Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows are joining forces to pursue greater oversight of local prosecutors they accuse of refusing to enforce Texas law.
The three state officials announced Friday that prosecutor accountability will be a priority heading into the next legislative session, pointing to cases involving repeat and violent offenders whose charges were dismissed or who were released back into the community.
Burrows said the House Select Committee on Governmental Oversight will hold a hearing September 30 to examine the issue and consider potential reforms.
“For far too long, Texans have been left at the mercy of certain local prosecutors’ soft-on-crime policies,” said Burrows. “When murderers are let off the hook, released on bail through catch-and-release policies, or even have their charges dismissed, public safety is compromised.”
Burrows created the select committee in March.
“This will be a top priority for the Texas House next session, and I look forward to working with Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick to crack down on rogue prosecutors and ensure victims and their families receive the justice they deserve,” he added.
Abbott similarly called for prosecutors to be held accountable when they decline to enforce state law.
“Texans come first,” said Abbott. “Prosecutors must enforce Texas law and keep violent criminals behind bars. When murder charges are dropped and repeat offenders walk free, innocent Texans pay the price. Texas will hold rogue prosecutors accountable and deliver justice for victims.”
Patrick said the Senate would also pursue action during the upcoming legislative session.
“Liberal, soft-on-crime prosecutors have endangered Texans for far too long,” said Patrick. “The Texas Senate will take strong action against these rogue prosecutors who release violent murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals back onto our streets.”
The officials specifically highlighted Travis County District Attorney José Garza’s office, citing several cases involving defendants accused of violent crimes.
Among them is Peter Perius, who was charged in 2022 with murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence involving a human corpse. The murder charge was dismissed in 2024, and Perius received a 10-year prison sentence on the tampering charge.
They also pointed to Roy Garcia, whose 2022 murder charge was dismissed the following year. Garcia had previously been convicted of murder in Bexar County in the 1990s.
Another defendant highlighted by state leaders, Christian Alba, was charged with aggravated robbery and murder in 2023. He was ultimately convicted of the lesser offense of robbery and received probation and community service, while the murder charge was dismissed in 2026.
The announcement also cited Quinton Peterson, who had several cases between 2022 and 2025 in which charges were either not filed, rejected, or dismissed. Peterson was sentenced to prison in 2025 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and now has warrants stemming from separate 2026 allegations of family violence and deadly conduct.
State officials also pointed to Thomas Vences, who they said has had 34 cases in Travis County. Vences was released on bond in a 2024 burglary case and was later indicted for the 2026 capital murder of a peace officer. His trial is currently scheduled for January.
Texas lawmakers have previously targeted prosecutors who adopt policies against enforcing certain state laws. In 2023, lawmakers approved House Bill 17, which established a process for removing prosecutors for “official misconduct,” including certain policies of refusing to prosecute classes of criminal offenses.
The House Governmental Oversight Committee subsequently reviewed implementation of that law and is now set to revisit concerns surrounding local prosecutors as lawmakers prepare for the 90th Legislature.
Texas Scorecard has requested comment from Garza’s office.
