A former Bexar County juvenile detention officer was sentenced to 90 days in jail and two years probation Wednesday after a jury convicted him of felony strangulation, court records confirm.

More teens are carrying guns, and the number of them involved in stealing vehicles is skyrocketing, according to the latest data by the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department.

SAN ANTONIO – For the children who qualify for participation in a Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department equine therapy program, it is a unique and often first-time opportunity to work hands-on with horses. The program is called “Children and Horses Always Produce Success” or CHAPS. ”It is a unique and wonderful way to bring about change in the children’s lives,” said Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Jill Mata recently as she watched several children groom and feed horses. The program is available to children who reside at the Krier Juvenile Correctional Facility. ”They have to sort of earn their way into the program and be a good candidate for the program,“ Mata explained.

Norma Martinez, a supervisor in the department’s intake unit, was given the suspension in January and later lost an appeal on it. In August, department officials received complaints that Martinez was violating county policies on time and attendance, favoritism and discrimination. Once these irregularities were uncovered, the practice was immediately put to a halt and the supervisor has received appropriate discipline. Juvenile Probation Department staff has a passion for helping children succeed and that is at the heart of the services we provide to our clients. Martinez has worked for the department since 1988, county records show.