Houston Republic

A former correctional officer from Laredo, Texas, has admitted to sexually assaulting two women and violating their civil rights. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Hector Humberto Rodriguez Jr., 28, was employed with the Webb County Sheriff’s Department at the time of the offenses. He committed these acts while on duty as a law enforcement officer, targeting inmates at the Webb County Jail.

The incidents occurred in January 2022 when Rodriguez removed each victim from her cell and took her to an isolated area. There, he used force, threats of force, and coercion to commit the assaults. Both victims later identified Rodriguez as their assailant.

"A separate room devoid of witnesses became the setting where trust turned into terror, as Rodriguez, wielding the power bestowed upon him as a jailer, used force and coercion to commit heinous acts," said Hamdani. "Rodriguez is the worst kind of predator, one who abused his authority, praying upon some of the most vulnerable women in our community."

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will determine Rodriguez's sentence at a future date. He could face life imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 for each count.

Rodriguez remains in custody until sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Department of Justice - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Scott Bowling and Leslie Ann Cortez are handling prosecution.