KRISTV.com
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS | CONTINUOUS NEWS COVERAGE
Powered by
State News
Four Officers Charged with Escorting Loads of Narcotics
Posted: Dec 13, 2012 2:56 PM
Updated: Dec 13, 2012 3:05 PM
Information from the Department of Justice
McALLEN, Texas - Two complaints have been filed charging two deputies with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) and two Mission Police Department (MPD) officers in a drug conspiracy, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
MPD officer Alexis Espinoza, 29, of Alamo, was arrested last night and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos this morning. A decision on bond has not yet been determined by the court.
A second complaint was filed later this morning charging McAllen resident Jonathan Trevino, 28, also from MPD, and Fabian Rodriguez, 28, of Edinburg, and Gerardo Duran, 30, of Pharr, both with the HCSO. They were arrested just a short time ago and are expected to appear before Judge Ramos tomorrow morning.
Earlier this year, agents learned that members of the HCSO Panama Unit were involved in the distribution of narcotics, according to the court documents. The Panama Unit is a task force designed to target narcotics trafficking in Hidalgo County and is comprised of law enforcement officers from HCSO and MPD. The investigation revealed that members of the Panama Unit, including Trevino, Espinoza, Rodriguez and Duran, allegedly utilized their positions as law enforcement personnel to escort and protect loads of narcotics and were paid for their services.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Office of Professional Responsibility, the Texas Rangers and Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Anibal Alanis and James Sturgis are prosecuting the case.
Click here to read the criminal complaint against Espinoza
Click here to read criminal complaints against other parties
Video On Demand
Submit News
Do you have a tip, information about a breaking news story, or a story idea for 6 Investigates? Contact the KRIS 6 News Desk at 361-884-6666 or send us an email.
Most Popular
KRISTV.COM is Social!
Click the icons above to receive News, Weather, and Sports alerts from KRISTV.COM!
Inside KRISTV.COM
 |
Photo Central Look at photos and videos and share them! |
 |
Desktop Weather Current forecast, hurricane info, and much more! |
 |
KRISTV.COM Mobile Website Get KRISTV.com on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
KRISTV.COM Mobile Apps Get our mobile apps on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
Texas Lottery See the latest winning numbers! |
 |
6 News Team Read about your favorite KRIS-TV personalities! |
 |
FCC Online Public File FCC Public File of Records, Reports, and more |
Comments