10 controversies surrounding embattled Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela

As officials remove the constable, a look back at her biggest scandals

SAN ANTONIO – As Bexar County officials move forward on replacing embattled Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela, we’re taking a look back at her biggest controversies since being elected in 2016.

The constable is being replaced because she triggered a state law that forces elected officials to resign from their current office upon announcing a campaign for another office if they have more than 13 months left in their current term.

Barrientes Vela said on Monday that she would seek election as Bexar County sheriff in an exclusive interview with KSAT 12. The interview happened as the FBI and Texas Rangers raided her county office and seized a county vehicle from her home on Monday.

READ MORE: Bexar County officials announce plan to replace Precinct 2 Constable Barrientes Vela

Federal authorities haven't yet said why they conducted the raid, but a look back at her time in office provides some clues.

From lawsuits over alleged sex discrimination stemming from an incident in a hot tub to her a proposed cavity search and warrantless blood draw on a teen, KSAT's Defenders have published about three dozen stories detailing incidents and subsequent fallout.

Here are some of the biggest scandals:

KSAT COVERAGE OF PCT. 2:

Barrientes Vela accused of sex discrimination in latest lawsuit filed by deputy constable

Barrientes Vela, top Pct. 2 officials charged county for training, then skipped it

Delayed booking of deputy constable at center of federal lawsuit

Breakdown Booth: Dillon Collier breaks down coverage on embattled Bexar County constable

Records: Pct. 2 deputies proposed cavity search on teen, ordered warrantless blood draw

Embattled Precinct 2 constable to seek reelection

Lawsuit accuses Precinct 2 constable of trying to caress deputy in hot tub during work trip

WATCH: Precinct 2 deputies delayed booking of constable's political opponent

Deputy constables fired in training record fiasco win back jobs as blame shifts to constable

WATCH A VIDEO TIMELINE OF SOME OF THE INCIDENTS:


About the Authors:

Emmy-award winning reporter Dillon Collier joined KSAT Investigates in September 2016. Dillon's investigative stories air weeknights on the Nightbeat and on the Six O'Clock News. Dillon is a two-time Houston Press Club Journalist of the Year and a Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year.

Kolten Parker is digital executive producer at KSAT. He is an amateur triathlete, enjoys playing and watching soccer, traveling and hanging out with his wife.