Former ACTV Head Gets Seven Years

Photo By Pam Thompson

Former Austin Community Television Executive Director John Villarreal (r) was sentenced Monday to seven years in jail for embezzling $354,000 from the public access station, bringing a nearly two-year cycle of accusation and investigation to an abrupt end. Villarreal was suspended for nonperformance of duties on Dec. 21, 2004. Unbeknownst to ACTV's board, however, he had drafted a letter of resignation the day before, a cryptic, two-sentence note saying he was unable to perform his duties. His fast departure fueled speculation around the station that he pocketed operating funds from ACTV's bank account.

Following investigation by the city auditor's office and the district attorney, Villarreal was indicted in March of 2006 for aggregated theft over $200,000, a felony. (Meanwhile, ACTV was reborn under new management as Public Access Community Television, or PACT, in September of 2005.) At sentencing Monday, several details of Villarreal's embezzlement were established. The largest portion, $193,000, was taken as straight cash, while $47,000 went to the purchase and lease of used cars. Villarreal also bought season tickets for Longhorn football and paid off a student loan.

Villarreal's attorney, Janet Stockard, citing the nonviolent nature of the crime, asked for probation for her client, while assistant DA Patty Robertson wanted 10 years. Judge Mike Lynch hewed closer to Robertson's request, noting the public trust Villarreal's former job required. Villarreal will begin his sentence next month.