Garcia had led the department since 2023. Records show he previously worked with Maria Molina at the Stafford Police Department for about seven years before bringing her to Lamar CISD, where she was promoted to lieutenant in August 2025.
Last week, they were terminated on the same day.
In February, ABC13 reported that two Lamar CISD police officers were under investigation. At the time, the district provided no details, not even their names, and only confirmed they had been placed on leave.
ABC13 submitted multiple open records requests, which the district challenged.
In a seven-page filing to the Texas Attorney General, the district cited "common law privacy," arguing the case involves potentially "highly intimate or embarrassing facts" unrelated to public concern.
Thomas Gregor, a board member for Freedom of Information Foundation Texas, says that argument raises questions.
"The fact that they have raised all of these on an issue that obviously has public importance tends to suggest something is happening. They are just not willing to disclose it," Gregor said.
He argues that actions taken by public officials on public property should not be shielded from disclosure.
"If you don't know what your government is doing, how can you hold them accountable?" he said.
Attorneys for both Garcia and Molina confirm the terminations were for "conduct unbecoming an officer."
ABC13 has also learned from sources that the alleged incident occurred on district property and that video evidence exists.
Both attorneys claim the district failed to follow proper investigative procedures and say they are appealing the terminations.
Molina's attorney, Matthew Banister, went further, stating the decision is "not substantiated by the facts" and that she plans to "vigorously defend her reputation."
The district, which serves nearly 50,000 students and is one of the state's fastest-growing, did not notify parents of the "staffing changes" until late Tuesday, and only after ABC13's repeated requests for comment.
Gregor says that the lack of transparency is concerning for families.
"If you have a child in the district and the police chief has been fired, should people know that?" reporter Jessica Willey asked.
"Absolutely," he replied. "They work for the public. They work for the district. They work for the parents. They work for the students, and they should be entitled to know what those people are doing and whether they are employed or not unemployed."
Both officers have filed grievances challenging their terminations, their attorneys said.
Full statement from Larry McDougal Jr., attorney for Henry Garcia: "We have a grievance regarding the termination process conducted by Lamar CISD. The school district neglected to adhere to the required procedures, investigation protocols, and governance guidelines of LCISD when terminating a police officer. We kindly request that Superintendent Nivens review his actions in this matter."
Full statement from Matthew Banister, attorney for Maria Molina: Lt Maria Molina has officially filed a formal grievance and appeal regarding her termination by Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens. The grievance asserts that Superintendent Nivens and the School District failed to follow required procedures and investigation protocols, including governing guidelines from LCISD regarding the termination of a police officer. Lt Molina adamantly protests this action, stating it is not substantiated by the facts. She intends to vigorously defend her reputation to ensure such a miscarriage of justice does not affect other officers in the future."