4 Texas men arrested for impersonating security officers
Laredo TX July 21, 2023
Four people were arrested during an operation targeting individuals impersonating security officers, according to authorities.
The first case occurred July 13, when the Texas Department of Public Safety Field of Operations Unit requested the assistance of the LPD Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) unit to conduct inspections on several eight-liners establishments throughout the city.
At about 7:18 p.m., authorities arrived at the Fireball World on 4520 San Bernardo Ave. A Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agent asked the employee for the security guard. Employees led authorities to Vicente Mendez-Hernandez, 46.
Further investigation revealed that Mendez-Hernandez was not licensed. He first claimed he was in charge of opening the door. But during the interview, Hernandez-Mendez stated he was working for a male who owns a security company, states the arrest affidavit.
Mendez-Hernandez stated he does not have a uniform and was told to wear all black. He further admitted that his duties were to stand at the front door and check the identifications of the people entering the maquinitas, authorities said.
Mendez-Hernandez was arrested on the charge of impersonating a security officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
That same evening, authorities went to Pescador Amusement on 3620 S. Zapata Highway. Special agents and investigators made contact with Juan Alfredo Peña, 74, who was identified as the security officer of the business, according to the affidavit.
Further investigation revealed he was not licensed. Peña’s uniform had patches that displayed Royal Protection Security Services. Peña further admitted to being the security officer, states the affidavit.
Peña was arrested and charged with impersonating a security officer, a Class A misdemeanor. However, his case was not accepted for prosecution, court documents show.
At about 8:24 p.m., DPS and LPD went to the Winner Amusement on 4100 San Bernardo Ave. Authorities asked employees for the security guard, who was identified as Hector Avalos, 17. Special agents escorted him outside the establishment.
Investigators discovered that Avalos was not licensed. Avalos first claimed that he was not a security guard. But during the interview, Avalos admitted to being the security guard at the establishment, according to court documents.
He added his responsibilities were to stand at the door, check identifications and make sure no homeless or rowdy people enter the establishment. Avalos further stated that he is in charge of watching over the vehicles in the parking lot, states the affidavit.
Avalos was arrested and charged with impersonating a security officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
A fourth arrest occurred on July 14. Special agents and investigators responded to AAMA Counseling Services on 1205 Hillside Road.
Authorities made contact with Jose Luis Castro-Garcia, 66, who was working as a security guard. Further investigation revealed Castro-Garcia did not possess a valid private security pocket card, according to the affidavit.
Castro-Garcia was arrested on the charge of impersonating a security officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
