‘Laws are pointless’: Man allegedly warned cops he’d ‘be back’ to stalk Border Patrol agent ex-girlfriend after spying on her with drone
A Texas man is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he stalked his former girlfriend, a U.S. Border Patrol agent, used a drone to monitor her home, damaged property, and later warned law enforcement that he would return because “the laws are pointless.” The incident has raised concerns about the growing use of technology in domestic stalking cases and the dangers victims can face after relationships end.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Cristobal Gonzalez was arrested and charged with stalking, theft of property, and criminal trespass following an investigation into allegations made by his former girlfriend.
Domestic Violence Call Leads to Investigation
The case began early on the morning of May 23 when deputies responded to a family violence call at a residence located in the 600 block of Paseo Modesto Drive in El Paso, Texas. Authorities said the call came in around 7:30 a.m. after the victim reported a disturbing encounter involving her ex-boyfriend.
According to investigators, the woman told deputies that Gonzalez had followed her to her residence and damaged property at the home. She also expressed fear for her safety, citing prior incidents involving the suspect that had left her concerned for her life.
When deputies arrived, they reportedly found the woman extremely distressed. Court documents cited by local media stated that she answered the door while wearing her U.S. Customs and Border Protection uniform and was “crying hysterically.”
Victim Reportedly Shares Child With Suspect
According to the criminal complaint, the woman informed investigators that she and Gonzalez share a child together but are no longer in a romantic relationship. The relationship had apparently deteriorated, leading to repeated interactions that required law enforcement involvement.
The victim allegedly recounted that after finishing work, she picked up her son and returned home. As she pulled into her garage, she noticed Gonzalez’s vehicle parked nearby on the street. Fearing a confrontation, she quickly entered her residence and shut the garage door before he could gain access.
Alleged Attempt to Confront Victim at Home
Investigators say Gonzalez then approached the residence and repeatedly knocked on the door. The situation escalated when he allegedly removed or damaged a Ring doorbell camera installed at the property.
According to the affidavit, the woman feared that Gonzalez might force his way inside. The complaint states that she armed herself with her government-issued firearm and prepared to defend herself if the suspect entered the home unlawfully.
Authorities indicated that the victim’s fear was based not only on the immediate circumstances but also on a history of prior incidents involving the suspect.
Drone Allegedly Used to Monitor Residence
One of the most alarming aspects of the investigation involved allegations that Gonzalez used a drone to surveil the victim’s property.
Deputies reportedly reviewed surveillance footage that showed a drone being used to observe the residence. Investigators later obtained evidence they believe links the aircraft directly to Gonzalez.
The use of drones in stalking cases has become an increasing concern among law enforcement agencies because the devices allow individuals to observe victims from a distance while avoiding direct contact. In this case, authorities allege the drone was part of a broader pattern of stalking behavior.
Search Warrant Reveals Additional Evidence
As the investigation progressed, deputies obtained and executed a search warrant connected to Gonzalez’s vehicle.
During that search, authorities reportedly recovered a drone and its controller. Investigators believe those items were used in connection with the alleged surveillance of the victim’s home.
The recovery of the equipment became a key piece of evidence supporting allegations that the suspect had been monitoring the woman through aerial surveillance.
Previous Domestic-Related Calls at Residence
Court records indicate that law enforcement had previously responded to domestic-related incidents involving the same individuals.
According to reports, deputies had been called to the residence on at least two earlier occasions concerning domestic issues. While details of those incidents were not fully disclosed, investigators noted the prior history as part of the overall case.
The existence of previous calls may become significant as prosecutors seek to establish a pattern of conduct during future court proceedings.
Suspect Located and Taken Into Custody
Following the investigation, deputies tracked Gonzalez to the 13000 block of Powick Drive.
Authorities said he was arrested without incident and transported into custody. During the arrest process, Gonzalez allegedly told deputies that he wanted to “plead the 5th,” an apparent reference to invoking his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Law enforcement then transported him to the El Paso County Detention Facility for booking.
“I’ll Be Back, the Laws Are Pointless”
Perhaps the most striking allegation in the case emerged after Gonzalez had already been taken into custody.
According to investigators, while sitting in a holding cell, he reportedly stated, “I’ll be back, the laws are pointless.” Authorities interpreted the remark as a troubling indication that he did not intend to be deterred by legal consequences.
The statement later became one of the most widely reported details in the case and contributed to concerns regarding the victim’s continued safety.
Charges Filed Against Gonzalez
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced that Gonzalez faces multiple criminal charges, including:
Stalking
Authorities allege the suspect engaged in a pattern of behavior intended to monitor, intimidate, or harass the victim. The alleged use of a drone is central to this accusation.
Theft of Property
Investigators also charged Gonzalez with theft-related offenses connected to the incident. Details regarding the specific property involved have not been fully disclosed in public reports.
Criminal Trespass
The criminal trespass charge stems from allegations that Gonzalez unlawfully entered or remained on property associated with the victim.
Bond and Upcoming Court Appearance
After being booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility, Gonzalez was held on a bond totaling $27,000. Authorities later confirmed that he posted bond and was released pending future court proceedings.
Court records indicate that his next scheduled appearance is set for July 1, where the case is expected to proceed through the judicial process.
Growing Concerns Over Technology-Facilitated Stalking
The case highlights how modern technology, particularly drones, can be used in alleged stalking and harassment incidents. Law enforcement agencies across the United States have increasingly warned that drones, GPS devices, social media monitoring, and other digital tools can allow suspects to track victims in ways that were not possible just a few years ago.
Prosecutors and victim advocates often point to such cases as examples of how stalking behavior can evolve beyond physical surveillance and into technologically assisted monitoring that may be more difficult to detect. While the legal process against Gonzalez remains ongoing, investigators say the allegations demonstrate the serious risks victims can face when former partners allegedly refuse to respect personal boundaries and court-imposed restrictions.
Case Remains Pending
As of the latest reports, Gonzalez remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Prosecutors will continue presenting evidence as the case moves forward, while the victim and her family await the outcome of the legal proceedings. The allegations, particularly the reported drone surveillance and the statement that “the laws are pointless,” have drawn significant public attention and placed the case under close scrutiny in the El Paso area.
