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December
07, 2005
Update
on Smitty's Bar and related troubles
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Manny
Mena, shown in this Keller Police mug shot from
May 7, 2005, was arrested in Keller, on possession of
cocaine. LNO has confirmed he is the same Mena
that was charged with distribution of cocaine and heroin
in New Jersey in 1991.
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Local
News Only.com reported on December
3rd the arrest and back ground of Ibraim
"Manny" Mena, the owner of Smitty's Grille
in Colleyville located near the First Baptist
Church. Mena and another employee were arrested
and charged with "Interference with an attempt to
make an Emergency Telephone call," and
"Assault causing bodily injury." One
suspect was still at large.
LNO has
learned that Mena began was known by local police even
before first reported by Colleyville. In fact,
Mena was stopped by Keller Police Officer Craig Berry
on May 7, 2005. Officer Berry is one of the most
experienced Keller officers on DWI stops. Berry
arrested Mena and charged him with possession of
cocaine. |
Since
the first report, LNO has learned that the owner of the bar,
"Manny" Mena is in fact the same Mena that was
convicted in New Jersey in 1991 for distribution of Heroin and
Cocaine and sentenced to three years in prison.
In regards to the severe beating of a patron with a aluminum
baseball bat, a suspect thought to be named "Daniel"
remained at large. LNO has learned that detectives now
have identified the assailant. While the name is not being
released, the suspect was found to be a fellow employee of
"Daniel." Apparently, under questioning by
Colleyville Police Detectives, the real identity of the perpetrator
has been discovered. LNO has learned that Colleyville
Police are preparing the necessary background checks to make
an arrest of a 21 year old male. Information obtained
also revealed that the suspect has been fingered and his place
of employment identified. Further, that the soon to be
arrested male turned drinking age after the incident in
question. Therefore, the is expectations that additional
information concerning serving a minor may surface.
TABC Agent Brian Miers confirmed that his agency is conducting
an investigation into the circumstances of the liquor permit
used to operate Smitty's Grille in Colleyville. Agent
Miers indicated that he assisted Colleyville Detective Kevin
Walling in the investigation and that he has information that
more than one employee was involved in the brawl.
Agent Miers said that TABC will be looking into the situation
where Mena' wife, Laura Celaju, is listed as the license
holder and further investigating the ownership of the
corporation involved with Smitty's operations. Agent
Miers said that TABC will await the criminal investigation
before determining what action it may take.
Miers pointed out there are a number of administrative penalties
found in Section 37.60 of the TABC code. Among the
description included is;
Conducting business
in a manner as to allow an aggravated breach of the peace with
a serious bodily injury or involving a deadly weapon (as
defined in the Texas Penal Code) in violation of §§22.12,
28.11, 69.13 and 71.09, Alcoholic Beverage Code. The
violation can result in a suspension of the permit for 45 days
up to cancellation for multiple offenses of various
types. The liquor permit must be reapplied annually and
Agent Miers indicated that the City of Colleyville has already
indicated it intends to file objection to the renewal.
Agent Miers said the investigation from his department is not
concluded and has no time frame. He stated that permit holders
often have a number of options, including paying a fine that
could range from $150 to $25,000 per day of operations.
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