MCALLEN – A 40-year-old officer is in custody following allegations that he violated the civil rights of a San Juan man.

Authorities took Juan P. Galindo into custody Monday. He is expected to make his initial appearance before a magistrate judge Tuesday.

Galindo is a sergeant with the San Juan Police Department.

The indictment alleges he violated the civil rights of an individual in Dec. 2015 while acting under his authority as a police officer. Galindo allegedly physically assaulted the man while he was in custody.

According to the charges, the victim had been handcuffed and under police control when Galindo hit him in the groin area with his knee.

If convicted, Galindo faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

The officer remains on administrative leave.