3 MAJOR Setbacks For El Paso D.A. Rosales And The Week Isn’t Over Yet

Just to lay things out here: almost a thousand people accused of crimes, everything from DUI to aggravated assault, were turned out of jail because of “inaction” on the part of the District Attorney’s office.

A local defense attorney, Omar Carmona, filed a petition to have Yvonne Rosales removed as D.A.

This week has seen THREE setbacks for the D.A. …and it’s only WEDNESDAY as I’m writing this.

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1.)    First, on Monday, County Commissioners ruled that the county would NOT pay the legal fees for Yvonne’s fight against removal. The estimated cost could be upwards of $250,000. The request was denied by a vote of 4-1.

2.)    On Tuesday a state judge ruled against Rosales’ request that Judge Sam Medrano be recused from the death penalty case against the alleged Walmart shooter. Rosales had argued that Medrano, who’s presided over the case for three years, should be removed because of “personal animus” against her.

In July, Judge Medrano had given the D.A. a “dressing down” in open court. In July, Medrano had given Rosales a full “dressing down” for her office’s lack of preparation. This happened in open court, in front of other lawyers, victims' family members, and the media.

3.)    Finally, this week we found out the removal case against the D.A. isn’t going to be “open and shut” for either side. County Attorney Joanne Bernal asked for and was granted an extension to make HER decision on Oman Carmona’s removal petition. Bernal cited the “complex” nature of the petition.

This doesn’t necessarily mean Bernal will decide one way or the other. But guess who ELSE Rosales is saying has a conflict of interest…County Attorney Joanne Bernal. Because Omar Carmona’s wife works in Bernal’s office. Make of that what you will.