Mother and Son Charged in Jail Drug Smuggling Scheme; Former Officer Also Facing Charges

Photo above: Mother and son duo, Emily Cavazos and Mauricio Mata, were charged along with a former Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center officer, were charged with smuggling drugs into the county jail.

Staff Report
EDINBURG, TX — A former Hidalgo County detention officer, an inmate, and the inmate’s mother are now facing felony charges in connection with an alleged conspiracy to smuggle illegal drugs into the county jail, authorities confirmed this week.

Former detention officer Ronaldo Rodriguez was arrested Sept. 16 and charged with prohibited substances and items in a correctional or civil commitment facility, a third-degree felony, and engaging in organized criminal activity, a second-degree felony. His bond was set at $2,500 on each charge.

Sheriff’s investigators say Rodriguez conspired with inmate Mauricio Mata and his 37-year-old mother, Emily Cavazos, to bring narcotics into the facility. On Sept. 19, Mata and Cavazos were formally charged with the same offenses. Their bonds were set at $30,000 for the third-degree felony and $50,000 for the second-degree felony.

Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra said the case underscores his office’s commitment to accountability.
“We take these allegations seriously and I am committed to preserving the public’s confidence and trust in the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office,” Guerra said. “We will continue to investigate any and all allegations of employee misconduct, and will take the necessary and appropriate actions to maintain accountability and transparency.”

The arrests follow a weeks-long investigation. Officials said the probe remains ongoing and more charges may be possible.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 956-668-8477 or the “P3 TIPS” smartphone app.

Source — Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.