The Austin Police Department has denied a Freedom of Information Act request seeking bodycam footage from the arrest of Nathalia Amato Santoro, the wife of Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Gordon Ryan, according to social media posts from rival grappler Craig Jones.
Jones revealed the denial in an Instagram story post that showed his frustration with the department’s decision. The Australian grappler had previously announced his intention to obtain the footage following Santoro’s October arrests on multiple charges.
Gordon Ryan’s stolen Dodge Ram TRX was recovered in 2024 with the direct assistance of multiple Texas law enforcement agencies, highlighting his close connections with local and state police. After the truck was taken from his Austin driveway, Ryan activated a “Bat signal” on social media and reached out to his network of police contacts across Hays County, Austin PD, Cedar Park, San Antonio, the Texas DPS, and even federal agencies. Within six hours, officers had located the truck, and it was fully recovered within two days. Ryan credited law enforcement officers for their dedication, noting that no civilian tips contributed meaningfully to the recovery and that the officers declined his $5,000 reward. The episode underscores a reciprocal relationship: Ryan supports local police and military through donations, and in turn, his police connections mobilized swiftly to protect his property.
The denial comes amid heightened interest in the case within the grappling community. Santoro faces charges stemming from two separate incidents in October, including evading detention using a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony, after a high-speed chase that exceeded 120 mph, as well as weapons-related charges and reckless driving from a subsequent crash.
While Texas law generally provides for public access to certain police records, bodycam footage requests can be denied for various reasons including ongoing investigations, privacy concerns, or if the release could interfere with prosecution. The Austin Police Department has not publicly commented on the specific grounds for denying Jones’s request.
Jones’s post suggested he was prepared to pay for the footage, displaying dollar sign emojis alongside the announcement of the denial. His caption read:
“BOUNTY IS ON THE LINE FOR WHOEVER CAN GET THE BOYCAM FOOTAGE OF GORDON’S WIVES ARREST VIDEO. AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT DECLINED ME.”
The rivalry between Jones and Ryan has intensified in recent weeks, with Jones seizing on Santoro’s legal troubles to launch a series of social media attacks on his longtime rival. Ryan has remained silent on both his wife’s arrests and Jones’s commentary.
Santoro is scheduled for pretrial appearances on December 15 in Travis County Court at Law. The evading charge carries potential prison time if prosecuted to conviction. Court records show she posted $3,000 bond for each case and faces restrictions on operating vehicles without valid licenses and insurance.
