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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Strange Doings in South Texas

McALLEN, Texas (CN) - An assistant deputy constable claims his boss got him fired for cooperating with a federal investigation, then threatened to have him arrested if he ran against his former boss in an election.

David Duran sued Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Constable Eddie Guerra in Federal Court.

"During the course of his office and position, Eddie Guerra used his influence and public office to oppress, threaten and deprive David Duran of his rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution," according to the complaint.

"Eddie Guerra, as part of his scheme and plan, caused David Duran to be dismissed as an assistant deputy constable for Precinct Four.

"The resultant action, was due and owing to David Duran's cooperation with federal officers in the investigation of certain individuals."

Calls to Duran's attorney for information about the investigation, and the "individuals" involved, were not returned by press time.

"Eddie Guerra, falsely asserted that the cooperation by David Duran in the federal [sic] was actually an investigation of David Duran," the complaint states. "With knowledge of the falsity of his slander and defamation, Eddie Guerra used the falsity to place David Duran in a false light, caused the discharge of David Duran and threatened David Duran.

"David Duran has sought to run for political office as constable for precinct four.

"Eddie Guerra, directly threatened with adverse action and force that if David Duran sought the office of constable he Eddie Guerra would cause him to be arrested.

"David Duran fears for his safety, wellbeing and that of his family as Eddie Guerra will use his position of authority to oppress, threaten, prevent the rights of the plaintiff and otherwise violate both Texas and Federal law."

Duran seeks $1 million in punitive damages for civil rights violations, defamation, libel, abuse of official capacity and official oppression.

He is represented by Fabian Guerrero, of Edinburg.

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