A Harris County Constable Precinct 7 sergeant has been charged with official oppression after allegedly sexually harassing and unlawfully detaining a 17-year-old Starbucks employee in Houston.
Sgt. Ostin Urbina Jr. was arrested and immediately placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, according to court and department records.
The complaints allege that Urbina subjected the employee to sexual harassment and two unlawful traffic stops.
The first incident reportedly happened on Aug. 24, 2023, at the South Sam Houston Parkway East Starbucks location, where Urbina allegedly made inappropriate comments and said he would look her up in police records.
After her shift, the employee noticed Urbina parked near her car. He allegedly confronted her with her home address, which he had obtained by checking license plates in the parking lot.
She reportedly avoided further interaction, but Urbina allegedly pulled her over in a marked police vehicle and continued with sexual comments, including asking for her Snapchat and saying, “Just remember, you turn 18 in three weeks.”
During a second encounter on Aug. 31, 2023, Urbina followed the employee in a marked police vehicle after she left Starbucks. She noticed the vehicle parked at a nearby neighborhood park and believed the deputy recognized her.
As he began following her, she tried to distance herself, but Urbina activated his sirens and pulled her over. He reportedly asked if she wanted to meet him at the park, which she declined, and told her he hadn’t turned on his lights or body camera because he “wasn’t conducting a traffic stop, he was just finding a way to talk to her.”
According to court records, surveillance footage and witness statements corroborated her account.
Urbina was arrested by C7 commanders and placed in Harris County Jail, Constable Phillips said. Urbina is on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, consistent with department protocol.
Court documents show Urbina made bond of $100 on each count.
The Precinct 7 Constable’s Office released the following statement:
“Sergeant Ostin Urbina Jr. was arrested and charged with two criminal charges: Sexual Harassment/Official Oppression, and Unlawful Detainment related to a traffic stop and behavior at a local Starbucks in Southeast Harris County in 2023. The investigation began nearly two years ago under the Constable May Walker Administration and was conducted jointly by the Harris County Constable Precinct Seven Internal Affairs Division and the Houston Police Department Special Investigations Crime Unit. Upon learning of these misdemeanor charges being filed, Sergeant Urbina was arrested by Precinct Seven Commanders, immediately relieved of duty, and placed on administrative leave by Constable Phillips as department protocol. He was taken to the Harris County Jail and booked by the Houston Police Department. Sergeant Urbina will be on administrative leave pending the outcome of the administrative investigation. At the time of the incident Sergeant Urbina was a patrol deputy who was hired in September 2017 and promoted to Sergeant in September 2023 under retired Constable May Walker. He has been with the department for 8 years. The Harris County Constable Precinct Seven Office is fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities and are closely monitoring the situation. Constable James “Smokie” Phillips will not tolerate misconduct, mistreatment of any citizen, or any conduct that brings shame or discredits the Precinct Seven Constable Office and the communities we served. The department reiterates its commitment to due process and the presumption of innocence. Public safety, accountability, and transparency remain our top priorities. Further updates will be provided as appropriate to ensure transparency."