A former president of the Dallas Police Association has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a police officer in connection with a crash that killed a 25-year-old woman nearly a year ago.
Jaime Castro, a nearly 30-year veteran officer who retired in January, admitted he falsely identified someone else as the driver and claimed neither he nor his companion had consumed alcohol before the March 15, 2025, incident in the 2500 block of West Northwest Highway. Castro had been listed as a passenger at the scene.
Under the plea agreement for the Class B misdemeanor charge, Castro will surrender his peace officer license, complete DWI classes, pay a fine, and serve one year of deferred probation, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office said.
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot issued a statement on March 13, 2026: “This guilty plea is the result of a thorough investigation by my office’s Public Integrity Unit based on the facts available to us. Per DPD policy, it appears the investigation at the scene was incomplete. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office was not present for and took no part in the original investigation.”
Creuzot added that it may never be known whether other crimes were committed because of the incomplete initial probe.
Two responding Dallas police officers — one from the DWI unit and one from the traffic division — were placed on administrative leave. Neither administered an alcohol or drug test at the scene, sources said.
The victim, Atianna Washington, was a young mother whose family described her as a good mom. Her son has been asking for her since the crash, relatives told NBC 5 DFW.
Castro’s defense attorney, John Snider, said in a previous statement to NBC 5, “The loss of a life in this accident was tragic, and deepest condolences go out to the family. Accident investigators received full cooperation during all phases of the investigation.”
Local criminal defense attorney Eric Puente commented on the case, per NBC 5, “I do believe that the message is that no one is above the law. The law applies equally to everyone. They are officers of the court, and so they are supposed to be honest in the investigation of the police department, and failure to do so results in criminal charges.”
Castro was voted out as president of the police association during the investigation. Members elected Sean Pease as the new leader.
A civil lawsuit filed by Washington’s family remains pending.