Asst. Chief Ricardo Rodriguez retires from Webb County Sheriff’s Office amid controversy

WEBB COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - Webb County Sheriff Assistant Chief Ricardo “Rick” Rodriguez has announced his retirement, effective immediately, following the recent controversy surrounding an alleged assault and an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Sheriff Martin Cuellar issued a statement expressing his gratitude for Rodriguez’s years of service, but the retirement comes at a time of heightened scrutiny.

The retirement announcement came after Rodriguez turned himself in to the Laredo Police Department in May following allegations that he assaulted an emergency room doctor. According to a 15-page affidavit, the incident took place at a free-standing emergency room located on Bob Bullock Loop. The victim provided an account of the events, alleging that Rodriguez physically assaulted him.

Laredo Police conducted an investigation, leading to the issuance of a warrant for Rodriguez’s arrest. Rodriguez’s attorney, Philip Del Rio, spoke out to defend his client, emphasizing his long-standing service to the community and asserting that the allegation is an aberration. Del Rio maintained that Rodriguez should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise and expressed confidence in resolving the matter through the criminal justice system.

Rodriguez was a certified peace officer for over 42 years, with 29 years spent at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

In another development, the FBI conducted a court-authorized search at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office building on Monday, June 5. The investigation focuses on Rodriguez and his disinfecting company, which operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheriff Cuellar clarified that while the Sheriff’s Office participated in disinfecting various establishments during the pandemic, it was not done through Rodriguez’s company. Cuellar stated that he is fully cooperating with the FBI and providing all requested documents.

The United Independent School District (UISD) addressed the situation as well since Rodriguez is also a board trustee, noting that the FBI visited the school district regarding a service contract awarded to Rodriguez’s company, Disinfect ProMaster, in 2021. UISD confirmed its cooperation with the investigation and expressed confidence in adhering to applicable laws and district policies during the contract award process. The Board of Trustees has scheduled a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, June 8 to discuss Rodriguez’s status as a board member.

Below is the original article:

After working for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office for over four decades, Assistant Chief Ricardo “Rick” Rodriguez submitted his retirement letter on Tuesday, June 6.

Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar released an official statement on Wednesday morning, June 7. “While under my command, I can attest that Assistant Chief Rick Rodriguez was a true public servant. I witnessed first-hand how many people he helped, both as a United ISD board member and as a member of the Sheriff’s Office team. I wish him the best on his retirement,” Sheriff Cuellar stated.

Assistant Chief Rick Rodriguez officially begins his retirement effective immediately. Having served as a certified peace officer for 42 years, Rodriguez dedicated 29 of those years to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

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