Body-cam video and internal discipline files show a longtime San Antonio police officer was sidelined this spring after he took a phone call from a jailed suspect accused of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Officer Michael Schwab, a 17-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department, served a 20-day unpaid suspension and is now back on patrol, according to records reviewed by local reporters.
What The Records Show
According to documents obtained by KSAT, Schwab was transporting a prisoner in late October when he accepted a phone call while on duty, with a probationary officer present. The caller is identified only by the initials A.G. The paperwork notes that A.G. had previously been jailed on allegations of possessing sexual content involving children and was later accused of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
The suspension file lists violations that include "consorting with persons of ill repute" along with broader misconduct involving conduct and behavior. Investigators concluded that taking the call from A.G. while on duty crossed departmental lines.
SAPD Policy On Sexual Assault Responses
The San Antonio Police Department's general manual instructs officers to use a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach when handling sexual assault cases. Officers are directed to coordinate follow-up with the Special Victims Unit while handling suspects under separate prisoner-transport procedures.
Those guidelines stress securing scenes, keeping preliminary interviews limited to protect victims, and routing specific forms and reports through SVU. The detailed rules help explain why any contact with jailed suspects in sensitive cases, including calls like the one Schwab took, can draw a close review. These procedures are laid out in SAPD Procedure 703, "Handling of Sexual Assault Complaints." (San Antonio Police Department)
Suspension Dates And Officer Record
City records reviewed by KSAT show Schwab's 20-day suspension ran from April 20 to May 9. The discipline file states that by knowingly accepting the jail call, Schwab brought "discredit to the department" and notes his 17 years of service with SAPD.
The paperwork indicates that after serving the unpaid suspension, Schwab returned to active duty earlier in May.
Discipline In Context
San Antonio officials have issued suspensions across a range of alleged misconduct in recent months, from use-of-force violations to questionable social media activity while on duty. In one separate case, the Express-News reported that an officer received a 30-day suspension earlier this year for improperly using a 40 mm less-lethal launcher, a reminder that penalties vary depending on the incident and investigative findings.
How Appeals Work
Under city rules, officers can challenge disciplinary decisions before the Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission. If they are not satisfied with the outcome there, they may take their case to an arbitrator or to state district court.
The city's public complaints page lays out the internal review and appeal options that follow a police chief's disciplinary decision, including written appeals, formal hearings, and additional steps in the process. (City of San Antonio)
For now, the public record in Schwab's case is limited to the discipline documents reviewed by reporters. The episode underscores how departmental rules, prisoner-handling protocols, and on-the-fly decisions during transport can collide in ways that lead straight to formal punishment.
