Judge keeps Richard Cantu on supervision with mixed caseload, seeks housing placement and medication compliance

A Bexar County judge denied the State’s motion to revoke community supervision for Richard Cantu and instead amended his conditions to place him on a mixed supervision caseload, require biweekly reporting, mandate compliance with prescribed medication, and seek interim housing at Haven for Hope while the court and probation pursue permanent placement.

Defense counsel told the court that Cantu had been found incompetent earlier, underwent a jail-based competency program, and regained competency after receiving Abilify injections while incarcerated. Counsel said Cantu had resumed the injections before the recent short magistrate hearing and that competency findings had been entered. The court and counsel discussed the practical limits of forcing medication outside custody, noting that involuntary medication would require a separate court hearing and an order.

Probation recommended mixed supervision with biweekly reporting and monthly UAs; the defense and probation asked for downtown reporting to reduce transportation barriers. The judge ordered mixed caseload supervision, biweekly reporting until further notice, payment referrals and coordination with the mental-health unit and the Center for Healthcare Services, and a referral to housing assistance. The court specifically directed that Cantu temporarily reside at Haven for Hope until alternate housing is found and discussed Towne/Twin Village as a possible permanent-housing option.

The judge instructed probation to coordinate with the mental-health officer and case manager to ensure medication compliance and to work toward a stable placement. The court recorded the defense request to continue probation rather than enter an adjudication. Cantu stated he wanted to remain on probation and that his sister and a named doctor would assist with medication continuity.