safety
Records: SAPD fired sergeant for timekeeping issues after voicing concerns about lieutenant’s behavior
By Dillon Collier, Joshua Saunders at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 7, 2026
· 5 min read
A veteran San Antonio Police Department sergeant was fired for submitting inaccurate employee time forms after she reported concerns about a lieutenant’s conduct toward female employees, internal records obtained by KSAT Investigates show. The sequence of events that culminated with the February ...
Key takeaway Kelly Bender is now at the center of a federal retaliation complaint.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The firing of Sgt. Kelly Bender raises questions about the San Antonio Police Department's handling of internal complaints and potential retaliation against employees who speak out. Bender's case is particularly concerning given her 23 years of service and the fact that she was fired after reporting concerns about a lieutenant's behavior toward female employees. The city's decision to indefinitely suspend Bender over timekeeping issues, which her attorney argues was a common practice, suggests a disproportionate response. This case may have implications for how the city handles similar situations in the future, and it will be worth watching to see how the federal retaliation complaint plays out. The outcome could have significant consequences for the SAPD's internal culture and its ability to address workplace concerns without fear of reprisal. Terrell Hills residents, who rely on the SAPD for public safety, should be paying close attention to this case and its potential impact on the department's accountability and transparency.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A veteran San Antonio Police Department sergeant was fired for submitting inaccurate employee time forms after she reported concerns about a lieutenant’s conduct toward female employees, internal records obtained by KSAT Investigates show. The sequence of events that culminated with the February ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dillon Collier, Joshua Saunders at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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