Austin Business Owner Sues Over False Criminal Allegations Tied to Sixth Street District

Gabriela Bucio, proprietor of numerous prominent enterprises in Austin's Sixth Street Entertainment District, has initiated defamation litigation against the Pecan Street Owners Association, its president, and a private investigator. The lawsuit is based on allegations in a June 2023 report that Bucio's enterprises were engaged in illegal activities, violence, and drugs.

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Marcus Stokke, a former supervisor with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, was employed by the Pecan Street Owners Association as a private investigator to investigate allegations of unlawful activities within the district. Stokke's undercover report described alleged instances of individuals bringing drugs and alcohol into bars, bars remaining open beyond the legal hours, and drug transactions taking place both on the street and within the establishments.

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Bucio's lawsuit alleges that the report inaccurately classified her businesses as criminal enterprises and explicitly accused her of engaging in illegal activities. She contends that these allegations have resulted in increased scrutiny from law enforcement and regulatory agencies, which has diverted extra resources to address the claims.

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Bucio maintains that the report has harmed her reputation and business operations by disseminating false information regarding her establishments and their involvement in unlawful activities.

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