A former Texas county sheriff deputy is under fire for allegedly sexually assaulting multiple female inmates. Although he is still serving on his local city council, he has been indicted on five separate counts relating to the supposed sexual assault. As a result of the assault accusations, he lost his deputy job.
Apparently, the former Texas sheriff deputy was actually a transport deputy, which granted him access to the multiple female inmates that he is said to have assaulted. Over the course of 11 months, four separate inmates claim that the man inappropriately touched them and also exposed himself to them. They say that they were even made to participate in oral sex with the former deputy.
After the assault was discovered, Texas Rangers launched an investigation into the inmates’ allegations. Subsequently, he lost his job as a sheriff deputy but managed to maintain the seat that he still holds as a city council member. His charges include deprivation of rights of the inmates under color of law as well as possession of a firearm during the alleged sexual assault.
Sexual assault is a substantial offense, and any accusation of such is generally investigated and pursued seriously. While cases involving sexual assault tend to cause some people’s emotions to run high, it is imperative that the accused be afforded the assumption of innocence unless it is proved otherwise. As the pre-trial for this Texas man’s case draws closer, he may have the option of either facing his charges in court or entering a plea deal, which, in some cases, might provide a better outcome for the defendant.
Source: kxii.com, Ex-Fannin Co. deputy indicted for sexually assaulting female inmates, Daniella Rivera, March 14, 2014