San Antonio District Attorney’s Office Faces Resignations Amid Dress Code Controversy and Allegations of Bullying

San Antonio District Attorney’s Office Sees Resignations Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, San Antonio’s Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has recently witnessed the resignation of two employees, stirring up conversations that have left the community buzzing. The drama unfolded following a heated exchange between a newly hired investigator and District Attorney Joe Gonzales, reportedly over proper workplace attire.

Eddie Gonzales’ Resignation: The Collared Shirt Controversy

Edward “Eddie” Gonzales, who joined the District Attorney’s Office, officially stepped down on October 26, just days after starting his role. In an expressive resignation email aimed at a sergeant in the office, Gonzales claimed he was publicly yelled at by DA Joe Gonzales for not wearing a collared shirt—a requirement outlined in the office’s dress code.

“In all my years as a supervisor, I never once yelled at an officer, detective, or civilian employee or reprimanded them in public,” wrote the former investigator, adding that he felt “embarrassed and humiliated” during the encounter. He went on to explain that his wardrobe was limited due to his recent retirement, explaining that he had only two polo shirts and one dress collar shirt, which he had to work with.

“I was not trying to violate our dress code. I didn’t even know I was going to be hired till Monday morning,” Gonzales stated, highlighting the abruptness of his new position and his efforts to comply with office regulations.

DA Responds: A Different Narrative

DA Joe Gonzales wasn’t quiet about the situation either. He refuted Eddie’s claims and stated that the statements in the resignation letter were “patently false.” In a formal response, the DA expressed disappointment over the quick resignation and initiated an independent review of their exchange.

The chief administrative attorney’s investigation affirmed that while DA Gonzales indeed spoke firmly about the dress code, he did so with understanding, allowing the violation to pass since Gonzales was new. The incident reportedly occurred in a private office space that is not accessible to the public, meaning the whole situation remained somewhat behind closed doors. Still, the stir it caused out front made quite the splash.

Bullying Allegations From Another Employee

As if the situation couldn’t get any more intense, there’s another layer to this unfolding story. An office assistant named Desiree Fraire also resigned soon after, pinpointing ongoing bullying and harassment as her reasons for leaving. In her resignation email, she shared that this relentless bullying had severely impacted her mental health and job performance.

Fraire pointed to challenges brought by the recent switch to the new *Odyssey case management system* this summer as a contributing factor in her decision. She mentioned that this transition added layers of difficulties to her work, particularly in managing misdemeanor intake cases. The resignation followed weeks of distressing experiences with her colleagues that she felt were unfairly directed at her.

The Bigger Picture: Backlog in Cases

Adding to the concerns within the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, there is currently a staggering backlog of 16,700 unindicted felony cases. This backlog comes as a result of extended wait times, even after receiving additional funding from county officials nearly a year ago. The workplace struggles have taken a toll on productivity, piling on pressure for those still involved in the system.

With the recent departures, it raises a crucial question about the internal dynamics of the District Attorney’s Office in San Antonio. It seems like a turbulent time, where attire and tensions are creating waves and affecting many involved. As these resignations unfold, the community is left wondering what changes will come next in this saga.