Rotary Club of Marlin applauds Falls County District Attorney Investigator

The District Attorney Investigator position is one of the best kept secrets in law enforcement.

Meet Falls County District Attorney Investigator Eric Correa, introduced by Falls County Judge and Rotarian Jay Elliott as guest speaker at the weekly Rotary Club meeting on Feb. 7, 2024, at The Chicken Place.

Eric Correa is responsible for cases that the district attorney has decided to file and take to court.

The District Attorney Investigator is a sworn peace officer with law enforcement duties which include routine investigations on a wide variety of criminal and civil matters.

Last Wednesday, Eric Correa detailed the function of  Falls County District County Investigator and answered numerous questions.

He began by explaining the process of being arrested. “It is not complicated but numerous steps need to be taken…a charge requires accurate and verifiable evidence (of the crime),” he stated. Enters the District Attorney Investigator. He performs investigations in criminal cases brought before the District Attorney’s office. His assignments may include pre-trial, gang, economic, insurance, public assistance, fraud investigations, family protection, child abduction, sex crimes, stalking, and special operation investigations. He can be assigned to regional, local, state and federal task forces and regularly participate in a dynamic and realistic training program, including applications in witness protection, executive protection, and extradition settings.

“As an investigator, I work closely with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and others to share and transfer information and to assist in clearing cases,” he expounded his responsibilities and authority.

The Investigator is responsible for collecting all relevant facts related to cases filed and to provide investigative services for prosecutors in the Falls County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, including interviewing witnesses/victims, taking statements, assisting with scheduling witnesses for trial, and preparing and serving subpoenas.

His case investigations also include locating and interviewing law enforcement representatives, landowners, agents, and other persons as needed.

He even conducts surveillance and undercover work; takes pictures and videos, as appropriate; collects statements from appropriate parties.

If Correa fails to collect, analyze, and thoroughly prepare evidence in accordance with departmental procedures, the Office of the District Attorney is unable to go forth with charges against a suspected criminal. For this, he accesses criminal history records, public and business records, and other pertinent information to bring about a clear description of the possible offender.

As investigator, Eric Correa contacts laboratory analysts, medical examiners, physicians, judicial representatives, and law enforcement officials in the investigation of assigned cases.

Working closely with Criminal District Attorney Kathryn “Jody” Gilliam and Assistant District Attorney Joshua Griffin in reviewing and preparing cases for Grand Jury and trial, Correa maintains a close working relationship with local law enforcement agencies and assists in investigations as requested, sometimes conducts follow-up interviews on witnesses, if necessary. He provides security for victims, witnesses, and prosecutors at criminal proceedings and can request judgments on prior convictions.

Correa prepares and executes search and arrest warrants, entry of premises, and personal service in accordance with directives and department procedures. He prepares and serves subpoenas. He performs extradition of prisoners from other jurisdictions. “My jurisdiction is throughout Texas…can issue subpoenas (effective) in any other county,” he assured Rotarians.

Correa completes comprehensive reports for each assigned investigation, ensuring that pertinent facts and findings are properly documented. Correa offers, “My role is to make sure all elements are in place.”

Further, he prepares witnesses for testimony in court trials and himself stands prepared to testify at Grand Jury and courtroom trials as appropriate to the assignment.

District Attorney Investigator Eric Correa acts as team leader coordinating investigative activities. He also can provide technical training and guidance to investigators and support staff. He provides expertise in investigative specialty areas such as narcotics, gangs, domestic violence and the Superior courts.

Correa studied and worked diligently towards his commitment and responsibilities. As a Texas County and District Attorney Investigator, he routinely faces law enforcement issues unique to their positions. For this, Correa has experience as a certified police officer, with several years of investigative experience. He has completed mandated Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) training and firearms qualification requirements. He has the ability to administer basic first aid. His skill in the operation of a vehicle, investigative equipment and cameras, and computers; skill in oral/written communication and interpersonal relations must be demonstrably superlative and quick.

TCOLE establishes standards relating to competence and reliability, including education, training, physical, mental, and moral standards, for licensing as an officer, county jailer, or public security officer. TCOLE’s Special Investigative Topics course adds the investigative topics of child abuse and child neglect, family violence, sexual assault, and issues concerning sex offender characteristics.

Additionally, “TCOLE governs the level changes by police officers,” stressed Correa. TCOLE Requires strict adherence to duty requirements, years in the performance of those duties, and additional training and certification before advancement. Even today, Correa attends meetings and training sessions. He offers himself to perform other duties, as assigned. Additionally, there are regular periods of sitting, walking, standing, bending, and reaching, and possibly heavy lifting. The District County Investigator must have visual acuity, hearing ability, and manual dexterity.

Note: Eric Correa is currently running for Constable Precinct 4 in Robertson County.

The District Attorney Investigator is a dedicated law enforcement officer who handles complex investigations and assists in the successful prosecution of cases. The Rotary Club of Marlin thanks District Attorney Investigator Eric Correa for his role in helping provide justice and public safety within our communities of Falls County.

Investigator Eric Correa was presented with a Rotary International signature pen by Falls County Judge and Rotarian Jay Elliott.