A police officer accused of accosting an 18-year-old woman for sex after she was targeted for a drug arrest four years ago pleaded no contest Wednesday to one count of official oppression and will lose his Texas peace officer's license.
Rather than go before a jury that was empaneled a day earlier, Victor Gonzalez, 40, a six-year SAPD veteran, entered a plea agreement in which four counts of official oppression were dismissed.
His sentence includes one year of deferred adjudication probation, a $500 fine and 50 hours of community service.
"When you can see a dismissal in the near future, why risk being in front of a jury ... and put your family through what is said in court?" defense attorney Patrick Hancock said of his client's decision. Gonzalez is married and has twins.
State District Judge Mary Roman told Gonzalez, "I do take it into account that you will never be a police officer again and that is important. People who are charged with the responsibility that you once had have a very high responsibility."
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Gonzalez stopped the woman as she was walking on the South Side and asked whether she was a prostitute and needed money. She said she wasn't a prostitute, could use money and didn't want to be arrested on a drug charge under a then-active warrant, the affidavit states.
Gonzalez then drove to a park near the Riverside Golf Course and called a friend to meet them there, while another SAPD officer, Michael Munoz, arrived shortly afterward and fondled the woman, according to the document. But Munoz had no money, so Gonzalez directed him to block the park entrance after the other friend arrived, who paid the woman for oral sex, the affidavit said.
Munoz, 36, a five-year SAPD veteran, is awaiting trial on five counts of official oppression.
Gonzalez was remorseful for his actions and the loss of his law enforcement career, but has since been working to complete a bachelor's degree in business, his lawyer said.
"He's positive about it, thinks that getting a college degree will be just as fruitful for him," Hancock said.
Prosecutor Tamara Strauch said she could not comment because Munoz's case is pending.
Munoz's defense attorney, Therese Huntzinger, said Gonzalez's plea "has no impact" on her client's case, though the officers were indicted together.
The allegations against them "were significantly different," and the accusation that Munoz served as a lookout is speculation, she said.
"That is why we will have a trial," she said. "Because there will be no evidence to support that Mr. Munoz assisted Mr. Gonzalez."
Copyright 2011 San Antonio Express-NewsAll Rights Reserved
