Harris County sheriff’s chief of staff charged with injury to a child

A senior official at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Jason Spencer, is facing a charge of “injury to a child” following allegations of physically assaulting his 14-year-old son eight months ago.

Spencer, who currently serves as Sheriff Ed Gonzalez’s chief of staff, attended a court hearing on Tuesday and subsequently posted bond, according to his attorney.

As per the HCSO’s website, Spencer is responsible for facilitating the implementation of key priorities and initiatives identified by Gonzalez and the command staff. Additionally, he serves as the agency’s primary intergovernmental liaison and oversees media relations.

According to charging documents, investigators allege that Spencer, 50, slammed his son against a wall, threw a plastic gun case at him as he descended stairs, and then restrained him on the ground by his arms at their Heights-area home on Sept. 15, 2023.

The boy’s mother reported that she took her son to Texas Children’s Hospital after Spencer texted her about the incident, stating that their son was having a meltdown. She mentioned that their younger son witnessed the incident and urged her to come quickly.

Medical records revealed abrasions to the boy’s arms, back, and face, as well as bruises and a small hematoma to the skull. A doctor’s note indicated that the living situation with his father exposed the teen to the risk of permanent physical damage or death, suggesting that his injuries were consistent with abuse and/or neglect.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed confidence in Spencer, stating, “Based on what we know at this time, I have every confidence that the charges will not be sustained.” He emphasized his faith in the investigative and judicial processes.

Spencer’s attorney, Murray Newman, released a statement asserting his client’s innocence, attributing the allegations to an attempt to gain an advantage in a non-criminal family court case. Newman stated that Spencer had fully cooperated with authorities and maintained that he did not break the law.

In response, a spokesperson for Spencer’s ex-wife reiterated confidence in the district attorney’s case, rejecting any attempts at victim-blaming.

Spencer, who joined the sheriff’s office in 2017 as director of public affairs, previously worked in the Houston and Aldine independent school districts. Although he holds a prominent role within the agency serving Harris County, he is not identified as a sworn law enforcement officer.