(SAN ANTONIO)--Embattled state senator Frank Madla, already embroiled in a series of ethics scandals, today was named in a complaint filed with the Bexar County District Attorney, calling for a criminal investigation into apparent violations of the Texas Elections Code in his current bid to keep the office he has held since 1993. (Click the permalink for the full release.)

"The widespread misuse of hidden campaign funds in Texas has severely tested the credibility of our political system," wrote attorney Cris Feldman in the complaint sent to Bexar Co. DA Susan Reed. "From January 1, 2006, to present, Texans for Lawsuit Reform reports making $655,707 in in-kind contributions to Mr. Madla. However, for that same period, Mr. Madla himself reports only two contributions from TLR totaling $36,772. Such reporting omissions are prima facie violations of §254.031(a)."

Feldman, an Austin attorney and ethics expert who has successfully prosecuted a top lieutenant of disgraced former U.S. Majority Leader Tom DeLay, added that Madla’s “alleged extravagant and excessive misuse of campaign funds for seemingly personal enrichment indicates possible violations of §253.035 and §253.004 of the Texas Election Code.�

News reports have itemized Madla’s excessive spending of campaign contributions on restaurant meals, liquor store purchases, photography, among other personal perks.

"Texas campaign finance laws exist to instill public trust through open, transparent government,� Feldman noted. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Tom DeLay or Frank Madla, violations of these laws are violations of the public trust and should be fully investigated, and, where reasonable cause exits, prosecuted to the full extent of the law.�