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Aransas Pass Police Respond to Accusations of Corruption
Posted: Sep 12, 2011 9:19 PM by Steven Romo - sromo@kristv.com
Updated: Sep 13, 2011 12:33 AM
ARANSAS PASS, Texas - Police officials are now responding to claims that officers planted drugs on a man.
Six witnesses have come forward claiming police tased and arrested 21-year-old Kasey Staley after mistaking him for another man.
The witnesses have signed sworn affidavits claiming officers planted drugs on Staley after they realized they had the wrong guy.
After not returning our calls last week, police officials did speak with 6 News on Monday.
"Anybody can make any accusation, but you have to prove it," said Captain Roberto Gonzales.
Gonzales says the sworn affidavits signed by people claiming to have witnessed officers planting drugs on Staley have not been enough to cause an internal investigation into the incident.
"Planting evidence is a criminal offense. If anyone thinks that happened they should contact the Texas Rangers," he said.
Gonzales says no formal complaints have been filed against the officers involved in the arrest of Staley back in June.
Gonzales tells us he knows about the witness statements but says he hasn't personally read them.
His description of the arrest did seem to agree with witness claims that officers mistook Staley for another man.
He also offered a new detail about the arrest, saying officers only detained Staley after they saw him reaching for a knife in his pocket.
"I know these officers. I've worked with them for several years. I've never had any doubts about their job. I do not believe they would ever plant any type of anything, evidence, narcotics or anything on anybody," Gonzales said.
The allegations in the Staley incident aren't the only claims being made against the Aransas Pass Police Department.
There's also the case of Martin Ortiz whose family says he was beaten by officers as he rode his bicycle through town.
Even with these accusations, Gonzales says the public has no reason to doubt the department.
"Do you think this scrutiny is fair?" asked Reporter Steven Romo.
"I would say, no. There is always two sides to every story," Gonzales said.
"Police Chief [Darrell] Jones is still supporting the action of what I will call this rogue element," said Steve Carrigan.
Carrigan is an attorney for both Staley and Ortiz. He says the problems in the department seem to go all the way to the top.
"Immediate action needs to be taken by the Aransas Pass mayor and city council," Carrigan said.
Police officials maintain there is not substantial evidence of officer wrongdoing in the cases.
"Make an allegation like that and you have to provide proof," Gonzales said.
The Texas Rangers are continuing to investigate the Aransas Pass police for allegedly beating Martin Ortiz.
Kasey Staley remains in jail. Attorneys say they plan to fight the charges against him.
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