HOUSTON, Texas — (HCSO) — Two Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been notified of their termination after separate internal investigations determined they committed serious policy violations.
Deputy Eric D. Sanchez was terminated on April 8 following an Internal Affairs Division investigation into a video posted to social media that showed an encounter between Sanchez and a motorist. The investigation began Feb. 22 and Sanchez was placed on administrative duty the following day.
The Sheriff’s Office Administrative Discipline Committee reviewed the investigation’s findings and determined policies regarding the following activities were violated: Conduct Prohibited, Performance of Duty, Use and Discharge of Firearms, Body-Worn Cameras, Traffic Enforcement, and Traffic Citations.
Sanchez had worked for the Sheriff’s Office since Aug. 22, 2016 and his most recent assignment was in Patrol Support Services.
Deputy Bert Dillow was terminated on April 28 following an Internal Affairs Division investigation into a video posted on social media that showed a use-of-force incident involving a juvenile male. The investigation began March 29 and Deputy Dillow was placed on administrative duty on April 1.
The Sheriff’s Office Administrative Discipline Committee reviewed the investigation’s findings and determined policies regarding the following activities were violated: Conduct Prohibited, De-Escalation and Response to Resistance (Use of Force), and Reports.
Dillow had worked for the Sheriff’s Office since Sept. 24, 2018 and his most recent assignment was in Patrol.
Evidence in these cases is being shared with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.
Both deputies have the right to appeal their terminations in accordance with Sheriff’s Civil Service procedures.
