How a San Angelo Police Firearm Ended Up Headed Into Mexico

SAN ANGELO, TX — On April 23, 2024, Homeland Security agents arrested a man at the U.S.-Mexico border attempting to cross into Mexico with firearms. Among the weapons in his possession were firearms purchased at a gun show in Midland. San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith stated there was no evidence the arrested man was smuggling for a Mexican cartel, contrary to prior speculation.

One of the seized firearms was traced back to the San Angelo Police Department. Upon notification by the Department of Homeland Security, the local police launched both an internal and a criminal investigation, confirming that the firearm had once been in their possession.

Then-Police Chief Frank Carter requested assistance from the Texas Rangers, an investigation that remains ongoing. The Texas Attorney General’s Office has since taken over the case.

"The San Angelo Police Department is committed to ensuring the integrity of both the administrative and criminal investigations. This is why certain details were not released to the public initially. While transparency is important, the need to respect due process and protect the integrity of both investigations has guided our decisions. The criminal investigation was handled by the Texas Rangers and is now under review by the Texas Attorney General’s Office," Griffith stated in a press release.

The San Angelo Police Department confirmed that the allegedly stolen firearm had been stored in its Training Division. It was one of four firearms surrendered by Walmart for destruction.

"These firearms were collected by a San Angelo Police Officer and later transferred to the Training Division for training purposes in 2021. The firearms remained in the possession of the Training Division until late 2022," Griffith stated.

In late 2022, authorities determined that the head of the Training Division at the time, Lt. Brian Robinson, who has since retired, had given away the firearms.

More specifically, police stated that three of the four firearms were stolen by former officer Joshua Loudermilk in late 2022. Loudermilk sold two of these firearms at a local gun show, one of which was later purchased by the smuggler at a Midland gun show. Police also suspect that Training Officer Charles Flores was involved in the removal and repair of one firearm, which he knowingly provided to Loudermilk for personal use. Two of the firearms remain missing and are listed as stolen.

Leadership at the San Angelo Police Department concluded that the actions of the involved officers violated department policies. Lt. Brian Robinson retired shortly after being questioned by the Texas Rangers about the firearms. Joshua Loudermilk has been suspended indefinitely and is currently appealing his suspension, while Officer Charles Flores has been suspended without pay for 90 days and has waived his right to appeal.

The independent criminal investigation is ongoing, aiming to determine if any criminal charges should be pursued.

Further inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to the Texas Rangers or the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Any updates will be released when appropriate by these agencies.

Two weeks ago, Griffith participated in hearings concerning Loudermilk's civil service appeal. The San Angelo Civil Service Commission board comprised of Brian Dunn, Keith Muncey and Keith Hildago upheld his suspension. Loudermilk is expected to escalate his case to a higher level in an effort to reverse the decision.