A wanted registered sex offender was allowed to return to the community after a Brownsville Police Department investigator failed to conduct a warrant check during the person’s registration, according to a disciplinary letter reviewed by The Hawk’s Eye. The encounter occurred March 31, 2026, after the individual moved back within Brownsville’s city limits. Another agency took the person into custody the following day on an out-of-state warrant. Brownsville police concluded that the missed check created an unnecessary risk to public safety.

A Required Check That Never Happened

Investigator Selene Silva was responsible for handling the sex offender’s registration when she failed to follow the department’s established procedures, the letter states. Because the warrant check was not conducted, police did not discover that the person was already wanted by authorities outside Texas. The individual was consequently permitted to leave and return to the community rather than being detained at the time of registration. The letter does not explain why Silva failed to perform the check or whether supervisors discovered the mistake before the other agency made the arrest.

The four-page disciplinary record also does not identify the registered sex offender, the state that issued the warrant or the allegations underlying it. It does not name the agency that made the arrest the following day. There is also no indication that the person committed another offense during the time between the registration and arrest.

Department Sustains Neglect Allegations

Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda sustained the allegations against Silva in a May 7, letter filed with the city’s Civil Service Commission. The department cited neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to good order and the violation of an applicable department rule or special order. Silva was also found to have violated departmental standards addressing efficiency, unsatisfactory work performance and conduct that reflects unfavorably on the agency. 

One-Day Unpaid Suspension

Silva was offered and voluntarily accepted a one-workday suspension without pay under an agreement with the department. The suspension took place on May 14, 2026. Under the agreement, Silva had no right to appeal the disciplinary action. Silva is a 19 year member with the department.

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