KERR COUNTY, Texas – Recently, a significant decision was made by the disaster recovery coalition, Kerr Together, to cut ties with a local recovery group known as the Rampart Vigilance Foundation (RVF). This decision arose after concerns were raised about a man charged with serious criminal offenses being present near children during cleanup activities.
The suspension was officially communicated in a letter dated June 23, which detailed that all operations conducted by RVF would cease. This action followed the arrest of Rufino Lopez, a 44-year-old man, who was taken into custody for violating the terms of his bond in an ongoing sexual abuse case involving a minor.
The letter from Kerr Together emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, “Kerr Together recognizes that criminal charges constitute allegations and that all individuals are entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process under the law. Nevertheless, the assignment of an individual facing such charges to activities performed under the Agreement has created significant concerns regarding risk management, organizational oversight, community confidence, reputational harm, and potential liability exposure.”
Lopez’s legal troubles began in January when he was arrested on a first-degree felony charge related to the continuous sexual abuse of a child. According to investigators from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Lopez allegedly assaulted a girl multiple times, starting when she was just 11 years old. Initially released on bond, Lopez was re-arrested on June 18 after officials discovered he was in contact with children, which violated his bond conditions.
As of now, Lopez is still in custody and is scheduled for a hearing on July 23 to contest the bond violation. His attorney described the situation as an emotional attack, suggesting that the bond violation was improperly pursued by the county.
Interestingly, a person familiar with the RVF’s cleanup operations noted that many volunteers brought their children to work sites without being informed of Lopez’s pending legal issues. Although Lopez was a volunteer and not an employee of RVF, he occasionally received reimbursement gift cards for his participation.
In a character statement submitted by RVF, it was argued that Lopez typically worked at remote locations and maintained a distance from children at cleanup sites. The statement claimed that Lopez would leave the area immediately upon noticing children were present, adhering to a no-contact order. Supporters of Lopez have expressed that he did not engage with children during these instances.
Kerr Together, known for its long-standing commitment to community recovery efforts following the devastating Hill Country Floods, has made this decision with the community’s safety as a priority. While the spokesperson for Kerr Together did not respond to requests for further comments, the foundation’s agreement with RVF remains suspended, and discussions around the situation continue.
This incident highlights the importance of safeguarding community programs, especially those involving vulnerable populations like children. Both organizations are now faced with the challenge of addressing the implications of this situation while ensuring that community trust is maintained.
