District Attorney Luis Saenz' YEAR-END REPORT~An Odd Insert in Sunday's "Brownsville Herald"

Advertising Notice on
Front Page of 12/29/2013
Brownsville Herald

District Attorney Luis V. Saenz is not up for re-election until 2016, but nevertheless felt it necessary to issue to Brownsville voters a "2013 YEAR-END REPORT," as an insert in Sunday's Brownsville Herald.  While a simple "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" from the former and current District Attorney might have sufficed, a detailed, two-sided printout, likely prepared by Information Officer Melissa Zamora, recaps the accomplishments, priorities and special operations of the office.

The back page of the document enumerates the bond forfeitures collected during Saenz' current tenure(2012-2013) and contains a quote from Chief Jailer Mike Leinart testifying that inmate count is "the lowest it's been in eight years" due to the "leadership and direction of the District Attorney."

Melissa Zamora, Public Information
Officer at Cameron County
District Attorney's Office

The document hints at its purpose at the top of Page 1, declaring the office's "Priority Mission" as "To Regain the Public's Trust in the Office" and "To Capture Amit Livingston."

Considering that the previous District Attorney, Armando Villalobos, has been convicted of racketeering, bribery and extortion, public trust has to be an issue.  An $80,000 bribe to Villalobos was instrumental in convicted murderer convicted murderer Amit Livingston's release and disappearance.

The insert also highlights a "renewed working relationship with federal agencies," stating that the Department of Homeland Security was a "primary

District Attorney Luis V. Saenz

partner" is "Operation Bishop," the DA's enforcement blitz against 8-liners.

Establishing a "new, sexual assault of children unit," resulting in "tougher sentences" was included in the report.
The printout also cites a "reestablished" relationship with the U.S. District Attorney's Office.

"We haven't had this cooperative effort in a very long time," states Rick Lara, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Brownsville Branch.  "I attribute that to Luis coming to me."