BREAKING: Texas Trooper Brian Encinia Indicted in Sandra Bland Case
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In the latest development to come out of the Sandra Bland case, a Waller County grand jury announced the indictment of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Brian Encinia, who arrested the 28-year-old during a traffic stop in July, on perjury charges.
A special prosecutor, Darrell Jordon, told the Houston Chronicle that the charge is considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Following the indictment, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced that it would be firing Encinia, the Associated Press reports.
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The news comes weeks after a special prosecutor announced that the grand jury had decided not to indict any officers at the Waller County Sheriff's Office or employees at the Waller County Jail, where Bland was found dead three days after her arrest.
Bland was found hanged in her Texas jail cell on July 13, and her death was ruled a suicide. The case prompted federal investigations and widespread, public outcry, with many questioning the official account and family members arguing that Bland was not suicidal. She had recently moved to Texas to start a new job.
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Dash cam video from the July 10 arrest raised questions on Encinia's conduct, but he remained on paid administrative leave during the investigation. After Bland was pulled over for an improper lane change, she refused to put out a cigarette as Encinia requested and the situation quickly escalated. At one point, the trooper threatened, "I will light you up," stun gun in hand.
"After the video surfaced, DPS Director Steve McCraw said Encinia violated department standards and placed him on administrative duty," the Houston Chronicle reported. "Separately, Bland's relatives have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against Trooper Encinia, DPS, Waller County and county jailers Elsa Magnus and Oscar Prudente. A trial date is set for January 2017."
ATTN: reached out to Bland's family attorney's office, but was unable to reach a representative by the time of publication.
