Del Rio Police Department press release
On April 22, 2025, the Texas Rangers and the Del Rio Police Department initiated a joint investigation involving a DRPD detective, identified as Joshua Garcia. The investigation originated from an allegation that Garcia engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female who was under the age of 17 at the time.
Immediately upon notification, the Del Rio Police Department
launched an internal investigation and placed Garcia on administrative leave pending the outcome of both criminal and administrative inquiries.
launched an internal investigation and placed Garcia on administrative leave pending the outcome of both criminal and administrative inquiries.Over the following months, investigators from the Texas Rangers and DRPD conducted numerous interviews, collected evidence, and analyzed digital data. A forensic examination of Garcia’s personal cellphone revealed multiple explicit images of the underage victim, along with additional materials deemed evidentiary in nature.
On September 29, 2025, the case was presented to the Val Verde County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment against Garcia for Sexual Assault of a Child, Possession of Child Pornography, Possession of Lewd Material Involving a Child, and Official Oppression.
On October 27, 2025, Garcia was terminated from the Del Rio Police Department and arrested. He was subsequently released to the custody of the GEO Correctional Facility, pending the magistration process.
The Del Rio Police Department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for employee misconduct and remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.
