Dispute Between Hays County Judge and District Attorney Over Water Authority During Election Season
A public dispute between Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office over a high-profile industrial water-use proposal has intensified as the county is in the midst of its March 3, 2026 election primaries. Judge Becerra, who is up for reelection, issued a public statement asserting that there was “no feedback or guidance” from the Civil Division prior to the hearing on the proposal. The DA’s office responded that legal advice was provided and that disliking that advice is “very different than receiving ‘no feedback or guidance.’” The exchange highlights a sharp disagreement over whether county attorneys had adequate time and opportunity to review the proposal before it reached Commissioners Court.
Substitute Teacher Sentenced to 30 Years in Cameron County Child Exploitation Case
A substitute teacher in Cameron County has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to 21 felony counts involving child sexual abuse material and secretly recording kindergarten students inside a classroom restroom. Prosecutors said the recordings were made without the children’s knowledge, calling the case a serious breach of trust involving some of the community’s youngest students.
Former Comal County Jailer Arrested on Indecency Charges
A former Comal County jailer was arrested in Guadalupe County on two warrants alleging indecency with a child by exposure, according to booking records. The offense date listed in court documents is March 7, 2020—more than a year before he was hired by the Comal County Sheriff’s Office in November 2021. He remained employed with the county until December 2024.
Hays County District Attorney Race: Landon Campbell Responds to Hawk’s Eye Questionnaire
Landon Campbell, a candidate in the Hays County district attorney’s race, says prosecutorial decisions must remain free from political influence while prioritizing transparency, constitutional protections, and measurable outcomes within the justice system. In responses to The Hawk’s Eye questionnaire, Campbell outlined positions on recusal standards, diversion effectiveness, law-enforcement accountability, and reducing repeat offending, framing his approach around fairness, due process, and community safety.
Hays County District Attorney Race: Alfonso Salazar Responds to Hawk’s Eye Questionnaire
With early voting underway, Alfonso Salazar’s full responses to The Hawk’s Eye questionnaire provide voters insight into how he says he would exercise prosecutorial authority, ensure accountability, and manage key decisions within the Hays County District Attorney’s Office.
Colorado County Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests, Seizure of $31K and THC Device
Authorities in Colorado County report that a traffic stop along Interstate 10 led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of more than $31,000 in cash along with a THC vaping device. The stop, conducted by a Criminal Interdiction Unit investigator and supported by a K9 from the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, followed an alleged traffic violation and a subsequent refusal of consent to search the vehicle. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Comal County Prior Licensed Day Care Owner Sentenced to 40 Years in Child Abuse Case
A Comal County jury has convicted a New Braunfels woman who testified she previously owned a licensed day care of four counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. Jurors sentenced Susan Rae Helton to stacked prison terms totaling 40 years after hearing evidence of prolonged starvation, confinement, and severe malnutrition involving two adopted children, according to the district attorney’s office.
Comal County Deputy Constable Terminated After Traffic-Stop Complaint
A Comal County Precinct 4 deputy constable was terminated in 2025 after an internal affairs investigation into a disputed traffic-stop encounter with a citizen, according to disciplinary records obtained by The Hawk’s Eye. Video of the interaction shows the deputy ultimately acknowledging no law had been broken before allowing the citizen to leave without citation or arrest. Investigators later concluded the deputy violated multiple agency policies, including reporting for duty without required uniform and equipment and failing to follow established traffic-stop procedures, leading to the recommendation for termination.
Indicted Bexar County Judge Suspended by State Judicial Commission
Bexar County Court at Law No. 13 Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez has been suspended without pay by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, one week after a grand jury indicted her on criminal charges tied to a December 2024 courtroom incident involving a defense attorney. The suspension remains in place pending dismissal of the charges, an acquittal, or further action by the commission, as the criminal case moves forward.
Wilson County Auditor and County Judge Candidate Arrested on State Jail Felony Charge
Wilson County Auditor and county judge candidate Brenda Lea Trevino was arrested February 4, 2026, on a state jail felony charge of possession of a controlled substance, according to jail and court records. The arrest comes as Trevino is already facing a separate felony case tied to alleged county financial transactions, placing two pending criminal matters alongside her ongoing campaign for Wilson County judge. Court documents show she was released the same day on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.