A sheriff’s deputy in Bexar County, Texas, was arrested after allegedly performing unlawful strip searches on at least six women over an 11-day period. Floyd Berry, 49, was taken into custody late Saturday evening and booked on three counts of official oppression. The alleged misconduct occurred while Berry was on duty in South Bexar County, according to the Star-Telegram.
In addition to the arrest, Berry, an 18-year veteran of the department, was issued a proposed termination notice related to the alleged incidents, which officials believe took place between November 24 and December 4. He had already been placed on administrative duty after multiple victims reported the unlawful searches to the department’s Internal Affairs Unit, as reported by mysanantonio.com. Berry was part of the patrol division.
The accusations triggered a swift investigation by the department’s Public Integrity Unit, working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the department announced on Sunday. Law enforcement is asking anyone with information regarding Berry’s alleged actions to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Public Integrity Unit at 210-335-5110 or [email protected]
The case highlights the importance of police accountability and the serious consequences of police misconduct. The swift response from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the involvement of the FBI demonstrate a commitment to thoroughly investigating such allegations. The Internal Affairs Unit plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards. The proposed termination notice indicates the severity of the accusations and the potential ramifications for Berry’s career. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. Law enforcement agencies are urged to implement robust training programs and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Public trust is paramount, and any breach of that trust must be addressed with transparency and accountability.