Travis County DA Dismisses Indictment On Austin PD Officer

Austin TX

19 July, 2021

3:34 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Travis County District Attorney José Garza has dismissed a pending indictment against an Austin police officer after an internal review revealed exculpatory evidence. Officer Gregory Gentry faced felony assault charges after a Travis County grand jury returned an indictment against him in January in connection with use of force against an individual, the DA's office said Monday afternoon. During the previous administration, the assistant district attorney who was assigned to the case secured an expert opinion that contained exculpatory information. "Other than the ADA who secured the exculpatory evidence, no one in the office knew of its existence," the district attorney's office said in a news release. "It was not discussed with the prosecution team or disclosed to the defense, and the case was presented to the Grand Jury in January." Officials said a new assistant district attorney, who was assigned to the case in May, discovered the evidence upon review. The evidence was immediately disclosed to the defense. The assistant district attorney who presented the case to the Grand Jury in January is no longer employed with the office. "Upon review, we have decided that a dismissal of the indictment is the appropriate action to take in this case and best serves the interest of justice," Garza said. "I offer my sincere apologies to Officer Gentry who undoubtedly suffered as a result of this process." RELATED COVERAGE:Former WilCo Sheriff Robert Chody Drops Lawsuit Against Gleason Grand Jury Clears Pflugerville PD Sergeant In 2020 Shooting Army Sergeant Indicted On Murder Charge In Austin Activist Death Travis County Grand Jury Clears APD Officer In Use Of Force Case