A law enforcement officer is facing criminal charges after allegedly using his badge to harass and unlawfully detain a teenage Starbucks employee.
Ostin Urbina Jr., a Harris County Constable Precinct 7 sergeant, is facing multiple charges related to official oppression two years after allegedly sexually harassing and unlawfully detaining a 17-year-old Starbucks barista.
The first incident reportedly occurred on August 24, 2023, while the teen was working at Starbucks. According to allegations, Urbina made inappropriate comments and told her he would look her up in police records. After her shift, court records show he had parked near her car and confronted her by presenting her home address—information he allegedly obtained by running license plates in the Starbucks parking lot.
The teenager reportedly tried to avoid further contact, but Urbina used his position to pull her over in a marked law enforcement vehicle and continued making inappropriate remarks. He allegedly asked for her Snapchat and told her, “Just remember, you turn 18 in three weeks.”
A week later, on August 31, 2023, Urbina allegedly followed the girl again in a marked vehicle after she left work. She saw the officer at a nearby park and believed he was waiting for her. As she tried to distance herself, Urbina activated his sirens to pull her over. He then asked if she wanted to meet him at the park. When she declined, he reportedly said that he had not activated his body camera or patrol lights because he “wasn’t conducting a traffic stop, he was just finding a way to talk to her.”
Court records indicate the girl’s claims have been corroborated by surveillance footage and other witness statements.
The Precinct 7 Constable’s Office confirmed Urbina’s arrest, stating he has been charged with sexual harassment/official oppression as well as unlawful detainment. The officer has been with the department since 2017 and was promoted to sergeant in 2023. The office said Urbina has been relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, which has been ongoing for two years.
Urbina appeared in court yesterday and was given a $100 bond for each charge, totaling $200. Because defendants only pay 10 percent up front, Urbina posted bond for just $20. He is scheduled to return to court on October 6.
