A sheriff’s commander from South Texas has been arrested and charged with drug trafficking offenses. The commander was second in charge at the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department until he was terminated on Dec. 24. He was fired after being federally indicted on drug distribution allegations.
As of Jan. 6, the former sheriff’s commander was still being held in jail on bond of $100,000. He informed the court that he was able to pay a required $5,000 deposit on the bond, but the remainder needed to be left unsecured since he did not have anyone to co-sign nor did he have sufficient assets to secure it himself. The federal judge presiding over the matter denied the request.
In her decision, the judge directed that the former commander would need to find a guarantor capable of putting forward the collateral necessary to get him released. The man’s attorney stated that he himself would co-sign; however, he was not permitted to do so because of conflicts of interest. The attorney said that they were at a stand-still and there was nothing more he could do to get his client released from jail.
The 53-year-old man is the most recent law enforcement officer to be indicted on drug distribution charges. More specifically, he has been charged with money laundering, and he is alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to distribute marijuana. According to federal investigators, the man conspired with a Texas drug ring. The man has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The arrest of this law enforcement officer shows that virtually no one is immune to drug distribution allegations. Nevertheless, everyone is treated equally under the eyes of the law and will have an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges in court. By following standard criminal defense techniques, individuals can achieve surprising results in Texas courtrooms, and sometimes, they can be completely absolved of the charges brought against them. In other instances, a significant reduction in potential punishments may be achieved.
Source: khou.com, Arrested South Texas officer remains in custody, No author, Jan. 6, 2014
