EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A federal court has dismissed the case of two former El Paso Police Department supervisors who were accused of sexual harassment and the exchange of explicit content with female subordinates.
As KTSM has previously reported, two supervisors, Lt. John Surface, 43, and Sgt. Adan Chavez, 44, were arrested back in August of 2023 in connection with allegations of official oppression, according to the El Paso Police.
Surface was charged with two offenses of oppression with a $30,000 bond. Chavez was charged with one offense of official oppression with a $7,500 bond.
The allegations were brought forward by two female officers and prompted an internal investigation by the Special Investigation Unit.
According to court records obtained by KTSM, there were multiple instances recorded that alleged Surface and Chavez harassed two female officers and would “retaliate” if they were not given what they asked.
U.S. District Judge David Briones dismissed all remaining claims and closed the case “with prejudice,” according to the news release by the City of El Paso.
“This ruling confirms that the City acted appropriately, lawfully, and with integrity,” City of El Paso Attorney Karla Nieman said. “It affirms the City’s steadfast commitment to due process and accountability in every action we take.”
In 2024, Surface and Chaves filed suit for wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation. The court found that the plaintiffs’ claims were “neither plausible nor supported by evidence.”
“The City’s and Police Department’s investigations and disciplinary process, which included review by the Civil Service process and the Discipline Review Board, were validated through the ruling,” read the news release.
“This decision is an important reminder that misconduct will not be tolerated,” El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas said. “The department remains focused on maintaining the public’s trust and ensuring that every member of our department is committed to upholds the highest professional standards.”
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