SEPTEMBER 2022 ARREST OF BEN ROMERO
- Adrian Baca
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Anthony mayor arrested, charged with domestic violence remains in jail
CBS 4 NEWS
by Lianna Golden
Tue, September 6th 2022 at 12:25 PM
Updated Tue, September 6th 2022 at 8:21 PM
EL PASO, Texas (CBS4) — The Mayor of Anthony in Texas had his bond hearing after facing a family violence charge.
Mayor Benjamin Cedillo Romero, 38, was arrested Sunday by El Paso County Sheriff's deputies for continuous violence against the family and assault causes bodily injury to a family member.
Romero was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Sunday on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Romero appeared for his bond hearing via a teleconference call Tuesday morning with Linda Estrada, the jail magistrate judge.
During the hearing, El Paso County Assistant District Attorney Adam Chevrie alleged Romero used his position of power to intimidate the victim in Romero's recent arrest.
The arrest affidavit was also discussed in the hearing.
The victim, who is a family member of Romero, told deputies Romero grabbed her hair and pulled it before slamming her to the ground. The affidavit stated that the victim told deputies Romero put his arm on her neck while holding her down. The victim was able to eventually call her teenage son for help. The document stated the victim's son was unable to remove Romero because of his weight. The victim eventually got Romero off and called authorities leading to the continuing family violence charge.
Romero's previous charge filed in June listed as assault on a family member causing injury. The affidavit stated that the victim and defendant got into a verbal argument. And at one point, the victim states the defendant grabbed her arm, then her neck, but not causing her pain. It was at that point, the victim claimed to call police, but then defendant said "Go ahead. I contacted Chief Enriquez and nothing will happen."
Chief Carlos Enriquez is the current Police Chief in Anthony.
Romero was accused of then following the victim outside pulling out a knife and threatening to slash her tires.
The victim told police she panicked and hit Romero with her car to get away.
Judge Estrada ordered Romero to have no contact with the victim once he makes bail. The judge told Romero if he violates the conditions of his release she will revoke his bonds. Romero's attorney told the judge Romero doesn't have the money to post bail.
As of Tuesday Romero remained in jail. Romero was also ordered to show up to his next court date.
CBS4 asked Shawn Weeks, who is the Mayor Pro Tem in Anthony. Texas, if there's a possibility that Romero could be removed from office. "I’d hate to speculate. The offense the accusation is very bad and anything is possible. We’ve had mayors removed and step down in the past and so this falls into that category. I don’t wanna speculate though until I know more information," Weeks said.
A special council meeting will be held on Friday to discuss Romero's arrest.
A city council meeting was held Tuesday but Romero's arrest is not on the agenda
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