Staff Reports
A Hays County Corrections officer has been arrested after an inmate notified a corrections supervisor that she had been a victim of sexual misconduct by Corrections Officer John Duran. An internal investigation began and steps were taken to ensure Duran no longer had contact with any female inmate, specifically including the victim.
At the onset of the internal administrative investigation, it was determined the actions taken by Duran, if true, could potentially meet the elements of a criminal offense. The internal administrative investigation was suspended, and the Hays County Criminal Investigation Division was directed to begin a criminal investigation.
After discussing the findings of the crimi- nal investigation with the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, probable cause affidavits were presented to a Hays County Judge, and arrest warrants were issued for Official Oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Tampering with a Governmental Record, a State Jail Felony.
Duran was arrested last Thursday by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Hays County Jail for processing. Duran was placed on administrative leave.
The internal investigation resumed and is still underway.
Duran has been employed by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office since July 2022. He has not previously been the subject of any internal investigations.
“We hold our personnel to the highest standards,” said Sheriff Anthony Hipolito, “and any violation of that duty will be met with swift accountability to ensure the safety and dignity of those in our care. While I take pride in the work the men and women of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office do every day, the actions of this corrections officer betray the trust placed in him by the public, those he works with and undermine the integrity of our agency.”
