Ex-Austin police commander accused of coercive sexual relationship

Former Austin Police Department Commander Wade Lyons has been indicted on charges of sexual assault and official oppression. The charges stem from allegations involving a civilian city employee while Lyons oversaw the department’s training academy. A Travis County grand jury returned the indictment against Lyons on May 5, charging him with sexual assault, a second-degree felony, and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. Prosecutors allege that Lyons engaged in a "coercive sexual relationship" with the alleged victim between December 2022 and October 2023. Lyons' criminal defense attorneys have denied the allegations, stating that their client "is not guilty of any crime". Lyons filed civil lawsuits against the woman's husband and the city of Austin in 2024, alleging sexual harassment by the woman. The indictment marks the latest high-profile criminal case involving an Austin police official brought by Travis County District Attorney José Garza. A second-degree felony sexual assault conviction is punishable by two to 20 years in prison under Texas law.