Houstonians react to constable's guilty plea

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Three years after an Eyewitness News investigation, the 38-year career of a law enforcement man came to an end. Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino resigned from his position after pleading guilty to one of three felony charges against him.

On Monday night you could hear the sound of jazz music being played and coffee being poured at Bohemeo's on the East End. The area has become known as the art and soul of Houston in recent years. For decades when it came to fighting crime Constable Victor Trevino was the face of public safety.

"He's been in the neighborhood for a long time," says a resident before going to a neighborhood meeting Monday night.

The end of his resume will now have a felony guilty plea.

"I think disappointment is the general consensus because he's been very good in helping the community and being concerned and involved." Another patron at the local coffee shop says, "I think it's unfortunate. Any time you're in a position of power there are things that are tempting," resident Anita Anguiano says.

The Constable pleaded guilty to misusing charity money. Tens of thousands of dollars donated for kids and seniors right here in this community. Prosecutors say he spent the charity money on lottery tickets and a trip with his wife to a Louisiana casino.

"I think it's important that our elected officials when they mess up, come clean and they fess up to that," resident Jerry Gonzales says.

Trevino represented Harris County Precinct 6 which is 80 percent Hispanic. LULAC Board Member Johnny Mata says today's news is about so much more than a guilty plea and the end of a man's career.

"The said part is the outcome and the fact that Latinos in this area are very underrepresented in all areas of government. I feel the outcome will galvanize more people politically," Mata says.

Trevino has to resign and give up his license to be a peace officer. It will be up to the Harris County Commissioners to appoint a replacement.

"I think the biggest concern is that they would be able to get someone who can work with the Hispanic community, to be able to get their confidence and support," Anita Anguiano adds.

The former Constable will keep his county pension and retiree health benefits. He'll be sentenced later this month and could spend up to ten years in prison.