A deputy with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Deputy Bernardo Mata Garcia was arrested on Friday and charged with one count of assault family violence/impeding breath, a third degree felony and one count of criminal mischief, a class A misdemeanor.
Mata remains in jail and was given a $27,500 bond for both charges.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra said in a statement,
As your Hidalgo County Sheriff, I continue to strive in maintaining the highest level of integrity and transparency. I am extremely disappointed, and greatly concerned regarding the allegations by one of my deputies.
On Saturday, February 22, 2020, I was informed of an incident involving deputy Bernardo Mata Garcia, involving an assault family violence allegation. The case was investigated by the Criminal Investigations Division and on Friday 28, 2020, Mata was arrested for Assault Family Violence/ Impeding Breath, a 3rd Degree Felony and for Criminal Mischief, a Class A Misdemeanor. Mata has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an internal investigation as standard protocol.
I am committed to preserving the public’s confidence and trust in the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. We will continue to investigate any and all allegations of employee misconduct, and I will take the necessary and appropriate actions to maintain accountability and transparency to you, the citizens we serve.
