Investigates: Emails show city council relations director, William Paul Thomas, had close communication with private businessman

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HOUSTON – City of Houston leaders are calling for an outside investigation into the actions of a now former city director, William Paul Thomas, after KPRC 2 Investigates uncovered emails showing negotiations in favor of a private businessman.

Thomas, who pled guilty to a federal conspiracy charge tied to bribes, corresponded with city leaders seemingly in support of airport concessionaire and private businessman Jason Yoo, according to emails obtained through a public records request.

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KPRC 2 Investigates first reported Thomas worked on behalf of Yoo to help eliminate airport penalties totaling $861,000 assessed to Yoo and his partners. The total penalties were levied after contractual obligations were not met.

“The director of a department cannot negotiate the settlement of a fine or anything like that,” said council member Michael Kubosh.

In city released emails, Houston Airports System Director Mario Diaz said a settlement ultimately was reached for approximately $100,000.

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“This is completely out the realm of what he should have been doing,” said council member Letitia Plummer after seeing the emails.

“This is completely out the realm of what he should have been doing,” said council member Letitia Plummer after seeing the emails.