The San Angelo Police Department held a press conference Friday to address serious charges of gross negligence by an officer, who officials allege failed to meet mandated reporting standards related to suspected child abuse.
According to Public Information Officer Sgt. John Bouligny, on March 26, a supervisor reviewing body camera footage of Officer Rodrigo Hernandez identified a concerning incident that revealed Hernandez had failed to meet mandated reporting standards related to suspected child abuse.
An internal investigation was immediately initiated.
Due to the serious nature of the allegation—specifically, gross negligence in failing to report
suspected child abuse—the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office was requested to conduct a criminal
investigation into the matter.
Upon determination that the officer’s actions constituted a potential criminal offense, Officer Hernandez was relieved of duty and placed on paid administrative leave.
Under the Texas Family Code, professionals—including law enforcement officers—who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused are legally required to report that suspicion to Child Protective Services. In this case, the relevant statute, “Knowingly Fail to Make Required Child Abuse Report,” is a Class A misdemeanor.
Following its investigation, the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office submitted its findings to the Tom Green County Attorney’s Office.
As a result, a criminal complaint was filed on May 14, 2025. A warrant was subsequently issued, and Hernandez voluntarily surrendered.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 154.056, Officer Hernandez has now been placed on unpaid temporary suspension. This administrative action is not intended to reflect an opinion on the merits of the criminal complaint.
The San Angelo Police Department’s internal investigation, which had been paused to allow for the
criminal investigation to proceed, has now resumed.
UPDATE: Lake View School Resource Officer Investigation
San Angelo Police released a news bulletin with further information about the School Resource Officer at Lake View High School in connection with an investigation into an improper relationship between a former teacher and a student at the school earlier this year.
According to officials, allegations surfaced involving inappropriate communication between the School Resource Officer and the same student.
As part of a parallel criminal investigation conducted by the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Jonathan Montana was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.
However, the internal investigation revealed that his conduct did not meet departmental standards.
In the course of the internal review, Montana voluntarily resigned his commission with the department.
At no point during two independent investigations by SAPD and the Sheriff’s Office, and subsequent review by the District Attorney’s Office was there any indication of criminal wrongdoing by the Montana, police said.
