Private Donut Shop, Public Lawsuit: Hays County Judge Sues San Marcos in Hays County Court
A dispute over a San Marcos donut shop tied to Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra’s private business has escalated into a lawsuit filed in Hays County District Court, following the city’s decision not to renew a ground lease and a subsequent notice ordering the property vacated, prompting Becerra to seek court intervention.  At issue is whether the City of San Marcos properly enforced the terms of the expired lease and complied with local requirements before attempting to take possession of the building, and a temporary restraining order now blocks the city from moving forward with removal or demolition while those legal questions are resolved.
From Promotion to Suspension: Lockhart Lieutenant Disciplined Again After DA Review
A Lockhart police lieutenant who was previously disciplined and later promoted has now been suspended again following an internal investigation reviewed by the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers. According to witness statements, telecommunications officer Jerome Wymore reported being struck by a toy shot by Lt. Zack D. Everett while on duty in the dispatch center, stating it caused pain for approximately 20 minutes and initially led him to seek criminal charges. Investigators also found Everett struck another officer during a separate incident days earlier, though that officer declined to file a complaint. Another witness told investigators Wymore appeared visibly upset after being hit, and the incident was confirmed by video evidence. Although the complaint was later withdrawn, the department sustained multiple policy violations and cited Everett’s prior disciplinary history in issuing a five-day suspension.
Pleasanton Police Sergeant Suspended Over Comment, Resigns Weeks Later
A Pleasanton police sergeant is no longer with the department after being disciplined earlier this year for a comment made to a fellow officer. Sergeant Ricardo Olveda was suspended in January 2026 after an internal review found he made an inappropriate remark in front of multiple colleagues suggesting an officer had a personal relationship with a superior. Investigators concluded the comment was unprofessional, carried a sexual undertone, and risked damaging the officer’s credibility within the department. Olveda, a supervisor at the time, later resigned on March 13, 2026, with no public explanation given for his departure.
Predator Poachers Activity in Harlingen Prompts Police Response
The presence of a civilian group known as Predator Poachers in Harlingen around mid-March has prompted a formal response from local law enforcement, highlighting legal concerns tied to citizen-led investigations. While the group has built a large online following through videos confronting individuals accused of crimes against children, police emphasize that arrests and prosecutions must meet strict legal standards. The Harlingen Police Department cited issues including probable cause, chain of custody, and potential entrapment risks in its March 17 statement. Officials also confirmed an open and active investigation, with further responses being coordinated through the city attorney’s office.
Audit Finds Dozens of Delayed Cases, Laredo Sergeant Suspended One Day
An internal review found that Laredo Police Sergeant Jesus M. Vaquera failed to move forward dozens of assigned investigations, including cases involving child abuse and sexual assault, leading to a one-day suspension. Records show many cases sat inactive for months or longer, with more than a third reassigned due to lack of progress. Vaquera accepted the discipline and agreed to additional training following the findings.
Laredo Officer Disciplined After Domestic Incident Involving Electronic Device; Felony Charge Remained Pending
A Laredo police officer was suspended for 90 days without pay following a domestic violence arrest tied to a dispute involving an electronic device, according to internal records. Investigators found the incident escalated into a physical confrontation, with both individuals showing visible injuries and providing differing accounts of what occurred. The officer told Internal Affairs the situation involved a mutual struggle over the device, which broke accidentally, and denied intentionally assaulting his spouse, while she reported being assaulted and experiencing pain. Although both later signed complaint withdrawals, the Webb County District Attorney’s Office had not formally dismissed the felony charge at the time the department imposed discipline.
Donna Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender Following “Predator Poachers” Sting
A Donna man identified by police as a registered sex offender was arrested after allegedly arranging to meet what he believed to be a minor, according to authorities. The case unfolded after a civilian group known as “Predator Poachers” reported the interaction, prompting a police response and subsequent investigation.
Three Arrested After Harlingen Police Execute Narcotics Search Warrant
Harlingen police say more than 65 grams of crack cocaine were seized during a narcotics search warrant operation, leading to the arrests of three individuals now facing multiple felony charges.
Austin Police Arrest Two Physical Therapists in Separate Sexual Assault Investigations
Detectives with the Austin Police Department have arrested two physical therapists in connection with separate sexual assault investigations involving their patients. Authorities say the incidents are not connected, but both involve allegations that the therapists assaulted patients during treatment sessions. Both cases remain active investigations as police urge anyone who may have had contact with the suspects to come forward.
Laredo Police Officer Suspended Following Investigation Into Self-Inflicted Shooting Incident
A Laredo police officer has been indefinitely suspended after an internal investigation into an August 2025 incident involving a self-inflicted shooting at the officer’s residence. Authorities say the investigation began after the officer reported that his live-in girlfriend, who is also a Laredo police officer, had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the incident, they uncovered additional events involving alcohol use, firearm handling, and an unreported patrol vehicle crash that occurred the day before. Department leadership later concluded the findings revealed multiple safety and conduct concerns, ultimately leading to the officer’s suspension.