Court records confirmed that Harris County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Jason Spencer has been charged with injury to a child.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A senior official with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office now faces a charge of “injury to a child” following allegations he physically assaulted his 14-year-old son eight months ago.

Jason Spencer’s attorney said he attended a court hearing Tuesday and later set bond. He currently serves as Sheriff Ed Gonzalez’s chief of staff.

The HCSO website states that Spencer is responsible for helping to facilitate the successful implementation of key priorities and initiatives identified by Gonzalez and the command staff. He also serves as the principal intergovernmental liaison for the agency and oversees media relations.

In charging documents, Houston police investigators allege that Spencer, 50, slammed his son against the wall, threw a plastic case at his back as he ran down the stairs, then held him on the ground by his arms. while at his home in the Heights area on September 15, 2023.

The teen’s mother told investigators she picked up her son and took him to Texas Children’s Hospital after Spencer initially texted her that their son was collapse. She also said their youngest son witnessed the incident and called her while she was on her way, telling her to “come quickly.”

Investigators said the boy’s medical records showed he had abrasions on his arms, back and face, as well as bruising and a small hematoma on his skull. Additionally, a doctor wrote in the filing that the son’s living situation with his father exposed the teen to “risk of permanent physical harm or death” and indicated that his injuries were consistent with abuse and/or negligence.

ABC13 heard from Gonzalez, who could not speak on the matter but supported his chief of staff with a statement:

“While I am not aware of all of the facts in this case, I have known and worked with Jason for years and, based on what we know at this time, I am confident that the charges will not be not retained. I have confidence in the investigative and judicial processes and will continue to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, Eyewitness News knocked on the door of Spencer’s home but received no response. In a text, he referred ABC13 to his attorney, Murray Newman, who issued a statement on his client’s behalf in light of the allegations:

“It is unfortunate that in some family court cases, one party attempts to use the criminal justice system to gain an advantage in a non-criminal case and that is what we believe has happened here. Jason has cooperated with the investigating authorities completely in this matter and he went to court (Tuesday) morning to answer these accusations. We believe that once these allegations are examined more closely, the facts will show that he. simply did not break the law. He loves his children and will not comment further on the facts of this case.

A spokesperson for Spencer’s ex-wife and mother of his children sent ABC13 the following after reading the attorney’s statement:

“Victim blaming is a cowardly move when the Harris County District Attorney has already spoken out about the charges. We are confident the prosecutor’s case will bring out the truth and bring justice. There will be no further comment from part of this family to protect the children.”

Spencer started with the sheriff’s office in 2017 as director of public affairs and previously worked in the Houston and Aldine independent school districts. Although he helps run an agency serving the state’s most populous county, the sheriff’s office doesn’t say Spencer is a sworn law enforcement officer.

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