AUSTIN, Texas — A former Texas DPS trooper has pled no contest as part of a plea deal in relation to a charge over excessive force.
In November, the Travis County District Attorney's Office officially charged Zachary Maini with official oppression, a class A misdemeanor, alleging he used a Taser unwarranted against a woman during a traffic stop in Travis County in August 2022.
As part of the plea deal, Maini was required to permanently surrender his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) license, which the DA's office says did on Nov. 26.
Maini will also have to complete two months of deferred adjudication community supervision. The Texas Department of Public Safety initially referred the case to the Texas Office of Inspector General (OIG), who referred it to the DA's office in September 2022.
The OIG discovered four allegations against Maini during its investigation, including the August 2022 incident where it determined the woman was not engaged in threatening resistance.
“Our office will continue to hold powerful actors who engage in criminal conduct accountable,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this outcome will continue to help the victim with their healing process.”
Maini's employment was terminated on Sept. 27, 2022, DPS said.