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Alex Villalobos, a Kyle city councilman and chief of staff for Hays County, announced his filing to run for county sheriff on Thursday.
Villalobos, who has filed to run in the March 3 Democratic primary, previously worked for the Texas State University Police Department and has over 12 years of law enforcement experience.
“As sheriff, I will seek to modernize our department — from ensuring our frontline deputies and civilian employees possess the equipment and training that enables them to successfully engage with a diverse population — but also through renovating policies that reduce both arrests and our unreasonably large jail population,” Villalobos said in a statement. “I believe the principles of integrity, impartiality, modernization and dignified interactions with our community are critical pillars for our department’s success, and I look forward to the opportunity of guiding our Sheriff’s Office into a promising new era.”
Villalobos, who worked as a lieutenant and chief of staff during his time with the Texas State University Police Department and is a reserve deputy constable for Hays County Constable Pct. 3, is on the “Brady List” — an index of law enforcement officers that are seen as not trustworthy as witnesses in court. The list arises from the 1963 Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland, which found that prosecutors must turnover to the defense any evidence that might exonerate defendants.
The disclosure of Villalobos’ position on the Brady List was discussed in Hays County Commissioners Court when he was approved as Pct. 3 reserve constable deputy on March 13.
Villalobos was also recently listed in a lawsuit filed in Travis County district court on Nov. 7 that alleges that he used information gained through his position as a Texas State University Police Lieutenant for the personal benefit of a brother that had been charged with and convicted of racketeering and bribery, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The lawsuit also alleges that Villalobos and former Texas State Police Chief Jose Banales falsified government documents.
Villalobos will run against Dickey Herverda, who filed on Nov. 11, according to the Secretary of State’s office, in the primary. Hays County Sheriff incumbent Gary Cutler is facing a challenge in the Republican primary from Dave Graham, who filed on Nov. 18.
Villalobos has received support for his run for sheriff from Kyle city councilmember Robert Rizo.
“Since being elected to the Kyle City Council, I have had the pleasure to work with councilmember Alex Villalobos. I personally have witnessed Alex’s unwavering commitment in serving his community,” Rizo said. “Service must come from the heart that is why I fully support Alex Villalobos for Hays County Sheriff. Service for one, service for all.”
