By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
repo...@sbnewspaper.com

Eli Fredric Martinez

A San Benito man is behind bars for physically assaulting his mother over the weekend.

Officers with the San Benito Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance between several family members at approximately 1 a.m., Sunday, March 16, at the 400 block of Franklin Street.

Upon arrival, the officers were advised by a family member that his brother, Eli Frederic Martinez, 19, had allegedly assaulted his mother.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the March 19 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
edi...@sbnewspaper.com

An officer with the San Benito CISD Police Department facing charges of official oppression and injury to a child has been fired, school district officials confirmed Thursday.

According to Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio, now-former SBCISD police officer Joe Mendez was arrested Wednesday after he turned himself in to authorities. Mendez, who in February was accused of assaulting a teenage student who was restrained at the department’s station, was released from County custody after posting bail. Lucio confirmed that Mendez’ bonds were set at $35,000 (official oppression) and $5,000 (injury to a child).

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the April 6 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
repo...@sbnewspaper.com

Francisco Mejia

The wife of a local man recently arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two children has come to his defense.

Following news of her husband’s, 20-year-old San Benito resident Francisco Mejia’s arrest, his wife of two years, Reyna Mejia, also 20, took her case to the San Benito Police Department official Facebook page.

“He is innocent because my mom is the one making the accusations,” Reyna Mejia said in a telephone interview on Tuesday, further alleging that her mother may have been motivated because Francisco and Reyna Mejia decided to move out her mother’s home.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the April 9 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

NEWS Staff Report

Juan Carlos Gonzalez

An Edinburg father was arrested in San Benito on Monday for allegedly driving intoxicated while his 3-year-old girl was inside his vehicle.

Rogelio Banda Jr. of the San Benito Police Department confirmed via press release the arrest of 23-year-old Juan Carlos Gonzalez for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger. Gonzalez’ bond was set at $3,000 by Municipal Judge David Garza.

According to Banda, it was at 11:20 a.m. Monday, April 21, that police were alerted to a gray Dodge Avenger that was reportedly driving recklessly while traveling south on Expressway 83.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the April 23 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

NEWS Staff Report

BROWNSVILLE – A man was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge on Sunday, April 27 for an incident that occurred in San Benito.

According to the CBP, agents apprehended 42-year-old Onorio Ramos on an active arrest warrant for sexual assault from San Benito.

A CBP officer’s secondary checks revealed a possible active warrant for sexual assault. The active warrant for Ramos, with charges pending in relation to a San Benito Police Department sexual assault case, was confirmed.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the April 30 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
edi...@sbnewspaper.com

Lizette Michelle Lucio

A San Benito High School criminal justice teacher was recently arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at her husband, an incident that authorities said occurred in front of the couple’s children.

Brownsville Police Department Public Information Officer J.J. Treviño said it was on Thursday, May 29 that 38-year-old Lizette Michelle Lucio was arrested at her Brownsville residence, located on the 200 block of Fairfax Street, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (family violence). Lucio, who is employed at SBHS as a criminal justice teacher, is currently free on $10,000 bond.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the June 4 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

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By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
repo...@sbnewspaper.com

Elidio Jesse Rodriguez

Monica Rose Johnson

The man allegedly behind a standoff from nearly four months ago has been arrested again. The San Benito Police Department apprehended 30-year-old Elidio Jesus Rodriguez and his common-law wife, 26-year-old Monica Rose Johnson on Monday, June 23.

According to SBPD Assistant Operations Chief Michael Galvan, detectives with the SBPD Special Operations Division arrested the couple for their involvement in a burglary of habitation, credit card abuse and aggravated assault.

Galvan said Johnson allegedly called her grandparents to a Harlingen location for the purposes of luring them out of their trailer home, which is located on the 1000 block of Wick Street in San Benito.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the June 25 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

NEWS Staff Report

Joseph “Joe” Lopez

Cameron County District Attorney’s Office investigator and longtime Rio Hondo City Commissioner Joseph “Joe” Lopez has been accused of domestic violence.

According to Rio Hondo police, Lopez was arrested for domestic violence on Monday. Lopez, who took office in May 2012 but has served two prior terms, is accused of using his arm to choke or hold down his wife.

DA Luis V. Saenz issued the following statement concerning the allegations made against Lopez:

“In the morning of July 7, the D.A.’s Office was informed by the Rio Hondo Police Department that it was investigating a domestic violence case against D.A. Investigator Joe Lopez. In the afternoon of July 7, Investigator Lopez was fired. The RHPD submitted the case to the D.A.’s Office today, and we have already requested that a district judge appoint an attorney pro-tem.”

RHPD forwarded the cases to the DA’s office, where Lopez works as an investigator. More information will be published as it becomes available.

Attempts to reach Lopez for comment have been successful as of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8.

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By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
repo...@sbnewspaper.com

Jose Guzman

A San Benito teen was recently arrested for allegedly punching a police officer.

On the evening of Aug. 5, the San Benito Police Department arrived at a local gas station in reference to a male teenager who was allegedly picking fights with customers.

Jose Guzman, 19, of San Benito allegedly displayed signs of intoxication when approached by an officer.

While allegedly resisting arrest, Guzman is accused of striking the officer on the side of the head, at which time the officer sprayed a chemical agent dispenser on the subject’s face. Additional police officers arrived at the scene and placed Guzman under arrest.

At city jail, a search of Guzman’s person allegedly yielded a clear plastic bag containing three Clonazepam pills. The subject was charged with the following: Assault on public servant; resisting arrest; and possession of a controlled substance.

Additionally, Guzman had several outstanding municipal court warrants, totaling $ 1,472.

He was arraigned by Municipal Judge Ben Yudesis, who set bonds totaling $50,000.

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By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
edi...@sbnewspaper.com

An off-duty San Benito police officer on Friday arrested a man for the alleged sexual assault of a teenage male.

According to Assistant Operations Chief Michael Galvan of the San Benito Police Department, the incident occurred around midnight Friday, Aug. 8, in the parking lot of the Canal Place Apartments, located on the 2200 block of U.S. Business 77.

SBPD officer David Ortega, who was on his way to work at the time of the incident, reportedly observed a car parked too closely to his vehicle. Galvan said that the off-duty officer – upon looking inside said vehicle – found a man identified as Albert Medrano, 24, performing a sexual act on a 16-year-old boy.

“Officer Ortega was on his way to work when he saw a vehicle parked too close to his, and so he glanced inside and observed him (Medrano) performing a sexual act on the other male,” Galvan said. “That’s when he tapped on the window, turned on a flashlight and asked what they were doing.”

Galvan further reported that the occupants of the car were “repeatedly apologizing” when discovered by Ortega.

“He (Ortega) asked the suspect to identify himself and to produce a driver’s license,” Galvan said. “The victim stated that he didn’t have any kind of ID and is only 16. The suspect said he didn’t realize he was 16, but according to the family, he (suspect) is a family friend.”

Medrano was arrested for sexual assault and is currently free on $50,000 bond, which was set by Municipal Court Judge Ben Yudesis.

“It’s sexual assault because he (alleged victim) is under the age of 17, which is not of age to consent to sex,” Galvan added.

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By JACOB LOPEZ
Staff Writer
repo...@sbnewspaper.com

Jesus Garcia

A 19-year-old San Benito man has been arrested for possession of a controlled substance, three counts of child endangerment and drug paraphernalia, according to local authorities.

At 6:12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, officers with the San Benito Police Department responded to a residence on the 400 block of Commerce Street.

The incident involved three small children inside a residence and concerns of them being neglected, police said.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

By PETE BANDA

Staff Writer
Reporter@sbnewspaper.com

On Friday, March 13^th, after several formal complaints were made, The San Benito Police department successfully completed a sting operation aimed at prostitution in the bar district along the 200 block of West Robertson Street. According to a statement issued by police, several undercover officers posing as potential customers entered the different bars in the area attempting to pinpoint the individuals involved in the prostitution ring.

As the press release states, one of the undercover agents entered Rios Bar and approached 56-year-old San Juana Longoria Leon, who he believed to be a person of interest,  and inquired about paying for sexual services. Leon referred the officer to 26-year-old Breaza Cazares who offered to have sexual intercourse in exchange for money.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

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By PETE BANDA 

Staff Writer
Reporter@sbnewspaper.com

A former communications officer for the city of San Benito is facing felony charges for allegedly passing contraband to a female prisoner inside of San Benito City Jail. According to a press release by the SBPD,  Mario Alberto Villars Jr., an employee of the city for over three years was caught passing a cell phone to a female inmate and now both are being charged with a Prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility, a third degree felony. It remains unclear the exact connection between the two but it is believed they knew each other through a mutual friend or family member.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

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By PETE BANDA
Staff Writer
Reporter@sbnewspaper.com

A La Feria man is being held on a $100,000 bond after being charged with three separate offenses stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend. Santos Montes was originally arrested for domestic violence in La Feria, but upon being detained, picked up a resisting arrest charge as well as an assault on a peace officer charge. According to authorities, Montes punched a responding officer in the face, sending him to the hospital with a possible broken nose.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here

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By PETE BANDA     

Staff Writer
Reporter@sbnewspaper.com

On Friday May 22, at around 9:50 pm., San Benito police officers responded to a call at a trailer park located on the 300 block of South Oscar Williams Rd. in reference to a domestic disturbance. According to police, when officers arrived, they made contact with a female who told them that her uncle, 32-year-old Juan Bello-Tores, had been trying to stab her 20-year old boyfriend inside their mobile home after the two got into an altercation.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here

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By PETE BANDA     
Staff Writer
Reporter@sbnewspaper.com

A few weeks ago, a local daycare was burglarized of nearly all their electronic appliances. Tablets, televisions, laptops… all gone! Well, after a few leads were followed up on by the San Benito Police Department, a local man has finally been apprehended, nearly three weeks after the date of the offense.

On Thursday, May 28, Investigators arrived at a residence located on the 1000 block of North McCullough Street. “We were just acting on some tips regarding the burglary of the daycare,” said SBPD Assistant Police Chief Michael Galvan. The investigation was in reference to a burglary that took place on May 11th, 2015 during the night, which left instructors and students alike heartbroken when they came in and noticed the possessions missing. “They were upset but more disappointed than anything. It was more of like a ‘how could anybody do this to a daycare’ thing,” added Galvan.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here

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By PETE BANDA    
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

A San Benito man wanted for sexual assault for nearly three weeks was apprehended by United States Marshals this past weekend.
Robert Mollish, who had originally contacted police stating he would turn himself in, was reportedly picked in Harlingen. The 45-year-old San Benito resident was wanted for sexual assault, impeding breath, and unlawful restraint – all three of which are felony charges.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here

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By PETE BANDA    
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

After an early morning crash that sent two people to the hospital last Wednesday, one of them was arrested and charged with Intoxication Assault and given a $50,000 bond. According to police, Maria Rivera Pineda, a 32-year-old resident of Harlingen, was transported to a local hospital after she was allegedly driving the wrong way on the expressway, eventually crashing her red pickup into an SUV on at around 3:50 am Wednesday morning
According to a press release from the San Benito Police Department, it was determined after the crash that Pineda was intoxicated prior to the accident. In addition to visible signs of alcohol impairment, officers found several open containers inside the pickup truck.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here

By STEVEN RAY HERNANDEZ  
Editor
Editor@sbnewspaper.com

Four Cameron County tax officials are in custody after being arrested on multiple felony charges Wednesday morning.
According to a press release issued by the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, County Tax-Assessor-Collector Tony Yzaguirre, Chief of Investigations and Enforcement Lieutenant Joe Mireles, Sergeant Pete Garza and Omar Sanchez-Paz were all arrested in a raid conducted in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Rangers, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, DEA, HSI and the Brownsville Police Department.
Yzaguirre was arrested on four counts of bribery, a second degree felony, engaging in organized criminal activity, a first degree felony and official oppression, a class A misdemeanor.
Mireles was charged with one count of bribery, engaging in organized criminal activity and official oppression.
Garza was also charged with bribery, engaging in organized criminal activity and official oppression.
Sanchez-Paz was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and abuse of official capacity, also a class A misdemeanor.
Code-named “Operation Dirty Deeds,” the investigation culminated Wednesday morning but is expected to continue. All Cameron County tax offices were shut down for the day.

NEWS Staff Report  

After yet another break in at a company located in downtown San Benito, police are urging citizens to take precautions against thieves. Vandals broke into Garza Furniture earlier this week, stealing over $10,000 worth of merchandise, including several big screen televisions and air condition units.
This is reportedly the third time thieves have broken into the store in less than 6 months, and coupled with a break in at Chuy’s Custom Sports, the San Benito Food Bank, and a vandalism incident at Smith-Reagan Insurance a few weeks back, the City seems to have a persistent problem on their hands.

Want the whole story? Pick up a copy of today’s edition of the San Benito News , or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here

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