A significant incident involving Sgt. Kelly Bender of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) has led to her indefinite suspension and a federal complaint against the department. Bender, who has served for 23 years, was accused of improperly approving timekeeping records for a training event attended by crime scene investigators.
City officials claim that Bender knowingly falsified these documents, which resulted in her suspension. However, her attorney argues that the punishment is not only excessive but also retaliatory in nature.
The controversy began when three crime scene investigators attended a multi-day training seminar in Central Texas last July. While their leave forms indicated they were off-site for training, SAPD’s internal tracking system categorized their time under different terms such as “special assignment” and “substitute employment.” This inconsistency raised concerns about overtime staffing needs and the authorization of the training.
Bender was ultimately suspended for violating rules related to conduct prejudicial to good order. Her attorney, Ben Sifuentes, insists that Bender was merely trying to foster her team’s skills and that similar paperwork methods were previously accepted by other supervisors.
Underlying Complaints Against a Lieutenant
The investigation into Bender’s actions was initiated after complaints about Lieutenant John Zuniga’s behavior surfaced. In mid-May 2025, Bender felt that Zuniga’s demeanor had changed toward her following her allegations against him. In a formal harassment complaint, Bender documented several incidents where female investigators expressed discomfort with Zuniga’s conduct, including instances of him invading personal space and making inappropriate remarks.
Disciplinary Actions and Outcomes
SAPD’s Internal Affairs investigated Zuniga but determined that no disciplinary action was necessary against him. He retired shortly after the investigation concluded. Bender, on the other hand, faced an indefinite suspension that exceeded the disciplinary review board’s recommendation of only a three-day suspension for her actions.
Bender opted to retire on February 4, 2025, the same day she received her suspension. This decision enables her to access pension and retiree health benefits that would be unavailable if she had pursued a civil service appeal. Nonetheless, a federal complaint alleging discrimination and retaliation is still active against SAPD.
The complaint asserts that after Bender accused Zuniga of harassment, he retaliated by removing her from her position as a training supervisor and subsequently transferring her out of the crime scene investigation unit altogether.
Bender’s complaint emphasizes that her experiences created a hostile work environment, and she feels victimized for speaking out against Zuniga’s behavior. The city maintains its stance, stating that it does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation, asserting that the suspension was justified due to the misconduct.
As the investigation continues with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the outcome remains to be seen. This case highlights critical issues about workplace behavior, accountability, and the complexities involved in law enforcement discipline.
