Socorro City Councilman Facing Drug Charges Resigns

Luis Varela has resigned from the Socorro, Texas city council, according to another member of the town’s city council.

Gloria Rodriguez told ABC-7 Varela turned in a letter to Mayor Willie Gandara Sr. on Tuesday.

The next step is for the city council to talk to the city’s attorney to see how to proceed.

Varela has missed every Socorro city council meeting since his arrest on Nov. 17. He has been charged with delivery of marijuana greater than five pounds but less than 50 pounds and possession of cocaine greater than four grams but less than 200 grams.

Varela is now the second elected official under investigation from the city, joining Mayor Willie Gandara Sr., who’s been indicted on corruption charges.

Varela was first elected to the Socorro City Council now-County Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr. was Socorro mayor. Varela was re-elected when Gandara Sr. was elected mayor.

Varela has also been the only councilman supporting the mayor in recent efforts to recall city representatives after they asked Gandara Sr. to step down following his indictment on corruption charges.