When Michelle Barrientes Vela announced she intends to run for sheriff in 2020, she triggered her eventual resignation as Bexar County Constable for Precinct 2. That's the finding of District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff asked for the DA’s legal opinion under Texas law if Vela’s public announcement constituted her resignation under the "resign to run" provision. Gonzales found that it did.
Wolff announced the district attorney's findings during a courthouse news conference.
Commissioners plan to name her successor during a meeting on Oct. 2. Applications will be accepted at the County Manager’s office until Sept. 30.
Vela said she will go to court and fight to stay in office.
Earlier this week, the Texas Rangers and FBI agents raided her Gilbeau Road office.
No charges have been filed and no arrests were made.
Brian Kirkpatrick can be reached at Brian@TPR.org and on Twitter at @TPRBrian.
