Transparency Test: Comal County’s Block List Raises Free‑Speech Concern
The Hawk’s Eye obtained the Comal County Sheriff’s Office block list through an open‑records request. It shows more than 50 accounts barred from the department’s social‑media pages, prompting questions about transparency and free speech at a time when law enforcement uses these platforms to reach the public. Our report looks at the list’s implications in light of recent Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit rulings on officials blocking critics online.
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.
Wilson County Deputy Reprimanded After Politically Motivated Workplace Comment
A Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputy received a written reprimand after making a workplace comment referencing the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk, which coworkers described as discriminatory and politically motivated. Internal records show the remark was made inside the county jail and later supported by witness statements. The deputy acknowledged making the comment but disputed how it was characterized.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.