A Hays County corrections officer has been arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female inmate, prompting widespread concern and an internal review of hiring practices within the sheriff’s office.

A Hays County corrections officer has been arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female inmate, prompting widespread concern and an internal review of hiring practices within the sheriff’s office.

Allegations and Arrest

On April 4, 2025, a female inmate at the Hays County Jail reported to a corrections supervisor that she had been subjected to sexual misconduct by Officer John Paul Duran, 45. According to the inmate, Duran instructed her to shower while he observed via a video feed. Security footage corroborated this account, capturing Duran tapping on the inmate’s window and uttering the word “shower.” The inmate later expressed feeling coerced into exposing herself due to Duran’s authoritative position.

Following the inmate’s report, an internal investigation was initiated, during which Duran was removed from contact with all female inmates. As the investigation progressed, it was determined that the allegations could constitute criminal behavior, leading to the involvement of the Hays County Criminal Investigation Division. After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued. Duran was arrested on April 24 and charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, and tampering with a governmental record, a state jail felony.

Background and Prior Conduct

Duran had been employed with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office since July 2022. However, during the investigation, it was discovered that he had previously worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from 2004 to 2015, where he was the subject of multiple internal investigations. These included incidents involving contraband trafficking and non-cooperation with investigations. Duran had falsely indicated on his job application to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office that he had never been under internal investigation, leading to the charge of tampering with a governmental record.

Sheriff’s Office Response

Sheriff Anthony Hipolito acknowledged lapses in the background check process during Duran’s hiring and emphasized the need for more thorough employee screenings. He stated, “This person probably shouldn’t have been hired. We need to take steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” The sheriff’s office plans to conduct a comprehensive review of current employees’ applications to ensure the integrity of the hiring process.

Current Status

Duran has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. He was booked into the Hays County Jail and released on bail. The internal investigation has resumed and is expected to conclude in the coming weeks. Sheriff Hipolito indicated that termination is a likely outcome if the investigation confirms the allegations.

Broader Implications

This incident has raised concerns about hiring practices and oversight within the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, especially in light of ongoing staffing shortages. Sheriff Hipolito has expressed intentions to request additional corrections officers to alleviate staffing challenges and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case underscores the importance of rigorous background checks and accountability measures within law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals in custody.

For more information, you can refer to the following news reports:

Additionally, a news video covering the arrest is available below: