Six Law Enforcement Officers Charged in Illegal Horse Track Scheme

Crosby, Texas

When investigators raided the Rancho El Herradero Training Center, after learning it was a front for illegal horse racing and gambling, they turned-up more than they bargained for.

The investigation and raid led to the arrest of nine people, including six law enforcement officers. The officers have been charged with racing without a license.

Authorities said they spent 11 months investigating the property and say the track hired off duty cops to provide security; those officers are accused of looking the other way when illegal gambling was going on.

The Harris County District Attorney's office said the officers arrested include Harris County Pct. 1 deputy constables Secar Guadelupe Rangel and Joel Garcia, DPS State Trooper Richard Rene Rivera, reserve Fort Bend County Pct. 2 deputy constables David Green and Edward Scott and reserve Maverick County Sheriff's Office deputy Carlos Garza.

They also arrested three civilians -- Reginaldo Mandujano, Diana Marie Salinas and Consuelo Rivera.

Harris County Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen said he fired the two deputies from his agency the minute they were arrested.

"I don't tolerate crime on the street and I don't tolerate it in my office," said Rosen.

The nine suspects, including the six law enforcement officers, are expected to appear in the 338th state District Court Monday morning.

San Marcos Cop James Palermo Has Anger Issues: Arrested After Abusing and Injuring Girl During Traffic Stop

San Marcos, Texas

There’s a story brewing about a bad cop in San Marcos. His name is James Palermo, a police corporal, arrested for allegedly beating a Texas State University student from the Woodlands.

According to investigators and witnesses, Palermo pushed Alexis Alpha, 22, against a car and slammed her onto a concrete driveway.

"It's personally painful that any officer, much less officers that work under my command would engage in this kind of conduct,” said San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams.

The incident occurred when Alpha walked by a car the officer stopped near downtown San Marcos.

Alpha told KHOU-TV in Houston, “I wasn’t the only one who walked between the cars. Several people walked between them. I was just the one he called out.”

Once Alpha walked by the vehicle, the altercation took place. Witnesses watched as the officer grabbed Alpha by her shoulders, took her four or five steps backwards, and then slammed her on the car. Palermo then threw the girl face-down onto the concrete.

Palermo arrested her for obstruction of justice, resisting arrest and public intoxication, but all of those charges were later dismissed.

Alexis, who also suffered a concussion, has since had three root canals and nearly a dozen visits to the dentist. According to court documents, Alpha lost two teeth, had a concussion and will need several surgeries.

This isn’t the first case of excessive force against Palermo. The chief said two years ago, Palermo was involved in another incident. However, that case was dismissed.

This time though, a supervisor saw dash cam video and initiated an investigation.

Palermo was arrested this week and was charged with aggravated assault by a public servant.

The 40-year-old is now out on bail and is on restricted duty while the investigation is being conducted.

Alexis Alpha before and after meeting bully cop Palermo

Is Rio Grande City Cop Alejandro “Alex” Gutierrez a Sexual Predator?

Alejandro "Alex" Gutierrez

Rio Grande City, Texas

Another Texas lawman is on the other side of the law and accused of being a sexual predator.

Alejandro Gutierrez, an officer at the Rio Grande City Police Department, was arrested by fellow officers and Texas Rangers after a woman reported he sexually assaulted her.

The victim reported to the station on Sunday afternoon and reported that Gutierrez had detained her for an outstanding warrant and forced her to perform oral sex before driving her home, according to Police Chief Dutch Piper.

“We immediately called the Texas Rangers and the DA’s Office so they could do an outside investigation,” Piper said. “We had him at the police department and he was arrested and charged.”

Gutierrez is facing one count of sexual assault, one count of official oppression and one count of civil rights violation of a person in custody. After an arraignment hearing on Monday morning, bond for Gutierrez was set at $35,000.

Texas Body Cavity Search Lawsuit Settled: Trooper Kelly Helleson’s Legal Troubles Remain

Angel and Ashley Dobbs Leave Court

Kelly Helleson

Irving, Texas

Last July, along a highway near Dallas, a vehicle was pulled over with two women inside.

What followed next was a visit by Trooper Kelly Helleson, armed with one rubber glove, ready to give body cavity searches for drugs.

38-year-old Angel Dobbs and her 24-year-old niece, Ashley Dobbs had both their genital areas searched with the same glove on the side of the highway for other vehicles to witness. No drugs were found.

The two ladies filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Public Safety. In the meantime, Trooper Kelly Helleson was fired and indicted on two counts of sexual assault and official oppression.

Trooper David Farrell, who initiated the Irving traffic stop, was charged with theft by a public servant. He remains suspended.

The Dallas Morning News reports the $185,000 settlement was finalized Tuesday. A DPS statement Wednesday says an agreement was reached by all parties and the litigation has been settled.

Austin Police Officer Manuel Garcia Arrested and Fired Over Budget-Friendly Encounter with Prostitute

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Dallas Police Officer Terrance Thomas on Leave Following Drunk-Driving Arrest

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Police Department, like other departments in Texas, is no stranger to busting one of their own for driving drunk. This time around, it is Terrance Thomas.

Thomas was arrested early Saturday in the Kaufman County city of Forney on a driving while intoxicated charge.

Thomas has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation by the Dallas Police Department. Thomas is a 22-year veteran of the force and was assigned to the Northwest patrol division.

The arrest occurred around 1 a.m.

Dallas 911 Operator April Sims Unemployed Following Racist Postings on Facebook

April Sims (Facebook)

Dallas, Texas

A Dallas 911 operator has been fired after posting racist messages against African-Americans on her Facebook page.

The Dallas Police Department announced that April Sims, 23, has been fired for violating its social media policy.

Sims’ racially-motivated comments targeting blacks seemed to have been motivated by her time on the job as a 911 operator, which began in November.

“I’m a very easygoing person and I will give the shirt off my back to help others,” Sims wrote in another message, “but when call after call are black people fighting and screaming and hitting each other and they want to yell at me and treat me like [expletive] when I’m trying to help, is not cool.”

When asked by another Facebook member what she thought Dallas Police Chief David Brown would make of her statements, Sims was defiant.

“I stand by every word I said,” Sims wrote. “And do not apologize.”

The Dallas police policy on social media expressly forbids employees from posting messages on social networking sites that negatively affect morale, confidence and respect for the department.