HOUSTON, TX – A Houston police sergeant has been relieved of duty following allegations of assaulting a woman while out on bond in a family violence case. The officer, Michael Saldivar, is at the center of a legal storm as he faces accusations of violating bond conditions by attacking the same woman involved in his initial arrest.
Earlier this year, Saldivar was arrested and charged with aggravated assault against a family member. The charges stem from an incident where he allegedly visited the victim’s home armed with a gun, threatening both her life and his own. After his arrest, Saldivar was released on bond in April, with strict instructions to avoid any contact with the victim.
However, recent developments have landed Saldivar back in custody. Authorities claim he violated his bond conditions by returning to the victim’s residence and engaging in a physical altercation while intoxicated. He now faces a class A misdemeanor charge for this alleged violation of the protective order.
Despite the charges, Saldivar maintains his status as innocent until proven guilty. Efforts to reach his defense attorney, Jerome Godnick, for comment were unsuccessful. Attempts to contact Saldivar directly also yielded no response.
The Houston Police Department has confirmed Saldivar’s suspension from his duties, where he was assigned to the property room. The department is conducting an internal investigation as the legal proceedings unfold.
This case underscores the complexities and challenges within the legal system when handling cases of domestic violence and the enforcement of protective orders. The community awaits further developments as the investigation continues.
As the situation evolves, questions remain about the efficacy of bond conditions in preventing further incidents of violence. The legal community and public alike will be watching closely as this case progresses through the courts.