Son Testifies In Nepotism Trial Of Suspended El Paso Judge

He was fired not once, but twice from the county.

The son of suspended District Judge Regina Arditti talked about that and much more today in his mother’s nepotism and bribery trial. She is accused of hiring former Judge Manny Barraza’s sister in exchange for him hiring Arditti’s son, Dante Vance.

Yawning repeatedly through his testimony, Vance told the jury he’s lost a lot of sleep because of the stress of his mother’s trial.

Vance also said he’s disappointed his mother over the years by not going to college and then by accepting a bailiff position in convicted state Judge Manny Barraza’s court.

He said Arditti did not approve of him working with Barraza’s court because the court was a drug court.

Vance also admitted he never disclosed a previous termination from the district clerk’s office when he applied for the bailiff position because he was afraid he wouldn’t get hired.

Vance said he was fired again after taking the bailiff position.

He said it was because he wanted to start working part time so he could go to school, and his supervisor didn’t approve.

Defense attorney Theresa Caballero asked Vance, “They said, Hey, we don’t like that,’ right?”

Vance responded, “Yes. They said ‘The next time you miss (work) without a doctor’s note, you’re fired.'”

Vance was fired the same day his mother was charged with nepotism.

On Monday afternoon, employees from the El Paso County Resources Department took the stand.

These employees have repeatedly told jurors that all employees must have a bank account for direct deposit and that judges do not even have to post an open position in their court.

The bank accounts of Arditti and her son could come into play Tuesday. After the jury was sent home on Monday, the prosecution and the defense discussed with the judge what information from these bank accounts should be admitted into evidence.