Accused of assaulting an inmate on video and knocking him to the ground without legal justification, a former Texas sheriff’s deputy was recently arrested for inappropriate use of force on an inmate.
In December 2020, a supervisor from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BSCO) was reviewing security footage and discovered Deputy Jaime Soto assaulting an inmate and knocking him to the ground while assigned to booking. After the supervisor initiated an investigation, Soto was placed on administrative leave.
In June 2021, BSCO Internal Affairs and the Public Integrity Unit concluded that Soto had used unnecessary force while issuing a notice of proposed dismissal for his termination. A few days later, Soto resigned.
Soto had been employed with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office since 2006.
“A badge does not grant extra rights,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar in a recent statement. “The integrity of our profession hinges on the willingness of good cops to weed out bad cops. I commend the work of an astute supervisor, along with Internal Affairs, Public Integrity, Organized Crime deputies, and the Bexar County D.A.’s Office in making this arrest.”
On Monday, Soto was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor count of official oppression. He was released on $4,000 bond.
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