Diana Ramirez Valadez Former Chief Deputy County Clerk Diana F. Ramirez Valadez has pleaded guilty to theft by a public servant, a third degree felony. She was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison but was placed on 10 years probation and was also ordered to pay the full amount of $12,436 in restitution during a hearing Monday presided by Martin Chiuminatto County Court at Law judge.

Kleberg County Clerk Leo Alarcon first noticed the theft irregularities with bank statements on April 20, 2009.

He went to Kleberg Bank that afternoon to obtain original bank statements and compared them to copies that Valadez had in her office and realized the copies had been altered.

Alarcon immediately reported the discovery to the Kleberg County auditor Melissa Munoz and together they went to see Delma Rios Salazar, the Kleberg County attorney. A meeting was held with Alarcon, Rios-Salazar, Munoz, District Attorney John Hubert and Texas Ranger James Bennett on April 24, 2009.

After the meeting was over the theft case was turned over to the Texas Ranger for investigation. Valadez, who had been suspended by Alarcon, was fired that same day.

Hubert commended Alarcon for his openness and im- mediate response to the situation and he also commended Munoz.

“The county clerk, Leo Alarcon allowed us instant access to anything in his office,” Hubert said.

Hubert praised Texas Ranger James Bennett for his investigation and making the case.

According to Hubert, Valadez forged bank statements and receipts to cover her tracks and basically she was collecting the money then reporting it several days to a week later. During that time, other money would come in and she would eventually report it. It appears that she was loaning herself use of the money. However, there was a shortfall of money which added up to $12,436.

The indictment read that she “pursuant to one scheme or continuing course of conduct that began on or about July 17, 2008, and continued until or about April 20, 2009, unlawfully appropriate, by acquiring or otherwise exercising control over property to-wit; U.S. currency from Leo Alarcon, the owner thereof, with intent to deprive the owner and the property, and the aggregate value of the property obtained was $1,500 or more but less than $20,000, and I then and there a public servant, namely, Deputy County Clerk, and such property appropriated by me and therefore come into my custody, possession or control by virtue of my status as such a public servant.”

Valadez was named chief deputy county clerk Dec. 2004 after being selected by a committee. Prior to that she had been working at the Visitors Center for one year. She spent 20 years as Kingsville city secretary and retired in 2003.

Valadez, long time Kingsville resident, has moved from Kleberg County.