Chamber president refutes allegations against executive director

Gonzales Chamber of Commerce Board President Wayne Baker said Monday, June 19, that a grievance committee has found allegations made against Chamber executive director Melissa Henderson of throwing a “rager” at the Chamber office were the result of “putting statements and events out of context.”

“The board was recently notified of allegations of employee misbehavior. Pursuant to the bylaws, I appointed a grievance committee to investigate the allegations,” Baker said. “After speaking with multiple witnesses, the committee concluded that the allegations as a whole were putting statements and events out of context.

“The committee has faith in our executive director and wish her the best in continuing her hard work at carrying out the Chamber’s and Tourism’s missions.”

A Facebook post Monday by Hector X. Porras claimed he was told that nearly two weeks prior “some of the executives and the so-called powers that be had a little get-together at the Chamber office. Well, it must have been a good party, due to several of the attendees being found passed out the next morning???”

“I understand that the young lady who arrived the following morning to the office walked in on several individuals passed out at the office? I also understand that she went to the PD and filed a report and that our so-called newspaper of record was also present at the time? Is this the case???” Porras asked in his post.

The Inquirer is the official newspaper of record for Gonzales County and the city of Gonzales. No member of the newspaper staff was present at any party held at the Chamber nor was anyone present for the filing of any complaint with local police.

Gonzales Police Lt. Jason Montoya told the Inquirer that no criminal charges had been filed and no criminal complaint had been filed. A witness came to speak to officers about an alleged illegal substance being used on the Chamber premises and was referred back to the Chamber board as they ultimately would have governance over the situation, Montoya said.