Two county commissioners in South Texas have admitted to very different crimes, but ended up with the same bottom line: probation instead of prison. One commissioner confessed to intentionally ramming another vehicle on a rural road, while the other admitted to repeatedly siphoning county diesel for personal use. Now that the criminal cases are wrapped with plea deals, local officials are left to untangle resignations, pension fallout and the political mess.
Russell King Admits Road Crash On County Back Road
Russell King pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to deadly conduct after prosecutors said he intentionally collided with another vehicle on County Road 329. Under his plea agreement, King will serve one year of probation, pay full restitution to the victim and write a formal apology, according to KENS5.
Kennard "Bubba" Riley Admits Stealing County Fuel
Kennard "Bubba" Riley, the former Atascosa County Precinct 4 commissioner, pleaded guilty to theft by a public servant and agreed to resign his seat as part of a plea deal, as reported by KSAT. Under Riley's agreement he will serve one year of probation, complete 80 hours of community service and pay roughly $622.50 in restitution, plus a $2,000 fine and court costs. He will also forfeit county retirement benefits.
Limits On Removing Elected Officials
The 81st Judicial District attorney, Audrey Gossett Louis, told KENS5 that state law can constrain efforts to remove elected officials when the criminal conduct is outside their official duties. "Accountability applies to everyone," Louis said, while noting that the legal path to oust a commissioner depends on whether the offense arose from the performance of public duties.
Local Fallout And Next Steps
Atascosa County Judge Weldon P. Cude confirmed Riley's resignation became effective Dec. 31, and county leaders say they will review precinct fuel controls and record-keeping in the wake of the case, as noted by KSAT. Both commissioners avoided prison in exchange for probation and restitution, but their guilty pleas now sit on their records and could trigger further administrative or civil follow-ups.
