More Claims of Questionable Behavior Prompt Leadership Concerns for County Judge Peter Sakai
Last week, the San Antonio Express-News reported on the ombudsman investigation that led to the December 8, 2025 termination of Jim Lefko, communications director for Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, after his conduct toward a female publisher of the San Antonio Observer came under formal review.
Now, Sakai is at the center of controversy between another female official and himself.
The Bexar County Judge is the subject of two formal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints filed by Precinct 4 Constable Kathryn “Kat” M. Brown.
The first complaint, filed in April 2025, alleges aggressive conduct, workplace harassment, and discrimination following a confrontation at Brown’s office. According to the filing, Sakai allegedly became visibly upset, yelled at Brown, and got in her face with his finger pointed at her, requiring de escalation efforts.
Supporting documents include sworn statements from Commissioner Tommy Calvert and county personnel, as well as an EEOC intake submission outlining claims of race and sex discrimination.
New County Building Sparks Tensions, Sakai’s Temper Documented
The central incident outlined in the complaint occurred on the morning of April 21, 2025. Brown alleges she was “repeatedly subjected to aggressive bullying, public beratement, and blatant disrespect” inside her Precinct 4 office.
Tensions between Precinct 4 Constable Kathryn M. Brown and county leadership began over security, staffing, funding, and communication concerns at the newly opened 32,000 square foot Precinct 4 satellite building in Converse.
In his witness statement, Commissioner Tommy Calvert described the dispute as an “unfair and unnecessary tug of war” over security funding, noting that discussions were underway about reallocating funds to support the new facility.
According to one of several witnesses, Captain Cedric O. Wade stated in a written account that he escorted Sakai to meet with Brown and described the judge as visibly upset. Witnesses say that Sakai arrived with members of his office staff and an armed executive protection detail, where Sakai began yelling loudly and angrily, stood up in what he described as an aggressive manner, and pointed his finger in Brown’s face while continuing to shout.
Wade characterized Sakai’s posture as appearing as though he might strike her, though no physical contact occurred. He stated that Brown appeared visibly shaken and in tears until he and Chief Deputy Roger Cavazos intervened to de escalate the situation.
Second Complaint Filed for Retaliation
Kathryn Brown also filed a second EEOC complaint alleging that retaliatory behavior escalated and working conditions further deteriorated after the April 21 confrontation. She claims members of her staff were harassed in the aftermath and that the incidents occurred in front of subordinates and members of the public, undermining her authority and contributing to a hostile work environment.
The documents further indicate that Brown submitted internal reports alleging misuse of public funds, operational inefficiencies, and political interference in Precinct 4 operations, though those claims have not been independently verified.
Leadership Questions Loom Ahead of March 3 Primary
We reached out to Judge Sakai’s office for comment regarding these allegations and both EEOC complaints filed. As of publication, no response has been received.
Commissioner Tommy Calvert was also contacted for comment and declined.
In a statement, Constable Kat Brown responded, stating,
“These actions have not only undermined my ability to serve my community with the integrity and commitment it deserves, but they also reflect a deeper issue of inequity and bias within our county’s leadership,” said Brown. “I am not asking for special treatment—I’m demanding equal treatment. I’ve worked hard to break barriers, and I refuse to be silent when those barriers are rebuilt through discrimination and retaliation.”
As voters head to the polls, the questions extend beyond campaign messaging. With Sakai’s recent Project Marvel retreat, the termination of his communications director following documented conduct toward a female publisher, and now allegations detailing his own behavior toward an elected female in county government, the pattern forming inside the administration raises broader questions about the kind of leadership and workplace culture Bexar County residents are being asked to support.
Early voting in the Democratic primary began Tuesday, February 17, and runs through February 27. Primary Election Day is March 3, as Sakai faces former San Antonio mayor Ron Nirenberg in the Democratic Primary.
