Eagle Pass Police Chief Tony Castaneda fired by Interim City Manager
By: Jose G. Landa
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013
The City of Eagle Pass Interim City Manager Gloria I. Martinez-Barrientos terminated the employment of Police Chief Juan Antonio “Tony” Castaneda on Monday, March 4, 2013, surprising Castaneda of the interim City Manager’s decision.
Interim City Manager Gloria I. Martinez-Barrientos did not give Castaneda any specific reasons for her decision to terminate his employment.
Interim City Manager Gloria I. Martinez-Barrientos issued an official City of Eagle Pass Press Release late in the afternoon of Monday, March 4th, stating that effective March 4th Juan Antonio “Tony” Castaneda is no longer employed with the City of Eagle Pass. Castaneda was not forewarned of the City of Eagle Pass Press Release until after it was issued by Interim City Manager Gloria I. Martinez-Barrientos.
The City of Eagle Pass Press Release states that the duties of former Police Chief Castaneda will be shared by three Police Department Lieutenants, including Moises Pena, Aldo Escamilla, and Alejandro Guedea, and will report directly to Interim City Manager Martinez-Barrientos. Lieutenants Pena, Escamilla, and Guedea will share the duties of interim Police Chief temporarily until a new Chief of Police is hired by the City of Eagle Pass.
Former Police Chief Tony Castaneda stated that he will seek legal counsel to represent him regarding the City of Eagle Pass’ wrongful termination of his employment services. Castaneda had served 18 years with the City of Eagle Pass Police Department at the time of his termination.
The news of former Police Chief Tony Castaneda’s firing stunned and surprised the citizens of the City of Eagle Pass. Local citizens expressed concerns that the safety and security of Eagle Passans be protected during this leadership transition within the Eagle Pass Police Department, particularly in light of heightened criminal activities on this U.S.-Mexico border community.
