Former Magnolia mayor seeks dismissal of civil lawsuits tied to assault case

Attorneys for former Matthew “Doc” Dantzer have filed motions to dismiss civil lawsuits stemming from an alleged assault involving the city’s secretary, arguing he is protected under qualified immunity.

The filings, submitted in federal court, seek to dismiss claims brought by City Secretary Gable and Human Resources Director Powell while also requesting a pause in the evidence-gathering process. If granted, the pause would halt depositions, document production, and other discovery activities.

Dantzer’s attorney argues that the lawsuits fail to demonstrate that he violated any clearly established constitutional or statutory rights — a key threshold required to overcome qualified immunity protections for government officials.

“(Gable) fails to plead sufficient facts to show a claim for relief,” the motion states, particularly regarding allegations tied to First Amendment protections.

The civil cases stem from an incident alleged to have occurred in October during a Texas Municipal League conference in Fort Worth. According to Gable’s lawsuit, Dantzer made inappropriate comments before allegedly grabbing her by the neck and choking her near a hotel entrance. Dantzer has denied the allegations.

Gable further alleges retaliation after reporting the incident, including increased workplace scrutiny and denial of a request to work remotely.

In a separate lawsuit, Powell claims she faced “harassing and retaliatory behavior” while investigating Gable’s complaint and ultimately resigned under what she describes as intolerable working conditions — a claim known as constructive discharge.

Dantzer’s legal team disputes those claims, arguing Powell has not shown he was personally responsible for actions affecting her employment.

A third lawsuit, filed by former City Administrator Christopher Whittaker, alleges retaliation after he reported the incident to outside agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the Texas Workforce Commission. Whittaker claims he was suspended and later terminated shortly after seeking whistleblower protections.

Dantzer’s attorneys have not yet responded to Whittaker’s lawsuit.

The civil cases are unfolding alongside a criminal case. Dantzer was arrested April 12 following an investigation by the Texas Rangers and is charged with assaulting a pregnant person and official oppression. He was released on bond and has denied the allegations.

Dantzer’s term as mayor ended earlier this month after he chose not to seek reelection.

The court has not yet ruled on the motions to dismiss or the request to pause proceedings.