Career
City of SAs Newly Hired Jobs Program Executive Arrested for Prostitution-Related Activities, records reveal
Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
Title: San Antonio’s Job Training Program Director Faces Scrutiny Following Arrest Revelation
Subtitle: Controversy surfaces as the head of San Antonio’s job training initiative faces questions about his past and program’s effectiveness
San Antonio, Texas – Michael Ramsey, the executive director of San Antonio’s job training program, San Antonio Ready to Work, is under fire after it was recently revealed that he had been arrested on a prostitution-related charge in Florida earlier this year. The revelation has raised questions about the vetting and hiring process that led to Ramsey’s appointment.
In April 2021, just months before his selection as the head of the city’s $200 million job training program, Ramsey found himself in legal trouble. The charges against him were subsequently dropped, but a Tampa-area sheriff’s high-profile news release and press conference included Ramsey’s mugshot and booking information. Although the arrest and charge have seemingly been expunged from public records, they can still be found through a simple Google search.
City officials have remained tight-lipped about the vetting process that cleared Ramsey for the position. They have not addressed questions regarding whether they were aware of his arrest and charge at the time of his selection. The City of San Antonio maintains that Ramsey underwent the requisite pre-employment background procedures, which allegedly revealed no criminal history.
Ramsey defended himself, refuting any claims of a criminal record and insisting that he had fully disclosed all relevant information during the pre-employment process. He also brought attention to issues of bias within the justice system and the challenges faced by individuals of color in securing employment opportunities.
In addition to his legal troubles, court records have revealed that Ramsey filed for personal bankruptcy in 2008. While this incident has no direct bearing on his current role, critics argue that it raises concerns about his financial management skills.
Under Ramsey’s leadership, San Antonio Ready to Work has encountered obstacles in meeting its enrollment and job placement targets. Despite enrolling over 5,810 individuals since its launch in May 2022, the program has only managed to secure “quality” employment for 446 participants. Frustrations have mounted among city council members, some of whom have begun questioning the program’s efficacy and approach.
It is important to note that there are no known accusations of professional misconduct against Ramsey, and he adamantly defended his job performance. Nevertheless, the revelations regarding his arrest and the program’s struggles have initiated discussions about the effectiveness and transparency of San Antonio Ready to Work.
As the controversy surrounding Ramsey continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how city officials will address the concerns raised by both the public and members of the city council. The City of San Antonio must take appropriate steps to address the questions surrounding Ramsey’s selection process, while also working to ensure the success and effectiveness of its job training program.
