Magnolia mayor arrested weeks following assault allegations, MCSO said

MAGNOLIA, Texas (KTRK) -- Magnolia Mayor Matthew "Doc" Dantzer has been arrested, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

The arrest comes weeks after Texas Rangers confirmed to ABC13 that there was an open investigation following allegations of assault against the city's secretary.

The story was brought to light when Bryan Emery spoke to Eyewitness News at the end of March on behalf of his fiancée, Christian Gable, the Magnolia City secretary.

Emery said Gable, who was pregnant at the time, told him the mayor was walking her back to the hotel.

"He's like, 'Well, that only means one thing, once they get past the belly, they come off easier,' and he reaches over there and tries to pull her pants down," Emery said.

On Tuesday, the sheriff's office confirmed Dantzer was in jail but did not provide additional information.

ABC13 spoke with Emery again following the arrest, and he said it's a sigh of relief for their family right now.

"I know at least for today and hopefully the next couple days until he can get bailed out or whatever happens with that, I know she's safe," Emery said.

Emery said Gable filed a formal complaint with the city, but it wasn't until the Texas Rangers investigation that they started to see action, starting with this arrest.

"How do you feel safe? They haven't done nothing to protect her at all, like I said, he can walk in at any time, and it doesn't matter," Emery said. "Since this has happened, she served as secretary while he's sitting up on the stand right there."

Dantzer's attorney sent the following statement:

We, on behalf of Matthew Dantzer, categorically deny the allegations. Mr. Dantzer maintains his innocence and looks forward to the opportunity to defend himself in the appropriate legal process. Mr. Dantzer remains dedicated to faithfully serving the citizens of the City of Magnolia. We respectfully ask for privacy and patience as this matter proceeds. No further comments will be made at this time out of respect for the ongoing investigation and all parties involved.