AUSTIN — Austin Police Chief Brian Manley fired a commander Thursday, citing his sexual behavior with a woman could have placed her in danger.
Jason Dusterhoft strangled a woman multiple times to the point that she became unconscious during sex, according to a graphic, 17-page memo obtained after a disciplinary hearing Thursday.
Dusterhoft said through his attorney, anything that happened with the woman was consensual. He denies the allegations and will appeal, said attorney Jason Nassour.
"Commander Dusterhoft's belief that his actions constitute lawful, consensual 'choking' during a sexual encounter is wrong from both a legal and medical standpoint," the memo said. "Death from strangulation can occur in as little as two minutes."
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However, Manley said even if the woman agreed to what the memo characterized as "rough sex," Dusterhoft was still responsible for actions that could have possibly injured or killed her. He said it is his opinion Dusterhoft violated Texas laws of assault and deadly conduct.
Manley said Dusterhoft also violated department policies by trying to conceal information from his cell phone and associated with a "prohibited" person, such as a convicted felon.
His attorney, Jason Nassour, said the case is an overreach by Manley.
"The decision to suspend Dusterhoft is based on Manley inserting himself into the private life and figuratively into the bed of Dusterhoft."