Former aide to Nueces County commissioner arrested for burglary, retaliation

The former executive assistant for Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney was arrested by Corpus Christi police after allegedly attempting to break into Chesney's home.

Paul Thurman, who was an aide to Chesney and former commissioner Carolyn Vaughn, served as executive director of the Nueces County Republican Party and the Young Republicans president for the Nueces County GOP. 

Around 4 p.m. on April 9, Corpus Christi police officers were called to 200 Cape Aaron for a burglary in progress. The call was updated that 40-year-old Thurman was attempting to break in to the home, Senior Officer Gena Pena said.

When officers arrived, they were told that Thurman was in the backyard and officers could hear loud banging from the exterior of the home. Officers found Thurman on the back patio with a large rock in his hand.

Thurman was taken into custody without incident and charged with burglary of a habitation, obstruction or retaliation, and criminal mischief. His bond was set at $65,000. 

Obstruction or retaliation is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Burglary of a habitation is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years and up to a $10,000 fine.

Chesney, who represents Nueces County's Precinct 4, declined in a text message to the Caller-Times to comment on the arrest.