Sheriff Wiles did nothing wrong, county judge says

County Judge Veronica Escobar told ABC-7 Thursday commissioners court has no jurisdiction over elected officials, therefore, it cannot investigate the alleged misconduct of Sheriff Richard Wiles.

“The county takes any complaint against employees or the organization or elected officials very seriously,” County Judge Veronica Escobar said.

Escobar, who has endorsed Wiles, said she reviewed the letter sent by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) along with the county attorney and did not find any ethical, criminal or policy violation.

“The only allegation that I could see that required some review was the policy violation,” Escobar said, “I think it is dubious if it is a policy violation.” Escobar was referring to the conduct of office employees on or off duty. It prohibits employees from doing anything that could adversely affect morale or efficiency of the office and conduct that could destroy public respect.

The letter from CLEAT was sent to the county on behalf of The El Paso County Sheriff’s Association, which was asking commissioners court to investigate allegations Sheriff Wiles attended an event at the home of a convicted felon.

In its letter, CLEAT states, “Sheriff Wiles either knew or should have known that attending an event at the home of a known drug offender would bring discredit to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; adversely affect the morale or efficiency of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; and destroy the public respect for and confidence in the operation of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.”

CLEAT argued Wiles may have violated “his own office rules and codes of conduct.” The letter further states, “had this conduct been alleged against a detention officer or deputy, that employee would have been placed under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office of Internal Affairs.”

Earlier this week, Wiles told ABC-7 he did attend a community event at a home in Tornillo over the weekend and it was not a fundraiser. ABC-7 also spoke with the homeowner, Ricardo Hernandez, who said there’s no reason the sheriff shouldn’t have come.

“I don’t have no ties with any criminal activities,” Hernandez said, while admitting he was convicted of marijuana possession and served a year in prison in 1995.

Thursday, Wiles sent ABC-7 a statement. “The allegations from the union are false, baseless, and insulting. The union is supporting my opponent and is presenting this issue as a political attack,” Wiles stated, “I have served this community in public service for over 35 years and my reputation for following the law, policies and procedures, and the expectation of the community is well know and respected.”