Serving Justice and Joy: The Esteban Family's Life After the Badge

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

For the past five years, the Esteban family has lived in Stafford, Virginia, building their lives around a shared sense of adventure and community involvement. Led by Ignacio J. Esteban, a retired federal law enforcement officer and prolific writer, the family's story is filled with rich experiences, strong passions, and an appreciation for the vibrant, family-friendly area they call home. 

Ignacio and his wife, Lisdora "Ruby" Esteban, have a unique love story that began in an unexpected place: the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tampa, Florida.

"We met while she was working at the property intake counter, and I was bringing some firearms on my case for processing," Ignacio recalls with a smile. "She was new to the area, and we hit it off." 

Three years later, in February 2006, Ignacio proposed to Ruby during a trip that has become one of their fondest memories. "I proposed in Venice, Italy, near the Rialto Bridge during the Venetian carnivale," he says. "It was so foggy, and people were walking around in masks and costumes. It was surreal, like something out of a movie."

Today, Ignacio and Ruby have built a life centered around their two daughters, Sophia Marie (16) and Briana Michelle (13). Their home in Stafford, nestled in the picturesque Austin Ridge community, is where they've found the perfect balance between work, family, and their shared love of the outdoors. Whether it's a weekend hike, a family picnic, or a stroll in the neighborhood, the Estebans are always up for an adventure.

Before settling into retirement, Ignacio spent 26 years in federal law enforcement, beginning with U.S. Customs in the mid-1990s. "My career started at Miami International Airport making large drug seizures," he explains. "Later, I worked for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as a special agent. I investigated some of the most dangerous criminals — from gang members and armed drug dealers to international firearms traffickers." 

In his career with ATF, Ignacio worked undercover, facing dangerous situations head-on to bring justice to violent offenders. His work is documented in his autobiography, ATF Undercover, which is just one of the nearly 80 books he has written and published on Amazon.

"Writing has become a passion for me," he says. "I've also written over 40 articles on Medium and have done more than 300 podcast shows." 

Since retiring, Ignacio has remained active in the world of media. He co-hosts a weekly podcast with William Steel, a reality TV star from the A&E hit show From Inmate to Roommate.

"It's a new chapter in my life, but just as exciting," Ignacio shares.

While Ignacio's career has been dangerous and rewarding, Ruby, who holds a B.A. in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida, enjoys volunteering and working as a licensed real estate agent. 

Their daughters, Sophia and Briana, are each carving their own unique paths. Sophia, a junior in high school, has a passion for running and ballroom dancing. "She's currently on the cross-country team," Ignacio says proudly. "And she's looking forward to competing in ballroom dancing soon." Sophia's love for history has also shaped her interests, making her an academic standout. 

Meanwhile, 13-year-old Briana has been dancing since she was three years old and is a seasoned competitor. "Briana is incredibly talented," Ignacio beams. "She's competed in different styles like jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, and lyrical in both local and national competitions." Their daughters' talents and passions have helped the family stay active in the Stafford community, both in and out of the classroom.

Since moving to Stafford in the summer of 2019, the Estebans have found their home in the scenic and tight-knit Austin Ridge community. "We chose this area for its natural beauty and affordability," Ignacio explains. 

"Stafford is a great place to raise a family. It's peaceful, family-friendly, and has a wonderful environment."

Ignacio particularly enjoys the area's outdoor offerings. "Austin Ridge has beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and friendly neighbors," he shares. The Esteban family often spends their weekends exploring nearby parks and trails, with Government Island being one of their favorite spots. 

"My wife and I enjoy walking around Government Island, and we love eating at the local restaurants," Ignacio adds.

Ignacio is not just a resident of Stafford; he's an active advocate for maintaining the quality of life in the area. Recently, he became involved in efforts to stop the construction of a Buc-ee's mega gas station near their home. 

"I started a petition on Change.org in March," Ignacio says. "We've gathered over 1,500 signatures to stop Buc-ees from coming to Stafford. The proposed gas station would have 120 gas pumps, a store the size of a Walmart, and over 800 parking spots. It would destroy our quiet, peaceful area." 

His activism reflects a deep love for his community and a desire to preserve its tranquility. The petition has rallied neighbors, strengthening the sense of community in Austin Ridge and nearby Embrey Mill.

When they're not working, advocating for their community, or attending their daughters' dance and sports events, the Estebans love to travel. "We recently traveled to Europe and had a great time in southern Spain, the Andalucia region, Barcelona, and Paris, France," Ignacio shares. The family's adventures across the Mediterranean provided cultural experiences and cherished family memories. "I highly recommend visiting Spain. The cities on the Mediterranean are just beautiful."

Though Ignacio has retired from federal law enforcement, his work continues through writing, podcasting, and community involvement. Ruby remains active in real estate and volunteering, while Sophia and Briana pursue their passions in school and extracurricular activities. Together, the Esteban family looks forward to a future filled with more adventures and community involvement in Stafford. 

Ignacio sums it up best:"Life is about staying active, challenging yourself, and being there for your family and community. Stafford has given us the perfect place to do just that."