EDINBURG, Texas — A former Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) correctional officer has been arrested for crimes against a child inside a South Texas correctional facility.
Gerardo Puente, 27, has been charged with two counts of indecency with a child by exposure and one count of indecency with a child by contact. He was arrested on July 15.
The arrest stems from an investigation in June, which claimed that the incidents occurred between May and June of 2024. While working as an officer at Evins Regional Juvenile Center in Edinburg, authorities said Puente "reached over and touched the genitals of the victim." They also believe the victim exposed themself to him at his request on two separate occasions, according to a news release.
Puente could face up to 10 years in prison for the first two counts and up to 20 years for the third count. Each is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.
The Office of Inspector General is leading the investigation, while the case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecution Unit.
