State rests in case against Barrientes Vela, but not before fiery cross-examination of Texas Ranger
The prosecution rested its case Wednesday afternoon in the public corruption trial of Michelle Barrientes Vela, capping off seven days of testimony that ranged from methodical to explosive and included a mistrial nearly being declared.
Barrientes Vela trial delayed to August after DA discovery issues emerge
Attorneys for the one-time Bexar County Precinct 2 constable successfully argued during a 90-minute hearing before Judge Velia Meza decided that they did not have sufficient time to analyze hours of undercover audio recordings from the case.
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.
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.
Barrientes Vela makes first court appearance since being indicted on felony charges
SAN ANTONIO โ Former Bexar County Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela on Wednesday morning made her first court appearance since her arrest last month on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Surrounded by family members and a group of supporters, Barrientes Vela was in and out of court in under an hour. Supporters at one point yelled โCollier coward,โand tried to block a KSAT 12 photographer from recording footage of Barrientes Vela outside court. Barrientes Vela faces one felony count of aggravated perjury, two felony counts of tampering with evidence and three misdemeanor counts of official oppression. Prosecutors accuse Barrientes Vela of lying in her sworn statements about Deputy Leonicio Moreno, who had filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against her.
Former Bexar District Attorney Nico LaHood Joins Michelle Barrientes-Vela's Defense Team
One-time Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood has joined the defense team for former Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes-Vela as she battles felony charges, TV station KENS5 reports LaHood, law partner Jay Norton, and two other lawyers at their firm now represent Vela alongside defense attorney Leslie Sachanowicz, the station reports, citing court filings.Vela, who's running for Bexar County sheriff, was last week indicted on three felony charges, including aggravated perjury and tampering with evidence. 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.comJudge: Nico LaHood's firm can't represent man he indicted as Bexar County DA
The Texas Fourth Court of Appeals on Wednesday effectively barred former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood's law firm from representing a man who was indicted during LaHood's time in office. Copyright 2019 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Judge: Nico LaHood's firm can't represent man he indicted as Bexar County DA
SAN ANTONIO - The Texas Fourth Court of Appeals on Wednesday effectively barred former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood's law firm from representing a man who was indicted during LaHood's time in office. The opinion, written by Justice Rebeca Martinez, overturned a trial court judge's June decision allowing LaHood's firm to stay on the case. Jason Goss, an attorney from LaHood's firm, began representing Stovall in his family violence case in January, days after LaHood left office. Michael Stovall is the son of the former Bexar County Republican Party Chair Robert Stovall. "This decision has state-wide implications, as the issue of prosecutor disqualifications has been left unclear for several years," he said.
All 3 men were charged with violent felonies. Bexar County let them out for free.
SAN ANTONIO - Criminal defendants in Bexar County some charged with heinous offenses are being released on their own recognizance after being held in jail 90 days or longer. Despite the seriousness of the felony offense, Tate was released from jail in late May without paying bail. Bexar County Court records show his attorney filed a motion seeking release because of delay on May 21, since 90 days had passed since Tate's arrest and he had still not been indicted. Rangel denied his request to be released and Tate remains in custody at the Bexar County Jail. Henricksen said prosecutors knowingly did not indict Hernandez within 90 days.
Former DA's chief criminal investigator enters sheriff's race
SAN ANTONIO - The chief criminal investigator under former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood has thrown his hat into the race for Bexar County Sheriff. Ng is embedded in a number of local philanthropic, economic and educational organizations, including the San Antonio Educational Partnership, Child Advocates of San Antonio and Maestro Entrepreneur Center. The success of the Bexar County Sheriffs Office is integral to the safety of our community and to our citizens, to include private and public institutions as well as the dedicated employees of the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. I have an extraordinary perspective of the change that is desperately needed at the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, and that change begins with Leadership. I look forward to sharing my vision for the future of the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, and working toward restoring strength, integrity and loyalty within the Bexar County Sheriffs Office for the community.
Could Bexar County be next to decriminalize marijuana?
SAN ANTONIO โ In February, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg unveiled a new program that would decriminalize marijuana offenses in the county. The diversion program gives those caught with a misdemeanor amount of marijuana (4 ounces or less) the opportunity to take a course. Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood recently commented on the new Harris County program and if itโs a plan Bexar County is looking into. โAfter reviewing Harris Countyโs marijuana diversion program, I believe there are some unintended consequences in its long term use and it would not be beneficial to Bexar County as it is written. I have engaged in conversations with Chief (William) McManus and Sheriff (Javier) Salazar and will be organizing a meeting with County commissioners to discuss possibly implementing a program that would benefit Bexar County.โThe Harris County policy went into effect March 1st.