FORT WORTH, TX - (1080 KRLD) A former Keller officer who resigned last year over his role in a controversial arrest pled guilty to official oppression Thursday.
In August of 2020 then-Sergeant Blake Shimanek pepper-sprayed and arrested a man who filmed his adult son's arrest during a traffic stop. He was demoted, then resigned, and now with this guilty plea -- he has to forfeit his peace officers license which means he's barred from working in law enforcement in Texas.
Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson reacted to the plea in a press release.
"Our top priority is to make sure that he never works in law enforcement in Texas again," she said.
"That has been accomplished. We also consulted with the victim and he agreed to this plea."
As part of the plea, Shimanek was admitted to the Public Safety Employee Treatment Court, a diversion program run by Judge Charles Vanover, who presides over County Criminal Court 8. The program can last from nine months to two years.
If Shimanek completes the program the judge will dismiss the case.
If he fails, he will be sentenced and faces up to a year in jail as well as a $4,000 fine.
The victim's family settled a civil rights claim with the city for $200 thousand dollars.
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