AUSTIN — A woman has sued the city of Giddings and a former police officer in federal court, alleging the officer offered leniency on a traffic ticket in exchange for sexual favors during a September 2024 traffic stop.
The woman, who was 22 at the time, filed the lawsuit Aug. 27 in the U.S. District Court in Austin against former Giddings police officer Cory James Williams.
According to the lawsuit, Williams stopped the woman in the early morning hours of Sept. 20, 2024, and told her that the circumstances could warrant her arrest. He then allegedly asked her to give him a reason not to take her to jail.
The lawsuit alleges Williams turned off his body-worn and dashboard cameras before making sexually suggestive comments and asking whether she would do something in exchange for leniency. Williams also allegedly told her she was “pretty” and referred to what he would have asked her to do if he remained in the military.
The woman refused, according to the lawsuit. Williams then issued her citations for speeding, failure to maintain financial responsibility and driving without a license before allowing her to leave.
She reported the encounter to authorities later that day, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that a subsequent city investigation found Williams had turned off his cameras during nine traffic stops. His attorneys also allege that he made sexually suggestive comments to young female drivers during at least three of those stops, including the plaintiff’s traffic stop.
The woman’s lawsuit accuses the Giddings Police Department of failing to properly supervise Williams and of failing to detect or stop his conduct.
The city of Giddings declined to comment on the lawsuit Monday.
Williams later surrendered his peace officer’s license, according to the lawsuit. Lee County District Court Clerk’s Office records show prosecutors charged him with official oppression after reducing a criminal case from a third-degree felony tampering charge.
KXAN also contacted Williams’ former defense attorney for comment.
Federal court records show the court issued summonses to Williams and the city on Aug. 28. The defendants must respond or request an extension within 21 business days after receiving the summonses.
The lawsuit seeks relief from the defendants over the alleged conduct and the city’s handling of Williams’ actions.