Grand Jury Hears Evidence Against Former and Current Constables
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A Grand Jury heard evidence Monday against Dallas County Constable Derick Evans and former Constable Jaime Cortes, which could result in indictments Wednesday.
Evans, Precinct 1 constable, and Cortes, former Precinct 5 constable, are accused of widespread corruption while employed by the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.
"We feel like we presented a good case to the Grand Jury and we feel like they'll make a good decision," said Ted Lyon, a special prosecutor appointed by the county earlier this year.
Lyon said he conducted more than 50 interviews and spent 200 hours investigating possible criminal activity against the two men. The Mesquite attorney said he believes he found it in campaign finance reports.
"Including bribery including allegations of campaign irregularities, financing things of that nature," Lyon said. "Going back 13 to 14 years, not just these constables but constables before them, a scheme of campaign financing has been involved over there."
Lyon would not elaborate further on the details of his investigation. Evans could not be reached for comment Monday night.
Cortes said he has not heard from anyone about the evidence presented to the Grand Jury against him and his former colleague.
"I don't even know what they're looking at," Cortes said.
Cortes announced his resignation in May amid allegations of bribery and abuse of his employees. Cortes has always denied the allegations.
