Justice of the Peace Sissy Hernandez has announced her retirement effective immediately after pleading guilty today to nepotism charges. She is accused of hiring a family member to work in her court.

In a news release, Hernandez said, "Northeast El Paso is in the midst of a runoff election.  The community should not be split.  It is best that I now resign to try to heal the wounds that may have been created."

Hernandez said, "I'm not going to run off and hide.  I fully intend to remain an active participant in the political process in my community."

The Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 candidate received the second highest number of votes in the March 2nd primary election in a race involving five contenders.  Hernandez was set to face Brian Haggerty in the April 13th runoff election.

Here is a full text of Hernandez' resignation announcement:

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1, effective immediately.  I am sad at stepping aside after 25 years of service to El Paso County and the Northeast community. I am filled with a pride and a sense of accomplishment for a quarter century of giving my all to my community and my constituents.  I am very humbled as I reflect back on the trust that has been placed in me by my friends in the community.
Northeast El Paso is in the midst of a run-off election.  The community should not be split.  It is best that I now resign to try to heal the wounds that may have been created.
As many of you know, I'm not going to run off and hide.  I fully intend to remain an active participant in the political process in my community.  As I have always done, I will speak up when there is a problem and work hard to make our county and neighborhood a better place to live, work, and raise our families.  I look forward to working with each of you in the future as we strive to make El Paso a better place."