Alice Police Search for Registered Offender Accused of Child Assault

Alice police are conducting an active search for 52 year old Michael Castillo following a report that a female juvenile was sexually assaulted on October 16. Investigators later determined Castillo is a convicted sex offender who was required to report to Jim Wells County Sheriff deputies but whose actual residence is within Alice city limits, a circumstance that violates sex offender registration laws and complicates monitoring responsibilities.

Officer Cameron Reynolds described the investigation as urgent and directed at protecting young residents. "This is a top priority for the department as we believe Castillo is a threat to the community, especially the youth," Reynolds said. Officers have attempted to arrest Castillo but have been unable to locate him. Two warrants have been issued for his arrest and authorities believe he remains somewhere in the Coastal Bend area. Reynolds additionally warned that Castillo is considered dangerous because he is known to carry firearms.

The facts illustrate both immediate public safety concerns and broader institutional questions about how sex offender registration is tracked across municipal and county lines. The registration requirement to report to sheriff deputies places primary administrative responsibility with the county, yet the offender's residence inside city limits creates a need for routine information sharing and coordinated enforcement between the Jim Wells County Sheriff office and Alice Police Department. Gaps in reporting or enforcement can reduce transparency and limit the effectiveness of monitoring that is intended to reduce risk to children and other vulnerable residents.

For local residents the case underscores the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting. Authorities ask anyone with information about Castillo's whereabouts to call 911 immediately. The investigation remains active, and police said they will continue efforts to locate and arrest Castillo while working within established legal frameworks to protect the public and ensure accountability.