Complaint Filed Alleging Misconduct in 2022 DWI Arrest

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — A formal complaint has been submitted to the City of Rusk alleging serious misconduct by a Rusk police officer during a June 20, 2022 Driving While Intoxicated arrest.

The complaint, recently filed with city officials, outlines allegations that a female victim was arrested for DWI and later subjected to improper conduct during the arrest and transport process. The allegations remain unproven and no criminal findings have been announced at this time.

According to the complaint, the female victim was taken into custody and transported for a blood draw at a Jacksonville hospital. Laboratory results from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), dated July 15, 2022, reportedly indicated that the blood sample showed not to be intoxicated.

The complaint further alleges that despite receipt of the DPS laboratory findings, neither the female victim nor her bail bondsman were notified of the results. It also states that no formal charges were ultimately filed by the county, but the matter was not clearly resolved or communicated to the female victim.

The most serious allegation contained in the filing claims that during transport to the Cherokee County Jail, the officer diverted from the direct route and allegedly coerced the female victim into performing sexual acts in exchange for not pursuing additional felony charges. The officer has not been formally charged in connection with these allegations as of this publication.

The complaint asserts that the female victim has experienced significant emotional trauma and prolonged distress, including ongoing uncertainty regarding her legal status following the arrest.

City officials have not yet publicly commented on the complaint. It is unclear whether an internal investigation or independent review has been initiated.

Under Texas law, allegations of misconduct by law enforcement officers may be investigated internally, referred to outside agencies, or reviewed by state authorities depending on the nature of the claim.

At this time, the allegations remain claims made in a formal complaint and have not been adjudicated in court.