by | Published
A Hays County corrections officer, John Duran, was arrested last night following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a female inmate.
On April 4, 2025, a Hays County corrections supervisor was informed by an inmate that she had been a victim of sexual misconduct by Duran. An immediate internal investigation was launched, and measures were taken to ensure Duran had no further contact with any female inmates, including the alleged victim.
During the initial internal review, it was determined that Duran's alleged actions could constitute a criminal offense. Consequently, the internal administrative investigation was suspended, and the Hays County Criminal Investigation Division (CID) was directed to commence a criminal investigation. Following a discussion of the CID's findings with the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, probable cause affidavits were presented to a Hays County Judge, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants for Official Oppression (a Class A Misdemeanor) and Tampering with a Governmental Record (a State Jail Felony).
Duran was arrested by the Hays County Sheriff's Office and transported to the Hays County Jail for processing. He has been placed on administrative leave, and the internal investigation has resumed. The findings of the internal investigation will be released upon its conclusion. Duran has been employed by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office since July 2022 and had no prior internal investigations against him.
Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolito stated, “We hold our personnel to the highest standards, and any violation of that duty will be met with swift accountability to ensure the safety and dignity of those in our care. While I take pride in the work the men and women of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office do every day, the actions of this corrections officer betray the trust placed in him by the public, those he works with and undermine the integrity of our agency.”
