Case Against Former SAPD Officer Ends in Dismissal

AUSTIN, TX—Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) applauds the dismissal of the criminal case against former San Antonio Police Officer and CLEAT member James Brennand. 

In 2022, Officer Brennand was involved in an incident that culminated in the shooting of a suspect, Erik Cantu, during an attempted arrest. In a rush to judgment, Officer Brennand was unjustly terminated by the SAPD only three days after the incident occurred. He was later indicted by the Bexar County District Attorney, who has aggressively and unsuccessfully attacked the law enforcement profession with erroneous indictments and prosecutions. 

CLEAT stood by Officer Brennand, provided him with the best legal defense, and walked alongside him for over four years as he awaited trial. 

This morning, the case against Officer Brennand was dismissed. This came following the denial of a motion for continuance filed by the District Attorney’s Office upon learning that Cantu was under criminal investigation. The State argued the new criminal investigation against Cantu could create issues in the case against the officer. Judge Joel Perez denied the motion.

“This dismissal is yet another example of the alarming trend across several counties involving the weaponization of the grand jury against law enforcement officers trying to do their job and protect the community,” said Robert Leonard, CLEAT Executive Director. “Officer Brennand should have never been charged, and we are grateful he and his family finally have this matter behind them.”

CLEAT remains committed to protecting the rights of Texas law enforcement officers and ensuring they receive fair treatment and due process under the law.

About CLEAT: Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) is the largest statewide law enforcement association in Texas, dedicated to providing legal protection, legislative advocacy, and professional support for law enforcement professionals statewide and consisting of over 28,000 members. With a commitment to protecting the rights of officers and ensuring they have the resources needed to serve their communities effectively, CLEAT stands at the forefront of law enforcement representation. For more information, visit www.cleat.org.

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