84ยบ
    • News
    • Watch Live
    • Local News
    • Defenders
    • Crime
    • Courts
    • Vote 2022
    • Texas
    • Border
    • SAQ
    • Education
    • Consumer
    • Behind the Kitchen Door
    • Data
    • Health
    • National
    • World
    • Solutionaries
    • Trust Index
    • News App
    • Weather
    • Traffic
    • Pollen
    • Alerts
    • Doppler Radar
    • Traffic Cams
    • Rooftop Weather
    • Weather History
    • Climate
    • Kaiti's Science Lab
    • Thermometer Thursday
    • Weather 101
    • Hurricanes
    • KSAT Connect
    • Weather App
    • Daily Forecast
    • Sports
    • Big Game Coverage
    • BGC Streams
    • KSAT Pigskin Classic
    • Spurs
    • NFL
    • Instant Replay
    • College
    • Scholar Athletes
    • UTSA
    • Spurs Newsletter
    • Spurs Stats
    • BGC Newsletter
    • BGC App
    • Coronavirus
    • Find A Vaccine
    • Find A Test
    • Track Local Cases
    • Vaccine News
    • Map: Infection Rates
    • World Case Count
    • Coronavirus Newsletter
    • KSAT Plus
    • Watch Live
    • Newscasts
    • KSAT News Now
    • KSAT Explains
    • Breakdown
    • Texas Eats
    • 9 @ 9
    • Leading SA
    • Necessary Evil
    • South Texas Crime Stories
    • Downfall
    • In The Shadows
    • Mental Wellness
    • QVC
    • TV Listings
    • Meet the Team
    • Streaming App
    • SA Live
    • As Seen On SA Live
    • Happy Space
    • Texas Eats
    • Prize Wheel
    • Big Adventure
    • Meet The Cast
    • Things to Do
    • Entertainment
    • Things To Do
    • KSAT Kids
    • Outdoors
    • Trending
    • Travel
    • Something Good
    • Fiesta
    • Money
    • Food
    • Rodeo
    • Selena
    • Weird News
    • Birthdays
    • Events Calendar
    • Features
    • KSAT Insider
    • KSAT Deals
    • KSAT Community
    • Podcasts
    • Black History
    • San Antonio Business Journal
    • Live from the Southside
    • Military City USA
    • Great Grads
    • Jobs
    • Contests & Rules
    • MeTV
    • KSAT Experts
    • Educator of the Month
    • Newsletters
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Coronavirus
  • KSAT Plus
  • SA Live
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Newsletters
KSAT.com
  • News
  • Weather
  • Sports
  • Coronavirus
  • KSAT Plus
  • SA Live
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Newsletters
Ad

JOE GONZALES


Woman convicted in murder-for-hire scheme sentenced to 20 years in prison

A jury on Friday sentenced a woman convicted of hiring an undercover officer to kill her boyfriendโ€™s sister to 20 years in prison.

Hundreds gather for San Antonio rally defending abortion rights

The District Attorney was in attendance as well.

mysanantonio.com

Bexar County DA Joe Gonzales reassures San Antonio residents he won't prosecute abortion cases

The Democrat made the assurance on Facebook and during an appearance at a protest on Tuesday.

sacurrent.com

Bexar County DA says he wonโ€™t prosecute personal health care decisions

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales weighed in after the leak of the United States Supreme Courtโ€™s draft ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade and assured the public he would continue to fight for womenโ€™s reproductive rights.

San Antonio man sentenced to 40 years in prison for brutal attack of former girlfriend with metal baseball bat, DAโ€™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 Attorneyโ€™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.

Woman sentenced to 18 years in prison for boyfriendโ€™s murder, Bexar County DAโ€™s Office says

A 26-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to a murder charge in 2020 for her boyfriendโ€™s death was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Monday.

Victim assaulted by co-worker says Bexar DA ignored his requests to prosecute attacker

A San Antonio man assaulted by a co-worker at the Dominguez State Jail in 2020 said the Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s decision to dismiss the charge against his attacker went against his wishes as a victim.

Man who skipped murder trial last year arrested in Mexico, extradited to Bexar County, DAโ€™s office says

Investigators with the Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™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 DAโ€™s office.

Ad

BCSO deputy cleared of manslaughter charge speaks out after โ€˜stressfulโ€™ 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 Sheriffโ€™s Office Deputy Brandin Moran said Thursday his brief indictment for manslaughter had a significant emotional impact on him and his family.

โ€˜Victimized all over againโ€™: Family reacts to DA dismissing manslaughter charge against BCSO deputy

The family of a man fatally shot by a Bexar County sheriffโ€™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.

Four days after indictment, prosecutors dismiss manslaughter charge against BCSO deputy

A Bexar County sheriffโ€™s deputy who killed an Elemendorf man in 2020 is no longer facing criminal charges four days after he was indicted by a grand jury.

Takeaways from the 2022 midterm primary election in Texas

Abbott, Oโ€™Rourke victorious; Bexar Co. Judge Dems Sakai, Minjarez head to runoff; Cisneros, Cuellar too close to call

Early vote: Sakai, Minjarez head to runoff for Bexar County judge

Former county district Judge Peter Sakai and state Rep. Ina Minjarez appeared set for a runoff election based on early voting results Tuesday.

sanantonioreport.org

Marc LaHood wins GOP nomination for Bexar County DA, will face incumbent Joe Gonzales in November

Find the latest, updated election results for the 2022 primary election in Texas on March 1, 2022.

Nueces County DA vows to not prosecute families for gender-affirming youth medical care

Nueces County DA Mark Gonzalez publicly condemned Texas Governor Greg Abbott's directive to investigate trans youth care as child abuse Wednesday.

caller.com

Bexar County DA wonโ€™t prosecute youth transgender care as child abuse

"Politicians should stop inserting themselves into medical care decisions that are best left to doctors and patients," DA Joe Gonzales said.

sanantonioreport.org

Defying Gov. Abbott, Bexar County DA wonโ€™t prosecute families for transgender health care

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales joined four other Texas district attorneys in defying recent directives issued by Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton on transgender health care.

Ad

Domestic violence investigators added to Bexar County Family Justice Center

Bexar County is continuing its fight against domestic violence with the addition of more investigators to the Family Justice Center.

San Antonio woman stole over $600,000 from New Creation Christian Fellowship church

She spent the funds on shopping sprees and a trip to Hawaii.

mysanantonio.com

March primary will decide who faces incumbent Joe Gonzales in Bexar County District Attorney race

Get more election news on KSATโ€™s Vote 2022 page.

Extended interview: Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales on the use of confidential informants

KSAT 12 Defenders investigative special airs Feb. 1 at 9 p.m.

Gala G Saenz

Gala G Saenz passed away on Friday, January 28 in San Marcos at the age of 86. Gala was born on June 6, 1935 in Fentress to John and Juanita Gonzalez.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] Obituary San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

sanmarcosrecord.com

Campaign finance reports show fundraising edge for Peter Sakai, Joe Gonzales in countywide races

Candidates running for county judge and district attorney have raised thousands of dollars ahead of their races.

โ€˜Itโ€™s really a messโ€™: 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 Attorneyโ€™s Office and the areaโ€™s two largest law enforcement agencies: the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriffโ€™s Office.

Marc LaHood enters race for Bexar County district attorney

The criminal defense attorney is following in his brother's footsteps.

mysanantonio.com

Bexar County officials announce plan to address rising cases of family violence

Bexar County officials on Wednesday will announce comprehensive initiatives to address the rising caseload of family violence cases in criminal and civil courts.

Ad

DA: Grand jury will hear case of man killed by deputy by end of month

Damien Daniels, an Army veteran, was fatally shot last year by a Bexar County Sheriff's deputy during a mental health call.

sanantonioreport.org

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 โ€˜pure fictionโ€™

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 defenseโ€™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.

San Antonio man pleads guilty, sentenced to 6 years for possession of child pornography, DA says

A San Antonio man was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography charges Monday, according to the Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office.

โ€˜Letโ€™s kill himโ€™: Man convicted for threatening Bexar County DA

A man accused of threatening Bexar Country District Attorney Joe Gonzales was recently convicted, records showed.

Bexar County commissioner worried about โ€˜public relations falloutโ€™ in boxerโ€™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.

Texas Supreme Court blocks local mask mandate once more

After an appellate court upheld San Antonio and Bexar County's temporary ability to require masks, the Texas Supreme Court blocked it.

sanantonioreport.org

Texas Supreme Court lets Gov. Abbott enforce ban on mask mandates in San Antonio

Gov. Abbott secured a legal win against Bexar County as the tug-of-war over mask mandates...

mysanantonio.com
Ad

Texas Supreme Court temporarily strikes down Bexar Countyโ€™s mask mandate

Bexar Countyโ€™s mask mandate in public schools was temporarily struck down by the Texas Supreme Court on Thursday, giving a victory to Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Jury sentences Otis McKane to the death penalty for the shooting death of SAPD Det. Benjamin Marconi

A jury has sentenced a man convicted of killing a San Antonio Police detective to the death penalty.

Attorneys for man accused in Trinity cheerleaderโ€™s death move to bar retrial, citing double jeaopardy and misconduct

Attorneys for a man accused of a Trinity University studentโ€™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.com

Three people wrongly convicted after informant planted drugs, Bexar County DA says

The Bexar County Conviction Integrity Unit helped three people clear their names after an informantโ€™s planted drugs led to their convictions, the district attorneyโ€™s office announced Wednesday.

More judges take on domestic violence cases to help with backlog

With a backlog of more than 5,000 domestic violence cases in the Bexar County court system, more judges have agreed to take them on.

sanantonioreport.org

Bexar County DA reopens fatal SAPD shooting investigation after body camera footage surfaces

The Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office has reopened its investigation of a 2019 San Antonio police shooting after body-camera footage of the fatal encounter surfaced this week.

Judge in Barrientes Vela case to weigh evidence on whether comments from DAโ€™s former consultant tainted upcoming trial

The high profile public corruption case against ex-constable Michelle Barrientes Vela added another level of intrigue on Thursday, after the judge agreed to hear testimony about whether comments made by the district attorneyโ€™s former campaign consultant unduly influenced the proceedings.

Ad

New data shows where, when San Antonio police issue citations instead of arrests for minor offenses

A new data dashboard provides the latest information on SAPD's Cite and Release program, showing how often low-level offenders are diverted from jail.

โ€˜Threatโ€™ against judge from DAโ€™s former consultant further complicates case against Barrientes Vela

The state district judge assigned to the upcoming public corruption trial of ex-constable Michelle Barrientes Vela said she views comments made over the weekend by the district attorneyโ€™s former campaign consultant as a political threat against her.

Man sentenced to 29 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder, robbery, Bexar County DAโ€™s office says

A 27-year-old San Antonio man was sentenced to 29 years in prison after pleading guilty to a 2011 murder and robbery, according to the Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office.

Open Court: Mother of baby James Chairez to appear for first time; get to know Judge Jefferson Moore; courthouse restrictions eased

Open Court newsletter gives you the best access to the biggest cases happening in San Antonio and beyond.

Bexar County district attorney writes letter to crime victims urging patience as jury trials resume

If youโ€™re a victim of crime in Bexar County and hoping that the defendant will be tried in court quickly, that will not be the case, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said Monday.

San Antonio councilman urges judge, D.A. to consider jail time for woman accused of killing cyclist Tito Bradshaw

โ€œIf the plea bargain does not include imprisonment, then that plea bargain will be perceived by San Antonians as insufficiently serious,โ€ the letter reads.

Fired San Antonio cop indicted on counts that he shared confidential info and made false statements

A Bexar County grand jury has indicted a fired San Antonio police officerย on two counts of misusing public information, a third-degree felony. Ronaldo Segovia is...

sacurrent.com

San Antonio man sentenced to 4 years in prison for soliciting a minor on social media

The Bexar County District Attorney announced on Wednesday that a man was sentenced to prison for soliciting a minor through social media.

In Bexar County, prosecution of marijuana possession cases is down 99.6% since 2018, district attorney says

A new midterm report gives the public an overview of the work being done by District Attorney Joe Gonzales and his office.

Ad

Bexar County DA investigator to resign after DWI arrest

An investigator with the Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office will resign days after San Antonio police arrested him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Exonerated a decade after his conviction, Bexar County man can now seek U.S. citizenship

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales on Wednesday announced that a man convicted in a 2010 family violence case is now exonerated.

San 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 Treeโ€™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.com

โ€˜San Antonio is not a home for bigots:โ€™ City, county leaders show support for Asian community after ramen shop vandalism

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ Community leaders stood united Thursday in a press conference outside the Bexar County Courthouse to condemn racist graffiti found on the windows of a Northwest Side ramen shop. On Sunday, Noodle Tree owner Mike Nguyen went to the ramen shop to find racist graffiti that read, โ€œno masks,โ€ โ€œramen noodle flu,โ€ and other derogatory remarks. Adโ€œItโ€™s important that the people of San Antonio know that this is not who we are,โ€ Gonzales said. Others who spoke up for the Asian community in San Antonio included San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Police Chief William McManus, and Councilman Manny Pelaez. The support was appreciated by members of the Asian community, like Christina Lew, the president of the San Antonio chapter for the Chinese American Citizens Alliance.

City 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.com

Texas mask mandate is ending, but businesses in San Antonio can still require them

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ The statewide mask mandate may be ending Wednesday, but that doesnโ€™t mean youโ€™ll be able to ditch them completely. Businesses will still have the right to require employees and customers to wear masks on their premises. Refusing to comply with those policies could leave a customer facing a criminal trespassing charge - a misdemeanor offense punishable with jail time and a fine. Gonzales believes most people will comply with individual businessesโ€™ requirements. AdThe San Antonio Police Department told KSAT in an emailed statement it will respond if someone refuses to leave a business.

Family violence charge dismissed against suspect mistaken for Black jogger

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ The felony family violence suspect San Antonio police were actually looking for in August when they detained a Black man jogging nearby will not go to trial in that case, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales confirmed this week. โ€œThe complainant in the family violence case wanted this charge dropped and notified the Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office she would not testify in the case unless she was subpoenaed. While the family violence charge itself was dismissed after consulting with the complainant, it was taken into consideration on the robbery charge and conditions appropriate for family violence were ordered,โ€ Gonzales said in the written statement. SAPD officials later confirmed they were actually looking for Smith Jr., who was arrested days later on an unrelated warrant in the robbery case. Eventually, the victim was brought to the scene to view Mr. Ometu and told the officers he was not the suspect.

Water pipe bust floods Bexar County DAโ€™s office, damages files

The Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. The Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. (Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office)The Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. (Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office)The Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. (Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office)The Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center.

Court backlog creates challenges for Bexar County district attorney

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ The number of court cases awaiting trial continues to grow at an alarming rate, and Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales is wrestling with ways to resolve the cases. It has been almost a year since a moratorium on jury service was ordered due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. RELATED: Sheriff making changes at the Bexar County jail to address court case backlogAbsent jury trials, Gonzales has pre-trial diversions and plea bargains among his options for resolving cases. Adโ€œIt takes all parties,โ€ Gonzales said. โ€œIt takes the willingness of defense attorneys, the willingness of the accused and the willingness of courts to work with us.โ€Another issue Gonzales said he must deal with is contacting victims.

Ad

Bexar County residents are being targeted in Paypal scam, District Attorney says

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales on Wednesday announced that area residents are being targeted in a Paypal scam. Scammers are calling Bexar County residents claiming that a warrant has been issued for their arrest and that they must immediately send payment via Paypal, Gonzales said. It has come to the attention of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office that scam artists are calling Bexar County residents claiming that a warrant has been issued for their arrest and they must immediately send payment via Paypal. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/3CphAq0upm โ€” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales (@BexarCountyDA) February 3, 2021According to Gonzales, even though the callers can sound convincing, the calls are fake. Related: Beware of Bexar County jury duty scam making the rounds again

Bexar 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.com

Bexar County district attorney names veteran prosecutor to head new civil rights division

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales on Tuesday announced that veteran prosecutor Daryl Harris will lead a newly established civil rights division within the DAโ€™s office. The division was founded following the civil unrest in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minnesota police custody. Harris, 61, a first chair prosecutor who has been with the DAโ€™s office since 2002, has prosecuted dozens of high-profile cases. The division will focus exclusively on officer-involved shootings, custodial deaths and allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement. Though law enforcement will continue to conduct investigations into officer-involved shootings and file reports with the DAโ€™s office, a prosecutor and an investigator with the Civil Rights Division will also respond to the crime scene.

Bexar County District Attorneyโ€™s Office establishes additional information dashboards on its website

SAN ANTONIO โ€“ Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales announced Friday that his office has added two new dashboards to its website. The DAโ€™s office website now includes information on cases in the Central Trial Division that involve serious felonies and magistrate cases. โ€œWhat Iโ€™ve done is created these dashboards in an effort to be more transparent to the public,โ€ Gonzales said. โ€œThis is, for lack of a better way to put it, our progress report.โ€Gonzales is midway through his first term as District Attorney. Late last year, Gonzales created the first dashboards dealing with family violence cases and the cite-and-release program involving low-level drug offenses.

DA: 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.com

Lawsuit 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.com

Judge 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.com

Former 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.com
Ad

Genene 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.com

San 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.com

Bexar 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.com

Bexar 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.com

Sheriff: 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.

Dead infant found in suitcase in July 2018 identified

SAN ANTONIO - A dead infant found in a suitcase in a West Side home a little over a year ago was identified Friday. The baby was tentatively identified as 3-month-old Devin Stripling, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said. The infant's body was found July 3, 2018, at a home in the 7900 block of Bronco Lane, where authorities were searching for cocaine. Deputies discovered the body of a "beyond decomposed" infant in a piece of luggage seized during the raid, officials said. The infant's parents have been identified, and both have submitted DNA to the Sheriff's Office.

Bexar County District Attorney won't prosecute most marijuana cases less than 4 ounces

Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesSAN ANTONIO - Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales released a statement Wednesday saying his office will not longer accept marijuana cases of 4 ounces or less from local law enforcement unless the marijuana has been lab tested and has a proven THC concentration. The policy is a result of House Bill 1325 which was signed into law by Gov. Gonzales said Bexar County currently cannot meet the testing requirement, but said, "Our office is working diligently to locate a lab that can conduct such testing." Gonzales said felony cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and said law enforcement is still allowed, by law, to conduct routine search and seizures and to make potential arrests based on probable cause. Letter from District Attorney Joe Gonzales and three other district attorneys:Earlier this week, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the new law is creating an issue for law enforcement across Texas.

Court Debrief: Miguel Martinez Trial

Paul Venema joins Leslie Mouton and David Sears to talk about a murder case that led to a controversy and a bitter feud between Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales and his predecessor, Nico... Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

Trial date set in controversial murder case involving UTSA graduate student

The murder trial of Miguel Martinez, 30, ended in a mistrial in February 2017 and a new trial was ordered. He is accused of shooting Laura Carter, a UTSA graduate student, to death in 2015 during a meeting prosecutors say was set up to invest in a heroin deal. The case is being tried by special prosecutor Jason Goss, who participated in the first trial as a member of former District Attorney Nicholas Nico La Hoods staff. I dont feel distracted, said Goss, who is now in private practice with La Hood. We were ready to try the case back in February of 2017, and I still have everything ready to go.Kirkendall set Aug. 5 as a trial date for Martinez's new trial.

Constable pushes back on investigation into delayed booking of deputy, refuses to hand over 'proof'

Garcia and Barrientes Vela ignored more than 20 follow-up questions from the Defenders about these delays before Barrientes Vela finally said that she would not engage with the reporter. Despite repeatedly calling one of the deputies who arrested Moreno by the wrong name, Barrientes Vela on Tuesday defended their actions April 30. It remains unclear why Barrientes Vela chose to bring up the topic in front of the media. She then segued into criticizing Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales, who she claims refuses to answer her phone calls or to address her concerns. Barrientes Vela conceded during her remarks that she is concerned Gonzales' office may criminally charge her.

Revamped Cite and Release program kicks off Monday

"We've created a more streamlined process," said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales. WEB EXTRA VIDEO: Watch extended coverage of news conferenceOfficials said the Cite and Release program will also give people accused of minor offenses a chance to change. But one man expressed concern over officers having the discretion to cite and release someone or arrest them as they see fit. Gonzales stressed that cite and release is a pilot program. With lingering concerns about officers using discretion and CBD looking and smelling like marijuana, only time will tell how successful the program will be.

  • Closed Captioning
  • Contests and Rules
  • KSAT Internships
  • Email Newsletters
  • Subscribe to KSAT RSS Feeds
  • Contact Us
  • Careers at KSAT
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Public File
  • FCC Applications
  • Do Not Sell My Info
Follow Us
facebook
twitter
instagram
youtube
rss
Get Results with Omne
Omne Results Logo

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.


Graham Media Group LogoGraham Digital Logo

Copyright ยฉ 2022 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.