HPD officer accused of sex assault

HOUSTON

Officer Abraham Joseph has only been with HPD for a year and a half. On January 2, the department's special crimes division says a woman alleged the 27-year-old sexually assaulted her while in uniform.

"We have charged this gentleman with two counts aggravated sexual assault due to the possession and display of a firearm, a deadly weapon," said Clint Greenwood with the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

The Harris County District Attorney's Office is not giving a lot of details regarding the charges, but added in a statement:

"This man was a police officer who violated the public's trust and dishonored his badge. He used his status as a public servant to sexually assault women. HPD Chief Charles McClellan has been extremely cooperative in this investigation, and we will continue to work together to ensure that the citizens of Houston and Harris County can trust and rely on the men and women in uniform."

At an afternoon news conference, the DA's office would not say if there might be more victims, only that it is an ongoing investigation.

"I think the citizens of Harris County and Texas at large have a right to place trust and feel safe with their public servants," Greenwood said.

On Thursday afternoon, Joseph's attorney, Nicole Deborde, issued the following statement to Eyewitness News:

"He was provided a subpoena today to go to the grand jury and was arrested there. We have not seen a single report or a single accusation. The reports have been sealed. I have not seen the indictment."

Officer Joseph is expected to appear in court next week. Prosecutors plan to ask the judge to set a $500,000 bond.

If convicted on the charges, Joseph could face up to life in prison.

Joseph is stationed at the southwest division.