Judge Angus McGinty has resigned

Judge Angus McGinty Judge Angus McGinty Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Judge Angus McGinty has resigned 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Judge Angus McGinty, who is under investigation in a federal corruption probe, submitted a letter of resignation Friday morning to Gov. Rick Perry.

“Effective the close of business on Friday, February 14, 2014, I resign as Judge of the 144th Judicial District Court of Bexar County, Texas,” he wrote in the two-sentence document. “As such, I withdraw my name for consideration for re-election.”

A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed that his office received the resignation letter Friday. She said the governor now has to appoint a replacement.

Allegations have surfaced that McGinty reduced bail on defendants who appeared before him in exchange for auto repairs on his personal vehicles, federal and courthouse sources confirmed to the San Antonio Express-News earlier this week.

The resignation is related to an FBI investigation centered on defense lawyer Al Acevedo, who confirmed last month to the Express-News that he was under investigation related to allegations of bribery of judges and others in the criminal justice system over purported favors on his cases.

In a written statement addressed to the “citizens of Bexar County, friends and family,” McGinty noted Thursday that more than 7,000 cases were handled in his courtroom during his tenure.

“When I was elected to serve the people of Bexar County, I had a burning desire to promote balance and fairness in our criminal justice system,” he wrote. “... While some may question my actions in handling a few decisions, it is my belief that I made reasoned and thoughtful decisions in each and every case before me.”

The letter made no mention of a federal investigation, stating that he had decided to resign “for several personal reasons” — the best interests of his family being foremost.

McGinty took the bench in 2011, after a Republican sweep of all contested judicial races on the Bexar County ballot aided him in ousting incumbent Catherine Torres-Stahl, a Democrat.

He would later garner a reputation as one of the courthouse's most outspoken critics of District Attorney Susan Reed, a fellow Republican.

This year would have been McGinty's first bid for re-election. He was set to face two fellow Republicans, prosecutors Tanner Neidhardt and Lorina Rummel, in the primary.

For more on McGinty's resignation, and what it means for the Republican primary race, visit ExpressNews.com.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland