Ex-APD Commander Faces Felony Charges

The Travis County District Attorney's Office filed felony charges against Anthony Hipolito, a former Austin Police Department (APD) commander, on May 22, 2026. Hipolito, 52, faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of official oppression. The charges relate to alleged misconduct in 2022 involving a female subordinate officer. ### Who is Anthony Hipolito? Anthony Hipolito served as an APD commander in the Specialized Support Division from 2019 until his retirement in late 2023. He joined the department in 1995 and rose through ranks, overseeing units including the bomb squad and SWAT. In 2022, Hipolito was a captain supervising the Professional Standards Unit, which investigates internal misconduct complaints. APD placed Hipolito on restricted duty in October 2022 after the subordinate reported an inappropriate relationship. He retired months later amid the ongoing probe, which was transferred to the Travis County Sheriff's Office to avoid conflicts. Hipolito has not commented publicly on the charges. ### What did the indictment allege? A Travis County grand jury indicted Hipolito on May 20, 2026, accusing him of engaging in a sexual relationship with a subordinate officer under his command starting in early 2022. Prosecutors allege two instances of sexual assault occurring at Hipolito's home in Austin on specific dates in March and April 2022. The official oppression charge stems from his abuse of authority to coerce the relationship. The victim, identified in court documents only as a female APD officer, reported the encounters to APD's Internal Affairs in September 2022. She described Hipolito using his rank to pressure her into meetings that turned sexual. Evidence includes text messages and witness statements, according to the indictment summary released by DA José Garza's office. ### What is APD's history with officer misconduct? APD has faced repeated criticism for its handling of internal sexual misconduct cases. A 2021 city audit found 14 complaints of officers abusing authority for sex since 2017, with only two leading to termination. The department's Office of Police Oversight reviewed Hipolito's case and recommended firing, but he had already retired. In response, APD Chief Lisa Davis implemented new policies in 2024 requiring mandatory reporting of superior-subordinate relationships within 72 hours. Violations now trigger automatic investigations. Davis stated in a May 23 press release, "We hold all personnel accountable, past and present." The Hipolito case prompted renewed calls from City Council member Zo Qadri for an independent monitor on internal probes. ### How has the department responded to these charges? APD confirmed Hipolito's retirement status in a statement on May 22, noting he receives no pension benefits pending the criminal case outcome. The department cooperated fully with the sheriff's investigation, providing over 500 pages of internal records. No other officers are under investigation in connection with this incident, APD spokesperson Destanie Sierra said. Labor groups reacted swiftly. The Austin Police Association called the charges "deeply troubling" but urged awaiting trial evidence. "Rank-and-file officers support accountability," union president Tom Vickers told reporters. ### What penalties does Hipolito face? Each sexual assault charge carries a potential sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 under Texas Penal Code §21.011. Official oppression is punishable by up to one year in jail and $4,000 fine. If convicted on all counts, Hipolito could face over 40 years total, though sentences may run concurrently. Hipolito was released on $50,000 bond hours after his arrest on May 22. Conditions include no contact with the victim and surrender of firearms. His attorney, Kent Ellis, said, "Mr. Hipolito maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court." ### What's next in the case? Hipolito's arraignment is set for June 10, 2026, in Travis County District Court before Judge Karin Crump. Pretrial hearings will address evidence motions, with a jury trial tentatively scheduled for September 2026. DA Garza's office will prosecute; the case number is D-1-DC-26-305672. Updates are available on the Travis County court portal. ```