EAGLE PASS, Texas — New questions are being raised in Maverick County after the Maverick County Auditor’s Office moved to withhold surveillance footage requested by The Maverick Times following allegations involving County Judge candidate Gerardo “Jerry” Morales visiting the Auditor’s Office and allegedly bringing tacos to employees.

The controversy intensified after official documents confirmed the Auditor’s Office formally requested an opinion from the Texas Attorney General seeking permission to withhold the requested video footage from public release.

The public information request submitted by The Maverick Times requested surveillance video and audio from the Financial Center Building located at 370 N. Monroe Street in Eagle Pass, where the Auditor’s Office is located. The request specifically sought recordings from April 17, 2026 between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. including interior and exterior camera footage.

Attorney General Request Filed

A May 15, 2026 letter submitted by Sanchez & Wilson on behalf of the Maverick County Auditor confirmed the Auditor’s Office was seeking to withhold the requested information under Section 552.101 of the Texas Government Code.

The letter states that the Auditor desired to withhold information from public disclosure and requested an Attorney General decision regarding the records request.

The filing has raised additional questions because individuals familiar with the situation stated the Auditor’s Office had previously discussed either providing the footage electronically or making it available for in person review before later changing course and seeking an Attorney General ruling.

That sudden shift has now become a major point of concern for residents questioning why footage involving an alleged casual office visit by a political candidate would need to be withheld from the public.

READ: Judge Cantú States Removal Petition Is Political and Tied to Him Being In The Way of Certain Individuals Misusing Maverick County Tax Payer Dollars

Questions About Possible Conflict Concerns

The issue became more controversial after allegations surfaced claiming County Judge candidate Gerardo “Jerry” Morales had allegedly brought breakfast tacos into the Auditor’s Office.

County Judge Ramsey English Cantú publicly referenced the allegations during a Maverick County Commissioners Court meeting, where he criticized what he described as political activity occurring inside county offices during an active election cycle.

No evidence has publicly surfaced alleging any criminal wrongdoing involving the tacos themselves. However, ethics questions have emerged regarding whether accepting meals or gifts from a political candidate could create the appearance of favoritism, political alignment, or a conflict involving a county office expected to remain independent.

Texas ethics laws prohibit certain public servants from accepting benefits tied to their governmental duties or influence. Legal experts often point out that even when no direct exchange occurs, the appearance of favoritism or political influence can still damage public trust in government operations.

The Maverick Times is not alleging that the Maverick County Auditor’s Office or Gerardo “Jerry” Morales committed a crime.

Political Concerns Continue Growing

The issue arrives during an already heated County Judge runoff election in Maverick County.

Morales is currently challenging incumbent Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantú. Recent weeks have already seen escalating political tensions involving district court funding disputes, removal petitions against Cantú, and public accusations involving county departments and political alliances.

Critics are now questioning why the Auditor’s Office chose to seek legal intervention from the Attorney General instead of simply releasing footage that could potentially clarify the situation.

Residents have also pointed to the Auditor’s decision to retain Sanchez & Wilson as outside legal counsel, a law firm previously involved in representing Maverick County during prior controversial public records disputes under former county leadership.

READ: Eagle Pass ISD Paid El Latino Nearly $151,000 in Taxpayer Funds

Public Transparency Questions

The requested footage remains at the center of growing public debate surrounding transparency and political activity inside county government offices.

Some residents have questioned whether withholding the footage could further damage public trust, especially if the recordings simply show a routine office interaction.

Others argue the footage could help answer questions and eliminate speculation surrounding the allegations.

“What changed?” one resident questioned. “If nothing improper happened, then why suddenly move to withhold the footage after discussions about making it available?”

The Office of the Attorney General has not yet publicly released a ruling regarding whether the surveillance footage must be disclosed.