protect and serve always wins no matter what they do;

Refugio County, TX — In March of last year, just days after he was awarded “Officer of the Year,” Refugio police officer Lee Jordan injured a 3-day old infant — with pepper spray. Several weeks later, he was held accountable and charged with official oppression and injury to a child.

Now, a year after he was formally indicted by a grand jury, he’s been found not guilty — despite video evidence of the act.

Assistant District Attorney Tim Poynter, who prosecuted the case, said cases against peace officers are challenging because of the community’s backing of law enforcement. Though the case faltered, he said he didn’t regret taking it to trial because he believed “clear and unjustifiable harm” was done to the infant, Rico Paredes.

“No one is above the law. No one is below the law. Just because (Jordan) was a police officer doesn’t make him above the law. Just because Rico Paredes’ family did not act the way most people would act doesn’t mean Rico is below the law,” he said. “I thought injury was clear. … I’d try it again.”

According to police, Jordan pulled over a family in a car for allegedly speeding on March 12, 2021. That vehicle was driven by Michael Paredes — who had a warrant out for his arrest. The incident was captured on body camera footage — which was never released publicly but was shown in court — showing Jordan speaking with the family before he pepper sprayed them.

As Jordan returns to his vehicle, he radioed in and discovered that the warrant was for unlawful possession of a firearm that stemmed from an interaction he had with Paredes weeks before.

When Jordan comes back to the family he tells Paredes that he is under arrest and Paredes asks if he can make a phone call before being taken to jail. The officer tells him no which reportedly made Paredes verbally angry. In response to the verbal anger, Jordan filled the car with pepper spray — knowing there was a baby inside.

“My baby is in there! My baby is in there,” Paredes yelled as Jordan drags him from the vehicle and is put in handcuffs..........read more.......