Charles R. Borchers

Charles Robert "Charlie" Borchers (March 19, 1943 - June 27, 1997) was a lawyer in Laredo, Texas, who served as the Democratic district attorney of Webb, Zapata, and Dimmit counties from 1973 to 1981.

Biography
Early life, education, and family
Borchers was born in Laredo to Elmore H. and Angela (Scovazzo) Borchers. He graduated from the Roman Catholic St. Joseph's Academy, where he played basketball. In 1963, he received his bachelor of arts degree from St. Edwards University in Austin. In 1966, he procured his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Borchers married Celita Pappas, a sister of Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini.

Poltical career
Borchers was initially appointed to the post of district attorney to complete the unexpired term of Carlos Castillon, who resigned a year after having been elected in 1972. Borchers, who had been first assistant district attorney under Castillon, was then elected to a full four-year term in 1976.

As district attorney, Borchers was considered a "hands on" prosecutor who participated in arrests, drug raids, and interrogations. Former Laredo Police Chief J.L. Martinez recalled that Borchers "would join us in making arrests and getting the details firsthand." Borchers prosecuted Juan Aranda in Laredo and Arturo Aranda of Victoria in the death of police officer Pablo Albidrez. He also prosecuted Kenneth Adami of Freer for the murder of five Mexicans at a ranch. He also established a state crime task force in Laredo.

He did not seek reelection in 1980 but was in private practice of law with the firm Person, Whitworth, Borchers, and Morales. From 1985 to 1991, Borchers served as a trustee of the United Independent School District and also as board president.

Later career
Borchers was an instructor of business law and government at Laredo Community College

Borchers died of cancer at the age of 54 on June 27, 1997, and was buried at the Catholic Cemetery in Laredo.

Legacy
Borchers’ bust is displayed in the Webb County Courthouse, and he is also memorialized by Charles Borchers Elementary School in northeastern Laredo, and two annual scholarships in his name from the Young Lawyers Association of Laredo.

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