The 26-year run of Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino is over.
Trevino's letter of resignation was received and accepted by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett late Monday afternoon.
Hours before, Trevino told Judge Susan Brown, "Guilty your honor," when she asked him how he pled to a charge of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property.
26 years of service as a lawman, as an elected official, all over in one word.
Judge Brown continued, "Did anyone threaten you an anyway to plead guilty?" Trevino answered," No your honor."
"The Constable made the decision today to put this matter behind him and move forward with the remaining chapters of his life," said Chip Lewis Trevion's Defense Attorney.
Judge Brown is left with the decision of anywhere between probation to 10 years in prison as punishment.
"Obviously the state is pleased that Mr. Trevino has finally taken responsibility for the crime that was committed. Other than that I really can't comment," Said Prosecutor Bill Moore.
In the run up to the trial the state has said plenty accusing Trevino of using money from a charity he founded 20 years ago to fund neighborhood events, and gambling it away on lottery tickets and even slot machines in Louisiana casinos.
During opening arguments Friday, the state said Trevino directed a book keeper to forge signatures on checks so that he could cash them.
The state may not be saying much, but former reporter Wayne Dolcefino is. "He is very popular in the community but I don't think that the community knew the whole story," Dolcefino said after the plea was announced.
Conflicting statements Trevino made in an interview with Dolcefino, and later to a Harris County grand jury, dominated the first day of trial. "It is sad to end a long law enforcement career like this but when you do the crime you gotta do the time," Dolcefino added.
Trevino hopes to avoid jail time and move on with his life. "Those chapters will continue to include support for all of his family for the constituants and the members of the community that have always supported him. He will remain eternally grateful for all of that support," Lewis said.
Even during the high-profile investigation, Trevino was easily able to win re-election, but this is different.
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