$2.5M settlement reached over ‘staged’ Williamson County SWAT raid for ‘Live PD’

AUSTIN (KXAN) — During a meeting Tuesday, Williamson County commissioners approved a $2.5 million settlement regarding a May 2019 incident involving the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

Gary Watsky, the plaintiff in the case, sued Williamson County, former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody, former WCSO Lieutenant Mark Luera and former WCSO commander Steve Deaton among other deputies in their official and individual capacities.

The $2.5 million settlement was approved in a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Cynthia Long opposing.

“Today, justice has been served with a $2.5 million settlement reached on behalf of our client, who suffered a significant violation of their civil rights at the hands of Williamson County and Sheriff Robert Chody. This settlement is a critical step toward holding those in power accountable for their actions. While no amount of money can undo the harm our client endured, this resolution sends a strong message that civil rights violations will not be tolerated.

We hope this outcome not only brings some measure of closure to our client but also encourages a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional rights across law enforcement. We remain committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that no one is above the law.”

Watsky’s attorney Brad Vinson

Williamson County didn’t provide a statement on the settlement.

Watsky’s home was raided on May 2, 2019, by the Williamson County Sheriff’s SWAT team related to a no-knock warrant for his son’s arrest.

The lawsuit claimed Watsky’s home was damaged during the raid, and the Live PD episode sent Watsky into a panic attack and humiliated him in front of his neighbors.

According to a previous KXAN investigation, the lawsuit claimed the raid was unnecessary, “staged,” and caused more than $5,000 in damage to the Watsky home.

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