Local Business Owner Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Runs for Congress in Texas.
DALLAS, TX - Saul Rodriguez, a restaurant owner sought by authorities in Mexicali for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old employee, has launched a congressional bid in Texas. Rodriguez is running as a Democrat for Texas's 30th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
The district encompasses parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties, including a significant portion of the city of Dallas. News of Rodriguez's candidacy surfaced months after he became the subject of an investigation in Mexicali.
For the last four months, Mexicali authorities have sought Rodriguez, a U.S. citizen, in connection with the sexual abuse of a teenage employee at his El Cali taco shop. In February, the minor’s mother, Liliana Oceguera, took to social media to accuse Rodriguez, claiming police officers arrived at the scene but failed to make an arrest. At the time, then-Police Chief Luis Felipe Chan stated that his officers could not detain Rodriguez because they lacked an arrest warrant. A Mexicali Police report from February alleges the minor was given beer or tequila before the assault.
Mexicali Attorney General Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez previously confirmed that Rodriguez was believed to be in the United States and that Mexican authorities were seeking assistance from U.S. law enforcement to locate him.
In response to the initial allegations in February, Baja California Assemblywoman Liliana Michel Sanchez Allende, President of the Gender Equality Commission, stated, “I express my full support and solidarity with the victim and her mother, who have faced not only the pain of this unfortunate event but also re-victimization by the institutions that should have acted quickly and decisively to ensure justice.”
The allegations against Rodriguez, whose family also owns The Burgr Joint in Brawley, California, have resonated across the border. “I want to assure Brawley residents that every allegation of abuse that comes before our Brawley Police Department is taken with the utmost seriousness.” Brawley Mayor, Gil Rebollar said in February responding to the situation “Our city’s top priority is ensuring that justice is pursued and served for any and all victims within Brawley, and we will work tirelessly to maintain the safety and trust of our community.” he continued
Following the Mexicali incident, similar allegations emerged on social media within the Imperial Valley, leading to calls for a boycott of his family's Brawley eatery. The Brawley Police Department has not responded to a request for comment made months ago regarding any complaints filed against Rodriguez in their jurisdiction.
To promote his political ambitions, Rodriguez launched a campaign website, www.votesaul.com. However, the website was shut down after his congressional bid was publicly reported.
Saul A. Rodriguez responding to the online allegations through a now deleted letter to the editor, to the desert review Titled “Rants & Raves of Imperial Valley: A Failed Social Experiment,” the letter, preserved via an Internet Archive snapshot dated August 27, 2025, addresses a post made in the Facebook group “Rants & Raves of Imperial Valley” by an anonymous user. Rodriguez claims the post, which referenced his mother’s business “The Burgr Join” Which is now closed allegedly due to the situation. He says the post was filled with “slander, unfounded accusations and outright character assassination.” According to Rodriguez, the allegations appear to have originated from a former employee who resigned in May 2024.
In the letter, Rodriguez accuses the group’s administrators, identified as “Michael DC” and Heather White, of enabling and amplifying harmful content without accountability. He alleges that the group has become a platform for cyberbullying and misinformation, stating that lives and businesses have been damaged due to unchecked posts. Rodriguez further raises concerns about the mysterious identity of “Michael DC,” claiming he may be a former Calexico Police Officer with possible connections to prior federal investigations. He concludes the letter by urging those who believe they are victims of crimes to report to authorities and not rely on social media to adjudicate serious claims.
Rodriguez also expressed concern over the long-term impact the group has had on the mental health and reputations of local residents. He said he has spoken to individuals who reported experiencing suicidal thoughts and social anxiety after being targeted by anonymous posts, while others have faced lost business and strained relationships. He called for greater transparency and oversight of group administrators, warning that allowing them to operate unchecked creates an environment ripe for abuse.
Rodriguez characterizes “Rants & Raves of Imperial Valley” not as a platform for open discussion, but as a space where fear and misinformation thrive under the shield of anonymity. Rodriguez argues that community discourse must be rooted in truth and accountability, not driven by rumor or personal vendettas. As of now, no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.