Veteran sheriff’s deputy appointed Bexar Co. Precinct 2 Constable

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – A 25-year-veteran of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has been appointed Precinct 2 Constable.

Bexar County Commissioners today selected Leticia Vasquez after interviewing her and four other finalists in an open session. Commissioner Kevin Wolff says they wanted someone who can clean up the office currently held by Michelle Barrientes Vela. She’s the target of lawsuits and allegations of wrongdoing. Her office was recently raided by Texas Rangers and the FBI.

“It’s not just the constable under investigation, so Leticia going into this seat is going to have some house cleaning to do,” said Wolff.

Vasquez says she’s up to the challenge, but does she plan to fire anyone?

“I’m going to go in there and interview and keep the best,” she said after her appointment. “I just want to go over there and find the best people and surround myself with them.”

Vasquez has held several jobs during her career with BCSO and currently works in the SCORE unit, the sheriff’s community policing division. Before her law enforcement career, Vasquez was a supervisor at a grocery store company.

County Judge Nelson Wolff was impressed by Vasquez’s experience in the private sector, her work in community policing and the letter she submitted with her application.

In that letter, Vasquez stated,” We must remember public service is not about power, perks or prestige. It’s about the ability to make a solid difference to all those we serve, especially those who have no advocate or voice of their own. Public service is truly the service of one individual who can make a difference in the community.”

No word on when or if she’ll be able to assume the duties of Precinct 2 Constable. Vela has gone to court in an effort to keep her job. A hearing on a temporary injunction is scheduled Friday, October 11.

County officials maintain that Vela automatically resigned when she told reporters last week that she was running for Bexar County Sheriff. The Bexar County District Attorney says Vela has to step down under the resign-to-run provision in the Texas Constitution.