Key Takeaways
- A Dallas code compliance officer is under investigation for allegedly extorting hundreds of dollars from a small business owner.
- The officer, Daelena Howard, is accused of sending text messages and making in-person visits to the business owner, Oscar Rivera, claiming he could avoid paying city fines if he paid her a few hundred dollars a month.
- Rivera paid Howard nearly $700 through Zelle and provided cellphone video of in-person exchanges with her.
- Howard has been placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation.
- The City of Dallas has confirmed that Howard was placed on leave and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and public trust.
Introduction to the Incident
The City of Dallas has confirmed that one of its code compliance officers is currently on leave and being investigated following allegations that she extorted hundreds of dollars from a small business owner, Oscar Rivera. The officer, Daelena Howard, is accused of sending text messages and making in-person visits to Rivera, claiming he could avoid paying city fines if he paid her a few hundred dollars a month. Rivera, who owns and operates a car repair shop in Dallas, had been undergoing the annual process of renewing his business license when he was contacted by Howard.
The Alleged Extortion
According to Rivera, Howard claimed he was in violation of the city’s code, but he was not given any formal written ticket or notice of a violation. Rivera provided WFAA with screenshots of text messages sent to him by Howard, starting in late September, in which she tells him that it will "take another $200 to get this closed" and promises they blocked his address from their reporting system. The messages show Howard negotiating fees for Rivera to pay to receive her "help" with code compliance, and at times, she appears to be pleading for cash when Rivera is slow to respond or tells her he doesn’t have money to pay. Rivera admitted that he thought the requests were strange but said he wasn’t sure they weren’t legitimate, and he felt pressured by Howard’s messages.
Investigation and Response
Rivera filed a police report with the Dallas Police Department on November 14, and the department linked the phone number and Zelle account that messaged Rivera to Howard. The City of Dallas released a statement confirming that Howard was placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation. The city also stated that it is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and public trust. WFAA met with Howard at Rivera’s shop, where she initially claimed she was visiting because he was working on her car, but later admitted that she had met Rivera while working for the city and had sent him messages asking for money. Howard denied Rivera’s claim that she had extorted him for money but offered to return his money multiple times.
City Protocol and Accountability
The City of Dallas has stated that its code compliance officers receive extensive training to ensure they are prepared for field inspections and interactions with the public. However, the city did not answer specific questions about the proper process for informing residents about code violations. According to the city’s website, residents and property owners who have been reported for violating city code will receive a courtesy notice that includes specific information about the alleged violation, a deadline for completing any changes, and information about additional enforcement action for failure to comply. Rivera’s attorney, Eric Durojaiye, called Howard’s behavior "shocking" and "predatory," and Rivera hopes the city’s investigation will lead to accountability and protect other small business owners.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The investigation into Howard’s alleged extortion is ongoing, and the City of Dallas has confirmed that it is taking the allegations seriously. Rivera’s case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government agencies, particularly those that interact with the public. As the investigation continues, it is essential that the city takes steps to ensure that its code compliance officers are held to the highest standards of integrity and that residents are protected from potential abuse of power. The city’s response to this incident will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring that small business owners like Rivera can operate without fear of exploitation.