EDINBURGH, TX (ValleyCentral) – The Texas Department of Juvenile Justice has arrested a youth development coach at the Evins Regional Juvenile Detention Center for allowing a TJJD offender to be assaulted by other offenders .
Alvaro Alvarado, 35, has been charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $ 4,000 and jail time of up to one year.
The Deputy Inspector General arrested Alvarado under that warrant and sentenced him to Hidalgo County Jail. The arrest warrants came after an investigation by the Inspector General’s office into the incident in May 2021.
On July 23, 2021, officials examined security and body camera footage of the incident.
The footage showed Alvarado opening the door to the victim’s cell and allowing 4 people to assault him, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Alvarado was seen standing at the door signaling other people when to stop and was heard telling one of the people to tell the victim to exercise to avoid asking others why the face of the victim was red.
The victim was then seen doing push-ups.
Investigators spoke with the victim, detailing the assault.
“He was having lunch and was then called by the defendant to cell no. 14, where the 4 offenders were staying. All the offenders then assaulted the victim, while the defendant was outside the cell. The accused advised the victim to do push-ups because his face was red, ”the affidavit states.
Investigators also spoke with Alvarado where he provided a statement admitting the incident.
“He admitted to allowing 4 offenders to assault the victim and advising her to exercise so no one wondered why her face was red,” the affidavit stated.
This case will be referred to the Special Prosecution Unit for consideration.
