ATASCOSA COUNTY, Texas - A sitting county commissioner has resigned and pleaded guilty after an investigation found he stole fuel from his own precinct yard, a case uncovered because employees chose to speak up.

On January 8, 2026, Precinct Commissioner Kennard “Bubba” Riley pleaded guilty to Theft by a Public Servant in an amount between $100 and $750. The charge stems from Riley taking county-owned fuel for personal use.

The misconduct came to light after employees within Riley’s precinct reported the activity, prompting an investigation led by Texas Ranger Terry Snyder. According to officials, the investigation included sworn statements from more than half a dozen current and former county employees who corroborated the thefts.

As part of a plea agreement, Riley was required to immediately resign from office, forfeiting any county retirement benefits. He was sentenced to one year of probation, ordered to complete community service, pay full restitution for the thefts that could be substantiated, and submit a written apology to Atascosa County residents acknowledging his wrongdoing.

Officials emphasized that the case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in public office and the role employees play in maintaining it.

Authorities noted that the thefts may never have been discovered without the willingness of precinct staff to come forward. The case underscores a simple but critical message, they said: when people see wrongdoing, reporting it matters.