Deputy indicted for official oppression

GALVESTON, TX The information related to the case was initially brought to the District Attorney's office at the direction of Sheriff Freddie Poor, whose office had conducted an internal affairs investigation into the allegation.

The Grand Jury received the testimony of a number of witnesses, including members of the Sheriff's Office who were involved in the investigation, Sheriff Freddie Poor and the accused.

The Grand Jury true-billed the charge and an indictment was returned Friday alleging that the accused had committed Official Oppression by having used excessive force against the complainant, Jimmy Garner, Jr., after an arrest.

Official Oppression is a Class A Misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and can also include confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year.