Former deputy arrested for sexual assault while on duty

LAREDO, Texas - A 27-year-old former Webb County Sheriff's deputy has been charged for allegedly depriving a victim of their right to bodily integrity and bodily privacy and falsification of records, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ignacio Rodriguez IV is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 9:41 am Jan. 9.

A federal grand jury returned the sealed two-count indictment Jan. 7, which was unsealed upon his arrest.

The indictment alleges that on Sept. 1, 2024, Rodriguez pulled over a car during the course of his duties. At that time, he sexually assaulted the victim driver and threatened use of a firearm, kidnapping, bodily injury, aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact, according to the charges. During the encounter, he also allegedly turned off his body-worn camera and dash camera, thereby obstructing justice.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison as to the civil rights violation and up to 20 years in prison for falsification of records. The charges also carry fines of up to $250,000.

The FBI and Laredo Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Ann Cortez and Brandon Scott Bowling are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.