A July 13, 2026, Wilson County Commissioners Court meeting is drawing attention after video appears to show Sheriff Jim Stewart telling one attendee to stop recording while other cameras continued filming without interruption.
The footage shows Stewart looking at his phone and, moments later, approaching attendee Esmeralda Mancera and instructing her to stop recording. The video does not show what, if anything, Stewart may have read on his phone, nor does it provide an explanation for why Mancera was singled out.
Mancera, a former Atascosa County jail sergeant and accountability advocate previously featured by The Hawk’s Eye, said she observed other attendees continuing to record the meeting without being told to stop. She later raised concerns publicly, questioning whether her sex, ethnicity, or political views may have played a role in the differing treatment. No evidence has been presented to support any discriminatory motive.
Other Cameras Kept Rolling
The apparent inconsistency has fueled questions after additional video coverage was later published by Wilson County News during the July 27, commissioners court meeting, which was recorded for YouTube.
Wilson County’s official website states that commissioners court meetings are livestreamed and uploaded to YouTube. Under Texas Government Code §551.023, members of the public are allowed to record open meetings, though governing bodies may adopt reasonable rules regarding equipment placement and recording methods. Those rules, however, cannot prohibit or unreasonably interfere with the right to record.
What Rule Was Being Enforced?
Key questions remain unanswered. Whether a specific recording rule was in place on July 13, whether Mancera’s recording disrupted the meeting in any way, and why she was directed to stop while other recording appeared to continue uninterrupted.
The Hawk’s Eye reached out to Sheriff Stewart for comment, but he had not responded as of publication.
Was the interaction the result of confusion over policy, a misunderstanding, selective enforcement, or something else entirely? Until officials clarify what rule was applied and how it was enforced, the main question remains unresolved. Why was only one attendee told to stop recording?
Transparency Questions Grow
The incident comes as Wilson County faces increased public attention following the commissioners court’s approval of a settlement tied to an EEOC claim involving the sheriff’s office. The details of that agreement have not been made public, and The Hawk’s Eye has found no evidence linking the EEOC matter to the July 13, recording incident.
Still, the timing of both issues has renewed discussion about transparency, consistency, and accountability in county government operations.
The Hawk’s Eye will update this report if Sheriff Stewart or Wilson County provides further explanation.
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