Trial of former school police chief delayed

LA MARQUE — The trial of a former school police chief, who was accused of falsifying records, has been delayed at least a week.

Russell Washington, former police chief of the La Marque school district, was indicted in December on a charge of falsifying records to obtain a vehicle title.

The case involved an application for a certificate of title in order to obtain a mechanic’s lien, prosecutors said in December.

Galveston County Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Russell and defense attorney Paul Nugent said “scheduling conflicts” delayed the case until Monday. Both declined further comment on the matter, which is believed to have involved a witness.

A four-month investigation by the Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force followed a complaint filed by the original owner of the vehicle, prosecutors said in December.

“Russell Washington is a good man and comes from a good family,” Nugent said. “He’s presumed innocent, and we await our day in court.”

The case could be delayed beyond its Monday docket because of a trial involving the death of a child.

If convicted of the third-degree felony, Washington could face from two to 10 years in prison, but he also is eligible for probation, Russell said.

Washington was with the school district for 18 years, and the school board in April voted 4-3 against reinstating him.