Zachary Maini Pleads No Contest to Official Oppression Charge
Former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, Zachary Maini, entered a plea of no contest to Official Oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, on Wednesday. The charge stems from a traffic stop Maini conducted in August of 2022 on U.S. Highway 183 involving Clateachia Stewart.
Background of the Case
Maini was accused of intentionally mistreating Ms. Stewart during the traffic stop by deploying a Taser, which the Travis County District Attorney’s Office described as unlawful. Stewart recorded her interaction with Maini on her cellphone and DPS subsequently suspended Maini following the incident.
Plea Deal and Consequences
As part of the plea agreement, Maini surrendered his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) license, effectively ending his career as a peace officer. Additionally, he was given two months of deferred adjudication community supervision. This allows Maini to seal his records related to the case if he successfully completes the probation without any violations.
Legal Developments and Updates
Stewart’s attorney has been contacted for further comment on the case, and any updates will be provided as they become available. Initially arrested for evasion, those charges against Stewart have since been dropped. Previous assault charges against Stewart were also dismissed, with DPS stating that Maini was unaware of her prior arrest at the time of the traffic stop.
Exclusive Coverage
KXAN was the sole news source present in the courtroom during Maini’s plea hearing. Viewers can tune in to KXAN News at 6 for exclusive insights into Stewart’s testimony during the proceedings.
FAQs
1. What was Zachary Maini charged with?
Maini pleaded no contest to Official Oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, in connection to a traffic stop incident in August of 2022.
2. What were the consequences of Maini’s plea deal?
Maini surrendered his TCOLE license and was placed on two months of deferred adjudication community supervision.
3. Why was Maini suspended by DPS?
Maini was suspended by DPS following the incident involving Clateachia Stewart, where he was accused of mistreatment.
4. What were the charges against Clateachia Stewart?
Stewart was initially arrested for evasion, but those charges have since been dropped. Previous assault charges against her were also dismissed.
5. What updates can be expected in the case?
Updates on the case, including statements from Stewart’s attorney and further developments, will be provided as they occur.
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