Former Austin Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Excessive Force Charges, Surrenders License

Former Austin Police Department Sergeant Brian Yarger pleaded guilty on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to Assault Causing Bodily Injury and Official Oppression, both Class A misdemeanors. The plea stems from an investigation into his use of excessive force during the arrest of Shaun Johnson on June 2, 2024.

As part of a plea agreement, the State also resolved two subsequent incidents where Yarger allegedly used excessive force against Marcos Cardoza on July 24, 2024, and Fidel Gonzalez, also on July 24, 2024. These cases were incorporated into the sentencing under Texas Penal Code Section 12.45, allowing Yarger to admit guilt for these unadjudicated offenses during his sentencing.

Under the terms of the plea deal, Yarger will complete 12 months of deferred adjudication probation. Crucially, he was required to permanently surrender his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) peace officer license before entering his guilty plea, a surrender that has been accepted by TCOLE. Additionally, he must write letters of apology to each of the victims, undergo an anger management assessment through Travis County Community Supervision, and complete any recommended classes.

“We are grateful to the Austin Police Department for shedding light on these incidents. These cases were investigated by APD’s Special Investigations Unit and subsequently presented to our Civil Rights Unit,” stated Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “Ensuring accountability in law enforcement when laws are violated is essential for rebuilding community trust and maintaining the safety of our community.”

The investigations into Yarger’s actions began on August 16, 2024, when the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit received the matters from APD Internal Affairs. The cases were presented to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office on November 8, 2024, which then conducted its own review and determined that Yarger had violated Texas penal law. Formal charges via Information were filed on June 4, 2025, for all three cases.