Former Bexar County jail guard granted shock probation

A former Bexar County jail guard serving a two-year prison sentence was granted shock probation Friday.

Alfred Casas, 33, was convicted last July on bribery and providing an instrument of escape charges.

In December 2009, Casas tried to smuggle small hacksaw blades into the jail for another inmate. The blades were wrapped in tacos.

In exchange, the inmate’s girlfriend provided Casas with illegal drugs.

His lawyer asked 186th District Court Judge Maria Teresa Herr to grant the shock probation motion.

Referring to lengthy deliberations during Casas’ trial, his lawyer said granting the motion was appropriate.

“It makes someone re-think (that) maybe it was a close call,” Defense Attorney Philip Campa told the judge.

The state opposed the motion to grant shock probation.

“Any time someone helps bring in saw blades to a jail to help violent criminals escape,” prosecutor James Ishimoto said, “the state is going to oppose any type of motion for shock probation.”

Casas will be on probation for four years and must do 250 hours of community service.