A former Texas state trooper faces federal and state charges of sexual abuse. The allegations stem from two separate traffic stops in August of 2020. In each instance, the officer pulled over a car containing a woman during a traffic stop. The female complainant was a passenger in the car in both cases.
In the first case, after the trooper issued the driver of the vehicle a written warning, he forced the female passenger into his vehicle, which he drove to a hotel parking lot. He then forced the woman to perform oral sex by threatening her with jail because of an outstanding out-of-state warrant. The woman complied because she feared for her safety. After the woman finished performing oral sex, the trooper put his hand on his firearm and ordered the woman to run.
In the second case, the trooper pulled over a car for a traffic stop. He told the female passenger that he had discovered some outstanding warrants for her. He ordered her to get into his car so that he could take her to the substation. Once she was in the vehicle, the trooper drove instead to the same hotel parking lot that he went to with the other woman. According to the complaint, the trooper told the woman that he knew what she did for a living and he wanted some. He then forced the woman to perform oral sex on him. The woman did as she was asked because she feared the trooper and what he could possibly do.
The trooper was with the Texas Department of Public Safety and was on duty at the time of each alleged assault. Following his August arrest for sexual assault, the Department withdrew his authority as a commissioned officer and began termination proceedings. The former officer has been charged with the following federal crimes:
- Deprivation of rights under color of law
- Destruction of records
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime
If he is convicted of all three federal charges, he may be sentenced to life in prison.
The former officer has also been indicted on a charge of aggravated sexual assault in state court. The indictment was filed in state district court in Houston.
The man worked as a state trooper for about four years. Given that the methods used in both cases were strikingly similar, law enforcement suspects that there may be other victims and is actively looking for them.
Serious charges such as sexual assault may result in serious penalties. If you have been accused of a serious crime, such as sexual assault, you need the experienced and well-qualified legal representation of Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian. Call us today at (972) 369-0577 for a free consultation.