SAN MARCOS, Texas — A former San Marcos city staffer has been fired and arrested after being charged with "theft by a public servant" for allegedly misusing approximately $32,500 of City funds.
Jason Pence worked for San Marcos as the City's construction manager since 2014, overseeing maintenance and construction contracts within the City. According to the City, a December news article "detailed concerns and prompted other individuals to come forward with information about potential improprieties." That's when an investigation into Pence started.
As a result of that "lengthy" investigation, Pence was accused of using the City's funds to complete two "non-city construction projects" in New Braunfels, Texas, and to purchase copper wire that was not needed for any San Marcos construction projects, according to an affidavit obtained by KVUE.
Pence was placed on administrative leave on Dec. 13, 2019, before he was fired on Jan. 27, 2020.
In addition to the criminal investigation, the City said it has contracted with Deloitte & Touche LLP to evaluate internal procurement process controls and compliance for maintenance and construction contracts overseen by Pence since 2015.
“I’ve committed to our City Council and to this community to fully investigate this situation,” said San Marcos City Manager Bert Lumbreras. “We’ve put many new controls and measures in place including an internal procurement workgroup to ensure compliance with state law and we will continue to diligently improve our operations as stewards of the City’s finances.”
Pence was arrested on Tuesday and booked in the Comal County Jail, where he posted his bond of $10,000.
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