Ex-Texas DPS trooper who deployed Taser on woman during traffic stop accepts plea deal

AUSTIN - A former Texas DPS trooper has surrendered his law enforcement license after deploying a Taser on a woman during a Travis County traffic stop.

Former DPS trooper Zachary Maini pleaded no contest after being charged with official oppression in connection to the incident.

Maini was accused of unlawfully deploying his Taser against Clateachia Stewart when she was not threatening resistance on August 28, 2022.

As part of the plea deal, Maini permanently surrendered his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement license. The license was surrendered last month.

Maini must also complete two months of deferred adjudication community supervision.

"Our office will continue to hold powerful actors who engage in criminal conduct accountable," said Travis County District Attorney José Garza in a statement. "We hope this outcome will continue to help the victim with their healing process."

VIDEO: DPS Trooper Deploys Taser on Woman

Stewart used her cell phone to record the incident with Maini.

On August 28, 2022, Stewart was driving to work on I-35 when Maini turned on his lights. Stewart said she took the nearest exit off Manor Road and parked in a lit parking lot.

In the video, you can hear Maini asking Stewart to put her hands behind her back. Stewart is heard asking Maini why she is being arrested.

Maini then deploys his Taser.

Stewart was arrested for resisting arrest and evading arrest. Those charges were later dropped.

DPS suspended Maini in September 2022, saying he acted "unprofessionally" and violated DPS policy during the stop.