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Council authorizes subpoenas in ethics investigation involving council member
Summary
After reconvening from executive session, the council authorized subpoenas and compelled production of evidence in an investigation concerning Melanie Tafoya (also referenced as Melanie Knight/Defoya in the packet), directing the mayor to sign subpoenas as needed.
Following a reconvened executive session early morning on Feb. 3, the Mount Pleasant City Council returned to open session and authorized the issuance of subpoenas and related investigatory powers in an ongoing ethics investigation involving Councilmember Melanie Tafoya (referred in earlier packets as Melanie Knight / Defoya).
The motion, brought forward after executive-session deliberations, authorized issuance of subpoenas for witnesses, administering oaths and compelling the production of books, papers and other evidence in the investigation, and directed the mayor to sign the subpoenas. The motion was seconded and carried by the council in open session. The transcript records the motion text: "A motion authorizing the issuance of counsel subpoenas for witnesses and administering oaths and compelling the production of books, papers, and other evidence in the investigation concerning Melanie Tafoya ... and authorizing the mayor to sign the subpoena." The motion was seconded.
The transcript does not include details of the underlying allegations discussed in executive session, nor does it record the identities of subpoena recipients or a timetable for issuance. The council identified the specific item as consultation with attorney under Texas Government Code 551.071 regarding an ethics complaint and the status of the investigation. The action authorizes investigative steps consistent with council direction in executive session.
Next steps: The transcript shows no immediate report of subpoena recipients or dates; the authorized subpoenas indicate the council intends to pursue evidence collection as part of the inquiry.
