Officials said 23-year-old Ivan Estrada was charged with possession of a controlled substance and having a prohibited item in a correctional facility.
SAN ANTONIO — A now-former deputy is facing charges after authorities say he was caught smoking a marijuana vape pen in the staff restroom at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office facility.
BCSO says on Thursday night, a deputy on break detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the staff restroom of the detention center.
Investigators say it was determined that 23-year-old deputy Ivan Estrada was the most recent individual to have used the restroom and he was questioned about the marijuana order.
Initially, BCSO says Estrada denied having marijuana but later admitted to smoking a marijuana vape pen after further questioning.
A subsequent test conducted by investigators confirmed the presence of THC in the vape pen, BCSO said.
Estrada was placed into custody on Friday. Officials say he has been employed with BCSO since April.
Estrada was booked into the Bexar County Jail on charges for possession of a controlled substance (PG2 1-4 grams) and having a prohibited item in a correctional facility.
Officials say Estrada was issued an order of dismissal in accordance with the Bexar County Sheriffs Office Civil Service Commission due to his probationary status with the sheriff’s office. He cannot appeal the probationary dismissal and is not eligible for rehire, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
“Half a dozen dedicated deputies worked to bring someone to justice who violated his oath,” said Sheriff Javier Salazar. “That oath breaker is now in jail and unemployed. I’m thankful to this dedicated group who went above and beyond to ensure swift justice.”