Travis County DA José Garza Releases Statement on Art Acevedo’s New Role as Austin’s Interim Assistant City Manager

Over five years ago, survivors of sexual assault were forced to sue Police Chief Art Acevedo because he failed to adequately investigate the crimes committed against them and countless other victims of sexual violence. On his watch, a backlog of untested rape kits grew, and a culture of disrespect for survivors of sexual assault festered. As a result, too many survivors were re-victimized and traumatized by the system that was supposed to protect them.

Art Acevedo’s return is a step backward for survivors of sexual assault. His appointment represents a stunning disregard for their pain and our community’s values. Even if Art Acevedo is coming back, we are never going back. Our office has increased the number of sexual assault convictions, and we are building a criminal justice system where survivors are treated with dignity and respect.

We will continue our work of strengthening communication between survivors, law enforcement, and prosecutors, fixing our broken criminal justice system, and we will succeed.

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