The Bexar County DA has rejected charges against Maribel Gardea for a board meeting incident, citing insufficient evidence.
SAN ANTONIO — After a tense Edgewood ISD Board meeting ended with a mother in handcuffs, the Bexar County District Attorney says the charges against that mother are being rejected.
Parent and special needs advocate, Maribel Gardea, was arrested after exceeding her speaking time during public comment at a board meeting Tuesday night. She was initially arrested for disrupting a meeting, resisting arrest and criminal trespass.
The district said at the time that her actions “were not in alignment with EISD board operating procedures and code of ethics, necessitating her removal. However, Board Trustee Michael Valdez said Tuesday night that the rules state that she should have been given a warning before being escorted out by police and she was not.
Video from the Tuesday incident was obtained by KENS 5:
Friday, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales released the following statement, saying there is not enough evidence to follow through with the charges.
“After personally reviewing all the evidence submitted by the EISD Police, including the offense report and videos that were made available, as to each individual charge filed, I have determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove any crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, I have rejected all charges against Mrs. Gardea. Beyond that decision, I cannot comment further,” the statement read.
However, a statement also released Friday from the school district appears to contradict the District Attorney. The full statement from Edgewood ISD:
“Edgewood Independent School District reaffirms its commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where all voices are valued and heard. Edgewood ISD and Edgewood ISD Police have been in contact with the Bexar County District Attorney’s office regarding the charges against the individual involved in the disruption at the August 19 EISD School Board Meeting. In speaking with investigators, the District Attorney’s Office tells EISD the charges remain accepted and have not been dismissed. EISD emphasizes that its Board of Trustees and EISD Police Department followed all established procedures and policies that govern public board meetings. These protocols are in place to ensure the safety, order, and integrity of our processes. Edgewood ISD remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and continued collaboration with our school community to support student success and the values of our district.”