A Rio Grande City man who ran for Starr County Constable is back under arrest. Texas DPS troopers caught Jose Roberto Garza in Hidalgo County on Friday, June 26, 2026. He faces three charges. He was working as a private security agent without a license. He was carrying a weapon illegally. And he had illegal drugs on him.

He was released the next morning, June 27. His total bond was $57,000.

This is his second arrest in just over two years.

In March 2024, Garza ran for Starr County Constable Precinct 1. A constable is a local law enforcement officer. They carry a badge, make arrests, and deliver court papers. Garza lost that race to Cornelio Alvarez.

Two months after losing, in May 2024, Rio Grande City police arrested him for beating his wife. Her name is Elma Lynette Mascorro. She told officers that Garza walked into her room and tried to touch her without her permission. She told him to stop. He got angry. He grabbed her hair and pinned her to the bedroom floor. He punched the back of her head about 10 times. When she tried to leave, he grabbed her again and shoved her into the kitchen counter.

Officers checked both of them for injuries. They found a bruise on her right leg. They saw scrape marks on her right forearm. Her neck was red. She had about five bumps on the back of her head. All from Garza's fists.

He was charged with family violence assault. He walked out on a $1,500 bond. It is not known what happened with that case.

More than two years later, DPS troopers caught him again. This time in Hidalgo County.

The booking record shows three charges. First, working as a security agent without a state license. Texas law says you must get a state license to do that job. Working without one is a crime. Second, carrying a weapon the wrong way under Texas law. Third, having Penalty Group 3 drugs on him. He had less than 28 grams.

Penalty Group 3 covers drugs like Xanax and Valium. These are pills that need a doctor's order. Having them without a prescription is against the law. Under Texas law, that drug charge is a felony. It can bring up to 2 years in state jail.

The bond numbers say a lot. In 2024, Garza paid $1,500 to walk free. This time, his bond was $57,000. That is nearly 38 times more. The court set $20,000 for the weapon charge. It set $20,000 for the unlicensed security work. And $17,000 for the drugs.

The license charge stands out. Security agents in Texas can carry guns at work. But only after the state says they can. Under Texas law, the state runs a background check before granting any security license. Working without going through that process is a crime on its own.

In 2024, Garza wanted to wear a badge and serve Starr County. He lost that chance at the polls. Now he is facing charges that could make it even harder to work in law enforcement or security.

His cases remain open. No court dates have been set. It is not known if he has a lawyer.