A Texas Highway Patrol trooper was given a five-day suspension after an internal investigation found he used his position to gain access to a jailed woman with whom he had developed a personal relationship. The discipline stems from an August 7, 2025, visit in which Trooper Jose F. Cruz entered the Aransas County Detention Center while on duty and in uniform, ultimately meeting privately with inmate Brandy Cochran in a restricted interview room. Investigators determined the visit was not tied to any active case and instead reflected conduct outside his official responsibilities. 

What began as a routine review of jail phone calls quickly escalated into a multi-layered investigation involving prosecutors, jail staff, and state investigators. The case surfaced when Assistant County Attorney Jacquelyn Johnson noticed something unusual while reviewing recorded calls tied to Cochran’s pending case. Cochran was heard asking family members for the phone number of someone saved in her phone as “cop” or “officer,” while also referencing a visit that did not appear in public visitation records. That detail prompted concern inside the prosecutor’s office and led to a deeper review of jail systems, where officials identified Cruz as the officer involved.

From Traffic Stop to Ongoing Contact

Investigators traced the relationship back to April 15, 2025, when Cruz stopped Cochran for a traffic violation and issued her a citation. According to Cruz’s own statement, the encounter did not end with the stop—Cochran approached his patrol vehicle afterward and asked for his phone number. Cruz admitted he gave it to her because she was “cute,” and the two began communicating shortly afterward.  Over the following weeks, that contact continued through phone calls and in-person meetings, some of which occurred while Cruz was on duty.

Cruz later acknowledged that he met Cochran at her grandmother’s residence on at least two occasions while working and even helped her move belongings during a lunch break. During that period, Cochran disclosed that she was on probation for a felony charge and had ongoing issues with drug use. Despite that knowledge, Cruz continued communicating with her, maintaining what he described as a “friendship.” 

The Jail Visit: “How Are You Allowed to Come Here?”

On August 7, 2025, Cruz contacted the jail and arranged what he described as an interview with Cochran. When he arrived at the detention center, he entered through secured areas, locked his weapon, and was escorted into the jail’s interview room. Surveillance footage shows Cochran entering the room and immediately reacting with surprise, saying, “Oh my goodness, that’s crazy,” before asking, “How are you allowed to come here?” Cruz replied, “Well, I’m here for an interview.” 

What followed was a nearly 26-minute interaction that investigators later described as inconsistent with a formal law enforcement interview. The two laughed, referenced past meetings, and discussed personal matters, including her family and legal situation. At one point, Cochran referenced prior meetings, saying her grandmother lived “where you always come meet me,” prompting her to suddenly cover her mouth and react, “Oh my god.”  Cruz also told her, “You’re supposed to be my CI,” suggesting he wanted her to act as an informant, while she responded, “I will, I want to go home. I’ll do whatever.”

Recorded Calls: “I Love You” and Offers of Help

The investigation expanded significantly after officials reviewed recorded jail phone calls made after the visit. Just hours after leaving the jail, Cochran called Cruz, and the tone of the conversation raised immediate concerns. During that call, Cruz told her she looked “sexy as ever,” informed her he had spoken with her family, and said he would help her with legal matters. Before ending the call, both said, “I love you.” 

Additional calls revealed Cruz discussing paying for her attorney, helping arrange a bond, and communicating with her family on her behalf. In one call, Cochran told her attorney that her “boyfriend” was paying for legal services, while Cruz later admitted he had taken out a $1,000 loan and given the money to her family to assist with expenses.  In other conversations, Cruz’s police radio could be heard in the background, indicating he was on duty while speaking with her. Despite this, the calls continued over multiple days, often ending with expressions of affection.

Courtroom Appearance and Growing Concerns

The situation extended beyond the jail when Cruz appeared in uniform at Cochran’s court hearing later that month. Prosecutors noted that he did not have official business related to her case, and his presence raised additional questions. During the hearing, Cochran was asked under oath whether she was dating a police officer, to which she responded “yeah.”

After the hearing, Cochran told Cruz during a recorded call that their relationship and phone conversations had been brought up in court. Cruz responded by asking what had been said, but the topic quickly shifted. Investigators also confirmed that Cruz had communicated with Cochran’s mother and grandmother and had positioned himself as a source of support during her legal situation.

Cruz’s Explanation: “I Was Doing an Investigation”

During his interview with investigators, Cruz maintained that his intent was to develop information about a suspected drug dealer and potentially open a narcotics case. He said he wanted Cochran to trust him so she could provide useful intelligence, explaining that he was trying to build a case before involving other units. However, he admitted he had not notified supervisors, had not documented his actions, and did not have an active investigation at the time of the jail visit.

Cruz also acknowledged that he misled Cochran about his intentions, telling investigators he “sweet talked” her and expressed feelings to gain her trust. At one point, he admitted denying the jail visit during a recorded call because he knew the conversation was being monitored and “it would look bad.”  Near the end of his interview, Cruz conceded the situation appeared improper, stating, “I guess I didn’t have the right experience to do one,” while also acknowledging the potential consequences of his actions.

Career History and Current Position

Cruz’s law enforcement career spans multiple agencies prior to joining the state. He began with the Winfield Police Department in July 2015, where he served for a short period before moving to the Lone Star Police Department in June 2017. He later worked for the Linden Police Department from June 2018 through April 2022, followed by a brief tenure with the Daingerfield Police Department from May to October 2022. In May 2023, Cruz joined the Texas Department of Public Safety and currently serves as a trooper assigned to the Highway Patrol division.

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