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4/25/03 News story: The theft of a state employee’s property that found its way from Texas into the hands of a Congressman.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the theft of a state employee’s property that found its way from Texas into the hands of Congressman Martin Frost, Arlington, who produced it in Washington, DC.

On April 10, a folio containing Texas congressional redistricting maps was stolen from a committee room in the state capitol. The folio and its contents belong to a legislative aide of the opposing political party, and therefore, was very valuable to Mr Frost's reelection chances.

DPS has video footage of three men, including one identified as Frost senior aide Gerry Hebert, apparently leaving the committee room with the stolen maps. Shortly after the theft, Rep. Frost produced one of the purloined maps to news reporters in Washington, D.C.

4/25/03 Republican Party of Texas Press Release
AUSTIN – Susan Weddington, Republican Party of Texas Chairman, today called on Congressman Martin Frost, D-Arlington, to cooperate with the Department of Public Safety’s investigation into the theft of a state employee’s property. On April 10, a folio containing congressional redistricting maps was stolen from a committee room in the state capitol. The folio and its contents belong to a GOP legislative aide. DPS has video footage of three men, including one identified as Frost senior aide Gerry Hebert, apparently leaving the committee room with the loot. Shortly after the theft, Rep. Frost produced one of the purloined maps to reporters in Washington, D.C.

“Martin Frost has an obligation to cooperate fully with the Department of Public Safety’s investigation and should immediately explain how he obtained this stolen map,” said Weddington. “If Rep. Frost knew that he was in possession of stolen goods, he has violated Texans’ trust and his most sacred responsibilities as a public servant.”

DPS is investigating the theft as a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and 180 days in jail. If the pilfered goods were transported from Texas to Washington, D.C., the crime may be a federal offense.

COMMENTS Frost never came clean but he was redistricted out of the Congress, hallelujah, and you can bet he's hopping mad. Face it, DeLay is being sacrificed b/c he was part of the Repub redistricting effort.

What separates American democracy from third world satraps is the rule of law. Our democracy can only work to the advantage of its citizens when legislators play by the rules. Frost was sworn into office vowing to uphold the law. Mr Frost had an obligation to cooperate fully with the Department of Public Safety’s investigation, and should have explained how he obtained the stolen map.