Hays County Officer Charged With Misconduct, No Contact

Hays County corrections officer John Duran has been arrested and charged with official oppression and tampering with a governmental record after a female inmate accused him of sexual misconduct, including instructing her to shower while he watched via surveillance. Authorities clarified that Duran did not have physical contact with the inmate, but used his position to exert inappropriate influence. Employed since July 2022, Duran was placed on administrative leave following the inmate’s April 4 complaint and a subsequent investigation. The investigation also found that Duran falsified information on his job application by denying previous internal investigations. Sheriff Anthony Hipolito emphasized that the misconduct undermined public trust and affirmed the department’s commitment to accountability. Duran is being held on $20,000 bail at the Hays County Jail.