SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County’s top leader is taking a closer look at how dangerous offenders are monitored while waiting for their day in court.
Recently, two teenage murder suspects cut off their ankle monitors and attempted to hide from law enforcement, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Video shows deputies arresting one of the suspects weeks later. In the video, Isaac Gonzales, 17, can be heard laughing and saying he will “get out on another bond.”
Last month, a convicted sex offender accused of child sex crimes in Bexar County cut off his ankle monitor. Sean Haynes is still at large.
“This circumstance, along with others that I have heard, shows perhaps we need to tighten up the requirements,” said Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. “We need to hold these offenders accountable. Especially repeat offenders, sex offenders, offenders that abuse and neglect children; they should perhaps not be out on a monitor.”
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales commented on the issue back in September, following a string of police shootings involving repeat offenders.
“We are doing what we have to do to recommend high bonds,” said Gonzales. “The way the system works is after we recommend the bonds, the magistrate judge makes the decision on where to set the bond.”
Judges not only set the bond amount, but also the requirements, Sakai said. He believes the bar needs to be higher when it comes to dangerous offenders.
Sakai said he started the conversation at a recent Bexar County Commissioners Court meeting.
“I understand that judges run their courtroom in their own way,” he said. “But this circumstance [involving Haynes], along with others, has highlighted that we in the criminal justice system need to be very mindful of public safety.”
It will take a collaborative effort, according to Sakai, between law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office and the courts.
“Everybody needs to have as much information that they can get in order to make the best decisions,” he said. “We are going to have a safer community; that’s my pledge to the community.”