School counselor accused of inappropriate relationship with child captured in Mexico after years on the run

LAREDO, Texas (TCD) -- Law enforcement officials recently captured a former counselor in Mexico who had been on the run since 2015 after she allegedly sexually assaulted a young girl.

According to a Jan. 12 news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), 34-year-old Iris Rodriguez had been wanted since January 2015 on three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact, three counts of harassment, and one count of unlawful restraint. Rodriguez, who worked as a counselor for a Child, Adolescent and Parent Services (CAPS) program, allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an 11-year-old girl, the DPS said.

Rodriguez reportedly worked for the Border Region Behavioral Health Center, "which allowed her to visit the victim at school under the pretext of offering guidance and support for the child."

DPS listed Rodriguez as a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive and offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to her arrest. Officials said she has strong ties to Laredo and Mexico and that she should be considered armed and dangerous.

DPS special agents received tip information, and members of the International Criminal Police Organization Mexico arrested Rodriguez in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, on Dec. 11.

MORE:

• Texas Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in Mexico - Texas Department of Public Safety
• Another Texas 10 Most Wanted Captured Fugitive - Texas Department of Public Safety
• Reward Increased to $10,000 for Most Wanted Fugitive, 4/30/2015 - Texas Department of Public Safety