We are now learning more about the case of a former Laredo firefighter initially charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a child. Well, it's possible that he may face "no jail time." That's based on a recommendation made by the District Attorney's office.
"Our tough stance on child abuse--it has not changed. We are not wavering from our principles and have repeatedly demonstrated that we will not tolerate child abuse in the community." That's a statement from Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz regarding the sexual offender case of ex-firefighter Luis Rolando Garcia. The 39-year-old pled guilty to 3 counts of indecency with a child by exposure--the lesser of his original charges--which also included aggravated sexual assault of a child by "penetration". That charge was dropped. Prosecutors tell us they met with the victim and struck a plea bargain with Garcia. The agreement states, "A recommendation of no jail time at the time of sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea, ten years probation is what they're recommending." A result, they say, the victim agrees with. Adult probation supervision officer Annette Perez agreed to speak with us about general conditions of such a program. "Does a sex offender get monitored 24/7? No, they get monitored a little more intensely than anyone else on probation. They do have more conditions than anyone else on probation," says Annette Perez, Adult Probation Supervisor. Some strict conditions include weekly therapy, bi-monthly visits with a probation officer, yearly polygraph tests, law enforcement registration, and restriction from places where children congregate. But offenders like Garcia do not wear ankle bracelets, so there's no way of knowing exactly what he does. "We would love for an officer to be assigned in the community--if ever there was a fair, carnival, jamaica--and we would recognize them. But, at this point, there is no way of knowing until after the fact. Until after the fact....yes," says Perez.
We tried to contact Garcia's attorneys: former Webb County Attorney Judge Manuel Flores and his daughter Cristina Flores. But they could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, Alaniz goes on to state that the District Attorney's office evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each individual case while the goal is justice for the victim. In this case, they looked at all the circumstances, assessed all information, and sought the best possible outcome for the victim who expressed satisfaction for the punishment. Now, the ultimate decision will lie with the judge in this case on March 17th.