Police in Allen, Texas released audio to Dallas television station KXAS Wednesday of a call made by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (R) to ask for the release of a relative from jail.
Ellen Beavers, who Dewhurst described at difference points in the recording as a “sister-in-law” and “step-niece-in-law,” was jailed on Aug. 3 for allegedly shoplifting at a grocery store, according to KXAS.
Dewhurst called the main Allen police phone number and asked to be transferred to the “most senior police officer you have,” according to KXAS. Later in the recording of the call, Dewhurst can be heard asking to be put in touch with the county judge and the county sheriff.
“Sergeant, you don’t know me, but I am every year the No. 1 pick of all the law enforcement agencies in Texas,” Dewhurst said in the recording of the call. “And I want you to do whatever is the proper thing.”
“This lady was not, I know in my heart, was not involved in the intentional walking out and stealing $57,” he continued. “She’s been my step niece-in-law for like 30 years, and so I would like to know what I need to do to get her out of jail this evening.”
A Dewhurst spokesperson released a short statement defending the lieutenant governor’s inquiry.
“David acted as a concerned family member in an attempt to acquire information on how to post bail for his niece while reiterating multiple times in the full conversation that law enforcement follow their normal protocols and procedures,” Dewhurst spokesman Travis Consedine said in a written statement, as quoted by KXAS.
Listen to the audio recording of the call, courtesy of KXAS:
