DALLAS, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- A Texas constable who was removed from office after a felony corruption conviction is running to get his job back, party officials said.
Former Dallas County Constable Derick Evans, a Democrat, is one of two candidates on the March 4 primary ballot for constable for Precinct 1 in southern Dallas County. Evans was convicted on a corruption charge for forcing employees in his office to sell raffle tickets to aid his re-election campaign in 2012.
County commissioners removed Evans from office after the conviction and appointed Justice of the Peace Cleo Steele, also a Democrat, to replace him.
The two men are actively campaigning for the seat. There are no Republicans running in the general election, the Dallas Morning News reported.
The newspaper said allegations against Evans included one that he retaliated against employees who complained about him to the FBI by having their cars towed.
If he wins the primary, Evans would automatically be suspended and would not be paid until he exhausts his appeals process. Evans' lawyer said his client has maintained his innocence throughout the process and is willing to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
If the appeal fails, Evans would automatically be removed from office.
