Former Val Verde County Road Foreman Convicted for Paving Private Property with County Resources

Raymundo Rodriguez Jr. Pleads Guilty to Criminal Mischief for Using County Resources on Private Property

VAL VERDE COUNTY, Texas — Former Val Verde County Precinct 4 Road Foreman Raymundo Rodriguez Jr. has been convicted of criminal mischief for authorizing and executing the illegal paving of a private road using county crews, materials, and equipment.

Rodriguez, 45, pleaded guilty in late March to a Class A misdemeanor for criminal mischief involving damages between $750 and $2,500, according to Val Verde County District Attorney Suzanne West. The guilty plea was part of a plea agreement that included $16,662.34 in restitution and one year of community supervision.

The charges stem from a complaint filed on March 8, 2023, by landowners John and Laura Allen, who alleged that their private ranch road in the Salem Point area near Lake Amistad was paved without their permission. An investigation by the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Rodriguez had directed county workers to carry out the unauthorized project.

According to the investigation, the roadwork resulted in property damage, including to a cattle guard gate and an improperly laid asphalt foundation. The complaint noted that the work was done without consent and was of poor quality.

In an interview with investigators, Rodriguez admitted that he was aware a portion of the road was private property but claimed he believed the work would benefit the property owners. He acknowledged that he acted without proper authority and referred to the action as a mistake. Other county employees confirmed that Rodriguez had ordered the work to be done.

Rodriguez was originally indicted in May 2024 on two felony charges: criminal mischief and theft of property, each involving damages between $2,500 and $30,000. As part of the plea deal, the theft charge was dropped and the criminal mischief charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.

District Attorney West confirmed that the restitution payment was made in full at the time of the plea, ensuring that both the Allen family and Val Verde County taxpayers were compensated. West also acknowledged the cooperation of the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office and county financial officers in resolving the case.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Gustavo “Gus” Flores stated that he was unaware of the unauthorized paving until after it occurred. He issued a formal reprimand to Rodriguez following the internal review.

Rodriguez is no longer employed by the county. His conviction underscores the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust when it comes to managing taxpayer-funded operations.

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