FOX 7 Austin photojournalist faces misdemeanor charges after felony charges dropped

Washington, D.C., May 1, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by reports that FOX 7 Austin photojournalist Carlos Sanchez is again facing charges in connection with his work, and calls on Texas authorities to drop all charges against him and allow journalists to do their work without fear of arrest.

“We are gravely concerned that the Texas Department of Public Safety has persisted in pressing charges against FOX 7 Austin photojournalist Carlos Sanchez in retaliation for his reporting on pro-Palestinian campus protests. All charges against him must be dropped immediately,” said CPJ U.S., Canada and Caribbean Program Coordinator Katherine Jacobsen. “Sanchez never should have been arrested and this revolving door of charges is especially egregious in a country that guarantees press freedom.” 

On April 24, FOX 7 Austin photojournalist Sanchez was on assignment covering a student protest at the University of Texas’ Austin campus when he was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing by the Department of Public Safety. The Travis County attorney’s office dismissed the charges the next day, according to a FOX 7 report and multiple sources. On April 26, Sanchez was charged with the felony assault of a peace officer. Those charges were dismissed on Tuesday, April 30, and two new misdemeanor charges were also filed against Sanchez on that day.

A Class B misdemeanor charge of impeding a public servant is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000; a class C misdemeanor assault charge carries a penalty of a fine up to $500. 

CPJ’s email to the Texas Department of Public Safety did not receive an immediate response.