Mercedes ISD Superintendent Benjamin Clinton resigned from the district, Clinton confirmed to Channel 5 News on Tuesday.

Clinton had been on paid administrative leave since May 21. He was arrested on May 16 in Los Fresnos on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

READ MORE: Mercedes ISD superintendent releases statement following DWI arrest

According to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 5 News, empty bottles of vodka and whiskey were found in Clinton’s vehicle during his arrest.  He was allegedly driving on the shoulder lane of State Highway 100 when a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle.

The Mercedes ISD School board accepted Clinton's resignation during a Tuesday meeting. He was named district superintendent on Feb. 1, 2025.

Former Harlingen CISD Superintendent Alicia Noyola was selected by the board to serve as interim superintendent when Clinton was placed on administrative leave.

On Wednesday morning, Mercedes ISD provided a statement to Channel 5 News regarding Clinton's resignation. The statement made no mention of Clinton's arrest, and said the agreement was reached to allow Clinton" the ability to pursue other interests and permits the Board to pursue hiring another Superintendent."

Read the statement in full below:

"Dr. Benjamin Clinton has announced his resignation as Superintendent of Schools for the Mercedes Independent School District. An Agreement has been reached which allows Dr. Clinton the ability to pursue other interests and permits the Board to pursue hiring another Superintendent. The Board and Clinton have entered into the Agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interest of the District. 

On behalf of the entire District, the Board of Trustees expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Clinton for his efforts while serving as Superintendent of this great school district and its wonderful students, parents, and administrators. 

Dr. Clinton thanks the Board of Trustees for providing him with the opportunity to serve in the Mercedes Independent School District. Dr. Clinton would like to express his heartfelt appreciation to the staff and community for their support of the District’s programs and services. 

The Board extends its best wishes to Dr. Clinton in his future endeavors."