Former Bexar County constable Michelle Barrientes Vela to run for state representative Barrientes Vela was convicted — then exonerated — of tampering with evidence charges related to her time as constable
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A former Bexar County constable who was at the center of numerous KSAT investigations is running for state representative.
Former Bexar County Pct. 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela Michelle Barrientes Vela told KSAT she is running as a Democrat in District 125.
House District 125 covers parts of west and northwest San Antonio and Bexar County. The seat is currently held by state Rep. Ray Lopez, who is retiring in 2026.
Texas House District 125 (Texas Tribune) Barrientes Vela was formally acquitted of criminal charges in February after the state’s highest criminal appeals court declined to review a lower court’s decision to overturn her convictions last year.
The Eighth Court of Appeals, in El Paso, overturned Barrientes Vela’s felony convictions of tampering with records in October 2024.
In 2022, a Bexar County jury convicted Barrientes Vela of altering security payment logs for Rodriguez Park. In January 2023, she was sentenced to five years of probation, 90 days in jail and 600 hours of community service.
She also made an unsuccessful run for Bexar County sheriff in 2020.
The primary takes place in March.
Read also:
Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Author Kolten Parker headshot
Kolten Parker is Manager of Content and Coverage at KSAT. He moved into the role in 2024, after five years of leading the digital team.
Kolten is an award-winning journalist and a proud Texas State Bobcat.
He's a triathlete who loves the outdoors and sports. When not working, he likes to hang out with his wife and travel.
Krampus parade returns for 2nd year to haunt downtown San Antonio ▶ 0:45
Krampus parade returns for 2nd year to haunt downtown San Antonio
Human remains found on east Bexar County property, sheriff says ▶ 1:03
Human remains found on east Bexar County property, sheriff says
Kerrville Police Department releases 911 calls from July 4 floods ▶ 2:46
Kerrville Police Department releases 911 calls from July 4 floods
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death ▶ 1:34
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms ▶ 0:44
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms
Check out these space heater safety tips ▶ 1:22
Check out these space heater safety tips
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025 ▶ 0:56
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to ▶ 1:04
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions ▶ 1:38
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim ▶ 1:03
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon ▶ 1:55
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says ▶ 1:05
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin ▶ 1:03
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’ ▶ 1:08
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect ▶ 0:29
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is ▶ 1:18
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is
Previous photo Next photo