An man formerly employed as an officer with the Arcola Police Department has been charged with the sexual assault of two women.

According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, Hector Aaron Ruiz, 25,  is charged with two counts of depriving two separate victims of their right to bodily integrity. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Authorities believe that there may be more victims and are asking those who may have been a victim, or have information about other victims to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.

Ruiz also faces charges of two counts of carrying and using a firearm in a crime of violence, as well as falsifying dashboard camera and body microphone recordings with the intent to obstruct the federal investigation.

A report from the Houston Chronicle states that Ruiz sexually assaulted one woman after giving the woman and and her 8-year-old son a ride home after her husband was arrested for drunk driving. Ruiz was working as a translator for the couple, and once he arrived at the woman's residence he asked to enter to her home and use the restroom. Ruiz then asked to speak with the woman privately in her bedroom and assaulted her under the threat of deportation.

Ruiz reportedly used similar intimidation tactics on another woman during a traffic stop. Investigators say Ruiz instructed the woman to follow him to a remote location, and used his position to coerce the woman into performing a sexual act. The woman reported Ruiz to the Manvel police the same day.

The FBI and Texas Rangers are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharad S. Khandelwal and Sebastian Edwards are prosecuting the case. If Ruiz is convicted, he faces life in prison.

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