HOUSTON – A third criminal case involving ties to alleged political corruption has been dismissed by Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare‘s office.
2 Investigates learning that the felony case against Republican megadonor Dr. Steven Hotze has been dismissed. Hotze faced multiple criminal charges following a strange incident during early voting in the November 2020 general election.
In total, Hotze was facing four charges (per his attorney and court records) that included aggravated robbery, organized crime, aggravated assault, and unlawful restraint.
Hotze, who was indicted under former District Attorney Kim Ogg, was alleged to have been involved in the case of an air conditioning repairman being pulled over and held at gunpoint because of a former Houston Police Officer, Mark Aguirre.
In a subsequent statement, the DA’s office said the charges stemmed from a “baseless voter fraud conspiracy scheme that culminated in a roadside confrontation alleged to have been committed by Mark Aguirre on an innocent HVAC repairman in October 2020.”
Aguirre, who had ties to Hotze, used his vehicle to run the repairman off the road, believing he was carrying hundreds of thousands of fraudulent votes prepared by Democrats. His company was hired by Hotze as independent contractors, 2 Investigates confirmed with his attorneys.
HPD responded to the scene and found no ballots, and Aguirre ultimately was arrested and charged.
The DA’s office, in its motion to dismiss, said in bold and underlined writing, “Cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt at this time. Subject to refile.”
“This deeply troubling case shows how toxic conspiracy theories can fuel real-world violence that endangers people in our community,” Teare said in a written statement. “We look forward to vigorously prosecuting the remaining charges in this case that stand up to legal scrutiny. However, unlike the previous administration, we believe ethical prosecutors have a responsibility to do so based on facts — not political theater, media spectacle, or the reckless pursuit of headlines.”
SEE ALSO: Ex-Harris County official alleges former DA Kim Ogg targeted her with a personal, political vendetta
The DA’s office confirmed Aguirre will still face prosecution for the two felony charges: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful restraint.
In a statement to 2 Investigates, Hotze’s attorney Jared Woodfill writes:
“For four long years, Dr. Hotze has been fighting Kim Ogg’s politically motivated prosecution against him. She weaponized her office to take out a political opponent, Dr. Hotze. Her lawfare against Dr. Hotze was a violation of the trust voters had placed in her. Dr. Hotze is thankful to DA Sean Teare for recognizing Ogg’s abuse of her office and rightfully dismissing the case against him.”
