Drunk Driving Charge Against Former Penitas Police Officer Dropped

Prosecutors are dropping drunk driving charges against a former Penitas police officer. The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case against 37-year-old Joseph Granchelli last week.

Granchelli was charged with DWI and unlawfully carrying a weapon after his arrest in McAllen in 2024. He resigned from the Penitas Police Department in early 2025.

Granchelli completed the Alternative Dispute Resolution program following the arrest, which led to the charges being dismissed.