On today’s Troubleshooters, a Jim Wells County Constable has filed a petition to have a fellow constable removed from office.
It’s a story the Troubleshooters first started covering 5 months ago.
The petition was filed with the county by Precinct 3 Constable Jim Long to have Precinct One Constable Jesus ‘Chuy’ Salinas removed from office.
Long gives three reasons.
Incompetency. Official misconduct. And intoxication on or off duty by drinking an alcoholic beverage.
That’s a reference to Salinas’ November 2015 arrest on suspicion of intoxication assault.
The 71 year old Salinas was recently re-elected to his 4th four year term.
In May he told us that he spends most of his day sitting in a chair, unable to work, due to an unknown medical condition.
“Can you tell me what your medical issues are ? They can’t find nothing out. I fall down. Lightheaded. I feel dizzy and all that. How long have you had that ? It’s been awhile,” he said.
The county’s had to hire more people to do Salinas’ job.
Yet he’s still getting his full $46,874 salary, a car allowance, and full benefits, from the county.
He’s a decorated Vietnam veteran.
Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.
After that, 28 years with the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office.
And constable for the past 12 years or so.
Long’s petition further mentions that Salinas is not current on his training which is mandated by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to keep his peace officer license current
Constable’s are elected officials.
The people who vote for them, are the only ones who can petition to have them removed.
Long’s petition has been presented to District Judge Richard Terrell, who will have a visiting judge decide what action will be taken.
