Former Brazoria Co. deputy charged with sexual assault

BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX

Joe Lee Garcia, 37, is facing sexual assault and official oppression charges stemming from an incident on the night of March 30 outside of the city of Brazoria.

According to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, the victim had come up on an accident scene and was checking on the driver and passengers. Shortly after, deputies arrived and began conducting an investigation.

Deputies spoke with the woman and determined she wasn't involved in the wreck. They say the deputies also determined that she was unable to drive herself to her destination, so they gave her a courtesy transport.

The victim alleges that during that transport, that Garcia made sexual advances toward her and that sexual contact did occur.

The Brazoria County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation and on April 12, Garcia was fired. The case was forwarded to the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office. A grand jury indicted Garcia on charges of sexual assault and official oppression.

Garcia turned himself in on Tuesday and was released after posting a $50,000 bond.

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