D.A. GIVES A PASS TO CRIMINAL TRESPASSERS
Joe Gonzales Says Criminal Trespassing By Homeless Will No Longer Be Prosecuted.
San Antonio, TX – In apparent disregard for the safety and rights of San Antonio business owners and property owners, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales has ordered his Prosecutors to “reject criminal trespass charges” if the “Defendant appears to be homeless.”
The District Attorney’s order effectively gives a homeless person, or persons claiming to be homeless, a free pass to infringe on the rights of a business owner or non-residential property owner, by declaring that there will be absolutely no consequences for committing these offenses.
“Joe Gonzales has just given anyone who claims to be homeless the right to violate someone else’s business or property,” said Michael Helle, President of the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association. “This is a total abdication of D.A.’s responsibility, which is to hold the guilty accountable, protect the innocent, and preserve the dignity of victims and their families.”
This policy was set forth in an April 20, 2019 email from Jamissa Jarmon, Chief of Intake and Grand Jury, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The email was sent to “DA Mag Office” and reads, in part, as follows:
Subject: Policy Regarding Criminal Trespass Cases
Please Post
Effective Immediately:
Until further notice, we will be rejecting criminal trespass charges in the following situations:
1) The arrest is made at a non-residential place;
2) Criminal Trespass is the only charge;
3) The Defendant appears to be homeless; and
4) The Defendant does not have any violent history and is not currently on probation/deferred for any offense.
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Michael Helle, President
Tel: (210) 822-4428
Email: pres@sapoa.org
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