RUSK COUNTY, Texas - A Kilgore man is facing multiple criminal charges after a Rusk County Sheriff's Office investigation uncovered allegations of domestic violence, threats against family members, animal cruelty, and drug possession.
According to the Rusk County Sheriff's Office, a follow-up investigation on May 31 into reports of domestic violence and cruelty to a livestock animal led investigators to obtain an evidentiary search warrant for the residence of 34-year-old Roberto Castro in the 13300 block of County Road 117 North near Kilgore.
During the execution of the search warrant, deputies seized a firearm and suspected marijuana. Investigators also discovered an injured Lamancha goat that appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.
Authorities said investigators recovered video evidence reportedly sent by Castro to a family member. The video allegedly showed Castro firing multiple rounds from a handgun at a tethered goat. Based on the audio accompanying the video, investigators believe the act was intended to terrorize or intimidate a family member with whom Castro was angry.
Investigators also seized numerous text messages allegedly sent by Castro that contained threats of serious bodily injury and death toward family members, as well as threats to burn a domestic cat.
The injured goat was treated by staff from Town and Country Animal Hospital and remains under veterinary care.
While the investigation was ongoing, members of Patrol Shift A located Castro driving a vehicle. Evidence gathered during a traffic stop led to his arrest on charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While License Invalid.
On June 1, Rusk County criminal investigators obtained additional arrest warrants charging Castro with:
- Terroristic Threat Family Violence
- Possession of Marijuana
- Unlawful Disclosure of Intimate Material
- Cruelty to Livestock Animal
Castro remains confined in the Rusk County Jail.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Jana Enloe set bond at:
- Driving While Intoxicated — $3,500
- Driving While License Invalid — $1,500
- Possession of Marijuana — $3,000
- Terroristic Threat Family Violence — $8,000
- Unlawful Disclosure of Intimate Material — $20,000
- Cruelty to Livestock Animal — $20,000
The search warrant for Castro's residence was issued by Rusk County Court at Law Judge Chad Dean.
The investigation remains ongoing.
