The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Robert Gonzales, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender. During September, the reward has been upped to $4,000 if a tip comes in that month and aids in his capture. Gonzales, age 47, is on the run from McLennan County authorities for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements since September 2023.
Gonzales's criminal history spans multiple convictions, including a 2011 sentence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Waco. That same year, he was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child in an incident involving a 5-year-old girl, which led to a 10-year imprisonment. In 2022, he faced a conviction for not only failing to keep up his sex offender registration but also for possessing a controlled substance. He received a two-year sentence for each of these offenses, supposed to be served simultaneously. Also noteworthy are his past convictions in Ohio for felonious assault.
Physically, Gonzales is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 195 pounds, with tattoos on his neck, back, and both arms. In addition to his links to Waco, he has connections in Dallas County. To help identify him, the DPS provides a webpage with more information and updates, including in the event of his arrest.
Through the Governor's Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers is offering monetary rewards to individuals who can provide information that will help catch one of the state's most wanted. The anonymous tip system has proven to be effective; so far in 2024, it has helped to apprehend 32 of Texas' most wanted, which includes 11 sex offenders and 10 gang members. Tips can be submitted by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), through the DPS webpage, or by a Facebook tip, each delivering a unique tip number to ensure the informant's privacy.
The selection process for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders, and Criminal Illegal Immigrants list involves DPS investigators collaborating with local law enforcement agencies. The whole list, complete with photos, can be viewed on the DPS website. Their efforts concentrate not solely on bringing justice but also on promoting community safety through public involvement and awareness.
