Tyler City Marshal Deputy Accused of Coercing Woman During Traffic Ticket Arrest

Javier Soto, a Tyler, Texas city marshal deputy, was arrested after investigators alleged he coerced a woman into undressing while recording her during what began as an arrest for unpaid traffic tickets. Soto faces charges including official oppression, indecent assault and invasive visual recording.

What Court Documents Allege Happened

According to CBS 19, court documents allege that Soto went to a woman's home regarding unpaid traffic tickets, then ordered her to undress while allegedly recording her, and he touched her inappropriately. Javier Soto was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail on Tuesday with his bonds totaling $250,000.

It's alleged that Soto went to the woman's home while working as a city marshal's deputy and told her that he was there to arrest her for outstanding traffic tickets. He followed her into the home and said he needed to watch her change into clothes "better suited for jail."

READ MORE: Tyler Man Pleads Guilty to New Child Pornography Charge

Investigators Detail Alleged Recording Incident

Investigators allege Soto stood and watched the woman change clothes. The woman had someone else take her child to another house. Soto then escorted the woman to the front of his patrol car. In the documents it also states that Soto told the woman that he felt bad about arresting her.

According to court documents Soto later told the Tyler City Marshal's Office he was not planning to arrest the woman. Soto told investigators he had $200 that he offered toward her outstanding tickets and that he wanted to "hang out" with her.

Investigators allege Soto then escorted the woman back inside, he told her that he would give her $200 for nude photos. The woman told investigators that she felt like she had no choice because she didn't want to go to jail and Soto was a police officer.

Once inside the home, the woman said that Soto kissed her and told her to remove her clothes. She believes that Soto was recording her because of a light on his phone.

It's alleged that Soto then touched the woman inappropriately while continuing to record. Soto then returned to his patrol vehicle, came back with $200 then asked for her phone number and left the home.