Indictment details allegations against former Woodsboro code enforcement officer

REFUGIO — A Refugio County grand jury indictment accuses Arnold Canlas Ecle of sexually assaulting a woman while acting as a Woodsboro code enforcement officer and separately alleges he used his public position to subject her to sexual harassment.

According to court records obtained by the Refugio County Press, the true bill of indictment charges Ecle with sexual assault, a second-degree felony, and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. The alleged offenses occurred on or about June 18, 2026, in Refugio County.

The grand jury also alleges Ecle was acting under color of his public employment at the time as a code enforcement officer for the City of Woodsboro.

The indictment ties the official oppression charge directly to Ecle’s government position, alleging he used the authority or circumstances of his public employment in connection with the alleged sexual conduct.

The charging document lists Texas Ranger Cody Lankford as the witness presented to the grand jury and states that the district attorney recommended bond as set by the justice of the peace.

The indictment was returned during the July 2026 term of the 24th Judicial District Court in Refugio County and filed Aug. 11.

According to Woodsboro Mayor Kay Roach, Ecle was employed with the Town of Woodsboro as a code enforcement officer from Dec. 15, 2025 to June 22.

An indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute a finding of guilt.