Del Rio veteran forced to represent himself raises concerns about court records and case handling

DEL RIO, TX – Benjamin Lopez, a veteran, said he is facing a criminal case in Del Rio and was forced into self-representation after signing a waiver of counsel indicating he did not voluntarily choose to represent himself.

Lopez sat down with Dr. Candice Matthews to discuss the case and the concerns he raised regarding court proceedings and documentation. Lopez said the document was accepted and signed by Roland Andrada.

According to Lopez, discrepancies exist among the case-related reports. He said a police supplemental report described five commercial batteries, while an arresting officer’s probable cause affidavit listed six. Lopez identified the affidavit as being completed by an officer he named as Hernandez and stated the document referenced two males at the scene, which he disputed. He also said the affidavit referenced a lock being cut, which he stated was never recovered.

Lopez said the indictment in the case listed five batteries, while a photo presented in court allegedly showed six. He stated that a guilty verdict was returned in December. He also raised concerns about representation, stating that David Ortiz was assigned to his case and that Paul Chambers handled proceedings on the first day of trial but did not address what Lopez described as inconsistencies. Lopez also referenced James McDermott in connection with the public defender system.

Lopez further stated that an order of the defendant’s motion was signed on November 17 by Judge Andrada, but said he was not informed at the time. He said text messages support his claim that he was unaware of the signing. He also stated he was given approximately four hours to review documents before proceeding in court.

Lopez said he has undergone evaluations by two doctors who found him competent. He stated he intends to raise concerns related to cognitive overload and emotional factors as part of ongoing proceedings.

Dr. Matthews stated she plans to file a judicial complaint in the case and intends to review additional cases related to those involved.