Bee County, Texas Detention Officer Accused of Excessive Force and Municipal Liability

BEE COUNTY, TX – July 17, 2023 – A detention officer in Bee County, Texas, is facing allegations of excessive force and municipal liability, according to a complaint filed today. The plaintiff, whose identity remains undisclosed, claims Officer Eric Sierra used undue force by slamming them face-first onto concrete while they were handcuffed.

This incident reportedly occurred in the sally port of the county jail two years ago, on July 16, 2021. The Bee County Sheriff’s Office immediately opened an investigation into the matter and placed Sierra on leave. The case was also forwarded to the local district attorney for prosecution. As of the complaint filing, the plaintiff stated they were unaware of the outcome of Sierra’s criminal case.

According to the plaintiff, the alleged assault is a direct result of the Bee County Sheriff’s policy, which dictates jailers meet arresting officers in the jail’s sally port to assist with escorting arrestees to the booking area. The plaintiff argues that this policy is unconstitutional and led to the excessive force incident they experienced.

The case is still under investigation and further details will be released as they become available.