Command Staff

Elected in November 2016, Sally Hernandez is currently serving her first term as Sheriff of Travis County, TX; a jurisdiction that encompasses 11,000 square miles, including the state’s capital, and whose current population of 1.2 million is growing at one of the fastest rates in the nation. Uniquely qualified for such a challenging leadership role, Hernandez has worked in law enforcement for nearly 35 years, 30 of which have been in Travis County.

Hernandez began her career in law enforcement in 1981 in Llano, TX as a Night Dispatcher. In 1988, she moved to Austin, TX and served as a Deputy with the Travis County Constable Precinct 3 Office. In 1992, she was hired as a Sergeant Investigator for the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. In 2005, Hernandez advanced to Chief of Investigations and over the next 8 years, she built strong trial teams composed of investigators, prosecutors and victim counselors who sought justice for victims and fervently worked to keep Travis County safe.

In 2012, Hernandez was elected Travis County Constable Precinct 3 and took office in January, 2013. She held the distinction of being 1 of only 25 women to hold such a position out of a total of 750 in the state. During her tenure as Constable, her office was recognized by a number of law enforcement municipalities in her jurisdiction for outstanding service and partnership.

Hernandez took office January 1, 2017. Currently, she holds an even greater distinction as 1 of only 6 women who currently serve as Sheriff in the state. She has wasted no time making an impact. Hernandez’s no-nonsense policy on immigration shed light on the issue of ICE Detainer Requests being civil in nature and are lacking in probable cause; it launched a national debate that rumbles on in the court system today. Passionate about the plight of mentally ill persons, she has begun working to alleviate the unfortunate trend in county jails of inmates incarcerated as a result of crimes committed solely due to the fact that they suffer from mental illness. Hernandez is also in the early stages of a new initiative designed to keep kids in school and out of jail.

A worker by nature, Hernandez prefers the demand of day-to-day leadership challenges over the political spotlight. Despite that humility, she continues to be in high demand by media outlets. Her efforts have earned her the 2017 Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund’s Distinguished Excellence in Government Service Award, the Respect for Law Award from the Greater Southwest Optimist Club of Austin, the Community Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Austin and Investigator of the Year from the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association to name a few. She is also a member of many prestigious law enforcement associations including the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, Capital Area Law Enforcement Executive Association, Texas Jail Association, Fraternal Order of Police and FBI-LEEDA.

Anthony Johnson was born in Texas and raised in a military family. His father's last duty station was at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. After high school, Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army; he served three years in the nuclear warfare unit as a Sergeant. Upon completion of his military service, Johnson moved to Austin, Texas to pursue his career in law enforcement; he began his career in 1980 with the Austin Police Department (APD). During his 24 year tenure, he worked in the following units: Uniformed Patrol, Organized Crime, Hispanic Crime, Gang, Street Response, Air Unit and SRT Unit. Johnson received over 250 awards and commendations while at APD.

In 2004, Johnson worked as contract security for the U.S. government. From 2005 - 2012, he worked as a Criminal Investigator for the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, assigned to the 331st District Court. In 2013, Johnson was appointed Chief Deputy of Travis County Constable Precinct 3, where he served the community and courts in many of the key administrative and operational roles.

In January 2017, he was appointed Chief Deputy for the Travis County Sheriff Office by Sheriff Sally Hernandez. With 37 years of experience in law enforcement, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge to his position as Chief Deputy.

It is with great passion that he has spent his life serving his country and the citizens of Austin/Travis County. Johnson is very active in the community and is committed to building relationships between law enforcement and those we serve to improve safety and quality of life for all.

Johnson is the proud recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award (2014), the Professional Criminal Investigator Award (2010), the Travis County District Attorney’s Office Investigator of the Year (2008 and 2006) and a Life Saving Award (1990). He is a member of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, FBI-LEEDA, the Austin Police Association, the Austin Police Retired Officer Association, CLEAT, AFSCME, the Texas District & County Attorney’s Association, the Justice of the Peace & Constable Association and the Capital Area Law Enforcement Executive Association, the Texas Jail Association and the Texas Chief Deputies Association.

Wes Priddy joined the Travis County Sheriff's Office in 1985 as a corrections officer assigned to the "old jail" atop the historic Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse. After working numerous assignments, he was promoted to sergeant in 1990. In 1993, he promoted to lieutenant and was privileged to serve at Complex Security, Central Booking, Professional Services, the Health Services Building and Courthouse Security. Priddy's knowledge and expertise were acknowledged in 2000 when he was appointed the agency’s director of the Training Academy; he served in this capacity until 2004. Priddy was promoted to captain in 2009 assigned to the Travis County Correctional Complex. He promoted to Major of the Corrections Bureau in 2014 where he served until January 2018. After a brief retirement, he was appointed by Sheriff Sally Hernandez to serve as the Major of Administration & Support in September 2018.

Xavier Montalvo has been a licensed Peace Officer in Travis County for 25 years, having worked for 6 elected officials in 5 county offices. In 1992, he began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Deputy for Travis County Constable Precinct 5. After becoming a full-time employee, Montalvo promoted to Senior Deputy where he worked in Family Violence and Civil Process, along with Adult and Juvenile Warrants.

In 2000, he went to work for the Travis County District Attorney’s Office as a Sergeant Investigator where he handled investigations for the 299th and the 147th felony courts. As an investigator, Montalvo worked with numerous prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in preparing cases for trail; including aggravated assaults, family violence, robbery, murder, and capital murder.

After almost 9 years, Montalvo left to pursue work for the Travis County Attorney’s Office as the Chief Investigator. He oversaw the day-to-day operations including budgeting for the investigators’ section, supervision of the investigators, and worked family violence cases in County Court 4.

In 2013, Montalvo became the Lieutenant at Travis County Constable Precinct 3. He oversaw the daily operations, worked with the office manager regarding the budget in order to acquire the necessary equipment needed by the staff, and supervised a sergeant, 3 corporals, and numerous deputies.

Montalvo joined the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in 2017, appointed by Sheriff Sally Hernandez as Captain in the Administration & Support Bureau.

He holds Master Peace Officer and Instructor certifications with TCOLE and is a state board member of the Texas District & County Attorney’s Association (TDCAA). Over his career, Montalvo has received multiple awards for his outstanding and dedicated service including, but not limited to, TDCAA Investigator Award, Travis County Constable Precinct 3 Command Service Award, Travis County District Attorney’s Investigator of the Year and Travis County Constable Precinct 5 Deputy of the Year.

Juan Sandoval was born and raised in Dallas, TX. After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; he served four years in the Infantry as a Weapons Platoon Sergeant. Upon completion of his service to the Marine Corps, Sandoval moved to San Antonio, TX to pursue a higher education. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Sandoval moved to Austin, TX in 2003 and began his career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2004. He has worked in various areas of the Sheriff’s Office as a Field-Training Officer, Honor Guard member, Training Coordinator and an Adjunct Instructor for the Training Academy with a focus on leadership training. During his employment, Sandoval was able to continue his higher education and graduated in 2009 from Texas State University with a Masters of Public Administration degree.

In 2010, he promoted to Sergeant and spent most of his time at this rank assigned to the Corrections Tactical Unit. In 2014, Sandoval promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and in the following year, he was appointed to the rank of Captain assigned to the Administration and Support Bureau. Sheriff Sally Hernandez reappointed Sandoval to continue to serve in the same capacity under her administration.

Nelda “Sally” Peña was born in the small, southern town of Falfurrias, TX. In 1985, she moved to Austin, TX to continue her education at Austin Community College.

Peña began her 26 year career in Corrections with the Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) in July 1991 as a Corrections Officer. She has worked in a variety of assignments including the Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Central Booking Facility (CBF), Buildings 3, 5-9 and the downtown Travis County Jail (TCJ).

In 1997, Peña briefly left the Sheriff’s Office to join the Austin Police Department (APD). She quickly realized that the Sheriff’s Office was where her heart was, and in 1998, she rejoined the TCSO family. In 2005, Peña promoted to Sergeant where she worked in Buildings 3, 5-9 and the CBF. She worked closely with the chain-of-command and her staff to fulfill the TCSO Mission, Vision and Values as well as provided continual guidance to all staff.

Peña was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2010; she was assigned to TCJ and tasked with the duty of changing the culture and revitalizing the staff and the building, along with updating technology. A year, later she was transferred to CBF to accomplish the same goal.

In 2014, she promoted to Captain within the Corrections Bureau. For three years, Peña oversaw operations in Building 12 at the Travis County Correctional Complex. In January 2017, Sheriff Sally Hernandez reappointed Peña to serve as Captain; she had command over TCJ, CBF, Records and Classification and the Corrections Security Threat Unit.

On February 1, 2018, Sheriff Hernandez appointed Peña as Major of the Corrections Bureau. The distinct honor makes Peña the first female Jail Administrator in Travis County history.

Peña is a Graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy and the APD’s Westpoint Leadership Academy. Peña holds TCOLE Master Peace Officer and Master Jailer Certifications and is a FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award Recipient.

Jonathan Ede was born in Monterey, CA and raised in Nigeria, West Africa. He has proudly served the citizens of Travis County for over 11 years, beginning as an Adult Probation Officer for the Travis County Community Supervision and Correction Department.

Ede began his career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in 2007. He has worked a variety of assignments which include: Maximum Security, Building 12 Transition Team, Building 12 Facility, Complex Security/Corrections Tactical Team, and the downtown Travis County Jail (TCJ).

Ede was instrumental in the transition of staff into Building 12 which is the Sheriff’s Office newest, largest and technologically advanced facility with 1,336 bed capacity and over 257,000 square feet. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the Training Academy. In January 2017, Sheriff Sally Hernandez appointed Ede to Captain in the Corrections Bureau. He currently has command over the Central Booking Facility, Correctional Tactical Team (CTAC), and the downtown TCJ.

He received a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, maintaining a 4.0 throughout the entire program. Ede holds both a Master Jailer and Master Peace Officer License. He is a graduate of several leadership schools. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Ede has received several awards and accolades including, but not limited to, the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy, TCSLEA Supervisor of the Year, and the American Jail Association’s Corrections Officer of the Year.

Michael Gottner began his career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in the spring of 1991. During his career, he has held the ranks of Officer, Senior Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major of the Administration & Support Bureau.

Gottner is currently a Captain in the Corrections Bureau with command over Buildings 1, 11 and 12. As such, he has a span of control that includes over 300 sworn personnel who
can supervise a combined capacity of over 1,900 inmates of all custody levels.

He has been graciously afforded numerous training opportunities throughout his lengthy career; most noteworthy is graduating from the FBI National Academy Session 255 and Texas FBI-NAA Command College. Gottner is credentialed as a Certified Jail Manager through the American Jail Association. He holds a Master Jailers License and is a licensed Peace Officer and Mental Health Officer. In 2012, he received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.

Gottner is the also the founder and captain of the Dragon Boat Deputies; a diverse group of employees committed to helping break down cross-cultural barriers within our community by sponsoring and participating in the Asian American Cultural Partnership's Annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Maria Velasquez is the oldest of seven children and spent her early years traveling both around the country and overseas while her father served in the U.S. Army. In 2000, Velasquez left the childcare industry and joined the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, eventually becoming a member of their Special Emergency Response Team. After gaining a solid foundation in Corrections, she began her career in 2001 with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.

Since 2008, Velasquez has been a supervisor over multiple sections including inmate housing units, the Hospital/Visitation Unit, and the Corrections Tactical Unit. She went on to serve as Director over the Corrections Field Training Program and is currently the Co-Coordinator for the TC LEADS Program.

Velasquez holds a Master Jailer License and is a TCOLE certified instructor who teaches a variety of topics including Cultural Diversity, Ethics, Leadership and Supervision. She is a member of both The Texas Jail Association and the American Jail Association as well as a member of FBI-LEEDA. In 2010, Velasquez became a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.

On February 1, 2018, Velasquez was appointed by Sheriff Sally Hernandez to the rank of Captain assigned to the Corrections Bureau; she has command over Buildings 2, 3, 5-9. CCB, the Health Services Building, Records, Classifications, Property and the Corrections Security Threat Unit.

Craig Smith was born and raised in Austin, TX. He began his career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in 1993. He worked almost one year in the Corrections Bureau prior to transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau, as a patrol deputy sheriff and a field-training officer.

In 1998, Smith moved to the Narcotics Unit where he worked as an Undercover Narcotics Investigator, later attending the Drug Enforcement Agency Academy in Quantico, VA to become a certified methamphetamine laboratory expert. In 2001, he moved to the SWAT Team and attended training in Tactical Leadership presented by United States Army DELTA, and quickly became a team leader. Smith moved to the Training Academy in 2005 as an Instructor in firearms, defensive tactics, narcotics, arrest search and seizure and search warrants. He promoted to Detective in 2006 and worked in the Major Crimes Unit; his duties included the investigation of homicides, suicides and sexual assaults.

In 2010, Smith promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to a patrol shift as well as command over the Special Response Team. In 2014, he promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, assigned to the East Command Special Operations Division; he oversaw the K-9 Unit, DWI Unit, Estray Livestock Unit, Auto Theft Task Force, East Criminal Investigations and the Special Response Team. Smith promoted to Captain in 2015 and oversaw the East Command; which entailed daily operations of the East Patrol Division, Investigations Division and Special Operations. In 2017, he became the Captain of the Central Command, overseeing Homicide, Sex Crimes, Intelligence, SWAT, VICE, Dispatch, Evidence, Crime Lab and Technology.

On March 1, 2019 Sheriff Hernandez appointed Smith as Major of the Law Enforcement Bureau.

Smith is a graduate of the first TC-LEADS Class and has attended the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy. He holds a TCOLE Master Peace Officer License, Instructor License, Firearms Instructor License and Special Investigator License. He is also a graduate of the Department of Public Safety’s Advanced Physical Fitness and Readiness Institute.

William Poole joined the Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) in 1993, after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. He started as a Corrections Officer and in 1995, transferred to the Law Enforcement Bureau. As a Deputy and Detective he worked in multiple assignments to include Patrol, Narcotics and Major Crimes.

In 2007, Poole promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the patrol division. A year later, he moved to the Training Academy under the Administration and Support Bureau. In 2010, Poole was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and remained over our Training Academy, serving as the Director of Training. In 2014, he was transferred to the Law Enforcement Bureau Central Command and supervised the following units; Major Crimes, Child Abuse, Family Violence, Financial Crimes, Crisis Intervention Team, Sex Offender Registration and Computer Forensics.

In 2014, Poole was appointed to the rank of Captain by Sheriff Greg Hamilton and supervised the Law Enforcement Bureau East Command. In 2015, he was appointed to the rank of Major and supervised the day-to-day operations of the Law Enforcement Bureau. In 2017, as Sheriff Sally Hernandez transitioned into office, Poole returned to the rank of Lieutenant and briefly supervised the Sheriff’s Combined Auto Theft Task Force and then East Evening shift patrol. In November of 2017, Sheriff Hernandez re-appointed him to Captain over the Law Enforcement Bureau’s East Command.

In Poole’s 25 years of service he has received multiple agency awards and community acknowledgements for exemplary service. He has always been driven to support and volunteer for initiatives or projects that elevate the level of service our agency provides the community.

Poole holds a TCOLE Master Peace Officer License, Instructor Certification, Firearms Instructor Certification, Special Investigator Certification and Mental Health Certification. He has attended many leadership courses to include the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy as well as the 248th Session of the FBI National Academy.

Tom Szimanski was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. In 1994, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology with a minor in Sociology from Florida Southern. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and played in their minor league system for three years. Playing baseball professionally enhanced his sense of teamwork and allowed him to further develop leadership skills.

After his baseball career, Szimanski worked in the private sector while pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. That pursuit brought him to Austin, TX in 2000 where he began his exemplary career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. He started in the Corrections Bureau and was assigned to Building 1 of the Travis County Correctional Complex. While working in Corrections, he obtained his Peace Officer license from CAPCOG, graduating Salutatorian.

Szimanski transferred to the Law Enforcement Bureau in 2001 and began patrol soon thereafter. Upon completing the Field Training Program, he was assigned to West Command where he worked evening and night patrol. In 2004, he transferred to Fugitive Warrants/SWAT. While in SWAT, Szimanski participated in nearly 150 tactical operations and received extensive training in mission planning, explosive breaching, use of force, firearms, and negotiations, to name a few.

In 2009, Szimanski promoted to Detective and was assigned to Persons/Property Crime. In 2010, he transferred to Major Crimes where he investigated homicides, robberies, suicides, and sexual assaults. In 2012, he promoted to Sergeant and worked as a Patrol Supervisor. Szimanski promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 where he supervised various units to include Special Operations, SWAT/VICE, Patrol, and Criminal Investigations.

On April 10, 2019 Sheriff Hernandez appointed Szimanski to the rank of Captain in the Law Enforcement Bureau where he currently serves at Central Command. Szimanksi holds a Master Peace Officer License, TCOLE Instructor Proficiency and Firearms Instructor Proficiency.

In 1994, Willie Taylor began his career with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office as a Security Coordinator at the Travis County Jail. He then promoted to Corrections Officer and served at the Travis County Jail and Central Booking facilities for 4 years before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau as a Patrol Deputy. Taylor was then promoted to Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division where, after working persons and property crimes, he eventually specialized in financial crimes. He then promoted to Sergeant where he served as a first-line patrol supervisor and dispatch facility security supervisor for a total of 8 years. In September of 2016, Taylor promoted to Lieutenant and supervised 4 sergeants and 29 patrol deputies in the eastern portion of Travis County. In 2018, Sheriff Sally Hernandez appointed him to the rank of Captain in the Law Enforcement Bureau where he currently serves the western portion of Travis County.

Taylor has received several professional commendations: Travis County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Association’s Detective of the Year award in 2005; the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Association (FBI-LEEDA) Trilogy Award for successfully completing the Supervisor Leadership Institute, the Command Leadership Institute and the Executive Leadership Institute. He is also an honors graduate of the Travis County Leadership Education Achieving Developmental Success (LEADS) leadership program. Taylor currently holds an Associates of Applied Sciences Degree in Criminal Justice with about 24 years of law enforcement field experience.