Former Sullivan City police Chief Miguel Martinez plans to fight the public corruption charges against him.
During a Wednesday afternoon hearing, Martinez’a attorney rejected a plea agreement — and requested a trial.
The Texas Rangers started investigating Martinez and former Sullivan City police Officer Angel de la Mora last year, when surveillance cameras recorded suspicious activity at the police department.
Video obtained by the Texas Rangers showed de la Mora taking stray bits of marijuana from the department evidence room and placing the marijuana scraps in a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Martinez watched de la Mora take the marijuana, but didn’t stop him.
Prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a three-count indictment against Martinez:
- Theft by a public servant, a state jail felony
- Abuse of official capacity, a Class A misdemeanor
- Abuse of official capacity, a Class A misdemeanor
McAllen-based attorney David Higdon, who represents Martinez, told 332nd state District Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr. that Martinez will not plead guilty. After warning Martinez he wouldn’t accept any plea agreements after Wednesday’s hearing, the judge scheduled a trial for June 21.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have reached a tentative plea agreement with de la Mora.
Mission-based attorney Rick Salinas said the details haven’t been finalized, but he expects the deal will not involve any jail time.
A four-count indictment charges de la Mora with:
- Theft by a public servant, a state jail felony
- Possession of marijuana, a state jail felony
- Abuse of official capacity, a Class A misdemeanor
- Abuse of official capacity, a Class A misdemeanor
Salinas said de la Mora probably will plead guilty to one or both Class A misdemeanor charges. The felony charges may be dismissed or may be left adjudicated.
As a result of the plea, de la Mora will never work in law enforcement again.
Check back for updates.
