The Democratic Primary race for constable of Precinct 5 took a contentious turn this week, as challenger Beth Villarreal and incumbent Jaime Cortes accused each other of dirty campaign tactics, unethical conduct and past personal misconduct.
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Jaime Cortes |
Cortes was appointed last summer to replace openly gay Constable Mike Dupree, after Dupree resigned to avoid criminal charges stemming from allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct in office.
There is a third candidate, Ozumba Lnuk-X, on the Democratic Primary ballot. There are no Republican contenders for the seat.
Villarreal delivered papers to Dallas Voice offices early last week accusing Cortes of allowing deputies to campaign for him while on duty and of hiring six individuals who, she said, have previously been charged with criminal offenses or are currently under indictment.
She said some of Cortes’ deputies had been handling personal business while on duty and that some of them had been removing her campaign signs and replacing them with Cortes’ signs.
In addition, Villarreal said, Cortes has been using a vehicle, emblazoned with Cortes’ name and the word "Constable," registered to a former Precinct 1 deputy constable, and a truck belonging to Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price in his campaign, without reporting the vehicles as "in-kind" contributions.
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Beth Villarreal |
Villarreal said that Cortes and his deputies had allowed a backlog of more than 40,000 unserved documents to pile up. Cortes, however, said reports on file with the county show that since taking office last year, he led the Precinct 5 office from last place to second place in efficiency and documents served.
Along with the paperwork, Villarreal gave Dallas Voice digital photographs and a videotape that she said back up her claims against Cortes.
In a telephone interview this week, Cortes denied the allegations and said Villarreal had lied about her past and her qualifications for constable.
Cortes said if his deputies "take some time off to campaign on their personal time or their vacation time or comp time, they can do whatever they wish on their time off."
He said that if any of his employees are accused of handling personal business on county time, he would initiate an investigation and take proper disciplinary action where necessary.
Cortes denied that anyone associated with his campaign had removed Villarreal’s signs, and said, instead, that her supporters had removed and defaced his campaign signs in several instances.
Cortes said the personal vehicle Villarreal questioned is one he purchased from the former Precinct 1 deputy, but he said he lost the title and has not yet transferred it into his name. He also said his campaign had only recently started using the billboard truck belonging to Commissioner Price, and that it would be listed as an in-kind contribution on his next campaign finance report, which was due Thursday, Feb. 21.
Responding to allegations that some of his employees had been charged with criminal offenses or are under indictment, Cortes said Dallas County policy requires all applicants to apply online. The county’s human resources department then conducts background checks before referring applicants to other departments.
"They do not send me any applicant who has a criminal background," Cortes said. "For an officer, you can’t have a Class B [misdemeanor] or above. If you are a clerk, you can have a Class B offense but nothing above that. … It’s all cleared through Dallas County."
In a separate telephone interview, Cortes said Villarreal lied about having served as a licensed peace officer in what was then the Precinct 6 constable’s (now Precinct 5, following redistricting) from 1994 to 1996. He said that while state records show that Villarreal had graduated from a law enforcement academy and had passed the test to be licensed, her license was never activated.
He said that peace officers’ licenses are only activated when an individual is hired by a law enforcement agency, and that agency notifies the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education. Cortes said TCLEOSE has no record of Villarreal’s license being activated.
He said records also show Villarreal attempted to retake the test in 2001 and again in 2002, failing both times.
Cortes said Villarreal was involved in a car accident in Duncanville in 1996, under the name Beth V. Olivaros. He said she was detained by officers because she did not have insurance, and that she failed to pay for damages in the accident, resulting in a judgment against her for $1,983 issued on May 1, 2004.
Cortes said Villarreal had twice been evicted for failing to pay rent, once in 1996 and once in 2003. He said the Precinct 5 constable is responsible for managing a $3.5 million budget, and those evictions call Villarreal’s money management abilities into question.
And he said he has filed ethics violations complaints against Villarreal with both the state and with the Dallas County District Attorney because she used the Texas state seal in campaign literature and on her Web site.
Villarreal said Cortes had misrepresented her past work experience in the constable’s office, and that it was because Cortes’ chief deputy, Keith Hines, refused her access to her records that she was unable to get the TCLEOSE records corrected.
Villarreal said when she went to work for the constable’s office in 1994, the chief deputy failed to submit the proper paperwork to the TCLEOSE offices, an oversight she knew nothing about until last September when she decided to run for office.
Although both the previous constable and the previous chief deputy are now deceased, Villarreal said she has several witnesses who remember working with her at that time, including County Judge Jim Foster. She said Nancy Woertendyke, wife of her campaign manager Claire Woertendyke, was also a deputy in the same precinct at the same time, and that her paperwork also had been lost.
Villarreal said officials with TCLEOSE told her to get copies of her personnel files from the constable’s office where she had worked to correct the oversight. But she said Chief Deputy Hines refused to give her those files.
Villarreal denied having been in the accident in Duncanville, saying Cortes’ claim is "absolutely false," and that her driving record is clean. She also denied ever having been evicted. Although she acknowledged being late in paying her rent once in 2003, she said she has receipts from her landlord verifying tha
t she had paid, including late fees, before the case went to court.
Villarreal also acknowledged that she failed the licensing test in 2001 and 2002, saying she had tried to take the test to get relicensed without studying. But she denied purposefully using the state seal in any campaign materials.
"I took a photo and the seal is in the background. But I was not aware there was any violation involved," she said.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition February 22, 2008
I believe its time for change, can we just consider running a clean campaign for a change..
I’m really tired of Dirty politicians and it really doesn’t seem that Cortes has made a difference to the community but hurt it..
I think its time to get rid of the old and bring in the new, who cares about the personal issues, Beth’s Car accident issues!, Give me a break.
Lets talk about what the old Candidate has done, if it got worse in his time in office then get rid of him and lets move on…
I have met Ms Villarreal and I do not believe she has the qualifications to be constable she doesn’t have the background or the attitude to carry this office. Istead of worrying about all the bad focus on what you as a person can do, she id to focused on saying “he did this, he said this so what” FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT TO DO OR WILL DO and forget all mud slinging. Her deammnor, attitude and the way she carries herself is not at all one of a person who needs to be in any type of office. “Daisy dukes high heels” what is that? I don’t feel like she has what it takes!
First of all its demeanor, instead, needs, focus, all the, sorry I just had to say that, the grammar drives me nuts!!!
I have also had the opportunity to meet Cortes and Villarreal and have also been involved in allot of different organizations where these two present themselves and Beth always has me at Hello! its the way she carries herself.
Look it seems that the community is lacking a good leader in this particular office and I believe that the Obama campaign opened the eyes to the American people that change is not a bad thing..
Cortes seems to be under allot of heat lately from the community and it is not because of his good work, its certainly time to make that change.
If the American People picked a Black president, we can certainly pick Daisy Dukes, and High Heels, its called (Change).
Go Beth!!! I hope that now that she is back she comes back harder and tougher she has what no candidate has in this race and thats an honest Drive.
Wrong “just a voice”, she doesnt need high heals, she is tall on her own. I yet to ever she Ms Villarreal improperly dressed, what have you been smoking. Qualifications? She has them and its hard for current office holder to swallow. Cortes did it with Mike Dupree and now he is attacking Villarreal, she has all the right to defend herself..She has integrity, honesty, professionalism and has a genuine drive to clean up pct 5. Like President Obamma said, “Time for Change.”
Wrong “just a voice”, she doesnt need high heals, she is tall on her own. I yet to ever she Ms Villarreal improperly dressed, what have you been smoking. Qualifications? She has them and its hard for current office holder to swallow. Cortes did it with Mike Dupree and now he is attacking Villarreal, she has all the right to defend herself..She has integrity, honesty, professionalism and has a genuine drive to clean up pct 5. Like President Obamma said, “Time for Change.”
Someone needs to do spell check.
Ok, sounds like the fight is between the voice and tax payer. I think the focus needs to be on the Constable position and who has better qualities for that job! I think we could all agree to that. But if change is accepting a previous constable who can’t seem to get things done and Daisy Dukes and High Heels there goes the neighborhood. The attire is not going to get the job done. You can definately have change without looking trashy.
Yes change is good especially when a female can run against a man but be above the trash and do it in a dignified way. Without degrading the female race.
From what I read in the article above both candidates have issues that they need to acknowledge and step up to the plate take care of those items and go from there.
So good luck to whomever…I don’t care for either canidate.
For you to judge others without looking in the mirror, its sad to say that you think you have morals. You truly need to focus on your personal issues, before you run for office. By you allowing an individual to disrespect a fellow deputy in the public, shows the values you were raised with. Please tell Ms.Davila and Hinojosa sorry to hear about their situations.
All I can say is, “WOW”..
To be attacking the other candidate in this manner not only shows how mean and dirty politics have become, but also proves how ignorant people can be when they’re talking out of their a** rather than speaking from facts. I have never heard Ms Villarreal speak in any negative way about Mr Cortes despite the FACT that she has plenty to talk about!
I guess when push comes to shove, Mr.Cortes will have anyone or he himself speak poorly about anyone else proving that they would be the better choice for this office. He did it when he ran against his own brother in law, Aurelio Castillo he did it with Mike Dupree and now he’s doing it with Ms.Villarreal.
Let’s re-cap on what was said so far;
1) Ms villarreal’s name:
It is common for women (married women) to continue and use their maiden names despite after marrying into another name. NO CRIME IN THAT
2)Ms Villarreal’s children;
If she has had six children as was mentioned, then good for her for looking great, but on a serious note, I commend “any mother” who can say they raised even one child who never became members of any gangs, drugs etc..
NO CRIME IN THAT.
3)Ms Villarreal as a Renter;
Since when has it become a crime to rent rather than own?
NO CRIME IN THAT
4)Ms Villarreal’s finances;
Even if it were true that she is in some sort of debt, have you taken a look at the economy lately? the real question is, who isn’t it debt?
NO CRIME IN THAT.
5)Ms Villarreal’s experience;
Whether she only has one year or twenty, the fact remains, that Mr. Cortes with “his” has managed to run the constable’s office to the ground since he’s been in office.
NO CRIME IN THAT.
And finally;
I believe Ms Villarreal is much smarter than to allow a drug dealer’s wife to use her vehicle in transporting drugs knowing that if caught, it will be confiscated.
Everything else in between that was said in previous comments against Ms Villarreal is what I like to call, jibber-jabber from someone who is feeling the constable’s office slipping from his hands and will stop at nothing to divert the negative spot light away from him onto somone else.
So with all of this being said and no crimes to prove on Ms Villarreal, let’s look at Mr. Cortes;
If Mr Cortes was a true law abiding constable as he claims, we would not be watching and reading about the many criminal charges he is facing. To me all of this spells,
CRIME!!!!!
The only thing I read that was truley low, was that someone had the odacity to call Ms Villarreal a “piece of sh*t”
I would tell Ms Villarreal to dig deeper and see what she can dig up on Mr Cortes as well, but I know she won’t. She has the dignity, self- decipline and respect of a true Leader and will not allow her personal feelings of rage come over her as it clearly happened with these individuals.
Ms Villarreal, if you ever read this, I hope you are encouraged to know that many people such as myself support you in your campaign. And we only hope that you not allow these jerks to discourage you in any way from continuing to make progress as my “NEXT” CONSTABLE OF PCT 5.
how much did u pay mrs esquivel to suck ur dick??? u dont know that hoe!!! She is def, a coc sucker, I know she did me!!!
To whom it may concern, for all u individuals that are not concerned about our community. Mrs. V has alot of problems and issues in her life that she needs to deal with, before she runs for office. As a citizen in the community, the allegations that are being said, are true but this is not the time to put them on the web. The only person that knows the truth about Lee Esquivel and his brother Rafael Esquivel our them and Ms. V., so if the truth be said, call DPD and ask for the video tape Mr. E made with his mistress.
Take the light off of Mr. Cortes and focus on who’s going to be the best Constable for our Precinct 5.
I have learned in my history in success that as you climb higher people will take shots at you, Beth keep moving forward, and remember Misery loves Misery, don’t let these negative comments get to you.
I have also learned that when you come across people like this you must not feel anger but pitty.
So for the person who is attacking Beth take a look at your own life and your struggles cause by the looks of it, you are having some serious issues that need to be examined. its called Gossip and I believe we do not need this in this community. So get a life, love yourself, and before you talk about someone take a look in the mirror and don’t speak unless spoken to cause your opinions dont make sense.
By the looks of this campaign, it looks like Mrs Villarreal has the upper hand and as for Mr Cortez it looks like its time to Retire from your position.
In reference to the person asking me how much Ms Villarreal recieved for specific services rendered to me, I’d hate to burst your bubble, but I obviously do not have a male appendage to recieve those types of services as I am not a male. I find it appalling that there are people such as yourself not only with computers to air out your gossip, but also someone who has a mouth to speak of anyone in this kind of manner.
It sounds as if you may have known her on some sort of personal level, in which case it would make plenty of sense as to why you would be extrememly hateful and make such comments,remarks and gossip on a personal level?
With that being said, it is safe to assume that you are clearly an unstable individual who cannot control your temper, rage or emotions. One could only wonder how much of a danger you are to society. Your rage appears to be uncontrollable and I highly recommend seeking counceling.
These blogs are for people who would like to give educated opinions regarding our community happenings rather than an avenue for someone such as yourself a way to “vent.”
Do us all a favor and seek the much needed medical help and leave the educated bloggers to themselves.
Very well said!!!and your right it seems this person must be someone very close to Mrs Villarreal on a personal level:(…That’s sad.
Don’t be negative, be positive and you will find that good things will come to you in a positive way..
good job law dog, it looks like Mrs Villarreal has some strong supporters, I’m with you Beth, I don’t know to much about you but what I do know is that I like what I hear and it don’t make any difference what you look like, as mentioned in the early responses, or what you have been through..I just need to know that you will do the job and get it done and you have my Vote!!
As for your Husband I believe I met him once at a function he seemed a real gentleman and you both looked like a very strong couple with morals.
I am invited to a December 18th function being given by a law firm, I noticed you are a sponsor of this event,as well as others, if you keep yourself connected with people like this and continue to give back to your community you will go very far with this campaign.
Stay focused, stay involved, stay strong and you will win this campaign, if you allow yourself to be bothered by responses like some of these mentioned it will distract you from your goal..
Me and many others support you 100%.
Esquivel ex mistress, don’t know who you are and don’t care.
What I do know is that I am a close friend of the family as well as a DPD officer and I can tell you for a (fact) that Beth’s husband Lee, has never worked for DPD!! so where you come off with that crap beats me. Next time you want to post something, make sure you googled the right person and have the facts to prove it…..
I am VERY close to the Esquivel’s and I know them as a well-knit family who has their priorities and lives together…
There is only one person in that family that seems to always cause problems…
(Mrs. V)
Lee Esquivel for a fact has never been with DPD, for one he could never pass the physical exam to even be considered for the position…
FACT: he DID work for the Dallas Sheriff Dept. as a Detention Service Officer (not a peace/police officer)
he tried at least 2 times with DPD and never succeeded with that…
but anyways this is not about the Esquivels this is about the community…
(And Rafaels name should not be thrown into this one)
All I am saying is please do research…
Believe me Mrs V may seem nice and well put together but trust me it is all a act. She has been trying to get fast cash for a long time. Every one in entitled to their own opinion…
Becareful on what you wish for….
Things could just end up worse!!!
Ok ME,,, you sound as if you are contradicting yourself in several ways.
You claim to be “close” to the family but yet you dog the same family by dogging one it’s members? then you end it by saying that the esquival family has nothing to do with it(hhmmmmm). Then you say Ms Villareal is a trouble maker, yet we haven’t seen or heard of her in the news either negative or positive? then you say she’s just out for a quick buck, but even if that were so, why would she have chosen to volunteer her time as a non paid police officer for a whole year? where’s the buck in that?
“So what I wish for”, is for all of the BS that is going back and forth on both Jaime Cortes and Beth Villareal to stop and let FACTS speak for themselves!! everything else is useless information and carries no weight because we all know that it is coming from people who just want to “vent” their personal opinions and frustrations on both Jaime and Beth as mentioned in previous comments.
One thing I do agree on is that DPD,the husband,the sheriff’s dept and this rafael character have absolutely NOTHING to do with anything. so again folks, would you please lay off the soap opera drama. This is our reality future we’re facing here in trying to choose a constable..
have yall tried keeping a journal at home? it helps to vent that way!
to FEDUP: Just FYI she was never a non paid police officer for a year…
She was a EXPLORER!!! Not a peace officer
Explorer: = programs mainly for High school students who go on “ride alongs” to see how police work is done…
Police officer= Must be sworn in…
there is a difference…
JUST FYI!!!!!
hey explorer guy, i dont know how old she is but im going to take a wild guess and ask, did they have explorer programs when she was in highschool?
just a thought!!!!