“Let me be very clear: I did not tamper with evidence,” Chody said.
The charges stem from a report that video evidence of the death of Amber was destroyed. Ambler, a Black man, died in the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office's custody in March 2019 following a police chase after he neglected to dim his high beams to oncoming traffic.
The incident concluded in Travis County after Ambler crashed his car, and officers used Taser stun guns on Ambler even after he informed deputies he had a heart condition and could not breathe, according to an internal affairs investigation report.
Chody said the charges brought against him were part of a ploy conducted by Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick and Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore to ruin his chances for re-election.
Chody will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot against candidate Mike Gleason.
“DA Shawn Dick is pushing and misleading stories while pursuing false prosecution,” Chody said. “I find it shocking and disgusting that our district attorney uses his office for political agenda.”
Dick, who also held a news conference with Moore on Sept. 28, said he had no influence over the timing of the indictment. Instead, Dick said he began to prosecute the case after learning of the incident in May. After months of bringing the case and 19 witnesses before the grand jury, which he said takes time, the indictment was passed down Sept. 25.
Chody added he has no intention of resigning or taking a leave of absence while the case continues to trial.
“I look forward, look forward to prevailing in the election, be exonerated of these false charges, and continue to protect and serve the people of Williamson County,” Chody said. “I am proud to be the sheriff of Williamson County.”
Chody's attorney, Gerry Morris, said he is ready to fight the charges brought against his client, adding the case is only being brought forward following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis, an incident that set off a series of protests across the country.
"When the heat was on, they had to blame somebody, so Sheriff Cody is a scapegoat; that's what this case is about," Morris said.
In response to the indictment being brought forth by a grand jury and not by Dick or Moore themselves, Morris said the district attorney can control what evidence and witnesses are presented to the grand jury. During the trial, the defense can offer its side.
"The old adage is you can indict a ham sandwich," Morris said. "It's easy to get someone indicted."
The trial against Chody is expected to begin Nov. 30, officials said.
