A South-Central Texas district attorney has secured guilty pleas from two county commissioners serving in different counties within her judicial district, according to a news release from her office. The cases, while resolved in the same period, involved unrelated allegations and investigations.
Audrey Gossett Louis, the 81st Judicial District Attorney, announced that Atascosa County Commissioner Kennard “Bubba” Riley and Wilson County Commissioner Russell King each entered guilty pleas in criminal cases prosecuted by her office. The 81st Judicial District encompasses Atascosa, Wilson, Frio, Karnes, and LaSalle counties.
In Atascosa County, Riley pleaded guilty to theft by a public servant. According to the district attorney’s office, the case began after a county employee reported that Riley had stolen gasoline belonging to the county. The allegation prompted an investigation by Texas Ranger Terry Snyder. That investigation included sworn statements from both current and former county employees who attested to the theft.
As part of the plea agreement, Riley was sentenced to one year of probation. Additional conditions included completing community service, paying restitution to cover the value of the stolen gasoline, and issuing a written apology to his constituents. Because the offense was directly connected to his role as a public official, Riley was also required to resign from office. His resignation took effect on December 31.
In his resignation letter, Riley acknowledged wrongdoing and expressed regret for his actions. “During my time in office, I sought to serve with respect and integrity. Unfortunately, I made a mistake that resulted in an unlawful situation and jeopardized my ability to continue serving in this elected position,” he wrote. He concluded the letter by apologizing and asking for forgiveness.
The second case involved Wilson County Commissioner Russell King. King pleaded guilty to a deadly conduct charge following an investigation conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. According to DPS, the case stemmed from an incident on State Highway 329 in which King intentionally collided his vehicle with another vehicle. No additional details about the circumstances of the crash were included in the district attorney’s release.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, King was also sentenced to one year of probation. He was ordered to pay restitution and provide a written apology. Unlike Riley, King is not required to resign from his position as county commissioner. The district attorney’s office stated that this distinction is based on the nature of the offense.
According to the DA, King’s criminal conduct was not related to his official duties or misuse of his public office, while Riley’s offense directly involved county property. As a result, different consequences applied.
“Accountability applies to everyone,” the district attorney’s office wrote in explaining the differing outcomes. “When criminal conduct is tied to public office, the consequences are different than when it is not. In both cases this week, actions had consequences and justice was served. Their punishment fits their crimes,” Louis concluded.
