Name that party--Starr Co. Sheriff still in jail

Houston Chronicle:

Reymundo Guerra's resignation as Starr County sheriff didn't convince a federal magistrate judge to set bail for the former lawman, who is accused of using his position to assist high-ranking members of the Gulf Cartel.

Defense attorney Philip Hilder said Guerra would appeal today's denial by U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos. Unless overturned by a district court, Ramos' decision means Guerra will remain behind bars pending trial in early December.

Guerra, who had been sheriff for the past decade, submitted his resignation during the weekend after Ramos expressed concern about his return to the office he allegedly abused.

The Starr County Commissioners Court approved the resignation during an emergency meeting this morning.

Guerra has been in federal custody since being arrested at his Rio Grande City office last Tuesday. He is one of 15 defendants in a 19-count federal indictment alleging conspiracy to move cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the interior United States.

He has pleaded not guilty to three charges including conspiracy, accessory after the fact, and using a telephone to further a drug conspiracy. He faces 10 years to life in prison plus a $4 million fine on the conspiracy charge alone.

...

Since Guerra was running unopposed in the Nov. 4 election, he effectively starts a new term as sheriff in January, Vera said.

"At that time the topic will come up again," Vera said.

If convicted, Guerra will join a list of border law enforcement officials, including predecessor Eugenio "Gene" Falcon, to go down for alleged drug crimes or corruption.

The story never identifies Guerra's party, but it is probably a safe bet he is a Democrat since that part of the state is dominated by Democrats. As the last paragraph suggest the culture of corruption appears embedded in the area. Working for the Gulf Cartel is serious business. If he was, I suspect he will get a significant sentence if convicted.