Key Takeaways:
- The Bexar County Military and Veteran Services Department (MVSD) has been plagued by allegations of misconduct and bullying by its former deputy director, Nancy Taguacta.
- An investigation by the Bexar County Ombudsman substantiated multiple allegations against Taguacta, including targeting employees based on service-connected disabilities and disclosing protected medical information without authorization.
- Taguacta resigned her position and formally retired from the county after being given a letter of proposed termination.
- MVSD Director Keith Wilson has also been placed on administrative leave, but the reasons for this move have not been disclosed.
- The department has suffered significant turnover in leadership over the past six weeks, and employees have reported a hostile work environment and feelings of isolation and intimidation.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Bexar County Military and Veteran Services Department (MVSD) has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks, with allegations of misconduct and bullying by its former deputy director, Nancy Taguacta. A half-dozen employees of the department stood before commissioners and publicly vouched for its embattled leadership, with George Westfahl, a veterans service officer and retired member of the U.S. Army, speaking on behalf of the group. Westfahl stated that there had been allegations made against the leadership, which he described as "malicious or false," and that a "witch hunt" had been instigated by "some ambitious people."
The Investigation into Taguacta’s Behavior
An investigation by the Bexar County Ombudsman substantiated multiple allegations against Taguacta, including targeting employees based on service-connected disabilities and disclosing protected medical information without authorization. The investigation found that Taguacta had created a hostile work environment, with employees reporting feelings of isolation and intimidation. The investigation also found that Taguacta had made inappropriate comments about employees’ medical conditions and had failed to safeguard donations received by the agency for veterans. As a result of the investigation, Taguacta was given a letter of proposed termination and subsequently resigned her position and formally retired from the county.
The Aftermath of Taguacta’s Resignation
The resignation of Taguacta has had significant repercussions for the MVSD, with Director Keith Wilson also being placed on administrative leave. The reasons for Wilson’s leave have not been disclosed, but he has stated that he is in the dark about why he was placed on leave and that he has only been told that the leave is for 30 days, with the possibility of that timeframe being extended. The department has suffered significant turnover in leadership over the past six weeks, and employees have reported a hostile work environment and feelings of isolation and intimidation.
The Impact on Employees
The behavior of Taguacta has had a significant impact on employees of the MVSD, with many reporting feelings of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One employee reported that Taguacta’s behavior had caused her to experience a suicidal crisis, requiring law enforcement to intervene to ensure her safety. Another employee reported that Taguacta’s behavior had caused him to cry on his couch many nights, and that he had experienced an intense emotional reaction to her comments. The investigation found that Taguacta’s behavior had caused significant harm to the work environment, and that employees had been subjected to a hostile and intimidating work environment.
The Response of the County
The county has responded to the allegations of misconduct by launching an investigation and taking disciplinary action against Taguacta. The county has also provided support to employees who have been affected by Taguacta’s behavior, including counseling and other resources. However, some employees have expressed concerns that the county has not done enough to address the underlying issues that led to the hostile work environment, and that more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the MVSD has highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in government agencies. The allegations of misconduct and bullying by Taguacta are serious and disturbing, and it is clear that the county needs to take further action to address the underlying issues that led to the hostile work environment. The county must also provide support to employees who have been affected by Taguacta’s behavior and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. By taking these steps, the county can work to restore trust and confidence in the MVSD and ensure that it is providing the best possible services to veterans and their families.
