Starr County detention officer charged with making false statements during gun purchase

STARR COUNTY, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — A Starr County Detention officer was arrested on a federal indictment Thursday.

Gonzalo Gonzalez was arrested by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Starr County District Attorney’s Office.

Records show that Gonzalez made his initial appearance in federal court Friday morning after being charged with false statements during a purchase of a firearm.

The Starr County Sheriff’s Office said that Gonzalez had been employed by the Starr County Jail since February 2022, and was immediately fired upon his arrest.

“My commitment to maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the Starr County Sheriff’s Office and the Starr County Jail remains paramount,” Starr County Sheriff Rene “Orta” Fuentes said. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to maintain transparency and accountability to you, the citizens we serve.”

Additional details regarding the federal indictment were not immediately available. His bond was set at $50,000.

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