Federal Judge dismisses civil suit against DA

Special to the NEWS

Cameron County District Attorney Armando Villalobos

BROWNSVILLE – Armando R. Villalobos, County and District for Cameron County, announced Friday that U.S. Federal District Judge Andrew S. Hanen issued an order Thursday dismissing all claims pertaining to a civil lawsuit filed by local criminal defense attorneys.

“We are extremely satisfied with the court’s decision,” Villalobos said. “These claims were without merit and were rightfully dismissed.”

In February 2010 plaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit against Villalobos and Cameron County alleging various civil rights violations.

Assistant District Attorneys from the Cameron County and District Attorney’s Civil Division represented Villalobos in this matter and in August 2010 filed a motion for summary judgment on his behalf.

In dismissing the lawsuit Thursday, Judge Hanen adopted the report of U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Morgan finding that the plaintiffs’ claims were without merit and recommending that they be dismissed.

According to Judge Morgan’s October 2010 report and recommendations, “The dispositive consideration here is that the court has recommended dismissal of all claims against Villalobos.”