Republican Gov. Rick Perry could make an appointment to that position in September. Isassi, a Democrat, has sought the intervention of a prominent loc

Kleberg counsel indicted in abuse-of-power case

By Dan Kelley (Contact)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Isassi's case stems from charges against a relative.
Isassi's case stems from charges against a relative.

Alfred Isassi, who is seeking appointment to a newly created district attorney position, was indicted Thursday on misdemeanor charges accusing him of abuse of his powers as Kleberg County Attorney.

Isassi faces one count of abuse of official capacity and three counts of exercising improper influence.

The indictment stems from the arrest of an aunt, Anna Linda Gonzalez, on a felony count of evading in a vehicle in 2005.

Isassi is alleged to have told Assistant District Attorney Aida Trevino that the charges against his aunt were to be dismissed. The indictment also alleges that he told two employees of the county's probation department that his aunt did not have to report for pre-trial supervision.

Bond was issued at $1,000, according to District Clerk Martha Soliz.

Isassi could not be reached for comment.

Kingsville Mayor Sam R. Fugate, a lawyer who is advising Isassi but has not been retained by Isassi, said, "I'm sure this will come out in his favor."

"I feel bad for him and his family," Fugate said. "He's a good young man and a good lawyer."

Kleberg County Judge Pete De La Garza said Isassi will continue to represent the county.

"You need to understand that an indictment is not a conviction," De La Garza said. "It's an accusation."

De La Garza said he did not know if the county would pay Isassi's legal fees -- in some circumstances the county has a choice in the matter, in some circumstances it does not.

As county attorney, Isassi is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanors. He is also a former assistant district attorney, serving under Carlos Valdez, the district attorney for Kleberg, Kenedy and Nueces counties.

Valdez said in a previous interview that he and two top aides could be called to testify at trial.

The Legislature this year created a district attorney position to cover Kleberg and Kenedy counties. Republican Gov. Rick Perry could make an appointment to that position in September. Isassi, a Democrat, has sought the intervention of a prominent local Republican -- whom he declined to identify -- to intercede with the governor.

A special prosecutor was appointed to investigate and try the case.

Contact Dan Kelley at 886-4316 or kelleyd@caller.com