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Press Release

Local officer charged with civil rights violation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas

McALLEN, Texas – A 40-year-old resident of Weslaco is now in custody on allegations he violated the civil rights of a San Juan man, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Authorities took Juan P. Galindo into custody today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.

Galindo is a sergeant with the San Juan Police Department.

The indictment, returned Dec. 4, alleges he violated the civil rights of an individual in December 2015 while acting under his authority as a uniformed police officer. Galindo allegedly physically assaulted the man while he was in custody. According to the charges, the victim had been handcuffed and under police control when Galindo hit him in the groin area with his knee.

If convicted, Galindo faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alejandra Andrade is prosecuting the case.

Updated December 9, 2019

Topics
Civil Rights
Public Corruption