This story is part of a KSAT 12 Defenders investigation into the use of confidential informants by law enforcement. The one-hour special report airs on KSAT 12 on Feb. 1 at 9 p.m. Find more here.
Joe Gonzales was sworn into office in January 2019 with a promise of reform and accountability.
Prior to being elected Bexar County District Attorney, Gonzales served as a trial prosecutor in the D.A.’s office in the early 90′s before being promoted to Assistant District Attorney. Gonzales also spent 22 years as a criminal defense attorney.
In this extended interview, District Attorney Gonzales discusses the cases involving Rexina-Linan Juarez, John Cape, Louie Garcia and Rubee Sandoval, how it happened, what’s being done to avoid it happening in the future, and his thoughts on proposed reforms.
Read more about this investigation in the stories below:
WATCH FULL SPECIAL: “‘A Necessary Evil’: The Cost of Confidential Informants,” a KSAT 12 Defenders Investigation
Planted drugs, secret deals, lies: How one bad informant ruined the lives of at least 4 San Antonians
What is a confidential informant?
What is actual innocence?
How experts say to reform the confidential informant investigative process
Timeline: The cost of confidential informants in Bexar County