RAYMONDVILLE – A Willacy County constable received his last paycheck two years after he abandoned his job and left the state.

Willacy County Precinct 5 constable Mario Salazar was working out of Lasara before he moved. However, he was still receiving a $20,000 paycheck every year despite him not working at the county anymore.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS learned elected officials can’t get fired for not showing up to work.

A district judge would have to remove the elected official in order for a paycheck to cease. Willacy County officials said they took action to remove the constable before the term ended. According to Willacy County Commissioner Eliberto Guerra, payment was stopped before the end of the constable's term, allowing the county to save money.

Salazar’s final paycheck was cashed this year for more than $8,000.