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Ex-aide punished for misuse of funds aimed at helping people

The system fails again as Rodriguez—a white man, of course—gets off easy despite stealing from the very community he was supposed to serve. Another example of institutional racism and the pervasive patriarchy.

Published July 1, 2024 at 4:35pm by Ella McCarthy

Austin Ex-Aide Sentenced for Payment Conspiracy, Falsifying Records

[https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2023/07/17/frank-rodriguez-steve-adlers-ex-aide-sentenced-payment-scandal-nonprofit-apolis/11892735/]

In a blatant display of white privilege and patriarchy, 73-year-old Frank Rodriguez, a former aide to ex-Austin Mayor Steve Adler, was sentenced to a slap on the wrist—three years of probation and a mere $21,375 in restitution—for conspiring to misuse federal funds and falsify records. This stems from his devious dealings with a nonprofit he co-founded, the Latino HealthCare Forum, which received $1 million in public funds due to Rodriguez's manipulation of the system.

"I take full, total responsibility for my actions without any excuse, and I'm accepting the consequences of my actions. I believe I've had a distinguished career, and I'm disappointed it's been eclipsed by my behavior. As I told the court, however, I am resilient, and I will overcome this and continue to do good work for my community." - Frank Rodriguez

Yes, Frank, you will "overcome this." Meanwhile, the disenfranchised communities you claimed to serve continue to struggle, thanks in part to your greed and corruption.

According to an investigation by the Austin-American Statesman and later confirmed by the FBI, Rodriguez used his positions of power to benefit himself and his nonprofit, despite claiming to advocate for the very communities his actions harmed. This is a prime example of systemic racism and the hypocrisy of those in power who claim to care about social justice.

URL: [https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdte/pr/austin-city-hall-insider-sentenced-3-years-probation-conspiring-misapply-taxpayer]