FBI raids Taylor City Hall, mayor's home in corruption probe

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FBI raids were conducted at Taylor City Hall and the mayor's home Tuesday as part of a corruption probe.

Mayor Rick Sollars made a brief statement outside his home this afternoon, saying he was cooperating with the investigation,

"I will continue to work hard on behalf of the residents of the city of Taylor to make sure the people's work gets done," he said. "I ask that you please respect my family's privacy and the integrity of this investigation."

Sollars said he "did not see this coming" and touted his track record which speaks for itself.

"I think the residents that support me, understand what I am capable of and where my heart is," Sollars said, adding that he does not have an attorney. 

FOX 2 has learned that earlier this year a civil lawsuit was filed against Sollars and a member of the city council Herman "Butch" Ramik and the city. It has not been confirmed by the FBI that this lawsuit is connected to the raid, but the suit was filed by a member of the city's police force who did salvage inspections for the city.

Related: Auto inspection fee probe causes 2 Taylor cops placed on leave

The officer alleges that the mayor and the city council member retaliated against him when he gave a bad review of a towing company J and M Towing that Sollars and Ramik wanted to award the city's towing contract to. 

State officials launched an investigation of the officer but no charges were filed. The officer's lawsuit alledges that the mayor and city council member received kickbacks from the towing company and the officer is seeking $2.5 million in damages. It is unclear if the lawsuit is connected to the raid but Sollars' neighbors praised the work the mayor has done for the city.

"I am going to continue to work with (investigators), I am going to do what I can do," Sollars said. "But at this time I just can't comment, I don't want to jeopardize the investigation."