Travis County District Attorney’s Office Secures Plea in Use of Force Case Against Former DPS Trooper

Travis County, TX — Today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, former DPS Trooper Zachary Maini pled no contest to Official Oppression pursuant to an investigation concerning his use of force during a traffic stop. (case D1DC22900109)

On November 15, 2024, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office filed an Information charging Mr. Maini with the offense of Official Oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. This charge stemmed from an investigation into his use of force against Clateachia Stewart on August 28, 2022. Mr. Maini was accused of intentionally subjecting Ms. Stewart to mistreatment that he knew was unlawful by deploying an electroshock weapon, commonly known as a Taser, against Ms. Stewart.

As part of this plea deal, Mr. Maini was required to permanently surrender his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) license, which he has done. On November 26, 2024, the TCOLE accepted his permanent surrender.  In addition, he will complete two months of deferred adjudication community supervision.

The Texas Department of Public Safety referred this case to the Texas Office of Inspector General, which, on September 7, 2022, referred this matter to our office. In its own investigation, the OIG sustained four allegations against Mr. Maini, including that he used his Taser device against Ms. Stewart at a time when she was not engaged in threatening resistance.

“Our office will continue to hold powerful actors who engage in criminal conduct accountable,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this outcome will continue to help the victim with their healing process.”

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