A former Bexar County constable was sentenced Wednesday to 5 years’ probation on charges she tampered with logs of cash transactions in her office.
A jury convicted Michelle Barrientes, 48, in September of two charges of tampering with evidence, third degree felonies. Barrientes was the elected Constable for Precinct 2 in June 2019 when, evidence showed, she knew a criminal investigation by a Bexar County Grand Jury was underway and Barrientes altered, destroyed or concealed Rodriguez Park cash logs. Use of the park’s pavilion required a security fee by patrons. The logs reflected fees collected by the constable herself.
Barrientes was also charged with official oppression for the unlawful arrest of a deputy. That case was included in the sentencing phase of the trial and will not be tried later.
Judge Velia Meza of the 226th District Court sentenced Barrientes to six years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division suspended for five years. A 90-day jail sentence was also suspended while Barrientes appeals the case. Barrientes was also ordered to serve 600 hours of community service and to pay a $2,500 fine.
“This case has always been about accountability. Elected officials and members of law enforcement are not above the law. This felony conviction means Ms. Barrientes will not be able to work in law enforcement. I commend our team for their hard work and dedication to seeking justice in this case. I also want to recognize Assistant District Attorney Dawn McCraw. This case marked the end of her three decades of service to Bexar County. Her leadership in this field will be missed,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
McCraw was assisted by Assistant District Attorney Oscar Salinas of the Public Integrity and Cyber Crime Division. The Texas Rangers investigated the crime.