The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has announced via a press release the terminations of deputies Eric D. Sanchez and Bert Dillow for misconduct after investigations into videos that appeared …
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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has announced via a press release the terminations of deputies Eric D. Sanchez and Bert Dillow for misconduct after investigations into videos that appeared to show both former officers violating department policies.
“Evidence in these cases is being shared with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate,” the press release stated.
Sanchez had been with the department since August of 2016 and was placed on administrative duty after an investigation into a video posted to social media was released Feb. 22 of this year. The video appears to show Sanchez violating policies related to personal conduct, performance of duties, use and discharge of firearms, use of body-worn cameras, traffic enforcement and the issuance of traffic citations during an interaction with a motorist.
The social media video that ultimately led to Sanchez losing his job shows Sanchez with his firearm drawn threatening to kill a motorist who is apologizing and appears to be cooperating with Sanchez.
Dillow was terminated April 28 after an investigation into a use-of-force incident involving a juvenile male made its way onto social media. The investigation began March 29 and Dillow was placed on administrative duty from Apr. 1 until his Apr. 28 termination. The HCSO Administrative Discipline Committee reviewed the investigation’s findings and determined policies regarding prohibited conduct, the use of de-escalation techniques, use of force and reporting procedures were violated by Dillow.
In the video that led to his firing, Dillow is shown walking up to a young man refueling an ATV at a gas station, asking to see the young man’s ID, then moving to handcuff the minor. When the man steps away to turn around, Dillow begins swearing at him and threatening to beat him.
“Both deputies have the right to appeal their terminations in accordance with Sheriff’s Civil Service procedures,” the press release said.