Indicted Bexar County sheriff resigns

[ManImBored]

Sept. 2, 2007, 11:47AM
Indicted Bexar County sheriff resigns
He's charged with misdemeanors after trip to Costa Rica with company that won jail contract

San Antonio Express-News and Associated Press



SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County sheriff has resigned, weeks after being indicted on misdemeanor charges related to a Costa Rican trip he took with a company that was awarded a lucrative contract at the jail.
Ralph Lopez was Bexar County's sheriff for 16 years and was running for re-election. His resignation, effective immediately, came in a letter delivered Friday to county commissioners by Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed.
The Commissioners Court will appoint a new sheriff by Sept. 19, officials said. State law authorizes deputies to carry out the sheriff's duties until a successor takes office.
In his resignation letter, Lopez did not give a reason for stepping down.
"He did say he's going to take some time with his family and wanted some privacy," Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said.
Lopez was indicted on charges of gift to a public servant, accepting an honorarium and failure to report what he received. The misdemeanors are punishable by fines and jail time of more than two years.
The Costa Rica trip was taken in August 2005, the same year that Louisiana-based Premier Management Enterprises received contracts for the jail commissary and another annex generating $2 million in gross annual sales. The contracts were controlled by a benevolence fund created by Lopez, Reed said.

Lopez's attorney has said the sheriff did take the trip, but for legitimate business reasons.



If it was so legitimate, why did he resign? I have never understood that. He is basically saying he is guilty by resigning but then trying to say he is innocent.

[adroitcuffs]

Lopez's attorney has said the sheriff did take the trip, but for legitimate business reasons.



If it was so legitimate, why did he resign? I have never understood that. He is basically saying he is guilty by resigning but then trying to say he is innocent.

I have to agree with you there. If Lopez can clearly articulate the "legitimate business reasons", then why would he need to retire so suddenly? And if he couldn't clearly articulate said reasons, then he should've thought about the implications before taking the trip! What would he expect his subordinates to do?

[ex401mp]

What kind of business would a sheriff need to conduct in Costa Rica that could justify that anyway? Lawyers, they are worse than chesters with all the crap they spew.

[Tuff]

I guess he was just extending his jurisdiction!!LOL!!!

[countybear]

Hmm... A Louisiana-based company.

I categorically deny any implication that it is a Swamp Mafia entity.

[lewisipso]

Louisiana-based Premier Management Enterprises received contracts for the jail commissary and another annex generating $2 million in gross annual sales. The contracts were controlled by a benevolence fund created by Lopez, Reed said.

Don't know about this particular company but this is no surprise. Not for Louisiana anyway.