San Antonio prosecutor moves to step aside in Neil Calfas case over past ties

Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales filed a motion on Oct. 27 asking a judge to remove his office from the prosecution of San Antonio defense attorney Neil Calfas. Gonzales argues that past financial and professional connections between the two men create a potential conflict of interest.

The motion points to two specific history points. Records show Calfas contributed money to Gonzales' 2018 campaign for district attorney. The filing also states that Calfas previously rented office space at a law office partially owned by Gonzales before he took the elected position.

Gonzales said these connections, combined with Calfas' history of representing defendants in his office's cases, create an appearance of impropriety. The motion asks the court to appoint a criminal district attorney pro tem to take over the case. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for next week.

Calfas was arrested in August by the Texas Department of Public Safety. He faces charges of solicitation of prostitution and human trafficking. Arrest affidavits accuse him of offering legal services in exchange for sex and paying women for sex.

One affidavit details allegations involving jail phone calls between a woman and an inmate from March to May 2024. The woman contacted Calfas seeking help for her brother held in Guadalupe County Jail. Prosecutors allege Calfas offered two payment methods: cash or, as the document quotes, the other way. Authorities say he did not provide the legal services discussed in those calls.

A second affidavit cites a Snapchat video dated May 31, 2024, showing Calfas and two women in his downtown office. Investigators allege the video showed Calfas having sex with a woman before paying her what appeared to be cash. The video included the caption the deed is done.

Gonzales is nearing the end of his tenure as Bexar County district attorney. Luz Elena Chapa was elected to the position on Tuesday and will succeed him.