Our Team
David previously served as an attorney in the Beeville Office, where he represented clients in felony and misdemeanor cases. His work covered Lavaca, Bee, Refugio, McMullen, Live Oak, Duval, and Starr Counties. Prior to assuming the Executive Director position, he served as a Board Member since TRGPD's inception. David graduated cum laude from the University of Chicago School of Law. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Michael E. Baylson, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Honorable Joshua P. Kolar, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Before joining Texas RioGrande Public Defender (TRGPD), Sofia accumulated twelve years of valuable experience at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA). Commencing as a legal assistant, she swiftly ascended to the role of an investigator during her tenure at TRLA. Following eight years in that capacity, Sofia seized the opportunity to contribute to the executive management team at TRGPD.
In her current role, Sofia serves as an indispensable member of the team, specializing in training new attorneys and support staff. Her expertise extends to guiding them on the utilization of our client tracking system, navigating the intricacies of the payroll program, and addressing various administrative tasks. Committed to maintaining TRGPD's compliance and organizational efficiency, Sofia plays a crucial role in ensuring that our advocates can consistently deliver the highest quality of service.
Staci Krause graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Mary's School of Law, where she spent two years participating in the St. Mary's Law Journal. After law school, she worked as a criminal defense attorney in Bexar County, before making the leap into public defense in 2023. During her time in private practice, she was awarded the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's Young Attorney of the Year in 2021. She is the current the Chief Public Defender for Texas Rio Grande Public Defender's Office out of Beeville, Texas, where she believes every indigent client deserves great representation.
Audrey is the current Director of Padilla-Immigration at Texas RioGrande Public Defender where she works to ensure that all non-US citizen clients understand the immigration consequences of their arrests and convictions. Prior to working at TRGPD, Audrey worked at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid where she represented and advocated for moms and kids detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center, the largest family detention center in the country. She has represented detained asylum-seekers before the immigration court and Board of Immigration Appeals. Outside of work, Audrey enjoys spending time with her cat, husband, and houseplants.
Samantha was born and raised in a rural Texas town, where she developed a strong commitment to community, service, and advocacy. Sam earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in December 2019 and began her legal career in local law offices. In November 2021, Sam joined Texas RioGrande Legal Aid's Public Defender Team (now TRGPD) as a Paralegal on the Operation Lone Star team during a period of major court and jail disruptions. She served as a key link between clients, families, and attorneys. She now serves as OLS Project Coordinator, supporting staff, attorneys, courts, and clients with professionalism and compassion.
Abel has been practicing law since 2011 with a primary focus in criminal defense. Abel graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law.
Emily began law school amid a growing climate of hostility toward immigrants, a reality that shaped her commitment to immigration advocacy. She has represented immigrants in a wide range of immigration proceedings and was ultimately drawn to the front lines on the Texas–Mexico border. There, she witnessed firsthand the injustices migrants face in both the immigration system and the Texas criminal justice system. Appalled by the criminalization of migration, she became committed to defending individuals against unjust prosecutions and advocating for stronger legal resources in rural border communities.
Sandra began her legal career representing asylum seekers along the Texas-Mexico border. Throughout this work, she represented detained immigrants in their removal proceedings who had been arrested for criminal trespass and smuggling of persons under Operation Lone Star (OLS). After hearing these clients' stories and witnessing how OLS was criminalizing individuals seeking asylum, Sandra decided to join TRGPD. As a public defender for TRGPD, Sandra aims to provide efficient, respectful, and culturally competent representation to her clients.
As a public defender, Brendan stands up for the most vulnerable members of the community. This work is demanding however the rewards are profound. Each case provides the opportunity to make a real difference. Safeguarding freedom, restoring dignity, and helping to maintain strong family and community ties are fundamental values. Brendan firmly believes that a commitment to justice and fairness on an individual level can and will lead to a better society for all. By dreaming big and acting small Brendan hopes to leave this community...his community a little better off.
Isaac Palacio earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from St. Mary's University in San Antonio in 2022 and his Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2024. During law school, he was a member of the National Moot Court Team, worked in the Criminal Justice Clinic, and gained hands-on experience at the Bexar County Public Defender's Office. After graduating, Isaac joined TRGPD's Beeville office, where he continues to zealously advocate for individuals accused of crimes. He is driven by a strong commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights.
Joaquin joined TRGPD after obtaining his J.D. from St. Mary's University School of Law.
Veronica is a paralegal with experience supporting attorneys in criminal law matters. She is deeply committed to assisting clients during what is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives, and she takes pride in providing compassionate, detail-oriented support throughout the legal process. She is particularly interested in building long-lasting professional relationships and contributing meaningfully to this organization through dedication, collaboration, and a strong commitment to client advocacy.
Growing up Archie remembers during her summer breaks her grandfather going and picking up people to go work in the ranches picking cucumbers, strawberries, and tomatoes. These memories taught her to have compassion and treat everyone with respect. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years, and her mission is always to work hard for the clients TRGPD represents.
Angie worked in the jail for a long time. She saw a lot of people just sit there and wait for some hope to let them be free. Angie enjoys working with TRGPD because we get to give our clients that hope and make a difference in people's lives.
Alinne is currently a paralegal with a strong administrative focus, supporting attorneys and advocates through case management, organization, and direct client support. She is driven by a deep commitment to equity, dignity, and access to justice.
Alinne joined TRGPD because of its strong mission and community-centered approach, and is continually motivated by the resilience of the people we serve. What sustains her in this work is knowing that thoughtful, compassionate advocacy can make a meaningful difference—helping clients feel heard, supported, and empowered as they move forward.
Eric has joined TRGPD as an investigator after a 35 year career conducting investigations for the federal government.
Before joining TRGPD, Tony was a police officer for the City of Del Rio, TX. During his time as a police officer, he investigated different types of cases. Tony joined TRGPD in January of 2007. When he left the police department, he thought it would be hard to make the change. However, he found out early on that, even though he had taken an oath to protect and serve, he didn't feel that until he began defense investigations. He continues to work with TRGPD to give our clients a fair chance at justice.
As a former Texas peace officer, Frank held a Master Peace Officer License along with many complimenting certifications. Through the development of his career, Frank has been able to serve the community with a strong commitment to the public while promoting transparency in law enforcement and individualism. He takes pride in helping the public understand the law enforcement process and believes that clear communication and approachability are essential to building trust within the community.
Originally from San Antonio, Frank also hails from California's Central Coast where he grew up as a teen. Frank is able to bring this diverse background and perspective to his work. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Mary's University and also holds an Associates in Criminal Justice. Frank values meaningful connections and strives to make every interaction informative, respectful and professional as an Investigator with the Texas RioGrande Public Defenders Office.
Mike is an Investigator in the Bee Public Defenders Office. His background is Law Enforcement where he retired after 23 years of service. He joined the Public Defenders Office in 2020 and has enjoyed the impact this work has on our clients' lives.
Red works as a Reentry, Mental Health, and Recovery Peer Specialist with Texas Rio Grande Public Defender Service because he believes lived experience belongs at the table. Having lived through long-term incarceration and substance use, he knows how confusing and unforgiving judicial systems can be when people are trying to change. His role is to ensure the court considers the person, not just the charge, and that clients understand their options and retain their right to self-determination. What drives him is simple: people deserve dignity, a real chance at freedom, and someone willing to speak up when the system stops listening.