[Photo: YouTube]
A new investigation by Dolcefino Media has led to the filing of a formal complaint alleging waste, fraud, and abuse by a big hotel developer in Corpus Christi, Texas.
At the center of this part of our widening investigation are hotel developers Ajit David and Raju Bhagat.
The complaint details irregularities in the tax incentives David and his partner received for two of their hotels, including the failure to spend money as set out in their contract with the TIRZ in Corpus Christi. Records reviewed by Dolcefino Media also show evidence they materially devalued the cost of the work when seeking building permits from the city.
It was David’s efforts that led City Auditor George Holland, in August 2025, to call for an investigation of David’s competitors, developers of a proposed Homewood Suites hotel, alleging fraud related to tax incentives.
Holland says he brought in the FBI, Texas Rangers, and local law enforcement. But all agencies ultimately found no evidence of wrongdoing. The DPS says they have no records of such an investigation.
Despite those findings, the investigation has already cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Dolcefino Media reports the city is demanding $4,000 to release public records related to the case.
The investigation documented serious conflicts of interest involving Holland and prominent local attorney Doug Allison. Dolcefino Media also uncovered that Allison simultaneously represents hotel developer Ajit David and the city auditor.
“It seems like something that should have been disclosed from day one,” said developer Philip Ramirez, an architect involved in the Homewood Suites hotel project.
“How do we get our name back, because it’s lasting damage,” Ramirez said.
“The city council should tell the public how this blatant conflict of interest did not result in an immediate recusal of Holland and his office,” said Dolcefino Media President and longtime investigative journalist Wayne Dolcefino. “We expect the auditor and his office to recuse from our complaint and he shouldn’t touch any of these hotel developer complaints.”
Dolcefino also called on the auditor to release his legal bills from Allison, who helped Holland defend himself against allegations of sexual and workplace misconduct.
“Mr. Holland should show taxpayers how much he was charged and what he paid. If Mr. Allison did not charge him, or gave him a discount, it could be considered an improper gift to a public servant,” Dolcefino said.
Campaign finance records show that a company linked to Ajit David contributed $1,500 to City Council Member Gil Hernandez who was overseeing audit matters just as the investigation into Homewood Suites began. Companies linked to David and his partner have also contributed to two other city council campaigns.
The once-thriving downtown Corpus Christi area now shows signs of neglect, with empty buildings and stalled development projects, while the city faces a critical water shortage that officials warn could soon impact basic services.
The investigation further points to ongoing political turmoil within the city, including efforts to impeach Mayor Paulette Guajardo. Critics argue the impeachment effort is based on allegations tied to the same fraud claims that investigators have already dismissed.
“It is time for the councilmembers who want to impeach the mayor to detail for the public specific allegations of misconduct. Instead, they will not return our calls, and that tells me a lot,” Dolcefino said.
Dolcefino Media’s complaint comes as the city faces a growing water crisis. The Houston Chronicle has reported that the city will likely face emergency water restrictions as early as this fall.
A copy of our complaint is attached.
For further information or media inquiries, contact Wayne Dolcefino at 713-389-0810.
Watch the full report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNAPldSSEA
