Laredo Police Sergeant Jesus M. Vaquera was suspended for one day after an internal investigation found he failed to keep multiple criminal cases moving forward, including those involving child abuse and sexual assault. The suspension, issued by Police Chief Miguel A. Rodriguez Jr., took effect January 30, 2026, and is limited to a single calendar day.

Complaint Triggered Internal Review

The investigation began after a complaint filed October 9, 2025, by a supervising lieutenant, who alleged the Sergeant Vaquera had neglected assigned duties. The complaint stated that problems with case handling began before the his promotion and continued afterward, prompting a formal review of his on-duty performance. 

During the investigation, supervisors provided documentation showing repeated delays and limited initiative in advancing cases. The cases involved serious allegations, including domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. The department noted that Sergeant Vaquera was given additional opportunities to manage his workload, including overtime and the ability to continue working investigations while assigned to patrol. 

Audit Reveals Pattern Across Dozens of Cases

An audit of Sergeant Vaquera’s caseload showed that of 79 cases assigned in 2024, 36 were reassigned to other officers due to lack of progress. Of the remaining 43 cases, only five resulted in arrest warrants. Investigators also found that several cases had long periods of inactivity, with no documented investigative steps for months and, in some cases, more than a year. 

One example highlighted a child abuse investigation in which Sergeant Vaquera attempted to submit a report roughly ten months after the case was assigned. Records showed no follow-up work had been documented during that time, despite guidance from a supervisor suggesting additional investigative steps, including obtaining medical records. According to the review, no further action was taken before the report was submitted. 

Another case involved a juvenile sexual assault that was not reviewed for approximately two months after it was assigned. The case remained inactive for about six months before being reassigned to another investigator. After reassignment, an arrest was made and the suspect was charged with a felony.

Officer Cited Personal Struggles, Did Not Notify Supervisors

During an internal interview, Sergeant Vaquera acknowledged his background in handling domestic violence cases and stated he had volunteered to take on sexual assault investigations. He told investigators he experienced personal health issues and felt overwhelmed by the number of cases assigned to him. However, the investigation found that he did not notify supervisors about those challenges or request adjustments to his workload.  

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