State records show that Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel "Johnny" Guerra does not have a stronger prosecutor's record than former District Attorney Gustavo "Gus" Garza, as Guerra claimed in a recent article published in the Valley Morning Star on Feb. 14th.

Guerra has a lower rate of conviction and a higher rate of criminal case dismissals as compared to Garza, and neighboring counties.

With an average of 500 criminal cases a year; Guerra convicted 36 percent of defendants, whereas Garza convicted 51 percent of defendants.

On dismissals for criminal cases, Guerra let an average of 43 percent of defendants off, whereas Garza let 27 percent of defendants off.

Garza was asked to comment on apparently unchecked assertions that Guerra made in the Valley Morning Star.

"My record speaks for itself," Garza said. "I convicted virtually everyone I took to trial."

At a recent debate, a 2-part question was asked of candidates, that compared Willacy County against two neighboring counties in 2006.

1. Why is Willacy County's criminal conviction rate 21 percent compared to Starr and Frio counties where the average was 55 percent.

2. Why is Willacy County's criminal case dismissal rate 57 percent compared to Starr and Frio county's average dismissal rate of 35 percent.

Guerra's two political opponents, Arturo Saenz, and Bernard Ammerman gave their assessment of Guerra's record as district attorney, based on the 2006 data.

Saenz, who has practiced criminal law for 16 years, and was a police officer for eight years, said it is obvious that the dismal conviction rate lies mostly with the ineffectiveness of the district attorney's office.

"I will handle each case on its own merits to determine whether the case should be prosecuted, and what the punishment should be," Saenz said. "I will further determine whether (criminal) cases are fully investigated and properly handled by our law enforcement departments."

"I will work with law enforcement agencies so that we can develop the necessary procedures to make strong cases and increase convictions," he added.

Ammerman, who is a supervising assistant district attorney for Cameron County, also said Guerra's record is dismal.

"This is because he's not doing his job," Ammerman said. "Criminals are going unprosecuted, and victim's rights are not being protected."

"This would point to an inexperienced prosecutor," Ammermann added. "Or a prosecutor who is not doing his job, and is concentrating his efforts elsewhere." E-mail comments on this story to; robert@raymondvillechroniclenews.com