Attorney alleges Tony Gonzales coerced late aide into relationship

An attorney for the widower of Rep. Tony Gonzales’ former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, claims the congressman coerced her into a sexual relationship, while Gonzales denies these allegations and accuses the attorney of extortion. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September, and text messages reportedly show she felt pressured by Gonzales. Her attorney, Bobby Barrera, states the relationship was an “open, shielded secret” and links her mental health decline to Gonzales’ conduct. Gonzales has criticized the claims as politically motivated and continues to deny any wrongdoing.