Man with 8 DWIs given probation

A Brownsville man with a long history of drunken driving convictions was granted his wish Thursday when a judge suspended his seven-year prison sentence and reinstated his probation.

Hector Abel De la Torre, 34, has a long history of felony and misdemeanor cases. His most recent felony drunken driving arrest was on Dec. 26, 2004, when he was sentenced to probation, Cameron County District Clerk’s Office records show.

Court records show that De la Torre has eight DWI convictions, including four felony DWI convictions on April 9, 1994; Aug. 6, 1995; Dec. 25, 1995; and Dec. 26, 2004.

De la Torre’s probation sentence for the December 2004 offense was revoked on Nov. 1 by state District Judge Ben Euresti Jr. after county authorities alleged De la Torre disabled a device that tests his breath for alcohol before allowing his vehicle to start, said his attorney, Ernesto Gamez. The device was a condition of his probation, Gamez said.

After his probation was revoked, De la Torre was sentenced to seven years in prison, Gamez said.

On Thursday, De la Torre, who has been in the county jail for 36 days, went to court to ask that Euresti reconsider his November judgment and sentencing.

De la Torre, who is an X-ray technician, is “a damn good employee,” Gamez told Euresti. Court documents show that De la Torre is a medical assistant.

Gamez said De la Torre’s employers, which include Lower Valley Imaging and Legacy, an X-ray facility, are willing to take him back as an employee.

One of his supervisors, Juan Lorenzo Rocha, who spoke at the hearing, said, “It is necessary that he return to work.”

Gamez also presented letters from co-workers and others attesting to his good work record and his efforts to overcome his alcohol problem. In all, about a dozen people were in the courtroom in support of De la Torre.

In his statement to the court, De la Torre said, “I am aware of my mistakes,” and said he wanted to seek resources for help.

Assistant District Attorney Fabian Limas said De la Torre “consistently shows he has a problem (and) has failed to take responsibility for his actions.”

Before announcing his decision, Euresti addressed De la Torre: “You put yourself in this position; you have a problem.”

“I’m trying to send a message to you,” Euresti said.

He granted De la Torre’s request with conditions including 60 days in county jail, of which De la Torre already has served 36; counseling for drugs and alcohol; community service; random drug testing; intense supervision and electronic monitoring.

He also must take Antabuse, a medication that blocks the body’s ability to process alcohol and causes discomfort when taken in combination with alcohol. De la Torre, Euresti said, must also place a breathalyzer ignition lock in his vehicle.

It was unclear if there are any restrictions or conditions on De la Torre’s driver’s license or if he even has one.

“This is nothing compared to seven years (in jail),” Euresti said.

Gamez said his client’s motion was granted because of the medical professionals who spoke on De la Torre’s behalf.

“He has helped save arms and limbs; that’s strong testimony,” Gamez said. “That was compelling. It doesn’t have anything to do with what I said.

“Judges don’t listen to lawyers, they listen to people.”

Officials with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office did not return phone calls seeking comment on the ruling.

According to court records, his record of 17 misdemeanor arrests also includes charges of resisting arrest, burglary of a vehicle, burglary of a habitation, theft, and other charges. Several of those were dismissed.