DA says Commissioners Lack Investigative Powers

By Bill Zeeble, KERA News

Dallas, TX –

Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins says the County Commissioners' call for an independent investigation into Constables and an Auto Wrecker Service is irresponsible and a money waster. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more.

Watkins says he will neither acknowledge nor deny an investigation into Precinct One Constable Derick Evans or Precinct 5 Constable Jaime Cortes. And the same applies to the Dowdy Ferry Wrecker Service. At least 3 Commissioners say they'll launch an investigation following reports suggesting the two Constables and the Wrecker Service may be working together and breaking rules.

D.A. Watkins says publicizing such an investigation - which may or may not be underway - could jeopardize credibility, objectivity, and justice down the road.

Watkins: The Court doesn't have any subpoena power, and they don't have any authority to appoint an investigator. That's my job.

For his part, Constable Cortes says he's done nothing wrong & welcomes any investigation.

Email Bill Zeeble