Tagged News

• Prosecutors moving forward with Starr County voter fraud case Play Video

  March 2, 2020 9:56 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – Prosecutors are expected to move forward on with a voter fraud case in Starr County. The move is following an appellate court decision. Erika Lozano-Pelayo is accused of altering mail-in ballot applications. She was arrested in Feb. 2018. A lower court had declared portions... more »

• Man arrested in connection to hit-and-run at McAllen mud pit Play Video

  February 25, 2020 6:28 PM

  MCALLEN – McAllen police have made an arrest after a hit and run crash left a young woman seriously hurt. According to an affidavit, Juan Manuel Ocanas is charged Monday with an accident involving personal injury, a third degree felony. Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputies say he admitted to fleeing... more »

• Person accused of threatening Port Isabel school under arrest Play Video

  February 11, 2020 6:58 PM

  PORT ISABEL – A person accused of threatening a Rio Grande Valley school is now in custody. The Department of Public Safety confirmed they assisted Brownsville police in the arrest Tuesday morning. The person allegedly threatened a school in Port Isabel. No other information about the threat... more »

• Mercedes woman seeks answers after renovation confusion leads to theft investigation Play Video

  February 5, 2020 6:33 PM

  MERCEDES – A woman is in search for answers after four people stole from her. One of the accused was a Mercedes city employee. Norma Cosme says she received a call from her neighbor, telling her all her belongings were outside. By the time she got home she found... more »

• Officers catch McAllen woman with 11 kilos of cocaine Play Video

  February 3, 2020 3:50 PM

  PHARR – U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested a McAllen woman on Saturday, when she attempted to cross the Pharr bridge with 11 kilograms of cocaine, according to the federal criminal complaint against her. Yesmin Corona, 37, of McAllen attempted to cross the bridge from Reynosa to Pharr on... more »

• Edinburg Stabbing Suspect’s Bond Set at $1M for Murder Charge Play Video

  January 2, 2020 9:30 PM

  EDINBURG – The man accused for the stabbing death of an Edinburg man on New Year’s Day is now formally charged. Thirty-one-year-old Ramiro Escobar was arraigned Friday in Edinburg municipal court. According to police, he stabbed 44-year-old Miguel Adrian Ramirez Alonzo to death at an apartment complex. Escobar... more »

• Pharr Man Facing DWI, Evading Arrest Charges following Chase in McAllen Play Video

  January 2, 2020 12:07 PM

  MCALLEN – A 36-year-old is facing DWI and evading arrest charges after leading the Department of Public Safety on a chase in McAllen early Thursday morning. Around 5:15 a.m. near 10 th Street and Pecan Boulevard, a state trooper attempted to stop Joe Omar Guerrero, of Pharr, for a... more »

• Victim of Alleged Assault by Former Cameron Co. Deputy Speaks Out Play Video

  December 20, 2019 6:36 PM

  MCALLEN – A woman who says she was a victim of an assault by a former Cameron County deputy is claiming police have stalled in adding more charges. The victim works as a massage therapist. She says she and the deputy, Victor Francisco Moctezuma, met online for a supposed... more »

• Family, Mercedes Residents Seek Answers after Another Arrest in City Meeting Uproar Play Video

  December 4, 2019 10:31 PM

  WESLACO – The aftermath of a heated commissioners meeting still being felt in the city of Mercedes. Four people were arrested at the meeting back in September and now on Wednesday, a fifth. On Tuesday night, Israel Coronado was arrested for the actions he allegedly committed back at... more »

• 1 Arrested, 1 On the Run in Burglary Investigation in Edinburg

  November 25, 2019 10:22 PM

  EDINBURG – Home surveillance cameras led to the arrest of an accused house burglar in Edinburg. Authorities are still searching for his alleged accomplice. Investigators say the two snuck into a gated community and stole from at least three properties. They were caught on one of the... more »

• Two Arrested in Connection to Drug and Cash Seizure Play Video

  November 24, 2019 6:29 PM

  EDINBURG - Two people are facing charges in Edinburg. Edinburg police arrested the pair Saturday. Officers seized nearly $16,000 in cash along with 2 kilograms of edible THC and 2 pounds of marijuana. No other information was released about the two people arrested or... more »

• Edinburg Man Arrested After Reported Gunfire Play Video

  November 16, 2019 11:39 PM

  EDINBURG - A man was taken into custody Saturday after he allegedly shot his weapon at the ground. It happened at an apartment complex on the 1600 Block of West Schunior. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and police did take his weapon. Watch the video above... more »

• Law Enforcement Make Arrest in Starr Co. Cockfighting Investigation Play Video

  November 15, 2019 5:13 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – Approximately 145 roosters were seized from a property in Starr County. Joseias Flores was charged in what is now a cockfighting investigation. Local, state and federal authorities are all involved in the case. In addition to the birds, officials say they also found... more »

• Former Cameron Co. Deputy Accused of Tampering with Records of an Arrest Play Video

  November 1, 2019 9:20 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A deputy is out of a job and facing charges. He's accused of tampering with records of an arrest. Former deputy with Cameron County Joshua Guajardo responded to a call in August and made an arrest for public intoxication. Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio says... more »

• Valley Dealership Fraud Investigation Leads to 3 More Arrests, Charges Play Video

  October 30, 2019 10:21 PM

  MCALLEN – More people are facing charges in what authorities describe as a “car loan scam”. CHANNEL 5 NEWS reported about three Rio Grande Valley dealership employees indicted on fraud charges in June. Now, 55-year-old Samuel Sanchez of McAllen, 52-year-old Soundra Lopez of Weslaco and 46-year-old Jorge Garza... more »

• Woman Arrested in Connection to Fatal Hit-and-Run in San Benito Play Video

  October 3, 2019 5:21 PM

  SAN BENTIO – San Benito police arrested the suspect accused in fatal hit-and-run in July. Officials say 30-year-old Ivonne Guajardo turned herself into custody after a warrant for her arrest was issued. Guajardo is accused of killing 46-year-old Willie Lee Williams on July 21 after hitting him with... more »

• Search Warrant Executed at RGC Attorney's Office Play Video

  September 4, 2019 9:19 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY - A search warrant was executed at the office of the Rio Grande City attorney this Wednesday in connection to the arrest of an employee last week. Edwin Duran was arrested on Friday. He worked at the law office of Calixtro Villarreal, who also serves as... more »

• Edinburg City Secretary Facing One Charge of Illegal Voting Play Video

  September 3, 2019 9:57 PM

  EDINBURG - An Edinburg city official is facing a charge for allegedly participating in an illegal voting scheme. The alleged voter fraud took place during the November 2017 City of Edinburg election. Ludivina Leal, Edinburg's city secretary, is accused of participating in an illegal voting scheme. She... more »

• Employee at Law Office in Starr Co. Charged for Tampering with Evidence Play Video

  August 30, 2019 8:16 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – An employee at an attorney’s office was arrested Friday in Starr County. Edwin Duran was arrested, facing four charges for tampering with, or fabricating physical evidence. Four more charges are also included for tampering with a governmental record. All charges are third degree... more »

• Woman Arrested at Progreso Bridge for Attempting to Smuggle Fentanyl Play Video

  August 27, 2019 6:22 PM

  PROGRESO – A woman was allegedly caught trying to get a powerful drug into the U.S. Federal officials say they found it hidden in her clothes. The drug, fentanyl, is known to be 100 times more potent than morphine. The woman claimed the pills were for her... more »

• La Joya Housing Authority Vice Chair Pleads Not Guilty to Corruption Charge Play Video

  August 19, 2019 11:20 AM

  LA JOYA – The La Joya housing authority vice chairwoman accused of corruption has pleaded not guilty. Sylvia Valdez was taken into federal custody Monday morning. She’s the La Joya housing authority vice-chairwoman, but received a public relations contract, which is in the center of this corruption charge.... more »

• Third Person Connected to Fatal Hit-and-Run in Mission to be Arraigned

  August 1, 2019 11:24 AM

  MISSION – Mission police have a third person in custody in connection with a fatal hit-and-run which claimed the life of a 22-year-old man. The crash happened early Saturday morning. Police say the victim, Jesus Zamudio Diaz, pulled over along the expressway because of car trouble and that... more »

• Gulf Cartel Leader 'El Diablo' Arrested in Cameron County Play Video

  July 22, 2019 11:38 AM

  LA PALOMA – A Gulf Cartel leader was caught in the Rio Grande Valley and now faces federal drug charges. He's known as "El Diablo", but his legal name is Rene Garcia-Cantu. According to the criminal complaint, Border Patrol agents found a trail of footsteps leading to him... more »

• 2nd Arrest Made in Edcouch Water Dept. Investigation Play Video

  May 16, 2019 5:39 PM

  EDCOUCH – Police say the city of Edcouch lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in water fees. Edcouch Police Chief Javier Garza says a former employee, Erica Saenz, was arrested Thursday. Garza stated she worked directly with water department and is now charged with abuse of official capacity.... more »

• Another Arrest Made in Connection to Child Exploitation Case at Santa Rosa ISD Play Video

  May 15, 2019 6:58 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – The Cameron County District Attorney’s Office is confirming another arrest in connection to two former educators arrested Tuesday. The 20-year-old taken into custody Wednesday will be charged with four counts of “delivery of a controlled substance or marijuana to a child.” The name of the 20-year-old... more »

• Investigation Leads to Former Edcouch City Manager’s Arrest Play Video

  May 15, 2019 5:16 PM

  EDCOUCH – A former Rio Grande Valley official was arraigned Wednesday. Former Edcouch City Manager Eddy Gonzalez was charged with theft by a public servant. Gonzalez surrendered after police went to his house with a warrant. CHANNEL 5 NEWS is told the arrest stems from an investigation... more »

• Man Arrested in Connection to Edinburg Election Investigation Play Video

  May 10, 2019 1:15 PM

  EDINBURG – Another arrest has been made in connection to the ongoing Edinburg election fraud investigation. The Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS Daniel David Castillo turned himself in to authorities; he is charged with making a false statement on his voter registration application. His... more »

• GPS Tracking Leads Edinburg Authorities to 2 Convicted Felons Play Video

  May 3, 2019 6:13 PM

  EDINBURG – Two men accused of stealing laptops in Edinburg are behind bars. Edinburg police and SWAT raided an apartment complex on the 3800 block of South Veterans Boulevard after tracking the laptops. Because the laptops had GPS, authorities were able to find the men in the apartment... more »

• Edinburg Mayor Served as Legal Voter Registrar During Run Play Video

  April 25, 2019 10:40 PM

  EDINBURG – Court documents show Mayor Richard Molina was registered as a voter registrar during the time of his campaign, meaning he could help people register to vote. Molina is facing one count of engaging in organized election fraud and two counts of illegal voting. The Secretary of... more »

• Former Edinburg Mayor Reacts to Molina's Arrest Play Video

  April 25, 2019 7:15 PM

  EDINBURG – The former mayor of Edinburg reacted to the news of Mayor Richard Molina's arrest . He spoke with CHANNEL 5 NEWS about what could happen next. Richard Garcia was mayor of Edinburg for 11 years before losing his seat to Richard Molina in 2017. Molina... more »

• Another Arrest Made in Voter Fraud Investigation Play Video

  April 25, 2019 4:50 PM

  EDINBURG- Man arrested for allegedly voting illegally in the November 2017 Election. Gregorio Alaniz is accused of voting in October 2017 in Edinburg. According to a warrant of arrest , Alaniz lives at an address on Mile 14 road, which is located outside the city of Edinburg. ... more »

• Local Property Owner Reflects on Experience with Militia Group Play Video

  April 22, 2019 10:02 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A border militia leader who patrolled New Mexico’s southern border pleaded not guilty in court Monday. FBI agents and local police arrested Larry Hopkins over the weekend. He’s reportedly in charge of a group claiming to help out Border Patrol, but the agency says otherwise. ... more »

• Body Cam Footage Details Failed Smuggling Attempt Involving Lyft Driver Play Video

  April 19, 2019 4:39 PM

  SULLIVAN CITY – A 17-year-old allegedly used a rideshare driver to move two immigrants illegally in the country. Court documents reveal Jose Vigil took his mother’s credit card to pay for the Lyft ride. CHANNEL 5 NEWS obtained officer body cam video from the arrest earlier this month.... more »

• Authorities Capture San Benito Shooting Suspect Play Video

  April 11, 2019 8:38 AM

  WESLACO – Authorities have captured the man accused of shooting a woman in San Benito. Weslaco Police Chief Joel Rivera confirmed with CHANNEL 5 NEWS the arrest of Jose Luis Garcia Jr. around 8 a.m. Thursday morning. The arrest was made after a concerned citizen spotted Garcia at a... more »

• 2nd Arrest Made in Alleged Bribery Scheme Involving Weslaco City Commissioner Play Video

  March 29, 2019 12:07 PM

  WESLACO – Authorities arrested a second person in a bribery scheme that has already brought down a former Rio Grande Valley judge. Richard Quintanilla, 52, is accused of bribing a Weslaco city commissioner in exchange for favorable actions in the construction and rehabilitation of the city’s water treatment facilities.... more »

• Undercover Operation Leads to 11 Arrests for Selling Alcohol to Minors Play Video

  March 15, 2019 3:37 PM

  WESLACO – An undercover operation in Starr County lead to the arrest of 11 people accused of selling alcohol to minors. The Starr County Special Crimes unit visited 45 locations throughout the county; most of them being convenience stores. Those arrested range in age from 20 to 59. more »

• Border Patrol Apprehends Largest Group of Migrants This Year Play Video

  March 12, 2019 4:31 PM

  MCALLEN – Border Patrol agents apprehended the largest group of migrants encountered this year so far. Nearly 300 migrants were apprehended near Granjeno. All were taken into custody and are being processed. In a statement, the agency says in total, Border Patrol agents arrested more than 1,000... more »

• Harlingen Man Awaiting Arraignment Following Arrest in Combes Play Video

  March 10, 2019 3:45 PM

  COMBES- A Harlingen man is awaiting arraignment following his arrest Saturday night in Combes. Police say they smelled marijuana when they pulled the 20-year-old over for a traffic stop on New Combes Highway. The man became nervous and fled on foot from police, but was eventually caught. ... more »

• Border Patrol Arrest Two Violent Criminals Play Video

  February 28, 2019 6:04 PM

  EDINBURG – Border Patrol says they arrested two people trying to cross into the U.S. illegally with extensive criminal backgrounds. Agents working near Roma arrested a Salvadorian man who’s record shows is a Mara Salvatrucha gang member on Monday. Border Patrol says he has an extensive criminal history... more »

• CBP Seizes $12 Million Worth of Alleged Meth at Port of Entry Play Video

  February 19, 2019 3:49 PM

  UPDATE (2/20): The frozen strawberries used in a foiled smuggling attempt at a Rio Grande Valley port of entry have been returned to the original owner. U.S. Customs and Border Protection released a press statement which says: "Provided the commodity is not destroyed or contaminated during the extraction... more »

• Brownsville Woman Wanted on Homicide Charges in Custody Play Video

  February 15, 2019 4:09 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A Brownsville woman who was wanted on homicide charges in Dallas is now behind bars. The 44-year-old woman was detained Thursday at the Gateway International Bridge as she was returning from Mexico. She’s in custody of Cameron County Sheriff’s Office as she awaits her transfer to... more »

• Amnesty Program Begins in Mission Play Video

  February 1, 2019 5:19 PM

  MISSION – The city of Mission began their amnesty program Friday. Those who have outstanding traffic tickets in Mission have a chance to save money and avoid being arrested. “If they are able to financially pay off their balances in full, they’re going to save quite of bit... more »

• Reward Increased for Information Leading to Most-Wanted Man's Arrest Play Video

  January 22, 2019 5:24 PM

  WESLACO – State police increased the reward money in connection to one man’s arrest. Anthony Gonzales is considered armed and dangerous. He is wanted for a deadly shooting that took place 10 years ago in Corpus Christi. Authorities say he’s affiliated with the Mexican Mafia Gang. ... more »

• Donna Police Find $30,000 in 18-Wheeler Play Video

  January 18, 2019 5:21 PM

  DONNA – Authorities found $30,000 worth of cash hidden in an 18-wheeler. The Donna Police Department tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS a multi-agency investigation led to the bust. Police Sgt. Adrian Hooks says the driver of the 18-wheeler was arrested. He believes this arrest could lead to more... more »

• Clean Up Begins at Toxic Paint Site Property in Rio Hondo Play Video

  January 17, 2019 4:14 PM

  RIO HONDO – Work has begun to clean up a toxic paint site, which sparked a massive fire several years ago near Rio Hondo. The owner of the property, which is located at the corner of FM-106 and FM-803, is now taking responsibility, as ordered by the court. ... more »

• Several Arrests Made in Cameron Co. for Celebratory Gunfire Play Video

  January 2, 2019 10:48 AM

  BROWNSVILLE – Several people are facing charges accused of taking part in celebratory gunfire. At least seven people were arrested by several different agencies during New Year celebrations in Cameron County. Stray bullets led to damage and close-calls at several places. Watch the news clip above for... more »

• Hidalgo Co. Sheriff Deputy Terminated following Arrest Play Video

  December 28, 2018 4:19 PM

  MCALLEN – A Hidalgo County sheriff deputy was terminated Friday following his arrest in McAllen on Wednesday night. McAllen police say Robert Sanchez Jr. is charged with theft of a local business. He was arrested along with two others. The sheriff’s office announced the termination following an... more »

• Man Accused of Impersonating Lawyer Behind Bars Play Video

  April 25, 2018 6:58 PM

  MCALLEN – A McAllen man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a lawyer. The Donna Police Department tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS a woman reported paying a lawyer over $7,000 to represent her in a case. Police say Abner Campos was arrested on Wednesday. He allegedly identified himself as an attorney for... more »

• Man Charged with Intoxication Manslaughter in Death of 2-Year-Old

  September 21, 2017 4:55 PM

  EDINBURG – A man is charged with intoxication manslaughter and three counts of intoxication assault. Twenty-nine-year-old Mexican national Ruben Hernandez is accused in the death of a 2-year-old. Hernandez was allegedly behind the wheel when he crashed head on into a family in a SUV on Monte Cristo Road back... more »

• Raymondville Police Urge Sexual Assault Victims to Step Forward Play Video

  July 5, 2017 5:09 PM

  RAYMONDVILLE – Police arrested two people in connection with the prostitution and sexual assault of a child in Raymondville. Monica Garcia, 30, is charged with compelling prostitution, trafficking of persons for sexual exploitation and sexual assault of a child. Raul Arevalo Jr., 77, is charged with sexual assault of a... more »

• Man Arrested in Connection to 2-Year-Old’s Death Play Video

  June 27, 2017 5:09 PM

  NEAR LA BLANCA – DPS arrested a man in connection to a fatal crash that killed a toddler. Ruben Hernandez, 29, of Mexico, was arrested on Monday. He’s charged with intoxication manslaughter and three counts of intoxication assault. The accident happened on Monte Cristo Road two weeks ago . DPS... more »