by | Published
PEARSALL, Texas - A Pearsall High School receptionist has been arrested following a narcotics investigation led by the Frio County Sheriff’s Office.
Heather Leal, 40, was taken into custody on March 4, 2026, and booked into the Frio County Jail. She is charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 involving cocaine, a felony under Texas law. A magistrate later set her bond at $40,000.
According to court documents, investigators had been conducting an ongoing investigation into suspected drug activity in the Pearsall area. Authorities said they received information from a confidential informant alleging Leal was involved in distributing cocaine and would meet buyers away from her residence to complete transactions.
Investigators also reported receiving similar tips from multiple community members.
As part of the investigation, deputies conducted surveillance on a vehicle believed to be driven by Leal. According to an affidavit, officers observed the vehicle travel from a residence in Pearsall to another location, where they witnessed what they described as a hand-to-hand exchange consistent with narcotics transactions.
Based on the information gathered, a magistrate approved a search warrant for a residence associated with the suspect. The warrant authorized the seizure of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, scales, packaging materials, electronic devices, and currency believed to be connected to drug sales.
Jail records indicate Leal is charged with delivery of a controlled substance between four and 200 grams. The charge does not involve a designated drug-free zone.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding evidence recovered during the investigation.
Leal is no longer listed as a receptionist on the Pearsall High School website.
