José Ángel González: From Anti-Disturbance Squads to Police Leadership and Allegations of Sexual Assault

José Ángel González, known as “Jota” within the Spanish National Police, has experienced a swift trajectory from a relatively unknown figure to a high-ranking official, and now faces serious allegations that have led to his resignation. His career, marked by a background in anti-disturbance units and a reputation for being a “boots on the ground” officer, has been overshadowed by a complaint of sexual assault and questions surrounding appointments made during his tenure.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

González assumed the position of Director Adjunct Operational (DAO) in October 2018, unexpectedly, as he was not initially considered a frontrunner for the role. His appointment was attributed by some to former head of Security for La Moncloa, Segundo Martínez, a retired commissioner.¹ He was presented as a figure who would restore integrity to the police force following controversies involving the “patriotic police” and accusations of fabricating evidence against political adversaries.

Described as a veteran of anti-disturbance units, González was seen as a guarantor of impartiality. Despite lacking significant prior accomplishments, his appointment was supported as a means of improving the public image of the police.¹ Some within the force admitted to not knowing him prior to his appointment, requiring them to search online for information about his background.¹

Controversial Appointments and Past Conduct

During his time as DAO, González oversaw appointments that have come under scrutiny. Antonio José Royo Subías, appointed as the Provincial Commissioner of Lleida, had been previously convicted of sexual harassment against a subordinate in 2003.³ Royo’s prior role involved overseeing the Family and Women’s Unit (UFAM), specializing in gender-based violence.³ Following pressure from unions, Royo was reassigned to the Foreigners Brigade and then the Citizen Security Brigade.³

González too oversaw the appointment of Juan Carlos Hernández, who in 2020 admitted to knowing Alexei Shirokov, a key figure in a Russian mafia investigation.⁴ A photograph exists showing Hernández presenting a “gift” to Shirokov during a celebration of the Police National Patron Saint’s Day.⁴

Investigation and Resignation

González’s career took a dramatic turn with allegations of sexual assault. He resigned as DAO following the admission to process a complaint filed by a subordinate alleging sexual assault, coercion, psychological harm, and misuse of public funds.³ The court has scheduled a hearing for March 17th, where González will be questioned as a defendant.⁴

Prior to the allegations, González had declared in May 2022, while serving as Director Adjunct Operational, that he only learned of the arrival of Brahim Gali, leader of the Polisario Front, at Zaragoza’s airbase on the day of his arrival.¹

González, who arrived in Zaragoza in May 2017, initially prioritized tackling organized crime and terrorism.¹ However, his legacy is now defined by the serious accusations leveled against him and the scrutiny of appointments made during his leadership.