Former Arcola Police Department officer, Hector Aaron Ruiz, has been sentenced to a punishing 20 years in federal prison following his conviction for obstruction of justice and the violation of civil rights, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas.

Ruiz, 29, entered a guilty plea on January 19 and received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge on June 24. The verdict comes as a consequence of a harrowing ordeal in November 2019 where Ruiz used his position, to not only betray the public trust but to irreparably damage the life of a 23-year-old woman during a traffic stop.

"Ruiz was not only a predator but a predator with a badge," Hamdani said. He described the incident saying, “During a traffic stop, he raped a young woman he was sworn to serve and to protect, violently breaking a fundamental promise law enforcement makes with any community. The U.S. Attorney’s office is relentless in its pursuit to bring to justice officers who betray their uniform and oaths, committing heinous acts against members of our community. Today’s sentence is the fruit of that pursuit.” 

Authorities detailed how Ruiz compelled the woman to drink alcohol and coerously, induced her into sexual acts after maneuvering her to a secluded, under-construction neighborhood. Taking steps to evade detection, the former officer had disabled his body microphone and the recording system installed in his cruiser. A text message sent by the victim to a friend during the horrendous ordeal reflected her palpable fear, expressing concern that she might not survive the encounter.

Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of FBI Houston commented on the unwavering courage of the victim, “We thank the courageous woman who bravely confronted Mr. Ruiz in court to ensure he faced justice for his crime against her. As law enforcement officers, there’s nothing we despise more than those who disgrace the badge, betray the oath to protect our community and violate the public’s trust.” Williams also highlighted the disdain law enforcement officers hold for those in their ranks who disgrace the badge and betray the community's trust. Alongside the FBI, the Texas Rangers took part in the exhaustive investigation that led to the confirmation of Ruiz's actions through forensic analysis.

Post-sentence, Ruiz awaits transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.