Fired San Antonio Police Lieutenant Faces Criminal Indictment Over Altered Discipline Records in Melissa Perez Case

Former SAPD leader accused of tampering with government documents in high-profile shooting investigation

A former San Antonio Police Department lieutenant, once considered one of the senior-most officers on duty, now faces a felony indictment after investigators say he altered key disciplinary records connected to the controversial Melissa Perez shooting case.

Indictment and Charges

Steven Velasquez, 54, turned himself in to authorities late Wednesday. He has been charged with a state jail felony for tampering with a government record, specifically with intent to defraud or cause harm. The charge stems from allegations that he accessed internal files linked to the Perez case and made unauthorized changes to cover his involvement.

Alleged Alteration of Records

Investigators say Velasquez accessed SAPD’s internal affairs computer system shortly after Perez was fatally shot by officers in June 2023. He allegedly removed his own name from the case file, erasing his designation as an “involved employee.”

The inquiry later revealed he also removed the name of another supervisor from the entry, deleted references to their roles, and modified records that affected the involvement of one citizen, nine officers, and administrative staff. The alterations even extended to updates of “snapshot data” tied to six officers.

Failures on the Night of the Shooting

Internal affairs findings show Velasquez abandoned his assigned shift at 10:14 p.m.—more than four hours before it was scheduled to end. Records indicate he failed to respond to the scene of the fatal shooting, despite being the highest-ranking officer assigned to the South Patrol service area that night.

Sgt. Paul Rodriguez, who was also on duty, left his post about 45 minutes early. Records show he was observed changing into civilian clothing and departing in his personal vehicle less than 20 minutes before Perez was killed inside her Southwest Side apartment. Rodriguez was suspended for seven days as a result of the investigation.

Disciplinary Action and Suspension

Velasquez first faced indefinite suspension in late 2023 when it was determined he and Rodriguez had abandoned their posts on the night Perez was killed. He was suspended a second time in May 2024 after investigators concluded he altered the official internal affairs case file.

The records also show that in November 2023, Velasquez received an administrative review directing him to issue a disciplinary decision to an officer under his command. Instead of following protocol, he accessed the entry the following day and made what were described as “unauthorized alterations and modifications.”

Legal Defense

Velasquez’s attorney has strongly denied the allegations, maintaining that his client is innocent of the charges. He stated that while the defense carries no burden of proof, they are confident evidence will ultimately show Velasquez did not commit the offense outlined in the indictment.

Wider Case Context

The Perez case continues to draw public attention. In late 2023, two officers were indicted for murder in connection with Perez’s death, while another officer was indicted on an aggravated assault charge involving a deadly weapon by a public servant.

All three officers are scheduled to face trial in early October.