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November 29, 2022

Media Contacts:

Erica Perales

Public Policy Analyst

  eperales@epcounty.com


Laura Gallegos

Communications Manager

l.gallegos@epcounty.com

             



El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego Issues Statement on Resignation of District Attorney


First and foremost, the DA’s announced resignation does not mean the automatic dismissal of any criminal cases. I would like to reassure our community and victims, that the law provides a transparent transition for the protection of the criminal cases pending in this district. 


Yesterday during an in-person hearing with visiting Judge Tryon Lewis, DA Yvonne Rosales announced her intention to resign from office. Per yesterdays hearing, she will tender her written resignation to Governor Abbott no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. If Ms. Rosales does not turn in her written resignation by 5:00 p.m. on December 14, 2022, the County Attorney’s Office stated that they were prepared to submit an agreed judgment of removal for the Court’s consideration.

 

In her letter to the Governor, the DA stated that First Assistant George Al-Hanna will assume duties as acting District Attorney until Governor Abbott appoints Ms. Rosales’ successor which may be immediately at the time she resigns or at a later date.


Even after her resignation becomes effective, by law Ms. Rosales remains in office as a “hold-over” office holder and will continue to be compensated as an office holder.


Ricardo A. Samaniego

El Paso County Judge