FBI raids office of Bexar County Constable Precinct 2

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – The FBI and Texas Rangers have raided the Northwest Side office of Bexar County Constable Precinct 2 Michelle Barrientes Vela.
The FBI would not reveal details on the raid on Guilbeau Road near Bandera Road, but confirmed to KTSA News that they were executing a search warrant in a joint investigation with the Texas Rangers.

Vela has been at the center of several recent controversies. Last spring, a political opponent was arrested on a charge of aggravated perjury-falsification. He blamed Vela for his arrest, and the charge was dismissed the next day.

Last year, a family accused Vela and her chief deputy of pressuring them into paying hundreds of dollars for security during an Easter picnic at Rodriguez Park. Vela claims those accusations and other allegations were made against her because she’s not part of the “good ole boy system.”

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff today asked Sheriff Javier Salazar to provide security at the constable’s office as the investigation continues.

“I have talked to Judge Wolff and Judge Vasquez, the JP, and we have agreed that deputies will be available at a moment’s notice,” said Salazar.

Deputy constables provide security for the Justice of the Peace courtroom, but the docket was clear today, so there was no need for bailiffs. Because Constable Vela and her deputies were not allowed in the office during the raid, Salazar sent a sheriff’s deputy to the facility.

“Today, we have a deputy stationed there in case any security needs arise, and I’ve also got a deputy assigned to the command post with the FBI,” Salazar told KTSA News.

 

Previous  Story

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News)  The FBI and Texas Rangers have raided the Northwest Side office of Bexar County Constable Precinct 2 Michelle Barrientes Vela.

The FBI would not reveal details on the raid on Guilbeau Road near Bandera Road early Monday, but officials sent a written statement to KTSA News.

“We can confirm that this morning, as part of a joint investigation with the Texas Rangers, the FBI was lawfully present at that location executing a search warrant,” said the FBI.

Vela told KABB-TV the feds requested personnel records and took her personal phone.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and Sheriff Javier Salazar will hold a news conference concerning the continuation of services provided by the Precinct 2 Constable’s office.

This is a developing story. Check back for more information.