Bexar County DA, Republican opponent are united against Second Amendment ruling on felony indictments
Current Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and his Republican opponent Marc LaHood are speaking out against the court decision that will allow people under felony indictment to purchase guns.
City Council to take up resolution supporting abortion access
The proposed resolution would make a policy recommendation to not use city funds -- outside of what is “clearly required” by state and federal law -- to catalog, collect, or share with other government agencies information on instances of abortion strictly to pursue criminal investigations.
‘It’s a devastating blow’: Bexar County District Attorney vows to fight for rights as Roe v. Wade is overturned
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales along with local reproductive rights groups will hold a press conference Friday to discuss the recently released Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.
San Antonio man sentenced to 40 years in prison for brutal attack of former girlfriend with metal baseball bat, DA’s office says
A San Antonio man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Tuesday for the brutal attack of his former girlfriend with a metal baseball bat in 2019, according to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
Families of crime victims gather for support, to learn more about their rights
A rally at the Bexar County Courthouse Saturday morning was for National Crime Victims Rights Week. Families who have lost loved ones gathered for support, and to hear from law enforcement about what rights and services they're entitled to.
Man who skipped murder trial last year arrested in Mexico, extradited to Bexar County, DA’s office says
Investigators with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force have located and extradited a man charged with murder to Bexar County, according to the DA’s office.
BCSO deputy cleared of manslaughter charge speaks out after ‘stressful’ week under indictment
In his first public comments since being cleared of criminal wrongdoing in the shooting death of a man in Elmendorf in 2020, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandin Moran said Thursday his brief indictment for manslaughter had a significant emotional impact on him and his family.
‘Victimized all over again’: Family reacts to DA dismissing manslaughter charge against BCSO deputy
The family of a man fatally shot by a Bexar County sheriff’s deputy said Monday they were disappointed to learn District Attorney Joe Gonzales dismissed a manslaughter charge against the deputy, just four days after he was indicted by a grand jury.
‘It’s really a mess’: Bexar County DA hampered by SAPD, BCSO mishandling of evidence and communication issues
Public court proceedings, conversations with sources and case records reveal ongoing communication lapses and mishandling of evidence between the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the area’s two largest law enforcement agencies: the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Judge denies motion to remove DA from Barrientes Vela public corruption case
A visiting judge has denied a motion to have the Bexar County district attorney disqualified from the public corruption case of Michelle Barrientes Vela, setting the state for the indicted ex-constable to finally go to trial nearly two years after she and a member of her administration were indicted.
DA argues to stay on Barrientes Vela case, calls basis of motion to remove him ‘pure fiction’
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales this week pushed back on an attempt to remove his office from prosecuting indicted ex-constable Michelle Barrientes Vela, claiming the defense’s motion to have him disqualified failed to provide evidence of any conflict of interest.
Attorneys for Barrientes Vela file motion to have DA Gonzales kicked off of case
The upcoming public corruption trial of indicted ex-Bexar County constable Michelle Barrientes Vela took another turn this week as her attorneys filed a formal motion to have District Attorney Joe Gonzales removed from the case.
Bexar County commissioner worried about ‘public relations fallout’ in boxer’s robbery case, records show
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert went all the way to the top of county law enforcement in an attempt to discuss the case of a world champion boxer charged with robbery hours before that suspect turned himself in to authorities in San Antonio late last month, records obtained by the KSAT 12 Defenders reveal.
Attorneys for man accused in Trinity cheerleader’s death move to bar retrial, citing double jeaopardy and misconduct
Attorneys for a man accused of a Trinity University student’s death have moved to bar his retrial, citing prosecutor misconduct and double jeopardy after his 2019 trial ended in a hung jury.
LaHood, former DA political consultant spar during Barrientes Vela hearing
Former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood and the person who helped the current DA knock him out of office sparred Thursday during an evidentiary hearing in the case against indicted former constable Michelle Barrientes Vela.
Texas man convicted of killing officer, then attacks bailiff
A Texas man elbowed a bailiff who was attempting to handcuff him after the man was convicted of killing a San Antonio police detective. Prosecutors were seeking the death penalty against McKane, with the trial's punishment phase set to begin Tuesday afternoon. A bailiff was trying handcuff McKane when McKane elbowed him in the face before several officers pushed him into an adjacent room.
news.yahoo.comSan Antonio officials condemn racist tagging incident at Noodle Tree, vow to prosecute offenders
Courtesy photo / Mike NguyenUTSA-area business Noodle Tree was vandalized last weekend. That someone would take such offense and use racist language to protest is not going to be tolerated," Gonzales said in a news release. "Last week, vandals spray-painted racist graffiti on Noodle Tree’s front windows. The police chief said his department is working diligently to find whoever was responsible.Anwar Tahir, the president of the Asian American Alliance of San Antonio, noted that Asian Americans have families and contribute to the strength of the local economy. "We don't have to prove it every time, we are American too," Tahir said, according to the TV station.
sacurrent.comCity and county now requiring San Antonio-area businesses to post their mask policies
Unsplash / Marcus UrbenzSan Antonio-area businesses are now required to post their mask policies so customers can see them before they enter. A new San Antonio and Bexar rule will require all businesses to clearly post their pandemic mask policies so customers can decide whether they feel safe entering.The new order, announced at Tuesday night's COVID-19 briefing, is effective Wednesday, the day Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide mask order ends. However, businesses can implement their own mask rules and other COVID safety protocols.During Tuesday's briefing, District Attorney Joe Gonzales said his office can bring criminal trespassing charges against customers who enter businesses without masks and refuse to leave or cover up. He urged owners to call the police if customers become belligerent over their policies.
sacurrent.comBexar County officials warn of potential scam
Jerry Lara /San Antonio Express-NewsThe Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office announced they have been made aware of scam artists targeting Bexar County residents, according to a tweet from District Attorney Joe Gonzales. The post explains how the scam artists are claiming a warrant has been issued for an individual's arrest and they must send a payment immediately.
mysanantonio.comDA: Bexar Voters Can Apply for Mail-In Ballot to Avoid Coronavirus
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said he was elated by U.S. District Court Judge Fred Bierys ruling Tuesday that all voters in Texas qualify for a mail-in ballot during the coronavirus pandemic. He and Segovia also touched on the new local orders issued by Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Wolff on Tuesday. The City and County orders remove the language that requires people to wear masks in public places where social distancing is difficult, and instead strongly encourages residents to do so. They also state that violating any portion of the local orders (except for the recommendation to wear face coverings) can result in a fine of up to $1,000. There are elements to local orders that simply cant be covered at the state level, and we want to continue those, Nirenberg said.
therivardreport.comLawsuit accuses Bexar County DA of not paying breath test vendor for months of work
SAN ANTONIO A lawsuit filed in federal court in San Antonio earlier this year accuses Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and his office of not paying its former vendor for breath test services, even though the company continued to do work for the county after its contract was not renewed. Despite the termination of the Contract, Bexar County has continued to request services from Alamo Forensic just as it did during the period of the Contract. These include requests for records, requests for expert testimony, requests for training services, and requests for certification and maintenance of equipment. Larry Roberson, Civil Division Chief of the Bexar County District Attorneys Office, released the following statement this week:The suit was filed against Bexar County and the District Attorney in his official capacity. It is the policy of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorneys Office to make no further comment on pending litigation.
County Plans Interest-Free Loans for Small Businesses; Court, Jail Procedures Adjusted
With precautions against the spread of coronavirus having a significant impact on business activity, Bexar County has committed to bringing relief to small businesses. County officials said Wednesday they are working with microlender LiftFund to deploy $5 million in interest-free loans for small businesses. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff declared a state of emergency earlier in March, and the extension allows him more time to use emergency powers as county judge. Civil courts have limited their dockets, said 225th District Court Judge Peter Sakai. Attorneys are also able to use teleconferences to meet with their incarcerated clients in criminal cases, 379th Criminal District Court Judge Ron Rangel said.
therivardreport.comJudge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez in Quarantine After Possible Exposure to Cornavirus
Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez of the Bexar County Court at Law 13 announced on March 13 that she had gone into a 14-day self-quarantine after exposure to a defendant who admitted he had spent time with a friend who was exposed to the coronavirus in Italy. Gonzalez told KSAT that she requested the county deep clean her office and courtroom. Earlier in the day, Judge Ron Rangel of the 379th District Court, issued a letter saying that jury trials have been suspended until April 17. Anyone who receives a jury summons during this time should ignore it the Judge said in the letter. In the interim, we will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and notify the public of any updates, Judge Rangel added.
outinsa.comFormer Precinct 2 Constable Still in Sheriffs Race Following Indictment
Amid felony charges, former Precinct 2 constable Michelle Barrientes Vela will continue her campaign for sheriff. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said that his office reviewed evidence from an investigation by the Texas Rangers with the assistance of the FBI and presented the case to a grand jury. The indictment states that Vela and Garcia created a hostile work environment for Moreno and another former employee, Christopher De La Cerda. Also included in the indictment are charges that Vela altered, destroyed, or concealed Rodriguez Park receipt logs. Sharon Rodriguez reported raising $3,839, while Jose Trevino reported raising $13,395.
therivardreport.comGenene Jones Expected to Make Plea Deal in Deaths of 5 Babies at San Antonio Hospital
She's currently being held at the Bexar County jail.Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales told MySanAntonio.com he would have no comment until a plea deal is reached Thursday. From local politics and culture to national news that hits close to home, San Antonio Current has been keeping San Antonio informed for years. Its never been more important to support local news sources. If quality journalism is important to you, please consider a donation to San Antonio Current. Every reader contribution is valuable and so appreciated, and goes directly to support our coverage of critical issues and neighborhood culture.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio battles domestic violence
San Antonio is working to eliminate domestic violence with the right strategies. The San Antonio Area Foundation is helping to bring the program to San Antonio with a $600,000 investment for a three year program. The funding for this program, called Triple P, is provided by the Santikos Charitable Foundation, a benefactor of the San Antonio Area Foundation. According to a June 1, 2019, article on mySA.com, a steady uptick in family violence incidents and homicides have been reported to the San Antonio Police Department in recent years. San Antonio, we have a lot of work to do, said District Attorney Joe Gonzales on mySA.
pacpulse.comBexar Countys Needle Exchange Program Is Finally Funded. Lawmakers Should Make Sure It Stays That Way.
click to enlarge Wikimedia Commons / Joe MabelAfter 12 years in limbo, Bexar County finally has a funded needle exchange program.The Texas Legislature in 2007 cleared the county to become the states first to pilot a program giving drug users clean needles to battle the spread of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C and HIV.However, a lack of support from district attorneys prevented the idea from gaining traction. Susan Reed, who served as DA until 2014, shut down the measure by threatening to prosecute anyone distributing drug paraphernalia. Her successor, Nico LaHood said he supported the idea but never delivered on concrete action.Enter Joe Gonzales, who was elected DA in 2018 and has taken a more enlightened approach than Reed on drug issues. That would have ensured the ongoing health of Bexars program and allowed other Texas counties to follow its lead.Unfortunately, Minjarezs bill never made it to the finish line.Given the enormity of the opioid epidemic and its health challenges, Bexars program should be given the chance to succeed even if political winds change. State lawmakers must work in the next session to ensure no future DA can stand in the way of progress.
sacurrent.comBexar County announces partnership promoting gun violence prevention
SAN ANTONIO - Bexar County on Monday is announcing a new partnership that will promote gun violence prevention programs in the community. The partners in the program will discuss the merits of the initiative, community outreach, funding and goals for the community with regard to gun safety, accidental/intentional shootings, and domestic violence, a press release said. Here's a list of those scheduled to be in attendance:Bexar County Judge Nelson WolfBexar County Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez, Precinct 1Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, Precinct 2Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, Precinct 4Bexar County Sheriff Javier SalazarBexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe GonzalesJudge Peter Sakai, 225th District Court JudgeGeorge Hernandez, University Health SystemVIA Metropolitan Transit AuthorityRepresentatives from San Antonio Moms Demand ActionRepresentatives from BeSmart for KidsCopyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Commissioners Court approves funds to purchase cannabis testing equipment for Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO - The Bexar County Commissioners Court gave the green light to purchase equipment for the Bexar County Crime Lab, the latest step in a complicated process involving marijuana cases. The new testing equipment is something the Bexar County Crime Lab could not afford until this week. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales got approval from the Commissioners Court to purchase THC testing equipment for the Bexar County Crime Lab, something it has never had. With low-level marijuana cases growing more complicated, the DA's office said it would not prosecute possession of marijuana cases under one ounce. This weeks approval by Commissioners Court to purchase equipment for the Bexar County Crime Lab will eventually enable the lab to test for THC concentration.
Man shot 8 times, killed on camera; DA drops charges
As the woman hit the ground and the vehicle rolled away, Ross approached Freidberg and repeatedly fired a handgun at him. "It was truly under the law justified," said Ross' attorney Bernard Campion during a phone call last month. VIDEO: Surveillance video shows shooting death of Bryan Freidberg | Viewer discretion advised8 gunshot woundsAn autopsy of Freidberg shows that he had eight gunshot wounds, a majority of them to his mid-section. Five aggressive actsRummel said the video shows the last of five aggressive acts by Freidberg in the two and a half hours before his death. Attorneys could argue that either of these sections of the penal code apply to the Freidberg shooting.
BCSO placed teen inmate in solitary confinement against recommendations of medical staff
Elizabeth Allen, a spokeswoman for University Health System, said the teenage inmate was placed in solitary confinement against the recommendations of UHS staff. Two days after the suicide attempt, when asked why the 19-year-old wasn't on suicide watch, Garcia said the agency was following recommendations from University Health System staff. "In each instance where this inmate displayed suicidal ideations, jail staff involved University Health Systems staff and adhered to the recommendations of their doctors." The Sheriff's Office said it was unable to go into detail about the inmate's "specific medical history." The Sheriff's Office is working on a response to the statement from University Health System but has so far not made the sheriff available for an interview.
Inmate, 19, said she'd kill herself 'first chance she got.' But wasn't on suicide watch. Why?
Instead, they had the 19-year-old inmate in solitary confinement, citing a history of disruptive behavior during her stay at the jail. "This inmate was provided mental health and medical treatment during her incarceration," said Johnny Garcia, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. "In each instance where this inmate displayed suicidal ideations, jail staff involved University Health Systems staff and adhered to the recommendations of their doctors." The 19-year-old inmate did not qualify for the personal recognizance program due to the fact that her charges were for family violence and because she had threatened to kill herself. According to the responding deputys narrative, the 19-year-old became upset after her relative told her she needed to find a new place to stay.
Bexar County DA standing by decision not to prosecute suspected marijuana cases under 4 oz
SAN ANTONIO - The Bexar County district attorney is standing by his decision not to prosecute cases of suspected marijuana possession under 4 ounces despite Gov. The reason behind Gonzales' decision remains the same. There's no established way to tell the difference between illegal marijuana and legal hemp. The governors office sent a letter to several district attorneys throughout the state who are no longer prosecuting misdemeanor marijuana cases. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales is standing his ground to not prosecute any misdemeanor marijuana cases and to the governors letter: "The Governor's letter has no effect on our decision not to prosecute misdemeanor marijuana cases."
Bexar County Grand Jury Votes Not to Indict SAPD Officer Who Fatally Shot Charles Roundtree Jr.
Instagram / atty_daryl_washingtonFamily members regularly protest in front of the Bexar County Courthouse, demanding justice for Charles "Chop" Roundtree Jr.A Bexar County grand jury has declined to indict a San Antonio police officer who fatally shot a teen bystander last fall.The decision comes nine months after Officer Steve Casanova responded to an assault call at a home on the city's West Side. "Although the decision of the grand jury may not be the decision that was hoped for by the family of Charles Roundtree Jr., we respect the grand jury's decision and extend our sympathy to the Roundtree family," District Attorney Joe Gonzales said The decision ultimately means that no one is considered criminally responsible for Roundtree's death. Body cam footage obtained by KENS 5 shows Casanova firing his weapon. Investigators later found a gun outside of the home and said it was linked to Snowden. His DNA was not found on the weapon , but he was indicted for illegally possessing the gun.
sacurrent.comSheriff: Deputies will continue arresting, citing for cannabis cases despite DA's announcement
Right now, we don't have a way to test for the amount of THC in marijuana, Gonzales said. Salazar said, however, his deputies will continue to arrest or cite and release people when marijuana possession is suspected. This may be a convicted felon that is on parole and they're in possession of a minor amount of marijuana. So even though that case may not be prosecuted by the DAs office, it certainly can be a value to the parole board that may revoke that person's parole, Salazar said. That person could be in possession of a weapon that may have been used in a murder case, Salazar said.