Bexar County deputy fired for posing with inmates

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has fired detention deputy Karla Beltran following the discovery of unprofessional social media photos featuring inmates in her custody. Beltran, who began her role on July 1, was dismissed under the department’s probationary rules.

The images show Beltran in uniform posing with detainees behind a glass partition. In the series of photos, she is seen making various gestures, including peace signs, sticking out her tongue, and in one instance, flashing the middle finger to the camera. In several shots, inmates behind the glass are seen mimicking her poses.

Because Beltran was within her first year of service, the sheriff’s office utilized a probationary dismissal, which allows for immediate termination without the right of appeal typically afforded to permanent employees under county civil service regulations. No criminal charges have been announced in connection with the incident.