Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff says Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela will be forced to leave office. Judge Wolff says the district attorney's office has ruled when the constable announced she her plans to run for sheriff, she triggered a law that requires she give up her seat. Wolff says, "it is the opinion of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's office that the statements made by the constable in this instance constitute announcement of candidacy which triggers the resign-to-run provision of article 16, section 65 of the Texas constitution." Wolff said, "what this means is the constable will hold office in hold-over status until the commission court meets to appoint a successor."
The press conference comes on the heals of Monday's raid of the constable's office by the FBI and Texas Rangers.