Texas Agency Disputing Claim That Trooper Sexually Assaulted Woman

May 23, 2018

The Texas Department of Public Safety said it disputes allegations that one of its state troopers sexually assaulted a woman while he was arresting her on suspicion of drunken driving.

A lawyer representing the woman said Monday that the trooper offered to let her go during a field sobriety test Sunday in exchange for sexual favors. Attorney Lee Merritt said in a statement that his client declined the trooper’s advances and that the trooper then groped her and forced something into her vagina.

Merritt called the arrest “prolonged” and said the assault took place inside and outside the police vehicle.

It’s unclear whether Merritt is pursuing a civil or criminal case or filing a complaint with the department. The claim received attention from bloggers and activists on social media.

The Associated Press typically does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted.

The Department of Public Safety said it reviewed dashcam video after hearing the allegations and that the recording shows no evidence to support the woman’s claims. The agency said it would forward the video to the Ellis County prosecutor for review.

The Department of Public Safety did not return a voicemail seeking comment.

Ellis County District Attorney Patrick Wilson’s office also did not return a voicemail seeking comment.

Ellis County Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Joe Fitzgerald said she was booked into the county jail at 4:58 a.m. Sunday and has been released on bail. Fitzgerald said she was taken to a local hospital after reporting she was assaulted.

Topics Texas

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Latest Comments

  • May 29, 2018 at 1:31 pm
    FFA says:
    Lets see what happens with the DUI Case. Judge gonna throw the book at her or is she going to offer sexual considerations? Either way, I'm sure a law suit is gonnna be filed l... read more
  • May 29, 2018 at 11:57 am
    Mary Bookman says:
    This woman makes me sick. These officers face danger everyday and she pulls this stunt? I'm happy there was a camera, and I'm very happy she is caught. Not only did she attemp... read more
  • May 24, 2018 at 12:23 pm
    TxLady says:
    Old news. Dashcam and 2+ hours of video of her time in police custody proved total fabrication. Her lawyer has apologized. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-news/c... read more

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