An attorney has been appointed to prosecute accused Corpus Christi Police Officer Tommy Cabello.
Judge Inna Klein today appointed an attorney to prosecute the case against Cabello, who is charged with Continuous Violence Against a Family Member, Tampering With a Witness, and Tampering With Evidence.
These cases are normally prosecuted by the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office. However, because District Attorney Mark Gonzalez, a former criminal defense lawyer, represented Cabello in past cases, the DA’s office has recused itself from the case.
Court and police documents show Cabello has a history of physical and mental abuse toward family members.
The latest charges come after an incident in November where police were responding to a report of domestic disturbance at a residence in Robstown.
According to an arrest affidavit, Cabello said he and his wife had gotten into an argument, but Cabello’s wife said she did not want to press charges.
Ultimately, Cabello’s wife said she had been abused, both physically and emotionally, by Cabello for years. The couple’s son also recalled witnessing the alleged abuse.
The case has been assigned to the 214th District Court, which specifically handles cases of domestic violence.
Cabello is currently on paid administrative leave from the Corpus Christi Police Department.