On Tuesday, September 29, 2015, a use of force incident occurred in the Intake and Release area of the Criminal Justice Center.  Information regarding this incident was reported and then given to the District Attorney’s Office for review. A criminal investigation was initiated due to the actions taken by Deputy Francisco Vasquez, in his official capacity as a Deputy Sheriff.

On the afternoon of November 19, 2015, Deputy Vasquez was officially charged by the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office with 3rd Degree Assault (M1) and Official Oppression (M2).    Deputy Vasquez has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since December 12, 2012, and is assigned to the Intake and Release Section.

Deputy Vasquez is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. Facts concerning this investigation will not be released at this time, as it is an ongoing personnel matter.  According to Sheriff Elder, “The arrest of a deputy has a significant impact on our Office, its members, and our community. It will be handled in the same manner and with the same integrity as every other investigation.”

Deputy Vasquez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.