An independent journalist who reports from crime scenes on Facebook found herself charged for releasing the name of a man who committed suicide before the official announcement. The Laredo Police Department said they recognized the right of free speech but also the right to privacy of the man’s family. (ABA Journal, January 25, 2018, by Debra Cassens Weiss)
Many attorneys and legal experts said that the charges of misuse of official information against Priscilla Villarreal were flimsy and could be a violation of her First Amendment rights. (LMTonline, December 25, 2018, by Joana Santillana)
Called Lagordiloca or the crazy fat lady, Villarreal enjoys favorable ratings with many in Laredo for keeping an eye on things in a city rife with corruption. (Los Angeles Times, January 24, 2018, by Molly Hennessy-Fiske)