Bexar Constable Filed Federal Discrimination Complaint Against Judge Sakai

Kathryn Brown, the first Black woman to hold the Precinct 4 Constable position, alleges a hostile workplace and retaliation from the county judge.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable Kathryn Brown filed a federal workplace discrimination complaint against County Judge Peter Sakai, alleging he publicly berated her and retaliated against her over a disagreement about security and staffing at a new Precinct 4 satellite office. Brown's complaint stems from an incident in April 2025 where Sakai allegedly showed up at the office, yelling and acting aggressively toward her.

Why it matters

The complaint highlights tensions between elected officials in Bexar County and allegations of a hostile work environment, particularly for women of color. It also comes as Sakai faces a tight Democratic primary battle against former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg for the county's top elected position.

The details

According to the EEOC complaint, Sakai burst into the Precinct 4 satellite office on April 21, 2025, yelling and demanding a meeting with Brown. Witnesses allege Sakai got up from the table aggressively, as if to hit Brown, while yelling and pointing his finger in her face. The complaint states Sakai's outburst stemmed from ongoing disagreements with Brown over security and staffing at the new Precinct 4 office.

  • On April 21, 2025, Sakai allegedly burst into the Precinct 4 satellite office, yelling and demanding a meeting with Brown.
  • On April 25, 2025, Brown filed a federal workplace discrimination complaint against Sakai with the EEOC.

The players

Kathryn Brown

Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable, the first Black woman to hold that position.

Peter Sakai

Bexar County Judge, currently locked in a tight Democratic primary battle against former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg for the county's top elected position.

Cedric Wade

Assistant Chief in Bexar County Precinct 4.

Calvert

Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner.

Ramon Chapa Jr.

Former Community Engagement Director for Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Calvert.

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What they’re saying

“'Judge Sakai started very angrily and loudly yelling at her and he was so upset and he got up from the table in a very aggressive fashion as if to hit her, still yelling at her and pointing his right pointer finger and hand in her face, violently yelling at her.'”

— Cedric Wade, Assistant Chief, Bexar County Precinct 4 (EEOC Complaint)

“'There had been an unnecessary tug-of-war over whether to provide additional security for the new Precinct 4 satellite office. Previously, Precinct 4 did not have a satellite office but merely a space that housed the Justice of the Peace and the Constables' offices. The previous building was 11,000 square feet and the new building is 32,000 square feet — triple the size.'”

— Calvert, Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner (EEOC Complaint)

“'For [Sakai] to come all the way from his downtown office, with his entire staff, and armed executive protection team, he was looking for a fight.'”

— Ramon Chapa Jr., Former Community Engagement Director for Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner (EEOC Complaint)

What’s next

The EEOC hasn't yet responded to the Current's request for clarification on whether officials have begun looking into Brown's complaint. The complaint surfaces as Sakai enters the home stretch of a tight Democratic primary battle that will likely determine the winner of the county's top elected position.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing tensions and allegations of a hostile work environment, particularly for women of color, in Bexar County government. It also underscores the political stakes as Sakai faces a tough primary challenge in his bid to retain the county's top elected position.