Residents blame system after convict escapes

Man breaks off ankle monitor before receiving life sentence

SAN ANTONIO – After a jury returned a guilty verdict Monday on charges of sexual abuse to Anselmo Rodriguez, 31, the court allowed Rodriguez to go home on bond while wearing a GPS ankle monitor.

Rodriguez, 31, was accused of sexually abusing a two boys, ages 5 and 7.

Soon after he left the court room, he removed the monitor and fled.

He was not in court Tuesday when the same jury sentenced him to life in prison.

While the court is not required to keep a person in jail before sentencing, the decision not to surprised some residents.

"I think that by letting this individual go, the criminal justice has let the public down," said Steve Mondragon.

"I don't trust ankle bracelets, really, because I don't think they're that good of an idea because you can cut them off and just disappear," added Anna Margaret Skinner.

A few of the residents felt that in serious crimes involving children or in cases with lengthy minimum sentences, courts should not allow convicted parties to leave.

Rodriguez faced a minimum of 25 years in prison.

"He needs to be locked up and if he's been convicted, why is he allowed to go home?" asked Mondragon.

"I think it could be a case-by-case basis but obviously, I have two grandchildren and I would rather they stay," said Carolene Whitaker.

If you have any information on Rodriguez's whereabouts, you're asked to call the U.S. Marshals office at 210-472-6540.