The Texas Rangers are investigating allegations that Magnolia Mayor Matthew Dantzer assaulted City Secretary Christian Gable outside a Fort Worth hotel in 2025. The inquiry follows an inconclusive city-ordered investigation and comes amid growing scrutiny, including a related lawsuit filed by a former HR director.
State officials say Magnolia Mayor Matthew Dantzer assaulted City Secretary Christian Gable outside a Fort Worth hotel late last year.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said Tuesday that the Rangers are investigating but did not disclose information. “The Texas Rangers are investigating. We cannot provide any information, as this is an ongoing investigation, press secretary Sheridan Nolen stated.
Gable, a city employee for almost four years and pregnant at the time of the incident, filed a complaint in November. City officials dismissed the case after an external inquiry was inconclusive, resulting in no Dantzer discipline.
Dantzer refuted the charges through his lawyers. Douglas W. Atkinson, a Conroe attorney, said Mr. Dantzer maintains his innocence and looks forward to defending himself in court.
The complaint states that Gable, Dantzer, and other municipal employees were staying at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel during the Texas Municipal League meeting Oct. 29–31. Gable claimed that Dantzer made indecent clothing comments while walking back to the hotel after dinner before trying to pull down her pants.
The complaint claims Dantzer seized Gable by the throat and pinned her against a pillar near the hotel's valet entrance. Gable said she pushed him out and entered the hotel. Later, she called it “a threatening act of dominance, sexual harassment and assault with sexual intent.”
Gable will not comment. Bryan Emery, her husband, has criticized the city's response at city council sessions. “He did this to my pregnant wife,” Emery added. “I only have to speak.”
Magnolia and online locals have questioned city leadership responsibility and openness after the revelations.
On March 17, former Human Resources Director Kristy Powell sued in federal court for retaliation and harassment for her handling of Gable's complaint. Powell says hostile working conditions compelled her departure, a constructive discharge.
Court documents show that municipal and Dantzer attorneys have not replied to the case.
The Texas Rangers are still investigating.
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