Lamesa Cop Robert Gonzales Arrested For Tampering With and Fabricating Evidence

Lamesa Police Officer Robert Gonzales

Lamesa, Texas

Here’s one that really makes no sense at all. Our douche bag cop of the week award goes to Lamesa police officer Robert Gonzales, who was arrested and charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence.

Back in October, According to a Texas Ranger's affidavit, Gonzales told police that his motorcycle had been vandalized.

According to the statement the motorcycle had been dragged away, damaged with a sharp tool, and doused with lighter fluid in an attempt to set it on fire.

The affidavit states later that day, Gonzales gave a detective a threatening note written on a paper napkin which Gonzales claims he found in the bike's coolant reservoir.

Lamesa Police Chief Richard Garcia said other investigators soon got involved.

“As a result of the investigation and some things we were running across, we contacted the Texas rangers to assist us,” Gonzales said. “Basically what they did, when they arrive, they take over the investigation.”
During an interview with the Texas Rangers, Gonzales confessed that he made the note to either redirect the focus in the investigation or to solicit more attention to the case.

Garcia said Officer Gonzales has been with his department for 14 or 15 months.

He is currently on administrative leave, pending the outcome.

League City Police Chief Michael Jez Gets The Boot From City Council

Michael Jez

League City, Texas

There is a job vacancy in League City – the job of police chief.

The City Council met behind closed doors on Tuesday and unanimously voted to fire Michael Jez, who has been at the job for four years. The reason or reasons for the termination have not been disclosed.

Some speculate it could involve recent allegations that Jez was enforcing an illegal ticket quota for patrol officers.

The city manager and city attorney are working to clarify the terms of the termination, which will be brought back to City Council at a future meeting.

Jez sent a memo to the police department Wednesday morning to notify officers of his departure. He denied that a ticket quota existed and he never said why he is leaving.

Lover's Quarrel Between Two Houston Police Officers Ends With Taser Gun and Arrest

HPD Officer Veronica Salmeron

Houston, Texas

The Houston Police Department has suspended one of its own, following a lover’s spat between two officers.

Houston Police Officer Veronica Salmeron was arrested over the weekend after she allegedly showed up to her ex-boyfriend's house (also an HPD officer) and vandalized his home and car.

The 25-year-old officer has bonded out of jail, but is not commenting at the moment.

Court papers filed Saturday outline the day Salmeron and a girlfriend allegedly showed up to Officer Sergio Garza's house and started trashing it.

Salmeron originally went to Garza’s home to confront him, but upon arrival, things begin to heat-up. The officer allegedly started smashing car windows with a lawn chair and then moved on to home windows.

At one point, Salmeron somehow managed to enter the home where she locked herself inside of a bathroom, sources said. Garza then tasered the woman and called 911.

Garza has not been charged. As for Salmeron, police confirmed that the second-year officer has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation. Sources say Salmeron may have been drinking beforehand.

Salmeron and her friend, Rosa Posada, who was also arrested, are both expected in court on Nov. 11.

Controversy for Galena Park Police: Sex, Lies and Audiotape?

Provocative Pictures Cause Controversy for Area Police Force: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Houston, Texas

The Galena Park Police Department has about 20 officers. A storm is brewing, bringing forth allegations of discrimination, intimate relationships in the workplace, harassment, intimidation, lewd photos and audio recordings.

Harris County District Attorney's Office Defending Itself In Court Today In Connection To DWI Bat Vans

Houston, Texas

In the ongoing investigation of the City of Houston and HPD’s controversial DWI BAT vans, four members of the Harris County District Attorney's office will be in court today. Instead of their usual duties prosecuting cases, they will be explaining what they were doing with what was supposed to be secret information.

Two prosecutors and two court reporters will have to explain to a judge why they have transcripts of what should have been secret grand jury testimony.

The obtaining records of that testimony by these four would be a violation of a court order. That is why assistant district attorneys Carl Hobbs and Steve Morris, and court reporters Javier Leal and Katherine Chagaris, are required to appear before a judge today.

At this hearing they must prove why they should not be held in contempt, and sanctioned.

The Timeline of Coverage (KTRK-TV)

DA responds to Bat van controversy

 Judge threatens top DA assistants with jail time

DA's comments to ABC13 play major role in DWI case

DA called to testify about comments on BAT vans

DWI cases being heard despite evidence controversy

Four Asst. DAs subpoenaed in BAT van investigation

Is an HPD task force jeopardizing DWI cases?

Houston Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Misapplying Union Funds

Houston Police Officer Jeff Larson Pleads Guilty

Houston, Texas

A former Houston Police officer and police union treasurer pleaded guilty to misapplying union assets on Thursday.

Jeff Larson was charged with misdemeanor of fiduciary property.

As part of his punishment, Larson must hand in his badge and pay restitution, the Houston Police Officers Union says.

Larson was one of three union members charged with misapplying union assets.

“As disappointing as the actions of these former officials were, the filing of criminal charges against them and the resulting sentences have allowed the HPOU to move forward and recover some of our monetary losses,” a statement read.

Texas Judge Will Not Face Charges for Beating Daughter

Aransas County, Texas

Thursday, Rockport Police Chief Tim Jayroe said Aransas County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams won't face charges in the 2004 beating of this then-16-year-old daughter Hillary because the five-year statute of limitations has expired.

Had the incident come to light sooner, Adams likely would have been charged with causing injury to a child or other assault-related offenses, Jayroe said.

"We believe that there was a criminal offense involved and that there was substantial evidence to indicate that, and under normal circumstances ... a charge could have been made," Jayroe said.

He said the district attorney determined he couldn't bring charges, though police will discuss the case with federal prosecutors even though he doesn't believe federal charges would apply.