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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A former Texas sheriff who's now the Democratic nominee for governor says she has been a "responsible gun owner" as authorities continue searching for her on-duty firearm that is missing.
Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez said Thursday she has done due diligence in looking for a 9mm Beretta that was reported as having not been returned after she left the department in December.
Valdez was Dallas sheriff for 13 years before stepping down to begin a longshot run against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. She said in a statement that she believes the weapon was misplaced during that transition but didn't elaborate.
Valdez says she has been entrusted with a weapon for more than 40 years and takes responsibility for "any error" that happened.
Dallas County authorities are investigating.
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