SAN ANTONIO – Many in the Judson Independent School District will recall the arrest last August of Edward Hernandez, a volunteer coach and Judson Athletic Booster Club president accused of stealing $7,758 of its funds.
When he pleaded no contest last week to the felony theft charge, Hernandez said his attorney submitted a letter to the court from Dr. David Garrett Jr., his neurologist, in hopes his medical condition could lead to deferred adjudication.
While he awaits the outcome, Hernandez said he wanted to share the letters contents so the public can judge "the whole story," not just the mug shot that many saw aired last summer.
In his letter, Garrett described how he removed a large benign brain tumor last January that affected Hernandez's personality, behavior and memory for at least the past two years.
"He (Hernandez) should not be held responsible for any behavior that violates social norms because he had little to no control over his impulses due to the tumor," Garrett wrote.
Hernandez said he does not remember anything about the thefts or withdrawals from a local bank that deprived Judson ISD students of scholarships and awards, as well as team meals on road trips.
"I would never have done anything like that," said Hernandez. "It's just not me."
He said he also had no memory of recent milestones in his life such as the death of his mother and the graduation of his son who had been a Judson star athlete at the time of his father's arrest.
Hernandez said he was having frequent headaches that a doctor blamed on his high blood pressure and diabetes. He said then his left leg became paralyzed.
"They did a cat scan thinking I'd had a stroke and that's when they found the brain tumor," Hernandez said.
He said the tumor affected not only his two frontal lobes, but it was located on a main blood vessel.
"It was eating most of the blood and oxygen going to my brain," Hernandez said.
Garrett confirmed what Hernandez's condition.
Whatever he may have done when he had the tumor, "was not his fault," Garrett said.
Garrett said it caused a loss of inhibition, much like a 2-year-old lacking social graces and a sense of right and wrong.
"Physically, I had to have done it, but mentally, I couldn't tell you where, what, when," Hernandez said.
He said he didn't do it for personal gain.
"I don't know why I did it. I couldn't tell you," he said. "I don't know what happened to the money."
However, he said he has contacted his pension company, having once worked as a field engineer for a national company.
"I had them give me a lump sum, so I can pay the money back," Hernandez said.
Judson ISD spokeswoman Aubry Chancellor said it is inappropriate for her to comment to the effects of a brain tumor.
Although Hernandez is now getting the medical attention he needs, Chancellor said, "At the end of the day, thousands of dollars were stolen from Judson High School and that's a crime."
Chancellor also said she is glad Hernandez is taking responsibility and the money taken should be paid back.
Hernandez said his house was foreclosed upon and the ordeal has traumatized his family who are aware of his condition.
However, he said their relationship, like his body, will take time to heal.
His speech remains slurred and often in mid-sentence, he will go from laughter to tears.
"I cry so often and so much," he said, laughter helps give him balance.