Two South Texas Commissioners Plead Guilty in Same Week

Two South Texas county commissioners — both elected, both trusted with public responsibility — have now pleaded guilty to criminal offenses. And no, these weren’t paperwork mistakes or clerical errors. One involved an intentional car crash, and the other involved stealing fuel paid for by taxpayers.

According to the 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Wilson County Commissioner Russell King pleaded guilty to deadly conduct after intentionally ramming another vehicle on County Road 329. Let that sink in for a second. This wasn’t an accident; in fact, investigators say it was deliberate.

King received one year of probation, paid restitution, and was required to write an apology letter to the victim. And here’s the part that’s already raising eyebrows across South Texas: because the incident wasn’t tied directly to his official duties, state law does not allow him to be removed from office.

"Because the offense did not involve his official duties, Texas law does not allow for removal from office," said Audrey Gossett Louis, 81st Judicial District Attorney, in a Facebook post.

Atascosa County Commissioner Kennard “Bubba” Riley pleaded guilty to stealing county fuel from his precinct yard. Prosecutors say the fuel was meant for public use, not personal benefit. Unlike the first case, this crime was tied to Riley’s position — and the consequences were immediate.

Riley was forced to resign, placed on probation, ordered to pay restitution, complete community service, write an apology to his constituents, and permanently lose his county retirement benefits.

In the same region and the same week, two commissioners pleaded guilty, but faced very different outcomes.

"Accountability applies to everyone, but the law also draws clear distinctions. When criminal conduct is tied to public office, the consequences are different than when it is not. In both cases this week, actions had consequences and justice was served," Louis said in the Facebook release.