El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a Horizon City landscaper accused of Deceptive Business Practices.

This afternoon 46-year-old Jesús Chávez received the maximum sentence possible after pleading guilty to two counts of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.

According to court records, between October 19 and October 24, 2007 Chávez received $6,800 to landscape the front and back of an East El Paso home, but the work was never completed.

Between August and September of the same year, on another unrelated incident, an Upper Valley resident gave Chávez more than $8,500 to landscape the front of his house, but just as in the previous case, the job was never completed.

After accepting the guilty plea, County Court at Law #2 Judge Julie González sentenced Chávez to 365 days in jail for each count, to run concurrently.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said the harsh sentence should send a message to dishonest contractors who prey on unsuspecting consumers. These businesses often promise huge financial savings to the consumer who ultimately ends up with nothing.

"These cases should also warn consumers about the dangers of paying for work in advance, because if the work is never completed, it is very difficult to get their hard-earned money back," Bernal concluded.

# # #

Chavez Sentence Press Release.pdf 

Hundreds of middle and high school students are expected to participate

            On Saturday December 5, 2009, attorneys with the Juvenile Unit of the El Paso County Attorney's Office will offer multi-media presentations to elementary, middle and high school students about the dangers of getting involved in drug trafficking activities, and the legal consequences of getting caught.

The presentations will be part of the 2009 Regional Youth Summit, scheduled for Saturday December 5, 2009 at El Dorado High School, 12401 Edgmere Blvd. from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event is aimed to address the consequences youth face when dealing with risky behavior and poor lifestyle choices, including accepting to participate in drug trafficking activities such as becoming drug mules.

For the past decade, Mexican drug cartels have been actively recruiting teens from area middle and high school to smuggle drugs from Mexico into the U.S. Although during the last couple of years the number of teens arrested at El Paso Ports of Entry accused of drug trafficking has decreased slightly, recently the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) issued a state-wide warning informing unsuspecting parents that violent Mexican cartels and transnational gangs are actively recruiting Texas youngsters in schools and border communities. According to the warning, these criminal organizations are luring teens with the prospect of cars, money and notoriety, and promise them that if they are arrested, they will receive light sentences.

The El Paso County Attorney's Office was the first juvenile prosecutor's office in Texas to implement a zero-tolerance in drug trafficking cases. Previously, teens where detained for a brief period of time and then released to their families either in Mexico or the US. The zero-tolerance program was implemented along with an educational campaign that included radio and television commercials. The initiative helped reduce the juvenile drug arrests in El Paso County from 124 in 2001 to 24 in 2009.

Juvenile Prosecutors from the County Attorneys Office will speak to students about the misconceptions associated with drug trafficking and inform them of the facts and legal repercussions they may face.

WHO:       County Attorney's Juvenile Unit

WHAT:     International Juvenile Drug Trafficking Presentations

WHEN:     Saturday December 5, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:  El Dorado High School 12401 Edgmere Blvd.

# # #

Youth Summit 2009 Press Release.pdf

Chart Juvenile Drug Arrests 2001-2009.pdf

Bridge Drug Arrests 2008 and 2009.pdf

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of a North-East contractor accused of Deceptive Business Practices.

34-year-old José Martínez pled guilty this week to 2 counts of committing a Deceptive Business Practice, a crime of dishonesty punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fine not to exceed $4,000. According to the police complaint, on December 14, 2007 Martínez charged an east-side home owner $9,550 to fix a roof and build a carport; however the job was never finished.

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that in his advertisements Martínez falsely claimed he was licensed and bonded.

After accepting the guilty plea, County Court at Law #2 Judge Robert Anchondo sentenced Martinez to 90 days in jail.

 El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said consumers should not only make sure contractors are licensed and bonded, but need to make sure all the permits are filed with the City.

"Con artists will do anything to get their hands on your money, including being dishonest about licenses and bonds. Consumers need to be very careful to hire only reputable businesses and not pay for work upfront," Bernal said.

"Once a homeowner parts with his money, all he has in return is the hope that the contractor will do what he said he would do. Civil suits against contractors are often a waste of time and money because even if the homeowner wins the suit he frequently cannot collect on the judgment," Bernal finalized. 

# # #

Roofer Sentenced Press Release.pdf

New program will save County residents a trip to downtown El Paso

On Thursday November 25, 2009 El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal announced the launching of "Hot Check E-pay," a new service that will make it easier for County residents to pay outstanding hot checks.

The County Attorney's Office offers free hot check collection services to all county residents and businesses that have problems locating check writers. During the last decade, the Hot Check Department has received on average 14,000 checks for collection every year. During 2009 our office has received 6,560 checks. Currently the County Attorney's Office is attempting to collect 3.24 million dollars in worthless checks.

One of the obstacles hot check writers faced while trying to take care of outstanding amounts was they had to pay in person on the fifth floor of the County Courthouse. In the past, some had expressed their fear of coming to the courthouse and getting arrested before they could take care of the outstanding amounts. Other hot check writers no longer live in El Paso and, until now, were not able to pay online or over the phone.

El Paso Commissioners Court recently approved a contract that allows County departments to receive credit card payments online. As soon as the decision was taken, the County Attorney's Office started working with the IT Department to develop a secure site to receive hot check payments via internet.

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal explained that offering free collection of hot checks is an effective way to support the local economy.

"Hot checks hurt not only the business owners, but all the consumers as well. They increase the cost of doing business and merchants usually transfer those costs to consumers by increasing prices," Bernal said.

"We understand how important this service is for the community and that is why every day we are exploring new ways to increase hot check collections in El Paso County," Bernal finalized.

 Individuals with outstanding hot checks can make online payments with credit cards by visiting the County Attorney's web page at www.epcounty.com/ca.

# # #

Hot Check E-pay Press Release.pdf

El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal today announced the sentencing of an east-side contractor who remained a fugitive several months after he was scheduled to appear in court to face criminal charges.

24-year-old Daniel Barajas pled guilty this week to one charge of Deceptive Business Practice, a class "A" misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fine not to exceed $4,000.00.

Court records show that Barajas failed to appear for a court hearing in December 2008.  He was arrested again on October 6, 2009, and this week County Court at Law #1 Judge Ricardo Herrera sentenced him to six months in jail for the crime of Deceptive Business Practice.

According to the police complaint, on October 11, 2007 Barajas charged an east-side home-owner $6,200 to construct a storage building; however the job was never finished.

 El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said her office is committed to prosecute vigorously these types of crimes.

"Consumers must be very cautious when it comes to giving builders money up front. Once the consumer has given money to the unscrupulous contractor, it is very difficult for us to get it back. This is why we recommend to the public to pay the complete amount of the contract only after the job is finished, and after corroborating the quality of the goods or services received," Bernal said.

# # #

Builder Sentenced Press Release.pdf

New County Attorney To Be Sworn-In Tomorrow Morning

First Assistant County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal will be sworn-in as the new El Paso County Attorney on Tuesday November 17, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. at the 65^th District Court (11^th floor of the County Courthouse). Her term of office will start immediately after sworn-in and will run until November 2010, right after the results of the constitutional election are canvassed.

At tomorrow's ceremony, 65^th District Court Judge the Honorable Yahara Lisa Gutierrez will also administer the oath of office to 39 Assistant County Attorneys.

WHO:       El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal

WHAT:     Swearing-in Ceremony

WHEN:     Tuesday November 17, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.

WHERE:  65^th District Court, County Courthouse

500 E. San Antonio, Suite 1105.

# # #

New County Attorney Swearing-In Ceremony Press Advisory.pdf

JO ANNE BERNAL

Office of the County Attorney

500 E. San Antonio, Room 503

El Paso, Texas 79901

Telephone:  (915) 546-2083

Facsimile:  (915) 546-2133

Joanne.bernal@epcounty.com

Biography

Jo Anne Bernal is the First Assistant El Paso County Attorney. Ms. Bernal has been a practicing attorney for 22 years and represents elected and appointed officials in litigation in state and federal court.  In addition to handling complex litigation, she supervises 35 attorneys who practice both civil and criminal law in areas of practice that range in diversity from civil rights litigation to juvenile prosecution. Ms. Bernal has worked for County Attorney, Jose R. Rodriguez, since October 1993. 

Ms. Bernal is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been certified since 1993.  She is currently the only female attorney board certified in Civil Trial Law in El Paso Texas.  Ms. Bernal was an Assistant Attorney General in the Law Enforcement Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office from 1987 to 1993 where she represented state law enforcement agencies and officers in federal and state litigation.     

She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. She is licensed to practice law before the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. Bernal has served as a Board Member for the Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso, the El Paso Police Department Citizen's Advisory Committee, the State Bar of Texas' Committee on Legal Services to the Poor in Civil Matters, and the Rio Grande Council of Governments Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. She regularly volunteers at the Opportunity Center for the Homeless of El Paso, has served as a mock trial coach for area high schools, is a member of the PTA and is a founding member of the Women's Political Action Committee. 

On Monday November 9, 2009, El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Lutheran and Social Services, and the El Paso C.A.R.E. (Child Advocacy Recruitment Effort) Coalition will host the 2009 CARE Adoption Conference and Professional Seminar.

The purpose of the conference is to recruit foster and adoptive homes for local abused and neglected children.

This year's meeting will focus on promoting the adoption of teenagers who are in the system. It is much more difficult to find adoptive homes for teenagers because most individuals prefer to adopt babies or young children. In many cases, teenagers are never adopted and end up being released into the community after their 18th birthday. Without a family that cares for them, or a network of friends that can help them succeed in life, many of them become homeless and addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Adopting a child is not as difficult as some believe. The legal process is simple, and in most instances, families receive financial assistance from the government to help pay for additional expenses.

Attendees at this conference will be able to participate in breakout sessions. These sessions will provide information about CARE's local children available for adoption, post-adoption financial assistance programs, and exploration of issues regarding birth parents, adoptive families and the child, and parenting alternatives. They will also be able to have one-on-one discussions with current foster parents.

The event also provides professional training to individuals who work with abused children by presenting experts on complex needs of vulnerable children. For more information on the training sessions, please see the attached program.

Both the conference and professional seminar are free and open to the public. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available.

WHO:       County Attorney's Child Protective Services Unit

WHAT:     2009 C.A.R.E. Conference and Professional Seminar

WHEN:     Monday November 9, 2009, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

WHERE: El Paso Community College Administrative Services Center
                   9050 Viscount Blvd.

INFO:       Norma Perú at 546-8160 Ext. 4455

# # #

2009 CARE Conference Press Release.pdf 

Developers illegally subdivided residential lots lacking water, sewage facilities

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged the developers of the Galindo Subdivision in western El Paso County with violating state colonia-prevention laws. According to court documents filed in Travis County district court, the defendants illegally subdivided residential lots and failed to install or bond water and waste water facilities before selling the lots to unsuspecting purchasers.

The state's enforcement action, which was filed jointly with El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez, names Homero R. Galindo, Rosella A. Galindo, Nahum Prieto and Rosella Prieto. All four were cited for subdividing an eight-acre tract into four lots for residential use without obtaining the required plat approval from El Paso County Commissioners Court. Further, the defendants sold the lots without installing or bonding water and wastewater facilities, a basic requirement for plat approval. Having an unapproved subdivision lot can bar a buyer from obtaining needed water and electricity connections.

Under Texas law, developers in counties along the Texas-Mexico border must obtain county approval of a subdivision plat before subdividing and selling residential lots. Obtaining plat approval secures water and wastewater facilities, and makes the property eligible for connections to the local electric utility. In Texas, residential subdivisions near the U.S.-Mexico border that lack adequate water or wastewater services required by state law are commonly referred to as colonias. Most colonias lie outside city limits or in isolated areas of a county.

The state's enforcement action seeks an injunction compelling the defendants to comply with colonia-prevention laws, as well as an order requiring the developers to file proper plats with the county and install fully compliant water and sewer systems. Alternatively, the state seeks refunds for lot purchasers harmed by the defendants' alleged conduct. The Attorney General also seeks civil penalties of up to $15,000 for each lot conveyed in violation of the law.

The case against the Galindoses and Prietoses is one of six colonias cases the Office of the Attorney General has pursued this year. During the 2007 regular session, the Texas Legislature passed a measure that provides the OAG with additional resources to prevent unlawful colonia developments. Since Sept. 1, 2007, the OAG has filed 19 enforcement actions involving subdivisions in five counties. Of the 19 petitions filed, seven cases have been prosecuted to final judgment.

Before purchasing residential property outside the city limits, border area home buyers should check with county officials to confirm that the property was legally subdivided and that the developer has made necessary arrangements to supply required infrastructure.

Texans can file complaints with the OAG against developers or sellers who fail to provide water and wastewater services, or who subdivide land without first obtaining necessary county approval. Complaints can be filed on the Attorney General's Web site at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov or by calling (800) 252-8011.

The Office of the Attorney General also maintains the state's Colonia Geographic Database, which offers geographic and descriptive data on more than 2000 colonias in 30 border area counties. To access the database, or for more information regarding Attorney General Abbott's colonias-prevention efforts, visit the "Texas-Mexico Border" page on the Attorney General's Web site.

El Paso County vs Galindo Lawsuit.pdf 

The El Paso Adult Probation Department invites the community to participate in the annual "Graffiti Wipeout Rod and Custom Car Show." The yearly event allows us to collect funds for community projects while educating children and teens about graffiti and its consequences. This year, proceeds will be used to finance graffiti clean-up projects in our community.

This is a free event to the public. There will be classic cars and motorcycles on display. There will be food, live entertainment and carnival games, so please join us. This year the event will end with a cruise around Ascárate! County Attorney José R. Rodríguez is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks at 12:00 p.m.

The Graffiti Wipeout Program is part of the Adult Probation Department's Community Service Section. The main focus of our program is to serve our community and educate specifically our youth about Graffiti and its negative consequences.

For more information call Sergio Apodaca at (915) 726-0723

WHO:       Graffiti Wipeout Program

WHAT:     5^th Annual Road and Custom Car Show

WHEN:     Saturday October 10, 2009 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Ascárate Park (6900 Delta Dr.)

# # #.

El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez today announced the sentencing of an East El Paso resident who pled guilty to violating the Texas Health and Safety Code by illegally dumping trash on private property in Clint, Texas.

21 year-old Francisco Hernández pled guilty to two counts of illegal dumping of more than 5 pounds but less than 500 pounds, in violation of the Texas Health and Safety Code § 365.012.

The offense was discovered on April 9, 2009, when Union Pacific Railroad Police Special Agent Victor Estrada was patrolling property near the Moon Road Crossing in east El Paso. Agent Estrada encountered some plastic bags containing household trash lying on the right-of-way at railroad property behind the 9800 block of Alameda.  Upon further investigation, he discovered that the waste came from a residence located at 9570 Grenada Way, in El Paso County. 

When confronted, Mr. Hernández admitted to dumping trash at the site. He said he had attempted to dispose of the waste at the City's landfill, but found it closed. The City of El Paso had to clean up the illegal dump site. 

On Monday October 5, 2009, County Criminal Court at Law # 1 (the Environmental Court) Judge Alma Trejo sentenced Francisco Hernández to 6 months deferred probation, assessed him a $750.00 fine, ordered him to pay court costs, and to complete 80 hours of community service at the Clint Landfill or some other type of community cleanup. 

"Illegal dumping is a serious environmental crime which affects health and quality of life," said El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez. "The illegal dumping of household trash continues throughout our community, despite efforts by the City of El Paso to make citizen collection stations available for extra household trash. Illegal dumping costs taxpayers thousands of dollars every year in investigation, prosecution, and clean-up costs, moneys that we could be spending on other worthwhile projects," Rodríguez concluded.

The penalty for illegal dumping ranges from a fine up to $10,000 for an individual, or up to 2 years  in jail, or both fine and incarceration.  For an association or corporation, the fine is up to $10,000.

To report illegal dumping or other environmental crime, call your local law enforcement agency:  911 if you see it happening; the Environmental Hotline at 1-888-6EL-PASO, El Paso Police Dept. at 832-4400, or El Paso Sheriff's Dept. at 546-2280.

The City's Citizen Collection Stations operate Tuesday - Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be sure to take your water bill and identification. They accept household hazardous waste, but not construction and demolition debris. The sites are located at:

• § Northeast: 4501 Hondo Pass
• § Westside: 121 Atlantic at Doniphan
• § Central: 2492 Harrison at Alabama
• § South: 4200 Delta
• § Lower Valley 9000 Escobar at Zaragoza

            For more information contact El Paso County Attorney's Environmental Prosecutor Cristina Viesca-Santos at (915) 546-2050.

# # #

Illegal Dumping Press Release.pdf

El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez has earned a spot among 2009 Texas top 25 “Extraordinary Minorities in Texas law” by Texas Lawyer magazine.

            The announcement was made this week in the publication of a tabloid-sized special section inside the September 28 edition of the Texas Lawyer magazine. The publication profiles 25 leading lawyers of color, selected by the editors of Texas Lawyer for their impact on Texas firms, government, nonprofits, academia and/or the corporate world within the past five years.

Rodríguez also exposed inequities in state funding (El Paso Court of Inquiry) to bring more tax dollars to El Paso and other border communities. He implemented a teen court, and an environmental task force which takes on issues such as illegal dumping.

# # #

Extraordinary Minorities Press Release.pdf

13 active members of the gang covered. Five others are scheduled to challenge the injunction in court

            El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez today announced that a gang injunction in Northeast El Paso is in effect against 13 members of the bloods street gang. Five other defendants will challenge the injunction in a trial to be held in March of next year.

El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez said this afternoon that he believes this new gang injunction will give northeast residents some peace of mind.

"By restricting the activities of these gang members, we expect to see a drop in criminal activity in Northeast El Paso. I would like to thank El Paso Police Department for its support in getting this gang injunction implemented and for enforcing it," Rodríguez said.

The gang members under the civil injunction are almost half of the 27 individuals that were first sued in March 20, 2009 in an effort to curb crime and gang activity in Northeast El Paso. The original petition listed individuals who, according to police records, regularly associated to commit organized criminal activity, including aggravated assaults, burglaries, robberies, weapon offenses, and drug related transactions.

Since then, eight of the defendants have voluntarily agreed to the terms of the injunction, while five have been put under the restrictions of the injunction for failing to appear before the court (defaulted). Nine others have been removed from the lawsuit for different reasons.

The eight defendants that have voluntarily accepted the terms of the injunction by signing agreements with the County Attorney's Office are:

1. Eyitayo Araromi (under a 2 year injunction)
2. Olaniyi Araromi (under a 2 year injunction)
3. Hector Carachure (under a 5 year injunction)
4. Deshaun Jones (under a 5 year injunction)
5. Fernando Perches (under a 5 year injunction)
6. Markus Reed (under a 2 year injunction)
7. Darius Terrell Shannon (under a 2 year injunction)
8. Stanley Simmons (under a 5 year injunction)

Five additional individuals have been placed under the restrictions set forth by a 2-year injunction for failing to appear before the court (included in the injunction by default):   

1. Cyrus Jamal Arnold
2. Jacob Arreola
3. Teandrea Barnes
4. Travell Gomez
5. Jackieray Charles Green

The gang injunction in place effectively increases punishment for defendants who commit crimes within the 2 designated "safety zones." The "Triangle Safety Zone" which begins at the intersection of Gateway North and Dyer and encompasses Gateway North on the West, Dyer on the east, and Hondo Pass on the north, and the "Patriot Safety Zone", that encompasses Transmountain Drive on the South, Gateway North on the west, McCombs on the east, and Sean Haggerty on the north.

             The new gang injunction forbids defendants from carrying out certain activities considered a public nuisance within the "safety zones," such as:

• Associating, standing, sitting, walking, driving, bicycling, gathering, or appearing anywhere in public view or in the same vehicle with any other Defendant (there are exceptions).
• Consuming alcoholic beverages, at any time, on public property.
• Knowingly possessing indelible markers or pens, aerosol paint, or an etching or engraving device, which may be used to damage, deface, or mark private or public property.
• Spray painting or otherwise marking graffiti on any public place or private property.
• Confronting, intimidating, harassing, challenging, provoking, assaulting, and/or battering any individual inside the safety zones.
• Knowingly using, possessing, and or selling illegal drugs or narcotics.
• Remaining, walking, running, standing, driving, or riding about, in, or upon any public place within the safety zones between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (there are exceptions).
• Entering at anytime a public or private school or attending any school sponsored functions unless he is a student, works for the school, or is required to be there by a family attending school (Other exceptions apply).
• Getting within 50 feet of the property known as "La Chit Chat Lounge" (4808 Dyer), including the parking area.

El Paso County José R. Rodríguez also announced today that nine of the original defendants have been removed from the lawsuit (non-suited) due to different factors: 

1. Briant Berryman
2. Brittany Rene Butler
3. Kimberly Crawford
4. Stephanie Annette Cruz
5. Keshia Flanders
6. Janise Jones
7. Rogelio López
8. Elgie Munn
9. David Maurice Milner

At this point, only petitions against five alleged members of the blood gang remain pending. These individuals are:

1. Omar Arreola
2. Phillip Bobby Berryman
3. Brian Christopher Hairston
4. Eric Antwan Stokes

Daniel Odom* (Has not been found)

The trial to determine the implementation of the injunction against those defendants was scheduled for Monday October 4, 2009, but has now been re-scheduled for March 8, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.

The continuance on the case for those 5 defendants was granted this morning after a motion filed by defense counsel. At the hearing, the County Attorney's Office did not oppose the continuance of the trial because it involves a relatively small number of defendants and one of them is believed to have fled the country.

# # #

Bloods Gang Injunction Update Press Release.pdf

New law will take effect on September 1, 2009

            El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez has informed County elected officials and County employees about a new state law that makes it a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense to make or accept political contributions while in the courthouse. The prohibition includes political contributions to candidates or officeholders, political committees, or persons acting on behalf of candidates, officeholders or political committees.

            In Texas punishment for a Class A misdemeanors ranges from payment of fines of up to $4,000, to confinement of up to 1 year in jail, or both payment of a fine and confinement.

The prohibition, which will take effect on September 1, 2009, also applies to all county annexes, offices of the Justice of the Peace, the Juvenile Probation Department, the MDR Building, and all Municipal Courtrooms.

The new law explicitly excludes from the prohibition political contributions received via the United States Postal Service or common or contract carrier.

County Attorney José R. Rodríguez said today that, although all County officials and employees have been informed about this new legislation, it is also very important for residents of El Paso in general to take notice of this prohibition.

"In the past, it has been a common practice for individuals interested in the political process to bring campaign contributions to Judges or County Officials in person or drop them at their offices in the Courthouse. Such activity is now illegal and can bring legal consequences to those who are not in compliance", Rodríguez said.

            Rodríguez explained that awareness about the new prohibition is especially urgent because a great number of District Judges and County Officials will be running for re-election next year, and during the next couple of months many residents are expected to make political contributions in those races.

 # # #

Campaign Contributions Press Release.pdf

Political Contributions Memo.pdf

            For decades our city has struggled to recruit and keep talented young El Pasoans who graduate from law school or medical school. This phenomenon, commonly known as "brain drain," has impacted negatively our community by restricting resident's access to justice and healthcare.

            El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez believes that one of the most effective ways to motivate young talented El Pasoans to return to our city after finishing law school, is giving them the opportunity to put into practice their legal skills to help individuals in need through an internship with the El Paso County Attorney's Office.

            "By giving them the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone in need, I expect them to realize how much our community needs them and hopefully they will feel obligated to return to El Paso to improve our community," explained El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez.

            With that idea in mind, every year the El Paso County Attorney's Office opens its doors to talented students to apply their knowledge as law clerk interns.

            This summer the El Paso County Attorney's Office received invaluable support of 4 bright students: Ashley Martínez, from Texas Tech University School of Law; Edward Moreno, from Texas Southern University- Thurgood Marshall School of Law; José M. Rocha, from the University of Dayton School of Law; and Linda Corchado, who will be attending the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law this fall.  

            Ashley Martínez, who is a third year law student, has been collaborating with the Assistant County Attorneys in charge of major civil litigation        

            Edward Moreno has been assisting the County Attorney's Office with discovery work on a gang injunction filed by the County of El Paso against 20 alleged members of the Bloods street gang.

            José M. Rocha, who is a third year law student, has been presenting -and winning- cases in El Paso family courts this summer defending victims of domestic violence and abuse.

            "It is an honor to be able to serve my community and hone my legal skills in the city that I plan to return to" said José M. Rocha, whose ties to public service include working for Senator Eliot Shapleigh, Representative Paul C. Moreno and Judge Alex Gonzalez of El Paso, Representative Rick Noriega of Houston, and Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, UK.  

             Finally, Linda Corchado, who will be attending the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law this fall in New York, assisted by providing legal analysis and research related to proposed legislation. Ms. Corchado has also been doing research regarding the Criminal Alien Program by which the Federal Government reimburses El Paso County for housing alien federal criminals in the county jail.

            El Paso County Attorney José R. Rodríguez has expressed his satisfaction that these 4 local talented students have expressed strong intentions to come back to El Paso after finishing law school.

            "They all know now how much our community needs their talent, and they have expressed interest in coming back to El Paso upon completion of their studies," Rodríguez said.      

# # #

Brain Drain Press Release.pdf