On Monday, a Bexar County Grand Jury indicted a former Bexar County Sheriff’s Office detention officer for an attack on an inmate.
Jaime Soto is charged in a two count indictment with official oppression. The first count of the indictment alleges that on Dec. 5, 2020, Soto intentionally subjected Austin Diaz to mistreatment Soto knew was unlawful, namely striking Diaz with Soto’s hand, grabbing Diaz with Soto’s hand and taking Diaz to the ground with Soto’s hand, leg and body, and that Soto was a public servant acting under the color of his employment (detention officer). The second count of the indictment alleges that on the same date Soto intentionally, knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to Diaz by striking Diaz with Soto’s hand, grabbing Diaz with Soto’s hand and taking Diaz to the ground with Soto’s hand, leg and body, and that Soto was a public servant acting under the color of his employment (detention officer).
Official oppression by a public servant acting under the color of his employment is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a possible fine of up to $4,000.
This case is being prosecuted by the Civil Rights Division in the 187th District Court. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. A person charged by indictment is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury or a judge. Because these and potentially other cases are either pending or may be under investigation, we can make no further comment on them.
Copies of indictments may be requested from the Bexar County District Clerk. Information on court settings can be found by searching the case online or directly from the court.