Constable Trevino pleads guilty in financial misconduct trial

Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino, a 26-year lawman, is accused of diverting money from his nonprofit charity for his personal use. Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor Trevino, a 26-year lawman, is accused of diverting money from his nonprofit charity for his personal use. Photo: Gary Coronado, Staff Photo: Gary Coronado, Staff Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Constable Trevino pleads guilty in financial misconduct trial 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

Harris County Precinct 6 constable Victor Trevino pleaded guilty Monday to misapplication of fiduciary property, a day after beginning trial on allegations that he diverted money from his charity for personal use.

He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the felony, and has asked the judge to decide punishment after a sentencing hearing on Nov. 17.

The Precinct 6 constable was indicted almost two years ago on several charges accusing him of financial misconduct. He was first elected to office 26 years ago. He will resign from office on Tuesday. He also will have to surrender his state license that allows him to carry a weapon.

In a black suit, Trevino arrived to court in flanked by family and attorneys.

He said little as state District Judge Susan Brown went over the terms of his plea bargain.

Prosecutors earlier this year offered Trevino a plea deal that would have allowed the 62-year-old constable to plead guilty to a class C misdemeanor, the lowest form of criminal infraction, and retire, his attorney, Chip Lewis said last week. In exchange, prosecutors would have dropped four felony indictments on charges that include misapplication of fiduciary property and tampering with a public document.

During opening statements on Friday, Assistant Harris County District Attorney Bill Moore said Trevino used thousands of dollars donated to his charity -- Constable's Athletic Recreational and Education Events Inc. -- for his own personal use, including cashing checks for cash to play slot machines with his wife at a Louisiana casino and to buy Lotto tickets.

Moore also said the constable directed his bookkeeper to forge the signature of someone from the charity who is authorized to sign the checks. Then either the constable cashed the checks or sent deputies to do it at local convenience stores, the prosecutor said.