Bastrop, Tx–An officer employed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission was jailed in Bastrop on Tuesday and faces charges of sexual assault and official oppression.
Joe Chavez Jr., 40, was assigned to policing alcohol sales in Bastrop, Lee and Fayette County, said an agency spokeswoman. Chavez was arrested by Texas Rangers following an investigation by Rangers and the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Department. He was ordered held under $225,000 bail, and TABC officials placed him on leave without pay, the agency said.
The investigation began last month into allegations arising from a sting operation in Bastrop County involving minors attempting to buy alcoholic beverages from retailers.
Sting operations using minors to attempt buying alcohol have been suspended across the state pending a review of policies and procedures followed by the agency, announced TABC Administrator Alan Steen.
Chavez went to work for TABC in January 2004 and was assigned to the Bastrop office in August 2006, according to agency officials. Chaves is charged with two counts of sexual assault, second degree felonies, and a separate charge of official oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor.
The sexual assault charges are punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The oppression charge carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Chavez has no prior record of disciplinary actions or complaints against him while working for TABC, according to the agency.