McAllen Police Officers are asking the public’s assistance in locating Martin Hernandez Lopez. Image courtesy of Mcallen Police Department
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McAllen Police Officers are asking the public’s assistance in locating Martin Hernandez Lopez. McAllen Officers investigate circumstances, reported on February 12, 2026, that allege a male suspect engaged in acts of sexual abuse against two children younger than 14 years of age. Investigators identify the suspect as Martin Hernandez Lopez in this case. A magistrate in the McAllen Municipal Court determined probable cause is established to issue multiple warrants of arrest for Martin Hernandez Lopez for Aggravated Sexual Assault, a First Degree Felony, and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child, a First Degree Felony.
Martin Hernandez Lopez is 30 years of age, approximately 5’09” in height, approximately 180 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes. Martin Hernandez Lopez has a last known address in McAllen, Texas.
If you know where Martin Hernandez Lopez may be located, you are urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477. You can remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the “P3 Tips” smart phone app.
A Bulgarian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin today to 38 months time served for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act,. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – A Bulgarian national was sentenced in a federal court in Austin today to 38 months time served for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
According to court documents, in August 2014, Milan Dimitrov, 51, began working at Multi Technology Integration Group EOOD (MTIG), a Bulgarian company created to enable two Russian companies to acquire U.S.-origin radiation-hardened and high-temperature electronic circuits from a company based in Austin. Earlier in 2014, following Russia’s invasion of Crimea, the U.S. imposed export controls that made it illegal to export those goods directly to Russia without a license from the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.
In January 2015, the Bulgarian MTIG received a 16mB Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) Wafer from a U.S. supplier in Austin. Approximately one month later, MTIG entered into a written contract to deliver the parts to a Russian engineering company called OOO Sovtest Comp. Over the next three months, Sovtest transferred more than $1 million split into three separate payments to MTIG and, after receiving the third payment, MTIG issued Sovtest a $158,125 invoice for the sale of the Austin-based supplier’s parts to the Russian company. MTIG thereafter shipped the parts to Sovtest in Russia, in violation of the Export Administration Regulations and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Between May 2014 and May 2018, a total of six wafers were shipped as part of the scheme for a total of approximately $497,000. When diced, one wafer creates approximately 180 individual chips.
Dimitrov was charged in a four-count indictment in July 2020. He was arrested in 2022 and extradited to the U.S. in 2024. Dimitrov pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2025, admitting that he had knowledge that the parts were shipped from the U.S. to Bulgaria and then to Russia, and that he facilitated and benefitted from the illegal activity as an employee of MTIG and close associate of Sovtest’s owner, co-conspirator Ilias Sabirov. At this time, Sabirov remains a fugitive, as does the defendant’s father Dimitar Dimitrov, co-founder of MTIG.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman presided over the case, sentencing Dimitrov to time served after the Bulgarian spent 38 months in custody.
The Commerce Department’s Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI investigated the case with assistance from Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Roomberg prosecuted the case with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Greek authorities to secure the August 2024 extradition of Dimitrov to the United States.
A San Antonio man who conducted a $69.5 million fraud scheme pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to one count of wire fraud. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man who conducted a $69.5 million fraud scheme pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to one count of wire fraud.
According to court documents, from January 2023 to March 2025, Devin Ward Elder, 47, fraudulently raised more than $69.5 million from approximately 345 investor victims that participated in 17 real estate investments. Elder was the founder and CEO of the San Antonio-based investment firm, DJE Texas Management Group, LLC, which was formed in March 2015 and employed dozens of people. DJE invested in multifamily apartments, industrial flexible workspace units, land projects, commercial building projects, and offered investment in a so-called “Income Fund.” Fourteen of DJE’s 17 offered investments acquired real property, and each property was owned by a separate LLC created for the limited purpose of purchasing and owning the investment property.
Elder induced his victims to invest with him and made a series of material misrepresentations promising high returns with low risk. Among many other false representations, Elder promised that he would “co-invest” his own money. Additionally, in classic Ponzi fashion, Elder made interest payments to investors of one project using investor funds from other projects without disclosing the nature or source of those interest payments. Over the 26-month life of the scheme, investors received approximately $8.8 million in payments that Elder purported to be “interest” and “principal” payments. In reality, many of the payments consisted of the investments of investors in other funds rather than actual investment returns.
In March 2025, Elder halted interest payments to the victim-investors. He notified the investors that his businesses were having financial difficulties, the projects would not be completed, and they should expect to lose a large portion of their investments.
Elder was charged with one count of wire fraud on Jan. 28 and summoned to appear in federal court on Feb. 17, at which time he pleaded guilty. Elder is scheduled to be sentenced the week of June 2 and faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William R. Harris, Steven Seward and Ray Gattinella are prosecuting the case.
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a landmark lawsuit against Children’s Health System of Texas (“Children’s Health”), the country’s seventh-largest pediatrics hospital, and Jason Jarin, a Dallas-area pediatric doctor, for hurting kids by performing illegal “transition” procedures and engaging in Medicaid fraud in violation of Texas law. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a landmark lawsuit against Children’s Health System of Texas (“Children’s Health”), the country’s seventh-largest pediatrics hospital, and Jason Jarin, a Dallas-area pediatric doctor, for hurting kids by performing illegal “transition” procedures and engaging in Medicaid fraud in violation of Texas law.
“I will use every legal tool available to ensure radical gender activists like Jarin face justice for hurting our kids,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This criminal extremist not only permanently harmed children, but he also then defrauded Medicaid and stuck Texas taxpayers with the bill for this insanity. Experimental ‘transition’ procedures on minors are illegal, unethical, and will not be tolerated in Texas.”
For years, Children’s Health and Jarin—a radical gender activist—have billed Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (“CHIP”) for gender interventions on children as young as 9 years old. Jarin is a Division Director at Children’s Health, where he saw patients for gender interventions at the Dallas and Plano locations. Jarin is a pediatric gynecologist, but he regularly performs procedures and medicates both female and male patients with puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
Since 2017, Children’s Health and Jarin have engaged in a massive healthcare fraud scheme to bill Texas Medicaid—and the Texas taxpayers—for gender interventions on children. After September 1, 2023, when Senate Bill 14 (“SB 14”) took effect and codified Texas’s ban on gender interventions on minors, Children’s Health and Jarin continued to bill Texas Medicaid for cross-sex testosterone, estrogen, and puberty blockers to children in flagrant violation of Texas law.
Attorney General Paxton’s lawsuit further alleges that Children’s Health and Jarin committed unlawful acts under the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act (“THFPA”), including by repeatedly changing patients’ gender in claims to Texas Medicaid in order to get illegal and unallowable claims paid. In addition to violations of SB 14 and the THFPA, Children’s Health and Jarin likely engaged in false, misleading, and deceptive acts in violation of Texas law. They did this by falsifying or misrepresenting medical records, prescriptions, and billing submissions to pharmacies, insurers, and Medicaid. Attorney General Paxton is seeking over $1,000,000 in the case, including civil penalties against Children’s Health and Jarin. To read the lawsuit, click here.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers the oath of enlistment to future service members at the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park in North Kingstown, R.I., Feb. 9, 2026 Photo Credit: Navy Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Dobbs via DOW
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By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News / US Department of War
This week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth continued the War Department’s Arsenal of Freedom tour by heading to a couple of New England states, Feb. 9, to visit defense industrial base facilities and administer the oath of enlistment to eager recruits.
Hegseth’s first stop was to swear in a group of future active-duty and National Guard service members while visiting the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
“You are the real secret weapon of the United States of America; no other country produces young men and women like these,” Hegseth told the recruits.
“Thank you for joining the most ferocious, disciplined fighting force the world has ever seen. It’s a blessing to be with you this morning.”
Hegseth was next off to the state of Maine, where he visited a variety of companies that contribute to the defense industrial base.
“At General Dynamics Electric Boat, Anduril and Bath Iron Works, the secretary delivered remarks to the workforce, to encourage and revitalize the patriots that work shoulder to shoulder alongside our warfighters,” Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson explained today during the department’s Weekly Sitrep video.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tours a defense company during the Arsenal of Freedom tour in Bath. Maine, Feb. 9, 2026. Photo Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech, DOW
She added that without such hardworking men and women, the armed forces would not have the advantage over adversaries.
Also on Feb. 9, the War Department announced plans to integrate ChatGPT into its AI platform through a partnership with OpenAI.
“This partnership will make OpenAI’s advanced large language models readily available to all of the department’s personnel,” Wilson said.
AI was first rolled out to DOW personnel in December, and the department strongly encourages integrating AI into daily workflows.
Defense Chiefs and senior military representatives from 34 nations pose for a group photo during the first Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference in Washington, Feb. 11, 2026. Photo Credit: Benjamin Applebaum, DOW
On Feb. 11, defense chiefs and senior military representatives from 34 nations met in Washington for the inaugural Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference.
Convened by Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and held in downtown Washington, the daylong conference focused on regional security cooperation against narco-terrorism and other criminal enterprises throughout the hemisphere, while also analyzing common security priorities between allies and partner nations.
While delivering prepared remarks at the meeting’s outset, Hegseth said the U.S. — like all countries represented at the conference — desires a hemisphere of peace, which is why they must work together to achieve and preserve it.
“We, like you, want — and will — achieve a permanent peace in this hemisphere. So, let’s work together [with] our militaries: exercising, training, operations, [intelligence], access, basing, overflight, you name it — let’s work together,” Hegseth told the gathered leaders.
“To achieve these goals, we have to stand together; there’s no other way to do it,” he added.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington, Feb. 11, 2026. The agreement explains how the two agencies will collaborate when agriculture and national defense intersect. Photo Credit: Agriculture Department via DOW
Also on Feb. 11, Hegseth signed a memorandum of understanding with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, cementing the relationship between the two agencies under the National Farm Security Action Plan, and explaining how they will collaborate when agriculture and national defense intersect.
“We’re going to promote agricultural and economic prosperity, defend the foundations of agriculture and food … and strengthen domestic and agricultural productivity,” Hegseth said.
He added that together, DOW and the Agriculture Department are elevating the protection of U.S. agriculture into America’s national security framework by ensuring systems remain protected against major disasters, emergencies and potential terror attacks, with the full support of the national security enterprise.
“Under the leadership of President [Donald J.] Trump and collaboration with Secretary Rollins, we’re ensuring that American agriculture remains resilient, productive and a cornerstone of our nation’s strength,” Wilson said.
A Transportation Security Administration security officer stands duty at a security checkpoint at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., Feb. 11, 2025. Photo Credit: Julian Belyea, TSA via DOW
Also this week, the War Department announced a new partnership with the Transportation Security Administration to streamline the process and provide expedited security screening for recruits passing through TSA checkpoints on their way to basic training.
Wilson explained that under the new process, which began Feb. 1, recruits headed to basic training who don’t possess a REAL ID can get through airport security without paying a fee.
“Putting our recruits first is a priority. These young men and women have volunteered to serve our nation. When they are shipping out to basic training, we want them focused on the fight, not worried about what type of ID they have or whether they will need to pay a fee to make it there,” Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata recently said of the DOW-TSA partnership.
A pair of Transportation Security Administration security officers conduct checkpoint duty at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., Feb. 11, 2025 Photo Credit: Julian Belyea, TSA via DOW
“TSA is honored to be a part of the journeys young men and women take to reach initial military training and begin their service in America’s armed forces. … We are committed to ensuring recruits can stay focused on what lies at the end of their travels, serving America, instead of worrying about how they’ll get there,” explained Mike Turner, TSA’s assistant administrator for domestic aviation operations.
Lastly, Hegseth and Trump traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, today to show their support for our nation’s warfighters.
The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), one of the oldest and largest oil and natural gas trade associations in Texas announced the launch of the TIPRO Power Texas program in strategic alignment with Arise Energy. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), one of the oldest and largest oil and natural gas trade associations in Texas announced the launch of the TIPRO Power Texas program in strategic alignment with Arise Energy. This innovative and exclusive affinity offering seeks to support the surging electricity needs of the Texas oil and natural gas industry by delivering access to competitive and comprehensive electricity options through Arise’s advanced digital procurement platform, which combines real-time pricing technology with experienced energy advisor support.
Texas continues to lead the nation in oil and natural gas production, but the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity demand. This surge is fueled by the electrification of oil and gas fields, industrial expansion, population growth and infrastructure development across the state. Electricity demand in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid has experienced some of the fastest growth in the nation in recent years, with projections indicating sustained increases through 2030 and beyond.¹
The TIPRO Power Texas program leverages Arise Energy’s modern digital procurement platform to connect members directly with leading energy suppliers – enabling custom quotes, clear rate comparisons, real-time market visibility, and contract management in a single interface.
As one of the first platforms to integrate suppliers for real-time, custom energy quotes, Arise allows companies to act as markets move rather than waiting on manual updates or broker follow-ups – a critical advantage in power markets where prices can change every 15 minutes.
Members simply upload utility bills and define preferences to receive refreshed bids without lengthy RFPs. Pricing and execution can happen digitally or with support from a dedicated Arise Energy advisor, ensuring efficient, unbiased guidance tailored to each company’s needs.
To further strive for savings, the platform provides suppliers with anonymous feedback on where their bids stand, encouraging more competitive pricing.
Industry analyses indicate electricity can account for an estimated 10 – 15 percent of total Lease Operating Expense (LOE) on average for electrified operations. This percentage can rise to 20 percent or higher for highly electrified wells with elevated water-oil ratios, where pumping and disposal drive significant power use. For smaller operators, the effective share is often 15 – 25 percent or more due to weaker negotiating power based on a more limited operational scale, longer wait times, and higher fees for grid connections.² The TIPRO Power Program seeks to level the playing field by providing access to competitive options available in the marketplace for the Texas oil and natural gas industry.
“This significant expense as a percentage of LOE, combined with volatile market conditions, underscores the critical need for oil and natural gas companies to evaluate the most cost-effective power options available,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “By offering Texas oil and natural gas companies access to this platform, we’re empowering them to navigate rising power demands, secure reliable and affordable electricity, and focus on driving production growth and operational efficiencies to reduce cost,” concluded Longanecker.
“We’re excited to partner with TIPRO to deliver a tailored solution to Texas’ oil and natural gas community,” said Craig Wilson, president of Arise Energy. “By combining real-time market intelligence with automated execution and experienced advisor support, we help TIPRO members make faster, more informed power decisions – without adding operational burden.”
Current and prospective members can evaluate or enroll in the TIPRO Power Texas program today by visiting https://ariseenergy.com/tipro or can contact the association to connect with a dedicated energy consultant. Contact information for TIPRO members will not be shared and prospective users are encouraged to provide feedback or direct any questions about the association’s new offering at info@tipro.org.
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About TIPRO
The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) is a trade association representing the interests of nearly 3,000 independent oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners throughout Texas. As one of the nation’s largest statewide associations representing both independent producers and royalty owners, members include small businesses, the largest, publicly-traded independent producers, and mineral owners, estates, and trusts.
About Arise Energy
Arise Energy provides a modern approach to electricity procurement, combining real-time market data, pricing technology, and experienced energy advisors in a single, coordinated system. Businesses can simply upload a bill and rely on Arise to handle pricing, execution, and follow-through – achieving better energy outcomes with greater clarity, confidence, and cost savings.
Sources
¹ Based on publicly available reports including U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Today in Energy (Oct. 24, 2025), EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook (Dec. 2025), Grid Strategies National Load Growth Report (Nov. 2025), Rabobank (Jan. 2026), and Citi Research (Sept. 2025).
² Based on industry surveys, operator reporting, Dallas Federal Reserve Energy Survey (2025), electrification case studies, and publicly available analyses of Permian Basin lease operating expense trends (2025–2026).
Information source: Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association
Packages containing 36.64 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Veterans International Bridge cargo lot intercepted a load of alleged cocaine valued at $489,226 hidden within a 1987 Kenworth tractor.
“We must maintain our vigilance regardless of the mode of transportation and our officers’ efforts led to this significant drug seizure, keeping it from reaching our streets,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Veterans International Bridge. CBP officers referred a 1987 Kenworth tractor for a secondary examination after a nonintrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 16 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 36.64 pounds of alleged cocaine.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation. Since Jan. 21, 2025, Laredo Field Office has seized over 63,000 lbs. of narcotics.
U.S. District Andrew S. Hanen has now ordered Dunbar to serve 360 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered additional evidence showing Dunbar led and organized a large-scale drug trafficking organization, recruited others to transport narcotics and possessed firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. The court also noted Dunbar’s leadership role in the conspiracy and the significant quantities of drugs involved.
The investigation began in early 2020 when law enforcement identified Dunbar as a supplier of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in the Houston area.
In April 2020, Dunbar arranged the purchase of two kilograms of methamphetamine for redistribution to a co-conspirator.
Over the course of the investigation, authorities seized approximately 12 kilograms of narcotics – one, five and six kilograms of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, respectively.
To date, 12 others have been convicted and sentenced in connection with the conspiracy.
Dunbar will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County Sherriff’s Office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation.
This operation is now part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz prosecuted the case.
By Mike Flood Senior Vice President, Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small businesses comprise 99% of the businesses in the U.S., employ 46% of Americans, and represent 44% of America’s GDP. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and according to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey, credit cards are the main financial tool used to navigate the day-to-day challenges of running a business.
Whether covering unexpected expenses, bridging slow periods or purchasing seasonal inventory, credit cards provide fast, flexible working capital—often at moments when traditional financing options fall short.
But some lawmakers are considering imposing a 10% limitation on the interest (i.e., rate cap) that any small business or individual with a credit card would pay on outstanding debt. This policy position sounds good at first, but in fact will negatively impact small businesses across the country.
The irony is the proposed “solution” to cap pricey credit card interest rates would actually make affordable and convenient credit disappear entirely for the 99 percent of businesses that need it most: small businesses.
A Critical Financial Tool
Data from recent small business surveys reflects just how vital credit card access is.
According to the 2025 Report on Employer Firms from the most recent Fed Small Business Credit Survey, 56% of applicants sought financing for operating costs, and 51% cited uneven cash flow as a major challenge. The 2025 Report on Nonemployer Firms found that early-stage businesses often turn to credit cards as their primary financing source.
The Q1 2023 MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index similarly reported that credit cards—alongside local banks and credit unions—remain among the top financing tools for small businesses. In that quarter, 49% of owners said their access to capital was good, down from 54% in Q2 2022 and 67% in Q2 2017. Reliance on personal savings hit 69%, reaching 74% among women‑owned firms and the smallest employers.
The common thread in these numbers is clear: small businesses need flexible, reliable capital. And for many, credit cards fill that gap.
Here are a few stories that illustrate how credit cards help entrepreneurs keep their businesses running:
• “When supply costs jumped, my credit card gave me flexibility to restock without cutting hours and wages.” – A California retailer
• “Sandra Diaz told us that securing a business credit card was a crucial step in her business’ creation as she felt it offered her additional financial stability and resources for business expansion. For Diaz, she believed that this strategic decision opened new avenues for growth and personal fulfillment.” – Sandra Lucia Diaz, Lucia Diaz, LLC, Columbia, Maryland
• “Being able to have money on hand from his customers accepting cards instead of waiting for a check to clear or potentially bounce, Dave Loparco has more security and peace of mind. Having just one payments terminal was impactful to him and allowed him the flexibility he needed to grow his business.” – Dave Loparco, LaterDayzCustomz, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Why It Matters
Credit cards empower small businesses to leverage opportunities, weather challenges, and grow. From buying inventory to covering payroll during lean weeks, credit cards provide the financial flexibility entrepreneurs depend on every day.
Capping credit card interest rates at 10% will make it harder and more expensive for them to borrow. If lenders can’t charge interest above the cap, they may add extra fees, reduce or eliminate benefits, lower the credit limit or pull the credit altogether. The same will happen to over 80% of consumers, thus lowering the ability to purchase goods – thereby exacerbating the issue.
Businesses will still have a need for credit, but will have to turn to installment loans, buy-now-pay-later programs, club cards, and other more costly, less flexible and less transparent financing methods. These higher costs and less transparent credit will burden small businesses and decrease consumer spending at businesses across the country. In the long run, this could limit growth and make it more difficult for small businesses to manage everyday cash-flow needs.
Why We Know the Outcome
Until the late 1970’s, many state usury laws capped interest rates at 10%. Only those with the highest credit qualified for credit cards. The substantial majority of low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and small businesses were excluded entirely or relied upon on riskier—and higher-priced–alternatives such as trade credit, layaway, and payday lending. When caps lifted and banks could price risk into the interest rates, credit cards became widely available and financing more affordable.
As policymakers consider changes to credit card regulations, it is critical to understand how these essential tools support the small businesses that drive our economy.
The changes resulted from the retirement of Office of Inspector General (OIG) Assistant Chief James Lopez, who retired on Jan. 31, 2026, and from the promotion of Regulatory Services Division (RSD) Assistant Chief Vanessa Mayo to DPS’ Chief of Finance in October 2025. Photo: Texas DPS
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces two leadership changes, which were confirmed by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its February meeting at DPS Headquarters.
The changes resulted from the retirement of Office of Inspector General (OIG) Assistant Chief James Lopez, who retired on Jan. 31, 2026, and from the promotion of Regulatory Services Division (RSD) Assistant Chief Vanessa Mayo to DPS’ Chief of Finance in October 2025.
“Our people are what make the Texas Department of Public Safety so incredible,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “That couldn’t be truer than with James Lopez. So, while we are sad to see him leave after more than three decades of honorable service to the state – no one deserves it more. Fortunately, good people draw more good people, and we are excited about what the future holds for OIG and RSD with these two new assistant chiefs and the strong leadership, professionalism and expertise they bring.”
James Lopez, Assistant Chief, Office of Inspector General
James Lopez began his career with DPS in 1992 as a clerk in the Driver Improvement and Control Bureau located at the Austin Headquarters. He was selected for the first-ever DPS Capitol Police Academy in 1993 and reached the position of DPS Capitol Police Officer. After three years at the State Capitol, James attended the DPS All-Service Recruit School in 1997 and was then stationed in Brownsville and Austin as a Highway Patrol Trooper. He was promoted to Highway Patrol sergeant in 2004 and was stationed in Eagle Pass and Caldwell before returning home to serve the Austin area.
In 2010, James was promoted to the Office of Inspector General lieutenant and later promoted to OIG captain in 2012. In 2018, James was appointed to the position of Deputy Inspector General, where he was tasked with assisting the Inspector General with oversight of the division’s budget, inventory, training and the OIG Volunteer Investigator Program.
The following personnel were promoted.
Adam Kinslow, Assistant Chief, Office of Inspector General
Adam Kinslow began his career with DPS in 1997 as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper assigned to Tuscola. Throughout his tenure, he has served in a variety of leadership and specialized roles, including THP Sergeant, Aircraft Operations Pilot, Capitol District sergeant and lieutenant with the Executive Protection Bureau. In 2015, Kinslow transitioned to the Office of Inspector General, where he was promoted to captain in 2018. In 2023, he was appointed to the rank of major where he served as the DPS’ Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.
Kinslow earned a bachelor’s degree in government and kinesiology from Angelo State University in 1996 and holds a Texas State Board of Education teaching certificate. He is also a graduate of the DPS Command College, holds a TCOLE Master Peace Officer License and Instructor Certificate.
Kinslow’s appointment is effective immediately.
Roland D. Luna, Assistant Chief, Regulatory Services Division
Roland D. Luna began his state service with DPS in 2002 as a Trooper with the Texas Highway Patrol, graduating from Recruit School A-2002. Over the years, Luna has held positions at various state agencies as a sergeant in criminal investigations, lieutenant in internal affairs and a Protective Detail Agent for Governor Greg Abbott when he was Texas Attorney General. Luna has served in executive roles as a Division Director at Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Chief of Investigations at Health and Human Services Commission OIG and the Inspector General at Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Most recently, Luna served as the Deputy Executive Director for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, where he provided strategic direction for the agency’s core regulatory, licensing, enforcement, technology and law enforcement grant funding divisions. Throughout his career, Luna has spearheaded statewide compliance, regulatory and investigative initiatives. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts in Legal Studies from Texas State University. Luna is an instructor, Certified Inspector General, Master Peace Officer and a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program.
Luna’s appointment will be effective Feb. 17, 2026.
