Tagged News

• Repeat sex offender from Alamo receives 55-year prison sentence Play Video

  March 6, 2026 11:08 AM

  A Hidalgo County judge has sentenced a repeat sex offender to 55 years in prison. According to a news release, 28-year-old Michael Nathaniel Hernandez Contreras, of Alamo, pleaded guilty to five criminal cases involving aggravated sexual assault, family violence, and failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. ... more »

• San Juan man charged with sexual assault after meeting child through Snapchat, sheriff’s office says Play Video

  December 1, 2025 4:44 PM

  A 29-year-old San Juan man is jailed on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child after meeting the victim through social media, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Marco Antonio Mejia was arrested on Thanksgiving Day shortly after 12:30 a.m. after he was found with the... more »

• Mexico President Sheinbaum presses charges after street harassment

  November 5, 2025 12:42 PM

  MEXICO CITY (AP) — What should have been a five-minute time-saving walk from Mexico's National Palace to the Education Ministry for President Claudia Sheinbaum has become a stomach-churning viral moment after a video captured a drunk man groping the president. The brief clip has given the daily harassment and... more »

• Man arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting minor in Alamo facing additional charges Play Video

  October 31, 2025 12:04 PM

  A 19-year-old convicted sex offender arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor is now facing an additional charge in connection with the investigation in Alamo. Malachi Isaiah Pineda is facing two charges of sexual assault, according to Alamo Police Department spokesman Lt. Eduardo Garza. Pineda was issued a $90,000... more »

• Bond set for 19-year-old convicted sex offender charged with indecency with a child Play Video

  October 27, 2025 12:19 PM

  An 19-year-old convicted sex offender was arraigned Monday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Malachi Isaiah Pineda was charged with indecent exposure with a child and unlawful restraint of an individual under 17 years of age in connection with the investigation. He also faces a charge... more »

• ‘Someone’s not being truthful,’ Mother of slain Brownsville sailor reports discrepancies in details of her death Play Video

  September 25, 2025 10:34 PM

  The mother of a U.S. Navy sailor from Brownsville said she has more questions following a hearing for her daughter’s accused killer. The body of Angelina Resendiz was found outside the naval base she was stationed at in Norfolk, Virginia on June 9 after she had been missing for... more »

• Convicted sex offender charged with kidnapping and raping woman in Donna Play Video

  September 19, 2025 3:44 PM

  A 27-year-old man has been charged with aggravated kidnapping after allegedly taking a woman against her will at gunpoint, according to a news release. The news release said Michael Contreras was official charged on Friday and his bond was set at $500,000. The incident occurred on June 7... more »

• Multiple charges filed against suspect accused in Brownsville sailor's death Play Video

  September 19, 2025 1:56 PM

  Multiple charges are now filed against the suspect in the murder of U.S. Navy sailor Angelina Resendiz. The charges against Jeremiah Copeland were outlined at a hearing on Thursday, and included murder and sexual assault against multiple women. RELATED STORY: Hearing set for suspect in custody in connection... more »

• She was adopted into an abusive US home. Decades later, immigration policies sent her back to Brazil

  September 10, 2025 11:15 AM

  It sounded like freedom, like a world of possibility beyond the orphanage walls. Maria Pires was getting adopted. At 11 years old, she saw herself escaping the chaos and violence of the Sao Paulo orphanage, where she'd been sexually assaulted by a staff member. She saw herself leaving Brazil... more »

• About 750 new laws will go into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.

  August 28, 2025 12:46 PM

  " About 750 new laws will go into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones. " was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and... more »

• Pharr man sentenced to 35 years for sexual assault Play Video

  August 13, 2025 2:19 PM

  A Pharr man has been found guilty of sexual assault and sentenced to 35 years in prison, according to a news release. The news release said Jose Roberto Aguilar reached a plea agreement with the state on August 8. In exchange for waiving his right to have a jury... more »

• Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office searching for sexual assault suspect Play Video

  July 12, 2025 11:13 AM

  The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Mission. According to a news release, on July 9, deputies responded to the area of Bentsen Palm Drive and Mile 7 Road. They made contact with a female victim, who said an... more »

• Texas lawmakers update sexual assault laws, allowing more survivors to pursue justice

  July 2, 2025 10:58 AM

  " Texas lawmakers update sexual assault laws, allowing more survivors to pursue justice " was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief ,... more »

• Jury finds Valley Border Patrol agent not guilty of sexual assault Play Video

  June 26, 2025 11:46 AM

  A jury found U.S. Border Patrol Agent Juan Jose Olivares not guilty on two counts of sexual assault on Thursday. Olivares was arrested in 2023 after he was accused of assaulting a female Border Patrol agent in June 2019. During the trial, Olivares' defense team claimed the encounter... more »

• Jury selected for trial of Border Patrol agent charged with sexual assault Play Video

  June 23, 2025 7:16 PM

  The trial for a Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agent accused of sexual assault will start on Tuesday, court records indicate. A jury was selected Monday in the trial of Juan Jose Olivares. According to an indictment, Olivares was accused of sexual assault by a woman in 2019.... more »

• Jury deliberations begin in Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes retrial

  June 5, 2025 2:20 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors started deliberating Thursday in Harvey Weinstein's New York sex crimes retrial, tasked with deciding — again — a case that encapsulated the #MeToo movement. The seven-woman, five-man jury is considering two counts of criminal sex act and one count of rape, each relating to... more »

• Fugitive on Texas’ most wanted list arrested in Palmview Play Video

  May 28, 2025 10:01 PM

  A fugitive wanted in multiple counties and named one of Texas’ Most Wanted was arrested Monday in Palmview, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Eliud Perez Reyes, 45, was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Palmview. According to DPS, Reyes was wanted in Hidalgo... more »

• McAllen Stripes manager pleads guilty to sexually assaulting customer

  May 23, 2025 6:20 PM

  The manager of a Stripes Convenience Store has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a customer in 2023, according to a news release from Israel Perez Law. Juan Francisco Briones will serve seven years probation as part of a plea deal, according to the news release. The law firm... more »

• Former Mission pastor accused of sexual assault granted continuance Play Video

  February 18, 2020 5:00 PM

  EDINBURG – The sexual assault trial of a former Rio Grande Valley pastor was supposed to start Tuesday. However, attorneys for Melquisedec Chan were granted a continuance instead. He’s due back in court April. Chan was charged with aggravated sexual assault and practicing medicine without a license in... more »

• Cameron County officials speak to students on dating violence issues Play Video

  February 14, 2020 8:26 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Law enforcement across the Rio Grande Valley are working to lower the number of domestic violence cases. They’re trying to do this by targeting the problem where it begins. The Cameron County Domestic Violence Unit sees up to 1,200 cases a year, which is more than enough... more »

• March to Raise Sexual Assault Awareness Play Video

  February 1, 2020 10:59 PM

  MISSION - Graduates, current students and parents joined together at a rally Saturday. The group wants more transparency in an alleged hazing incident involving Sharyland Independent School District students. The incident happened late 2019 during an athletic event in Corpus Christi. With nearly 50 people attending, their voices... more »

• Sexual assault allegations prompt TABC to revoke license for McAllen nightclub Play Video

  January 24, 2020 1:15 PM

  MCALLEN – A spokesperson for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Chris Porter, announced Thursday, a McAllen nightclub has lost its license to sell alcohol following allegations of a sexual assault on the premises. Along with TABC revoking the license of The G.O.A.T. nightclub on 17 th Street, a second... more »

• New State Law Fines College Employees for Not Reporting Sexual Misconduct Play Video

  December 31, 2019 5:27 PM

  EDINBURG – Starting January 1, 2020 college employees could be fired and charged for not reporting sexual misconduct. Senate Bill 212 amends the Texas Education Code to require an employee who witnesses or receives information regarding incidents of sexual assault, dating violence or stalking to report it. If... more »

• Rio Grande City Teen Facing New Charge for Enticing 12-Year-Old Play Video

  December 17, 2019 6:42 PM

  RIO GRANDE CITY – A Rio Grande City teen who was arrested after he allegedly enticed a middle school student away from campus is now facing another charge of aggravated sexual assault. Emilio Solis Jr., 18, was arrested Tuesday for a second time, according to the Starr County Attorney... more »

• Cameron Co. Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Child Sex Crimes Play Video

  December 16, 2019 7:26 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – A 60-year sentence was handed down for a Cameron County man convicted of child sex crimes. Luis Fernando Puente, 27, was found guilty of one count of continuous sexual assault of a child and four counts of possession of child porn. Puente turned himself in to... more »

• 53-Year-Old Accused of Child Sex Crimes from Early 2000s Play Video

  December 3, 2019 9:33 PM

  MISSION – A Mission man accused of at least 18 crimes against children is behind bars. Officials say 53-year-old Luis Nava, Jr. is set for arraignment for Wednesday. Investigators accused him of committing sex crimes in the early 2000s. The suspect was in his mid-30s at the... more »

• Donna Man Wanted for Sexual Assault Play Video

  November 17, 2019 10:38 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office is looking for Rodrigo Martinez. Authorities say the 39-year-old is wanted for sexual assault. His last known residence is in Donna. If you know where Martinez is, call Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at 668-TIPS. more »

• McAllen Hospital Now Testing for 3 Most Common Date Rape Drugs Play Video

  October 30, 2019 6:26 PM

  MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley hospital is now testing for three common date rape drugs. Before, when a hospital performed a routine date rape drug panel, it tested for basic narcotics – not including the three common drugs used into used in sexual assaults: Rohypnol, GHB or ketamine.... more »

• Police: Reported Sexual Assault at UTRGV Edinburg Campus

  October 25, 2019 1:35 PM

  EDINBURG – Campus police at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are looking for information on a reported sexual assault. The incident was reported to university police Thursday afternoon. According to a report, a female student says the assault happened Tuesday evening in a parking lot at... more »

• Former Progreso Police Officer in Custody, Accused of Sexual Assault

  October 18, 2019 9:50 AM

  PROGRESO – A former local police officer is in custody for allegedly sexually assaulting two men while in custody. Matthew Lee Sepulveda, 24, is accused of violating the civil rights of two individuals while acting under his authority as a uniformed police officer. Specifically, he allegedly performed oral... more »

• Donna Former Teacher Assistant Charged for Sexual Assault of Student Play Video

  September 11, 2019 3:26 PM

  DONNA – A former teacher assistant was arrested for sexual assault and improper relationship with a 16-year-old girl. 30-year-old Mark Webber Aguirre was a teacher assistant at M. Rivas Elementary in Donna. Aguirre was charged with three counts of sexual assault, a 2nd degree felony, and one count... more »

• Roma Man Charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, Sexual Abuse of 11-Year-Old Play Video

  September 10, 2019 4:35 PM

  EDINBURG – A man from Roma was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl. Through the course of the investigation, the Hidalgo County Major Crimes Unit identified the suspect as 36-year-old Abiel Martinez-Avalos. The suspect met the victim on a social media... more »

• Weslaco Police Search for 35-Year-Old with Outstanding Warrant for Sexual Assault of a Child

  August 20, 2019 11:49 AM

  WESLACO – Weslaco police are looking for a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child. They’re trying to locate 35-year-old Heriberto Ramos. Officials describe Ramos as being 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is... more »

• Progreso Officer Charged with Sexual Assault, Violating Civil Rights Play Video

  July 10, 2019 3:15 PM

  EDINBURG – A Progreso police officer accused of sexually assaulting a person while in custody has been arraigned. Matthew Sepulveda, 24, was charged with sexual assault and civil rights violation of a person in custody. He was arrested Tuesday in connection to an investigation led by the FBI... more »

• Trial Dates Set for Men Connected to Child Sexual Assault Investigation Play Video

  July 3, 2019 1:26 PM

  BROWNSVILLE – Trial dates are set for two former Santa Rosa high school coaches facing child sexual assault charges. Josue Cepeda is due in court Aug. 5 and Isaac Flores’s trial will start Aug. 19. Not pictured, but also arrested in the investigation, is Matthew Garcia. Garcia... more »

• Former Santa Rosa Coaches Indicted for Improper Relationships

  May 30, 2019 10:56 PM

  SANTA ROSA - Two former Santa Rosa Independent School District coaches have been indicted. Josue Cepeda indicted on one count of improper relationship and six counts of sexual assault. Isaac Flores indicted on one count of improper relationship and four counts of delivery of a controlled substance or... more »

• Former Santa Rosa ISD Employees Arrested on Improper Relationships Play Video

  May 14, 2019 3:52 PM

  SANTA ROSA – More arrests are possible in a Santa Rosa sexual assault investigation. Two former district employees are behind bars; both are accused of having improper relationships with students. The employees accused in this case are Josue Cepeda and Isaac Flores. Cameron County District Attorney's investigators... more »

• Case Progress on Doctor Accused of Sexual Assault Play Video

  May 7, 2019 5:11 PM

  EDINBURG – The oncologist who sued members of the Texas Medical Board after placing restrictions on his practice due to sexual assault charges had his case against board members dismissed. Dr. Eugenio Galindo is an oncologist in Edinburg. He is facing sexual assault charges brought by two separate... more »

• State Panel Temporarily Suspends Local Practitioner’s Permit over Sexual Assault Accusations Play Video

  April 18, 2019 12:59 PM

  WESLACO – A temporary suspension was handed down for a Rio Grande Valley practitioner. A state disciplinary panel pulled the permit for respiratory care practitioner Margarito Flores Jr. They claimed continuing his practice poses a threat to public welfare. In February, Flores was arrested on three felony... more »

• Authorities Release Identity of Man Connected to Aggravated Sexual Assault Play Video

  April 11, 2019 5:19 PM

  HARLINGEN – Harlingen police have released the identity of a man wanted in connection to an aggravated sexual assault incident. Peter Lorenzo Gutierrez is wanted in connection to the incident that occurred in Harlingen in January. Police say he used a weapon to take advantage of a woman. An arrest... more »

• Valley Oncologist Accused of Sexual Assault Sues Texas Medical Board Play Video

  April 3, 2019 1:10 PM

  WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley oncologist accused of sexual assault is suing to reinstate his medical license. Dr. Eugenio Galindo is suing the Texas Medical Board that handed him restrictions following his arrest on accusations of sexual assault and attempt to commit sexual assault in December . ... more »

• Local Attorney Believes Migrants Falsely Claiming Sexual Assault to Gain Temporary Status Play Video

  March 28, 2019 3:54 PM

  WESLACO – As waves of migrants continue to make their way into the U.S., another issue is arising. A local attorney say false claims of sexual assault are becoming an issue among migrants who are seeking temporary status. Victims of these types of assaults are often granted U-visas,... more »

• Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison Play Video

  March 25, 2019 12:52 PM

  EDINBURG – The man accused of sexually assaulting a girl has been sentenced. Francisco Javier Zamarippa, 38, was charged and convicted of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 10. He will possibly spend the rest of his life in prison, as he was sentenced to 80... more »

• Rape Kits Funded by Donations through License Renewal

  December 19, 2018 5:11 PM

  WESLACO – Texas raised more than $560,000 to test backlogged rape kits across the state. Currently, there isn’t an accurate count of untested rape kits. KRGV’s Taylor Winkel looked into the situation to see why that number isn’t accurate. The form people fill out when they apply... more »

• Officials on Alert after Reported Sexual Assault of Lifeguard Play Video

  August 13, 2018 6:32 PM

  SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – An assault on a South Padre Island lifeguard has county leaders on high alert. They tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS the reported sexual assault happened while she was on duty at Isla Blanca Park. KRGV’s Daisy Martinez reached out to the Cameron County Parks director. In order... more »

• Man Wanted for Sexual Assault, Indecency with Child Arrested

  March 26, 2018 2:11 PM

  HIDALGO – A 48-year-old man was arrested for sexual assault and indecency with a child at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say on Thursday, March 22, Luis Enrique Beltran Pena, a Mexican national, arrived as a pedestrian and told them he had a warrant... more »

• Texans to Help Mitigate Backlog of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits

  September 18, 2017 5:38 PM

  WESLACO – Those who are applying for a driver's license in Texas can donate $1 or more to help provide sexual assault evidence kits. A bill, passed in the recent Texas legislative session, calls for a box to be placed on the license application to assist cities and counties in... more »