Counts for Constables

As usual, the news is filled with tales of greed and corruption. This time, however, we're actually seeing something done about it.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Constables Jaime Cortes of Precinct 5 and Derick Evans of Precinct 1 are facing multiple charges each of corruption in office. The allegations against the Constables include

1. Bribery
2. Illegal Use of Campaign Funds/Donations
3. Organized Crime
4. Other Campaign irregularities

As far as the specifics, the public remains out of the loop. We do know, however, that Dallas had to hire a "Special Prosecutor" to handle the case. It seems a little odd, to me, that the elected District Attorney couldn't fulfill his job duties because of a "conflict of interests." If your job is to uphold the law, shouldn't you do so? As for the legitimacy of the claim: I suppose it is best for the DA to step out of sight if he knows that he might be prone to bias.

After quickly jumping to the aforementioned conclusions and opinions, I realized that I hadn't the slightest idea what the duties of a Texas Constable were. I found this quick guide to help impart some information. Essentially, Texas Constables are 'Peace-Officers,' though they are additionally affiliated with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Constables are

• able to exercise all lawful criminal processes where deemed appropriate
• allowed to arrest, if warranted
• required to keep general peace
• required to report any grievances to a local magistrate
• exercise judgment in cases of defiance of penal code as far as the parameters of their area of jurisdiction
• hired as on-road traffic monitors
  

Constables are deemed 'necessary' by Texas as they are (theoretically, at least) more well acquainted with a Precinct and its Constituents than other officers of the law. That said, the Constables offices in Dallas evidently possess a history of seedy participation, marking 13-14 years.
_____________________________________________

More recently, however, we've seen some indictments.

Derrick Evans

1. Four counts Financing Malpractice
2. One count Organized Criminal Activity
3. (Additionally, some members of Evans Precinct are facing charges)

Jaime Cortes

1. Two felony counts Tampering with Government Document

Justice does exist, in small, small doses.