Statement Regarding Petition to Remove José Garza
I am Mary Dupuis, the person who filed the petition to remove Garza. I go by Betsy Dupuis. My pronouns are she / her.
José Garza’s accusations that this petition is a “MAGA Republican,” “dark money PAC” conspiracy are untrue, delusional, and slanderous. The irony of Garza's statement is that he is the one that received "dark money PACs" campaign contributions, supportive fluff pieces from propaganda affiliated organizations, and financial support for his pet projects over these years that can primarily be traced to George Soros.
I am not a Republican, and certainly not MAGA. I have not been paid by anyone and filed this petition at great personal risk. In fact did not have an active voter registration during the primary election and had not had one since 2007.
I believe access to abortion is a human right and that all drugs should be legalized for adults. I support prison reform and have long held that police brutality and abuse of power is one of the most pressing issues facing this country.
I have held (and still do) all of these beliefs for most of my life, even in times long before these ideas were popular in the public consciousness.
I don’t believe Garza is an activist motivated by principles, but he is actually seeking to exert undue influence on police investigations and criminal prosecutions to procure favorable outcomes for his political allies and financial backers.
While the petition focuses on Garza’s politically framed policies, upon legal advice, I saw signing it as the most viable way to initiate an investigation into the corruption of Garza’s office.
I have firsthand experience being sexually assaulted by a client of Garza’s friend of over 20 years, criminal defense attorney Rick Cofer. This client is also closely connected to the leadership of the Open Society Foundation and other powerful influencers that support Garza and his political factions.
During the investigation Garza’s office destroyed evidence, ignored multiple confessions from the perpetrator, and openly mocked me during a hearing to discuss why they declined to prosecute.
It is my hope that this petition will bring light to all of the illegal and unethical actions of José Garza during his tenure in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and not just what is listed in the petition.
Signed,
Mary "Betsy" Dupuis
She / Her