Comal County Constable Claimed TCOLE Audit “Passed,” Preliminary Review Found Deficiencies Later Corrected
Comal County Precinct 4 Constable Alice “Ali” Flores publicly stated her office “passed” a TCOLE audit, but records released after a delay show the review began with deficiencies in her own personnel file. The preliminary audit identified missing required documentation, including a criminal history check and fingerprint return, which were corrected only after auditors flagged them. In a five-person office where just three files were reviewed, the only file with multiple deficiencies belonged to the elected official who later described the audit as a success. The audit was ultimately closed after compliance was achieved, raising questions about how the outcome was presented to the public.
Award-Winning Texas Game Warden Fired After Using Racal Slurs
A Texas game warden with more than 20 years of service was terminated after an internal investigation found he repeatedly sent text messages containing a racial slur on a state-issued phone. Phillip Wood, who had previously been recognized as the state’s 2018 Boating Officer of the Year, was fired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department following findings that he used the word “nigger” multiple times in violation of agency conduct standards.  Records show Wood had served as a licensed Texas peace officer since 1993, including more than two decades as a game warden, before the misconduct determination ended his career.
Water Wars in Hays County: Commissioner Accuses Judge of Politicizing Aquifer Crisis
A growing dispute over groundwater, development, and public policy is unfolding in Hays County as Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith accuses County Judge Ruben Becerra of prioritizing politics over protection of the aquifer. In a detailed release, Smith alleges overpumping by major water providers, ongoing litigation limiting enforcement, and recent county actions that may have unintentionally advanced high-volume water use. As wells run dry and tensions escalate, the debate highlights deep divisions over how the county should manage one of its most critical resources—its water supply.
Texas DPS Trooper Resigns Following Family Violence Arrest in Travis County
A longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper resigned in lieu of termination months after being arrested on a family violence charge in Travis County. According to a sworn affidavit, the incident followed a day-long argument between the trooper and his spouse that escalated while he was preparing food for a family gathering. Investigators documented injuries consistent with the spouse’s account and statements acknowledging physical contact. The case remains pending in county court.
Wilson County JP Reprimanded After Truancy Case Ends in Jail Time
A Wilson County Justice of the Peace has been publicly reprimanded after a truancy-related hearing escalated into a contempt ruling that sent a mother to jail without a show cause hearing or access to counsel. The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct found that the judge ordered confinement following an exchange in court that included the statement, “I can’t put you in jail, but I can put your mom in jail for three days.” The case, which began as a school attendance matter, later drew concerns over courtroom conduct, a handwritten jail release note, and a follow-up meeting held in chambers outside the presence of a prosecutor.
Nixon Police Lieutenant Arrested on DWI Charge in Wilson County
A Nixon Police Department lieutenant has been arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge following an early morning traffic stop in Wilson County. The Hawk’s Eye confirmed the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, while additional questions have surfaced regarding how booking records were released outside the customary process.
San Marcos Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Abuse of Step-Granddaughter
A 50-year-old San Marcos man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The plea came just moments before opening statements were set to begin in the trial, bringing an end to a case involving years of alleged abuse of his step-granddaughter.
Kyle Police, Hays County Investigators Charge Three Houston Men in Burglary Case
A multi-agency investigation into cash register thefts reported on Nov. 12, 2025, has led to charges against three Houston men connected to commercial burglaries between Kyle and Houston. Authorities say the suspects targeted multiple Poco Loco locations while traveling east from the Kyle area. The investigation involved the Kyle Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office working with regional law enforcement partners. Arrests in the case occurred between December 2025 and March 2026.
DPS Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pounds of Meth During South Texas Traffic Stop
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers seized nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine during a commercial vehicle traffic stop in Live Oak County as part of Operation Lone Star. Investigators say the drugs—hidden in a false floor compartment inside a tractor-trailer—were discovered after a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, leading authorities to uncover 479 bundles with an estimated street value of $3.4 million. A 32-year-old Texas man was arrested and booked into the Live Oak County Jail.
Hays County District Attorney Race: Kirsta Melton Responds to Hawk’s Eye Questionnaire
Following the Democratic primary victory of Alfonso Salazar in the Hays County Criminal District Attorney race, independent candidate Kirsta Melton is preparing for the general election. Melton submitted responses to The Hawk’s Eye questionnaire addressing prosecutorial independence, transparency, law-enforcement accountability, and how the district attorney’s office should measure its success. Her full responses are provided so voters can review her stated positions ahead of the November election.