Kleberg County Grand Jury Indicts Justice of the Peace on Felony Drug Charge
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS - On Friday, June 5, 2026, a grand jury in Kleberg County has indicted Justice of the Peace Brandon Barrera on a felony drug charge related to an alleged incident that occurred in January.
Barrera was indicted on one count of possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, a third-degree felony under the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Because Barrera serves as a justice of the peace in Kleberg County, District Attorney John Hubert recused himself from the case in February.
Following the recusal, Judge Jack Pulcher of the 105th Judicial District Court appointed Audrey Gossett Louis to serve as attorney pro tem and oversee the prosecution. Louis is the district attorney for the 81st Judicial District.
The indictment was returned by a Kleberg County grand jury on June 5.
In a statement posted to social media in May, Barrera addressed the January incident, saying he took "full responsibility" for his actions and voluntarily entered a rehabilitation program.
"I take full responsibility for my actions that day. It was a low point, and it led me to make the decision to enter rehab on my own to address my issues and get the help I needed," Barrera wrote.
Barrera said he completed the rehabilitation program on March 3 and has remained focused on his recovery. Following news of the indictment, Barrera told Coastal Bend News that he completed the full rehabilitation program and has documentation verifying his completion.
"I completed the full rehab program. I have the official letter of completion dated March 3rd," Barrera said.
Barrera also said he has continued to perform his duties as justice of the peace without interruption, handling cases, serving residents of Precinct 2 and working to be "a better leader and person every single day."
"This experience has strengthened my resolve to serve with integrity and accountability," Barrera wrote. "I ask the voters of Kleberg County to judge me on my ongoing record of service and the person I am today, not one difficult moment."
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