Testimony: Michelle Barrientes Vela’s office got fees and fines from accused with no judge around
State District Judge Velia J. Meza admonishes Marc Duane Garcia after he was sworn in Wednesday as a prosecution witness in the sentencing phase of Michelle Barrientes Vela’s trial. Vela is a former Bexar County constable convicted of evidence tampering. Garcia was a captain in her office who was also charged.
A jury convicted Vela in September of two counts of tampering with evidence related to her office’s handling of cash. Vela will be sentenced by state District Judge Velia Meza, and Wednesday’s allegations, which had never been made public, came from prosecution witnesses in the sentencing phase of the trial.
“The meeting did not go very well,” he said, because when he tried to show her the statute in a copy of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, she took it away from him.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Pct. 2 deputy finishes combative testimony as Barrientes Vela sentencing reaches third dayA former Precinct 2 deputy accused an attorney for Michelle Barrientes Vela of asking leading questions during day three of sentencing for the convicted ex-constable.
Read more »
Retired longtime Bexar County judge dies from injuries suffered in 2011 crashA retired Bexar County judge died from injuries sustained in a 2011 crash caused by a drunken driver, according to a spokesperson.
Read more »
San Antonio Zoo offering $8 admission Tuesday for Bexar County residentsWoo woo! Zoo Boo is included in Locals Day. Discounted admission tickets can be purchased at the zoo’s front gate with proof of Bexar County residency.
Read more »
Civil rights group sues Bexar County over closing polling placesA progressive nonprofit group is suing Bexar County over its decision to close more than 40 polling places ahead of the November election.
Read more »
Voting rights advocates again sue Bexar County to add polling locationsThe move comes after activists and Democrats on the Commissioners Court begged Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen to maintain the number of locations to accommodate what they anticipate will be a high turnout election.
Read more »