at 1:34 p.m.in response to 714040
I agree with you 100%...it really is amazing what cash can do..
Posted by 233256 on May 18, 2009 at 1:39 p.m.No justice on this one, but justice will eventually catch up to him. This guy looked so arrogant on t.v. that his body language yelled out "I'm above the law." People like him make me so sick.
Posted by 708369 on May 18, 2009 at 1:42 p.m.i called this one last year. told you.
Posted by 463804 on May 18, 2009 at 1:42 p.m.Judge Banales should have not been appointed to hear this case again. In order to get real justice, a judge from north, east or west Texas needs to preside. One can argue that Judge Banales is biased against the prosecution. This new ruling basically says that we are all now free to call ourselves, lawyers, doctors, bankers, etc., and get away with it!
Posted by 273457 on May 18, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.This city is like high school all over again. You have to be in the right click and then all is yours. Deep pockets, buy deep deception...Let's see how the judge handles the case of him in his bathroom wielding his 1960's sheriff's badge while he calls the former police chief to call off his own employee...that'll be worth watching.
Posted by 419162 on May 18, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.I think we need an investigation into corruption in Judge Bañales' office.
Posted by 356943 on May 18, 2009 at 1:46 p.m.I CAN'T BELIEVE THE CROOKS IN THIS TOWN AND THEY'RE GETTING AWAY WITH IT! ONCE AGAIN THE CITY OF SHAME.
Posted by 323897 on May 18, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.Interesting turn of events.... wasn't it just last week that we saw Banales and Canales in a photo together on the Caller website....
YEP... here it is...... IRONIC..........http://www.caller.com...
So glad my friend shared this with me.... just goes to show you that scratching each other's backs always helps............
Posted by 606783 on May 18, 2009 at 1:53 p.m.I CANNOT BELIEVE CELIS GOT OFF AFTER EVERYTHING HE DID. WOW. MONEY NEVER STOPS TALKING. Shame on Banales for playing local politics and screwing that up. NOT SURPRISED
Posted by 311302 on May 18, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. Posted by 342632 on May 18, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.I get the impression that Judge Banales got paid off. Is Judge Banales the judge that got his office refurbished because his wife moved funds from some place else in the city or county? I wonder what our District Attorney Valtez thinks of this situation?
Posted by 714888 on May 18, 2009 at 1:58 p.m.Payolagate...
Fakegate...
Baygate...
You always add "gate" to the name of a known scandal...don't you??? (I know it was the name of a hotel...work with me)
Posted by 342632 on May 18, 2009 at 2 p.m.Banalesgate......
Celisgate............
Garrettgate.........
Hummellgate.....
Coopergate........
Posted by 239806 on May 18, 2009 at 2:02 p.m.What is new! Celis paid off this Judge Banales! Banales needs to be taken off the bench. Celis also gave money to Peggy Banales when she ran for County Commissioner both times and has given money to Judge Banales when he ran for the bench. This is so unfair.
Posted by 606783 on May 18, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.WOW. Guess it is okay to impersonate a lawyer in this town anyway. Thanks for the exception Banales. Now maybe I can start working as a lawyer to earn extra money to pay off my house. Hope you dont get caught or hope you end up in Banales Court. No sweat.
Posted by 292564 on May 18, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.It took a while . . .but the check cleared.
Now anyone who wants to claim to be a lawyer, and get paid as such, can do so without any real consequences. Even throw in impersonating a policeman and nothing will change.
The power of cash and baby oil in the hot tub is amazing. . .
Posted by 448291 on May 18, 2009 at 2:27 p.m.Both Celis and Banales can be paid off. Both are crooks. End of story. Money can get you freedom and a good life style.
Posted by 709468 on May 18, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.I think we have All Just Found out That in Nueces County,Corpus Christi, State of Texas the Same thing California Found Out with the O J Simpson Thing. You Can Get JUST as much JUSTICE as YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY in Corpus Christi!!! So, when are we Going to get an Investigation Into Corruption at City Hall, Commissiners Court, CCPD, and The Nueces County Court House? I guess as soon as WE ( The Citizens) can Afford It.
Posted by 712045 on May 18, 2009 at 2:33 p.m.This is a crock of _________!
Posted by 700122 on May 18, 2009 at 2:35 p.m.Because of this I'm going to start putting .esq after my name. Thanks Mauricio. I'm taking new clients.
Posted by 718420 on May 18, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by 243263 on May 18, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.kaaaaa....ching, another judge bought
Posted by 285091 on May 18, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.I've made a copy of the photo before it gets removed and destoryed forever and I've sent to everyone on my email list. just in case I turn up missing for copying the photo.
Posted by 714577 on May 18, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.WOW!
Posted by 425944 on May 18, 2009 at 2:47 p.m.This is the most disgusting change of events. Crooked Christi is right! There needs to be an investigation. Celis didn't like the judge and went behind the scenes and had the outcome changed JUST LIKE THAT?
SICKENING.
Posted by 240593 on May 18, 2009 at 2:48 p.m.why is everyone acting so surprised??...this is banales we are talking about... the man who can mow you down on the freeway and get a way with it!!
Posted by 320071 on May 18, 2009 at 2:48 p.m.Absolutely disgusting !
Posted by 711512 on May 18, 2009 at 2:49 p.m.Did Celis EVER give any money to Judge Banales, his wife or one of his friends?
If so, would you say that such a gift had at least the APPEARANCE of bias?
Maybe Judge Banales should have taken HIMSELF off of the case?
The Democratic Party of Corpus Christi is one very corrupt institution.
Posted by 711512 on May 18, 2009 at 2:52 p.m.Un-freaking-believable!!!
Banales is a corrupt insider!!!
Posted by 378960 on May 18, 2009 at 2:53 p.m.OH COME ON NOW, WE ALL KNEW HOW IT WAS GOING TO TURN OUT.THEY HAVE GOTTEN AWAY WITH SO MUCH STUFF OVER THE YEARS,NOBODY DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT ANYMORE. ITS NO USE. THATS WHY I SAY EVERY ELECTION VOTE NEW! DON'T KEEP PUTTING THE SAME ONES BACK IN.
Posted by 238212 on May 18, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.in response to 311302
Based on that photo at Coronation he should have excused himself from this trail or anything to do with it.
Posted by 700122 on May 18, 2009 at 2:59 p.m.in response to 342632
The smoking gun!
Between this and the Hon. Banales running over a poor txdot worker and his wife defrauding the county for his office and the show barn, the Banales' have used Nueces County tax payer money as their own personal account. If it wasn't my money being wasted this whole situation would be funny, like that show Arrested Development. But it's not funny.
Posted by 711968 on May 18, 2009 at 3:03 p.m.Wouldn't this simply be considered professional courtesy? You know, honor among thieves?
Posted by 713678 on May 18, 2009 at 3:05 p.m.Just wait until the new City Council comes on board; than you can start watching and making comments like: they're taking us to the cleaners. This is just the beginning.
Posted by 244414 on May 18, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.Why is everyone surprised. In this mid-size city law enforcement is corrupted.
Posted by 425944 on May 18, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.in response to 240593
Banales has MOWED TWO PEOPLE DOWN in his lifetime!
Posted by 273452 on May 18, 2009 at 3:49 p.m.Where's the blogger that says this venue is full of nothing but crabs-in-a-bucket keeping the rest down? Unless you consider some crabs on TOP that are PUSHING the rest down: this is why some bloggers write because they don't trust those in power. Crooked Christi. You go to jail, your life is ruined if you are not in the 'circle'. Watch this judge, watch who he 'flocks' with. Another sad shameful day for the taxpayers. That's why they don't have my respect.
Posted by 460608 on May 18, 2009 at 3:52 p.m.The main problem with the crooks in the poor neighborhoods is that nobody comes knocking bringing gifts.
Posted by 709952 on May 18, 2009 at 3:53 p.m.Banales needs to put a sign in his yard that says....(fill in the blank).
Posted by 285091 on May 18, 2009 at 4:02 p.m.That reads JUDGE FOR LEASE ONLY THOSE WITH A SIX FIGURE INCOME (BY WHATEVER MEANS) NEED APPLY. and in smaller letters on the bottom WIFE AVAILABLE FOR HOME OR OFFICE DECOR
Posted by 709952 on May 18, 2009 at 4:08 p.m.in response to 285091
also, " I run people over and get away with it".
Posted by 251403 on May 18, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.Why does everyone keep saying he got away with it? I don't call getting probation for 10 years "getting off". At least that means he has to stay clean and out of trouble for 10 years.
I do have to agree that the sentence Judge Luitjen gave him was over the top. I didn't understand the reasoning behind it. You see murderers and child molesters in this town getting off with probation and having bond set way lower than Celis' was. Honestly, who's more of a threat to society?
The only person Celis is a threat to is himself.
Posted by 700122 on May 18, 2009 at 4:20 p.m.in response to 709952
...my wife remodeled my office with tax payer money.
Posted by 400726 on May 18, 2009 at 4:27 p.m."honest, hard working people need not apply"
"public offender"
"corruption runs in the family"
"I brake for noone"
Posted by 323897 on May 18, 2009 at 4:29 p.m.in response to 251403
Do you know how those he "represented" may be affected?
Do you know how much money he "washed' in Mexico?
Do you know how many "hands" he greased?
Do you know who was "greasing" his hands?
Have you a clue what "money" can do for convicts and self-serving attorneys/judges?
The implications of his actions are far reaching. No, he may not be a child molester, murderer or any of the likes, but the point is he was a participant and ring leader in a situation that was criminal. He is not above the law and by the actions of Banales today, it would seem to lead him to think otherwise.
Posted by 709427 on May 18, 2009 at 4:40 p.m.I cant believe there is not one post (unless i missed it) giving credit for this outrageos decision to Celis Attorney Tony Canales. Yes, its about the money and its about the politics and it shouldn't be a shock to anyone who has been in this city for more than a few months.
Posted by 251403 on May 18, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.in response to 709427
Give me a break...this kind of behavior happens in the highest of offices in our nation. It's not limited to the confines of CC.
Posted by 285091 on May 18, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.the reasoning behind it was that you will not inpersonate a lawyer and steal from the poeple, inpersonate a police officer and act like you are above the law. The reasoning behind it was if you do these things you will go to jail, we will take back the money you stole. Make everyone involved very nervous and make them think twice before conducting in this type of behavior but, now all that is out the window. lawyers, judges, cops it's business as usual. Thanks Judge, how does the new car handle?
Posted by 375911 on May 18, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.There is no such thing as justice in this town, just bought and paid for crooks posing as judges.
Get out and vote!
Posted by 716192 on May 18, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHEN IS BANALES UP FOR ELECTION BECAUSE HE WILL NOT BE ELECTED WITH MY VOTE.................
Posted by 462770 on May 18, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.Banales must be on the take. He will not get my vote in the next election where he is running.
Posted by 714741 on May 18, 2009 at 5:02 p.m.Banales is a thug---so---of course ---he sets him free.
Posted by 432679 on May 18, 2009 at 5:40 p.m.in response to 251403
Why does everyone keep saying he got away with it? I don't call getting probation for 10 years "getting off". At least that means he has to stay clean and out of trouble for 10 years.
_____________________
It's not that hard to stay out of trouble.
Posted by 240953 on May 18, 2009 at 5:46 p.m.I think someone should notified Bill O'Reilly of the Fox News Channel about this. It should be interesting what Bill says about this. I am sure Mr. O' Reilly will not take sides with Mr. Celis or Judge Banales, he might even have some not so nice words about Judge Banales. So come on Corpus Christi people let Bill O'Reilly know what went on there, with the Celis case.
Posted by 240953 on May 18, 2009 at 6:47 p.m.In reference to post 240953,
I meant to say someone there in Corpus Christi should notify the Fox News Channel, and leave Bill O' Reilly a note about this story.
Posted by 613882 on May 18, 2009 at 7:01 p.m.in response to 240953
line forms behind you.
knock yourself out, email everyone you know. Lets see if it turns out.
Posted by 701008 on May 18, 2009 at 7:02 p.m.FOR ONCE I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE COMMENTS HERE!!!! WAY TO GO CITIZENS OF CORPUS!! I THINK YOU ARE STARTING TO SEE HOW CORRUPT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDGES REALLY ARE!! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT'S WHO YOU KNOW!!! I WONDER HOW THOMAS HENRY IS TAKING THIS RIGHT NOW?? HE AND SHERIFF KAILIN SURE WORKED HARD ON BRINGING HIM DOWN!
Posted by 384415 on May 18, 2009 at 7:08 p.m.Yay for Mauricio Celis!!!!
From his friends in AUSTIN TEXAS!!! HA HA!!! =)
Posted by 320071 on May 18, 2009 at 7:25 p.m.It's not what you KNOW, but who you KNOW, and how much money
you have to contribute to campaign contributions. Bet his friend, Mikal Watts may be doing some of the contributing.
Posted by 342632 on May 18, 2009 at 7:38 p.m.From what I'm hearing the state is making a national holiday for Celis.
Posted by 323897 on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 p.m.JANUARY 5, 2011
JANUARY 5, 2011
JANUARY 5, 2011
REPEAT UNTIL YOU HAVE IT EMBEDDED IN YOUR MEMORY!
JANUARY 5, 2011 IS THE EXPIRATION OF BANALES CURRENT TERM!
REMEMBER YOUR CONCERNS NOW AND BE PART OF THE SOLUTION WHEN ELECTION TIME ROLLS AROUND! GET INVOLVED AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE YOU KNOW VOTES... and ONLY IF IT IS JUST TO VOTE HIM OUT!
Posted by 714714 on May 18, 2009 at 8:58 p.m.the judge did the right call. the judge has granted the jury's order...probation......period....not million fine, and year in jail...valdez does not speak for the community, he's on a personal vendetta...you can see the meanness in his crooked possum teeth...
Posted by 714741 on May 18, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.in response to 714714
I guess two wrongs make a right since the DA (according to you) has crooked teeth. WHAT LOGIC---GENIUS!!!!!!!!
Posted by 718392 on May 18, 2009 at 9:44 p.m.Crime only pays if you are Judge Banales your remember the guy who ran down a TxDot worker, the guy who gave his office a face lift with the help of his also criminal wife Peggy. Judge Banales seems to be getting away with alot.Think he is working with the devil? Oh yeah that would be with Celis & his deep pockets, & of course lets on forget Tony Canales his gangsters of choice... I smell corruption up the ying-yang. But the power of money can pay-off anything.I would like Mauricio Celis to have to serve the sentence he was originally givin by Judge Mark Luitjen. How could he be biased he was from out of town.? Besides he faces charges of money laundering "No Surprise there". Theft, & impersonation of a CCPD officer. Aint that the something !! he moonlights after a hard day as an attorney. Well lets see who gets the $$$$ pay-off money.. SCRATCH-EACH-OTHERS BACK BOYS Its working . note love comment # 251403
Posted by 243840 on May 18, 2009 at 11:40 p.m.Welcome to Corpus Christi, where all the justice you could ever want is yours for the purchase.
Posted by 716296 on May 19, 2009 at 12:33 a.m.Okay soooo let me get this right. Banalas himself said that prison time would be appropriate if there were sufficient room in the jails huh? So there is not room for even one more???? So If I go out and murder 5 people tomorrow I am not going to prison RIGHT BANALAS???
Or is there just lack of prison space for your fat a$$ buddies?
Posted by 235624 on May 19, 2009 at 12:46 a.m.in response to 285091
TFF...ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by 443098 on May 19, 2009 at 1:24 a.m.Pancho Villa saves Teflon Don..............I told you just watch!
Money will always talk ........RIGHT! WHAT A JOKE. WHO'S LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK NOW...CELIS,CANALES, BANALES, WHO'S NEXT!! CELIS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ARE YOU HIRING?
Posted by 715837 on May 19, 2009 at 1:34 a.m.in response to 323897
Don´t be paranoic!
you do exaggerate!........
you´re crazy......
Posted by 272017 on May 19, 2009 at 1:35 a.m.I have nothing nice to say about Celis,Banales,Canales so i will not post anything,but i will say thank god J A "Tony" Canales's daughter Barbara Canales Black lost to Congressman Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa otherwise our State would also be represented in Dist 33 by a Canales,cut with the same scissors and have fallen from the same rotten tree.
Posted by 235641 on May 19, 2009 at 6:09 a.m.in response to 448291
You said it perfectly; Celis and Simpson both got off through money-the root of all evil and poison to many.
Nonetheless, Banales and Celis are still accountable to God.
Posted by 455356 on May 19, 2009 at 7:04 a.m.All you people that are complaing where were you when Mr. Moff with the Appraisal District got off with probation when he stole from the people. Where were you when Sheriff Hickey was giving himself raises from the drug fund. Where was Mr. Valdez's outrage when he okayed 10 years probation for a DWI driver that murdered my friends daughter. If any cases merits probation this one does. Where is your outrage for the Judge that didn't give Mr. Celis a fair trail. If he wouldn't have been so bias it wouldn't have gone to another judge and he could have set the sentence. No matter what you feel about Mr Cellis he is still entitled to a fair trail just like you guys would want if by chance you ever find your self in a trail. You guys that want to call Mr. O"Rielly how much did he pay to get out of his sexual harrastment suit.
Posted by 701008 on May 19, 2009 at 7:19 a.m.in response to 455356
I smell a celis fan....by the way...since you're in favor for his criminal behavior and don't seem to care that he cashed in on all of those law suits, maybe you could shed some light on what happened to all of his "partners" at CGT?? Why aren't they being held accountable?? They were all a part of this scam too!! ...they took all of the pre-existing cases and ran in the wind with them...well...you seem to be so full of information, so I figured you'd be the one to ask???
Posted by 420894 on May 19, 2009 at 7:42 a.m.in response to 240953
Bill O'Reily is the lap dog of the GOP. The GOP being the biggest threat to the middle class means that your either making 6 figures or a really ignorant piece of sheep. I'm glad a good chunk of Americans arent as lazy and easily manipulated like you. It wouldnt surprise me if you obtain your political knowledge from CT. Pathetic
Posted by 237538 on May 19, 2009 at 7:53 a.m.What happened to the rape victim that Celis represented that dropped the criminal case against the suspect who was a prominent attorney?
Banales??? Come on folks, a judge from San Antonio is appointed who has a reputations for hanging em high and does is removed by the presiding Judge who appointed him...did Celis contribute to Peggy's campaign?
At any rate ever wonder why crime becomes rampant in a city.?.\1) weak police force 2) weak prosecution 3) an even weaker judicial system who won't hangem high.
Look at county's with Judges who hand out harsh sentences..crime is down..crooks go where crime is tolerated.
If the CC crime rate is high, Banales attitiude is a good reason..jails are crowded...I say rent space and ship him there. do the crime...make em do the time not some loop hole andn get out jail free card.
Posted by 425944 on May 19, 2009 at 8:08 a.m.There is still TWO more trials! He is going to pay ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
And remember folks, there are way more people involved in this than meets the eye. There are many other lawyers involved in this including Mikal Watts and Vance Owens and they do NOT want the light shined on them.
If Celis goes down, he's going to take them with him. So there are many wheels turning in this Corpus Christi corruption.
Watts is laying low and waiting for the day he can attempt to run for the Texas Senate again.
He's hoping we all will forget in a few years. But we won't.
Posted by 240803 on May 19, 2009 at 8:25 a.m.Money, corrupt polititions and judges, it worked for Nixon, Madoff, Blago, and countless other powerfull big wigs. The only people that were hurt were the selfish idiots wanting to get their approval or money in their pockets. What a Country.
Posted by 240803 on May 19, 2009 at 8:29 a.m.Valdez needs to prosecute these gangers, with as much passion and determination, as he is with Celis.
Posted by 236373 on May 19, 2009 at 8:31 a.m.THE CROOKED FEEDING THE CORRUPT.
Posted by 240803 on May 19, 2009 at 8:37 a.m.Bill O'Rielly thinks it's all about him, he is always looking at himself at the monitor to check how pretty he looks and the words, I, I, I, I, and me, me, me, me. He always includes himself in any subject. That's why I stick to Larry King and Lou Dobbs.
Posted by 443939 on May 19, 2009 at 8:43 a.m.money talks here
Posted by 329691 on May 19, 2009 at 8:58 a.m.in response to 714040
There is no justice in politics and law. Live with the outcome because the judge has made a decision and it's up to Celis to follow the judge's orders and stay out of jail.
Posted by 717404 on May 19, 2009 at 9:13 a.m.in response to 716192
TRUE THAT.......he is a criminal himself and someone needs to look into this I bet he got paid for this.
Posted by 705366 on May 19, 2009 at 9:22 a.m.Bogus charges?
I questioned the accuracy May 12 of an allegation that 26-year-old Jeffrey Stewart stole beer from a convenience store in the 5700 block of South Staples Street – an accusation that landed him in jail during in the early hours of May 9. See: http://www.caller.com/news/2009/may/1...
Stewart’s incarceration ended May 18 at approximately 6 p.m. – all charges dismissed – after our local judicial system processed Stewart’s online bank statement receipt for the beer that he purchased.
What is wrong with this picture?
Posted by 359962 on May 19, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.in response to 240803 Valdez needs to pay attention deep attention to all the gangbangers that are ruining this city like those most recent drive-by with 3 injured, 1 dead...As for Mr. Celis come on people get off his boo-tay already so what if his money talked, so what if he impersonated a lawyer probably doing a better job than all those high priced fools that run around town with heads bigger than a hot-air balloon thinking they are doing their community a service(Give me a break.)
One time when I saw Mr. Celis with some "friends" out an about throwing money away I saw all of these so called females(b___es from prominent families) all over Celis and his "friends" posing as if they cared but really they were just interested in his MONEY and 13 seconds of fame...He's really a nice guy just hung around the wrong "friends"...
Posted by 455105 on May 19, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT I TOLD YOU SO, " I TOLD YOU", THIS MAN WAS NOT GOING TO JAIL. HE'S GOT TOO MUCH PULL AND TOO MUCH MONEY. GOOD JOB MAURICIO
Posted by 237870 on May 19, 2009 at 10:34 a.m.Corpus Christi will remain in the dark ages. Everything, including justice, is for sale here!
Posted by 443939 on May 19, 2009 at 10:48 a.m.so he is on probation now,but wont it be a violation of probation when he goes to court for other felonies?or are they going to tack on some more probation time,the way i veiw it, he is not much different than the gang bangers just got a college degree
there is a saying
you grow balls your going to have to wear them
send him to jail,stop treating criminals different based on there zip code and bank accounts
Posted by 342632 on May 19, 2009 at 11:37 a.m.Next they will be naming a road or a building here in Corpus Christi for Mauricio Celis.
Posted by 340004 on May 19, 2009 at 11:43 a.m.Rumor has it that some second rate collectors in Vegas got a hold of the Mauricio Celis/ Banales trading cards and are selling them on http://www.celisthiscardnow.com
Posted by 718420 on May 19, 2009 at 12:58 p.m.I wonder which drug cartel has these two crooks in their pocket?
Posted by 717920 on May 19, 2009 at 1:19 p.m.In response to 455356:
What does it matter where people were when those other things you mentioned happened? What really matters is what is happening now. I'm fairly new to the area so don't know about those other items which you are referring to. What I do know is that I haven't been here long but long enough to get an idea of how things work in this town. There are no excuses for what is happening here. It's straight up corrupt.
Posted by 240803 on May 19, 2009 at 1:22 p.m.in response to 359962
I did imply that Valdez needs to persue these idiot gangbangers, with as much passion, as he did with Celis and that the only people that Celis hurt were the idiots that fell for his scams.
Posted by 359962 on May 19, 2009 at 1:34 p.m.In response to 240803....TRUE DAT...TRUE DAT...UR ON THE RIGHT TRACK AMIGO (A)
Posted by 240803 on May 19, 2009 at 1:36 p.m.Corruption is everywhere in this country and in the highest offices of our nation, I read all news, not only what happens in Corpus Christi. Some of you live in your own little world with very limited information. It is legal to provide money to a politition for his election. At least Celis was charged. Many are not even charged or the charges are dropped before they even get to court. Celis knew the sentence would be probation and his other trials will result in the same if found guilty. Get over it.
Posted by 713747 on May 19, 2009 at 1:42 p.m.Hurray for Celis!
I worked for two prominent lady attorneys here in town and they were just as crooked as Mauricio Celis, if not more. After being told I was doing a fine job on Thusday, the next day I was laid off because I happened to know someone that knew her husband's ex-wife. I saw so much corruption in that office it was pathetic. When she let me go that was the happiest day of my LIFE!
Corruption is everywhere!
Posted by 264484 on May 19, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.it is unbeliveable what you learn while working for the legal system.it is all a bunch of b___. the system is corrupt to the finest. money is what matters. it is so transparent the arrangement; out with the outside judge,bring in the "pal". the one that really knows whats going on. money is of great concern to us working folks trying to pay the rent,and utilities. forget groceries,there isn't enough for that. mr.celis, i sure would appreciate a job with your company. maybe than my bills would get paid on time. old saying is so true..."money talks,_____".
Posted by 240953 on May 19, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.Well I am wondering if these lawyers in Corpus Christi who worked with Celis feel stupid for hiring someone who went around representing himself as a lawyer. Who hired Celis and who in that office was responsible for checking his credentials. Or did he say " I have a law degree from Mexico" and whoever hired him said, ok good enough, you're hired.
Posted by 716660 on May 19, 2009 at 3:20 p.m.Like this turn of events should surprise anyone!! Come on!!! Don't forget he has a few more trails to get through.
Posted by 248997 on May 19, 2009 at 3:25 p.m.THE ONLY THING THIS COUNTY NEEDS IS THE OLD CHICAGO MAYOR RICHARD DALY AND THE CORRUPTION WILL BE COMPLETE.
Posted by 275094 on May 19, 2009 at 3:29 p.m.VOTE OUT JUDGE BANALES!!! VOTE OUT JUDGE BANALES! VOTE OUT JUDGE BANALES!
This man is corrupt! He has to go! Exercise your rights and take him out!
Posted by 275094 on May 19, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.Also:
http://www.scjc.state.tx.us/faqs.asp
Is the Link for the state Commission on Judicial Conduct... If you feel that Judge Banales has committed acts of Judicial Misconduct, file a complaint with the commission.
Posted by 376065 on May 19, 2009 at 5:21 p.m.in response to 248997
What are you talking about? We have Richard Daly reincarnated with a darker tan as President now. God help us all.
Posted by 706973 on May 19, 2009 at 5:43 p.m.Lawyers will always take care of their own.....
Posted by 718229 on May 19, 2009 at 5:58 p.m.in response to 356943
Yes, he is getting away with it. I guess he'll be going back to his home in Kings Crossing. A home he earned while lieing about being "an attorney".
Posted by 409986 on May 19, 2009 at 6:20 p.m.if anything celis helped victims get money. he did not steal there money. yes corruption is everywhere all they to the top but this guy gave back to the community some of you are which are benefiting from like catholic schools and hospitals and your politicians who you voted for.
Posted by 281725 on May 19, 2009 at 7:07 p.m.I do not believe Judge Banales is corrupt. Why would he jeopardize his name and career over a fist full of dollars. It doesn't make sense. Can anyone come forward with solid proof? As for Celis - my hats’ off to him. If he practiced without a license for a long period of time, blame the state for not catching it earlier. His actions will make the system stronger. Judge Banales should, as a condition of probation, order Mr., Celis to law school. Obviously Mr. Celis would make a great attorney - send him to school and let him contribute his talents representing the community. Keeping track of this entire story, I do not find Celis as a vicious nature. He is kind generous and needs direction – great talents. Most of you need to walk a mile in any prosecutor’s and Judge’s shoes before condemnation. Jails are crowded, budgets are thin, and most are willing to slam the system without looking at the whole picture.
Posted by 323897 on May 19, 2009 at 8:24 p.m.in response to 281725
Let's rule out who you might be:
1. Peggy Banales
2. An employee of the county working for Manuel Banales
3. A family member of the Banales'
4. A friend of the Banales'
or you might be:
1. Mauricio Celis
2. Tony Canales
3. Mikal Watts
4. Maurico's wife
5. A family member of Celis'
6. A friend of the Celis'
Either way, for you to state that Judge Banales is not corrupt leads me to believe you have a personal connection to him. He made his name known as Manuel "MAXIMUM" Banales and then scolds a reputable judge for doing the same - handing down a strong punishment. Amazing how when his friends are backed in a corner, his idea of "justice" just might be for sale in one fashion or another - mone doesn't always have to be exchanged for someone to be bought.
AND....... it's not just this matter with Banales that people are irrate about.... it's all that he has gotten away with due to his "influence" and the "influence" of his compadres. Let me just highlight what has been posted here thus far to give you an example:
1. Hit a mentally challenged man on Leopard - got away with it
2. Didn't find anything unethical about using Precinct One (which happened to be the area represented by his wife) County Road money to refurbish his office
3. Hit a TxDOT worker and injured him for life - another slap on the hand
4. now this.......... and these are only matters that have been published, Lord knows how many others lives this man has "disturbed" due to his machismo
Posted by 281725 on May 19, 2009 at 8:43 p.m.Response to 323897:
I am not any of the people you described above. I am a displaced Corpus Christian stuck in Houston, TX, but have been following the story. I do know people [acquaintances] of Celis who do not have anything bad to speak of him. Take it for what it is worth; no matter who you have in elected office (city, county, etc.) or in the judicial system, you the voters have the control over the City's future. You can cleanup City Hall, the judicial system and/or the Federal Government. It does no good if we can't see a change in attitude starting here on the forums. Judge Banales has had his share of bad luck and I am sure the circumstances (punishment - if any) warranted the outcome. It is ok to be frustrated with the totality of the circumstances, but as a reasonable person, I believe that negative attitudes overshadow the good. Look what is happening in Taft, TX
Posted by 237870 on May 19, 2009 at 11:14 p.m.The dogs bark... The caravan moves on.
Posted by 700122 on May 20, 2009 at 8:32 a.m.in response to 281725
I like how you say Celis is a "kind man." I don't know too many kind men that chase after young women in their bathrobe holding a pistol.
In fact that sounds like a bad man.
But hey if the Bishop thinks he's cool then I guess that settles that.
Posted by 251403 on May 20, 2009 at 10:28 a.m.This is how rumors get started...
Posted by 329691 on May 20, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.in response to 376065
Come on you should be ashamed of yourself for making such racial remarks. Mr. Obama has barely been in office for 100 days and you're already calling him corrupt? Sorry if your candidate didn't win. Georgie lover.....
Posted by 709654 on May 20, 2009 at 2:25 p.m.“If the jail were not so crowded, it may be appropriate to put this defendant in jail for a certain amount of time, but we’re not there, we don’t have that luxury,” Bañales said.
You have GOT to be kidding me?!?!!
I bet the jail would accommodate MY behind in a heart beat for a TRAFFIC WARRANT!
Take me now 'O Lord fore I have surely heard it all!
Posted by 700122 on May 20, 2009 at 3:46 p.m.I thought for sure that the sheriff was going to say how he has plenty of room.
Posted by 370677 on May 20, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.Isnt it funny how easily these jerks can slander the visiting judge and NO ONE says a thing but celis and canales play the race card and everyone is behind them . This sorry piece of slime NEEDS to go to JAIL for life and canales with him !!! LIARS and thieves the bunch.
POST BY : NOT ALLOWED TO POST AT CALLER.COM
IT KIND OF IS FUNNY HOW JUDGMENTALLY SOBER Y'ALL SEEM TO BE. THE REAL REASON CELIS IS IN TROUBLE IS HE AND DAMON BENTLEY, ALLEGED TO BE FRIENDS INVITED A WEIRDO GIRL, WHO FLED NAKED DOWN THE STREETS OF kINGS CROSSING.
WHERE WAS HER BOYFRIEND? YOU KNOW THE GUY WHO BROUGHT HER TO HIS PARTNERS HOT TUB? WHERE IS DAMON AND LINDY NOW?
ARE THEY FILING CHARGES ON CELIS?
IN UTOPIA?
SHOULDN'T THE CALLER ALSO FOLLOW THEIR OWN RULES? AND SINCE I AM NOT PERMITTED TO COMMENT THERE I WILL HERE......
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