Travis County DA's Office Denies 'Secret Negotiations' in Police Brutality Case

Prosecutors say discussions about potentially indicting the city were part of standard decision-making.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:34pm

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The Travis County District Attorney's Office has responded to allegations that it held secret negotiations that could impact the case against an Austin police officer indicted for use of force during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The DA's office denies any wrongdoing, stating the discussions about potentially indicting the city instead of the officer were part of standard prosecutorial decision-making and did not result in offers of immunity, leniency, or payment to witnesses.

Why it matters

This case has been closely watched as one of the few instances of police officers facing criminal charges for their actions during the 2020 protests. The allegations of secret negotiations could further erode public trust in the legal process if not properly addressed.

The details

Officer Chance Bretches is facing multiple felonies related to his alleged use of force against a medic, leaving her with part of her finger amputated. Bretches' attorneys argue he should not face trial because he was following orders and using department-issued equipment. They claim the DA's office illegally withheld evidence of discussions with a former Austin assistant city manager about potentially indicting the city instead of the individual officer.

  • The 2020 George Floyd protests took place nearly six years ago in downtown Austin.
  • Officer Bretches' case has been set to go to trial seven times but has not yet been heard.
  • The next hearing on the motions is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

The players

Chance Bretches

An Austin police officer facing multiple felonies related to his use of force during the 2020 protests.

Travis County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors handling the case against Officer Bretches, who have denied allegations of improper 'secret negotiations'.

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What they’re saying

“We did nothing wrong. The discussions were part of standard prosecutorial decision-making and did not result in any offers of immunity, leniency, or payment to witnesses.”

— Travis County District Attorney's Office

What’s next

A judge is expected to rule on the motions related to the alleged 'secret negotiations' at the next hearing on May 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This case continues to raise questions about police accountability and transparency in the legal process, with the outcome potentially impacting public trust in the justice system's handling of use-of-force incidents during protests.