A 28-year-old Laredo man, Hector Humberto Rodriguez Jr., has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting and violating the civil rights of two women, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced. Rodriguez, a former correctional officer with the Webb County Sheriff’s Department, committed the offenses while working at the Webb County Jail.
The assaults occurred in January 2022 when Rodriguez, while on duty, forcibly sexually assaulted two women who were housed as inmates at the jail. On each occasion, Rodriguez removed the victims from their cells and isolated them in a secluded area where he used force, threats, and coercion to assault them. Both victims later identified Rodriguez as the perpetrator.
“These were women that were in his care, women that he was supposed to look after and protect. Instead, he took advantage of their vulnerability and violated their civil rights for his own sick pleasures,” said Hamdani. “Rodriguez is the worst kind of predator, one who abused his authority, praying upon some of the most vulnerable women in our community.”
Rodriguez faces up to life in prison and potential fines of $250,000 for each of the two counts of conviction. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will determine sentencing at a later date. Rodriguez remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
The FBI and the Department of Justice – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Scott Bowling and Leslie Ann Cortez prosecuting the case.
