The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied parole for Former Austin County Tax Assessor/Collector Marcus Peña on January 7, 2019.
Peña, 41 of Bellville, pled guilty to charges of stealing money from Austin County during his time as Tax Assessor/Collector.
Visiting District Judge Dwight Peschel sentenced Peña to ten years in prison, concurrent, on March 8, 2018 for felony Theft and Misapplication of Fiduciary Funds.
Judge Peschel also ordered Peña to pay $275,827.87 Restitution to Austin County as part of his convictions.
Peña later filed a motion to be released from prison early on “shock probation.” Judge Peschel denied the motion on August 27, 2018, and Peña was returned to prison.
Peña became eligible for parole in January of 2019. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Peña’s parole and cited 3 reasons.
“The record indicates that the offender has repeatedly committed criminal episodes that indicate a predisposition to commit criminal acts upon release.”
“The record indicates that length of time served by the offender is not congruent with offense severity and criminal history.”
The Board of Pardons and Paroles also cited a third category, “Other,” which means parole was also denied for reasons that are not specified.
The Board’s actions can be viewed on-line HERE
Peña’s next parole review is set for January 2020.
