Dremone Francis is facing capital murder and evidence tampering charges for his role in the murder of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda.
248th District Court Judge Hilary Unger declined a no-bond request by the former district attorney and granted Francis a $1 million bond in November.
Francis posted the bond on Tuesday and was released from jail.
“The Houston Police Officers’ Union stands with our brothers and sisters at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in absolute outrage over Judge Hilary Unger’s indefensible decision to set bond for Dremone Francis,” the police union wrote on X.
“This is not just a case of judicial incompetence—it is a disgraceful betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to every law-abiding citizen in Harris County,” the union added.
“We are outraged that Dremone Francis, a man charged with Capital Murder in the death of Deputy Fernando Esqueda, has been given bond,” wrote Harris County Deputies’ Organization FOP 39. According to the union, Francis has “a criminal history of breaking parole conditions.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales called the release a “terrible message,” adding that “the family of Deputy Esqueda should 100% be upset, which they are.”
Esqueda was shot and killed while conducting surveillance in an unmarked police car last year. Investigators say after Ronald Palmer shot Esqueda, he handed two guns to Francis and told him to get rid of them.
Phone records from Francis show he attempted to sell the “hot” firearms.
“Judge Hilary Unger is unapologetic about a philosophy—no matter how flawed—that compels her to release into the world individuals who have shown a propensity for violence and a callous carelessness for human life,” the National Police Association wrote in an article detailing how Harris County judges granted bonds to dangerous criminals who would go on to victimize more people while free on bond.
Ronald Palmer’s bond was approved and set to $3 million today. He is accused of shooting Esqueda.
“We are now beyond outraged, this is a disgrace,” stated the Harris County Deputies Organization.
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