FRIO COUNTY -- The former judge of Frio County has agreed to a plea deal in exchange for testifying against another official indicted in the same case.
A felony charge of misuse of official information against former judge Carlos Garcia was dismissed this month, in exchange for his admission in open court that he took part in an unauthorized background check on a Pearsall physician's assistant in May 2014.
The plea deal lowers the charge to a misdemeanor.
Garcia was given one year deferred adjudication, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service, according to Frio County sources.
Garcia's community service requirement was suspended, due to his ongoing health issues.
Former Frio County Sheriff's deputy Richard Gandara and former Pearsall city manager Richard Alvarez signed jury waivers in the case, and are expected to take similar plea deals in exchange for felony charges being dismissed.
A separate felony charge from an unrelated case against Gandara of burglary with the intent to commit assault is also expected to be dismissed as part of his plea.
A felony tampering with evidence charge against former Pearsall city attorney Hector Lozano was dismissed, but he is expected to be re-indicted for felony misuse of information, as early as next month.
Garcia, Gandara, and Alvarez have all agreed to testify against Lozano if his case goes to trial.
Alvarez beat out 17 other candidates and was hired as Pearsall city manager in 2014, even after the KENS 5 I-Team exposed his lengthy criminal history.
All four men have left their respective positions.
