Constable Charged With Fraud Involved In Two Car Wrecks

by Stephanie Valle

EL PASO — The fraud investigation against Constable William Burkett began a day after he was involved in a car wreck and allegedlybegan collecting worker’s compensation.

Last week, sheriffs’ deputies executed a search warrant against Burkett. He was arrested and charged with fraudulently obtaining worker’s compensation and abuse of his official capacity.

The investigation against him began May 24, a day after he crashed into a vehicle at I-10 and Executive Blvd. A police report states Burkett broadsided a truck while he was driving his official vehicle.

The most recent report in the investigation states Burkett was involved in another car wreck in October while driving his official vehicle. The police officer who investigated the collision listed on his report that Burkett failed to yield.

Assistant County Attorney Holly Lytle said Burkett was not supposed to be driving the vehicle at the time. She said Burkett was not scheduled to return to work until mid-November. At the time, he was being paid his full salary with medical benefits,Lytle said.