Jose Luis Bernal Jr., one of Texas' 10 Most Wanted sex offenders, has been taken into custody after a joint operation by federal agents and local police. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Bernal was arrested on June 22, 2026, in Schertz.
Bernal had been wanted since March for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements, as per a warrant issued by Bexar County. The DPS lists his criminal history as including a 2014 Wilson County conviction for possession of a controlled substance and indecency with a child by exposure involving a 9-year-old.
The FBI San Antonio Safe Streets Task Force and the Schertz Police Department were involved in the arrest, which was part of "Operation No Escape", an initiative aimed at apprehending fugitives. Authorities have credited task force partners for the successful capture, stating that it sends a clear message: fugitives cannot outrun law enforcement.
Bernal's status as armed and dangerous has been noted by authorities. However, no reward will be paid since his arrest did not stem from a Texas Crime Stoppers tip.
The Texas 10 Most Wanted program teams DPS with local law enforcement partners and Texas Crime Stoppers to spotlight high-risk fugitives and drive tips from the public. Residents are asked to contact local law enforcement or Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-TIPS if they have any information regarding Bernal's case.
The processing of Bernal is being handled by Schertz police and federal partners, with coordination with Bexar County authorities on next steps.