At the center of the timecard squabble is the November 2024 arrest of Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Carlos Tapia. County attorneys argue it was a retaliatory move against a vocal critic, while Corpus’ lawyers maintain it was a legitimate probe into alleged payroll fraud.

Corpus’ attorneys have argued the conflict stems from her decision to end double overtime pay after 9 hours, a practice Ulrich said was created by County Executive Mike Callagy and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, which allegedly added nearly $19 million to the annual budget.