Del Rio Detective Faces 4 Felony Charges Following 6-Month Investigation

The arrest of a city police detective this week has raised significant community concern. Joshua Garcia of the Del Rio Police Department (DRPD) was arrested on 3 felony counts of child sex crimes and 1 count of “official oppression” on Monday, October 27, 2025. DRPD released information to the public one day after his arrest. Carmen Abreu, Interim Executive Director of CASA Val Verde (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), commented on the nature of the alleged crime: “Sadly there are people that do bad things that work in every profession, so we always have to be on guard.”

Garcia graduated from the Del Rio Police Academy six years ago on January 25, 2019. Before being terminated for his alleged crimes, he advanced his career up from Trainee to Detective. Through his work as a police officer, Garcia would often visit schools for community service or meet with families for case investigations. He had pledged the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, “to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation.” Garcia’s alleged crimes were viewed by the community as a breach of public trust and betrayal of sworn duties.

On October 28, 2025, DRPD published on their Facebook, “Press Release: DRPD Detective Indicted After Joint Investigation.” They stated that “the Del Rio Police Department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for employee misconduct and remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.” As soon as the child sex crimes allegations were made against Garcia, he was placed on administrative leave. His gun, badge, and authority were taken away back in April.

“On April 22, 2025, the Texas Rangers and the Del Rio Police Department initiated a joint investigation involving a DRPD detective, identified as Joshua Garcia. The investigation originated from an allegation that Garcia engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female who was under the age of 17 at the time. Immediately upon notification, the Del Rio Police Department launched an internal investigation and placed Garcia on administrative leave pending the outcome of both criminal and administrative inquiries.” – DRPD Press Release.

Abreu commented further: “The good thing is that he was caught… Somebody said something, somebody found out about it, and they did good to report it… There are a lot more good people out there than bad. There are people that are helpers.” Abreu explained that in Texas, when it comes to child sex crimes, “every adult is a mandated reporter.” She said it is a legal requirement to report: “If you feel like something is going on, listen to your gut. If you are being abused or if you witness something nefarious happening, especially if it involves children, the mandated reporting system is where you can leave a confidential tip. There is a website, or a number you can call, where you can file a report confidentially.” See the Texas Department of Family Abuse Hotline Website.

From April, when Garcia was placed on administrative leave, and October, when his arrest warrant was signed by the Judge, the Texas Rangers and DRPD conducted a joint investigation. In their Press Release, DRPD said: “Investigators from the Texas Rangers and DRPD conducted numerous interviews, collected evidence, and analyzed digital data. A forensic examination of Garcia’s personal cellphone revealed multiple explicit images of the underage victim, along with additional materials deemed evidentiary in nature.”

Thorough legal due diligence was carried out to meet the standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” After a detailed investigation, additional crimes were uncovered, in addition to the original statutory rape allegation. Ultimately, Garcia was charged with “Sexual Assault of a Child, Possession of Child Pornography, Possession of Lewd Material Involving a Child, and Official Oppression.” Once the evidence was approved by the Judge for an arrest warrant, the arrest was executed, and Garcia was terminated.

Garcia was taken to GEO on Monday and is awaiting trial. If convicted, Garcia will face a “mandatory lifetime sex offender registration” and will be permanently listed on The Texas Public Sex Offender Website. Garcia is facing multiple felony charges. The most severe, “sexual assault of a child” is a second-degree felony. The Official Oppression charge is also significant, because it suggests the detective allegedly used his official position, power, or authority to perpetrate or cover-up his crimes.

If convicted on all charges, Garcia will face a minimum sentence of 2 years or a maximum of life in prison. The final sentence severity will be determined by the specific evidence behind each charge, and whether the judge orders the sentences for the 4 separate charges to run concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (one after another).

In response to the community impact of this incident, local organizations are prioritizing education and support. Abreu of CASA Val Verde stated, “Our volunteer training talks about different types of abuse, knowing the signs, and how to help children who have been abused.” She encouraged community members to Become a CASA Val Verde Volunteer, noting that it is a “great opportunity to learn more” about protecting children. Meanwhile, DRPD reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the Press Release, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for employee misconduct.