Travis County District Attorney’s Office Secures Plea in Use of Force Case Against Officer Gaitan

Travis County, TX — Today, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Austin Police Department Officer Alejandro Gaitan pled guilty to Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a misdemeanor, pursuant to an investigation concerning his excessive use of force during an arrest. (case D1DC21900058)

As part of this plea deal, Officer Gaitan will complete two years of deferred adjudication and is required to permanently surrender his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) license. In addition, he must write an apology letter to the victim, complete an anger management course, and 40 hours of community service.

In June 2021, the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit investigated the allegations against Officer Gaitan regarding his alleged assault on Carvius Jackson on March 12, 2021, and subsequently referred the case to our office.

On February 9, 2023, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office filed an information charging Officer Gaitan with the offenses of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault Bodily Injury, and Official Oppression.

On March 9, 2023, a Grand Jury in the 331st Judicial District Court returned a three-count indictment charging Officer Gaitan with the offense of Aggravated Assault by Public Servant, a 1st-degree felony, and Assault Bodily Injury and Official Oppression, both of which misdemeanors.

“We are grateful to the Austin Police Department for bringing this incident to light, as this case was investigated collaboratively by APD’s Special Investigations Unit and our Civil Rights Unit,” stated Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “Ensuring accountability in law enforcement when laws are violated is essential for restoring community trust and maintaining the safety of our community.”

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