The Texas Rangers have arrested a former Taft police officer for violating a woman’s civil rights. Taft terminated 29-year-old Roberto Moreno two weeks ago following an investigation.
Roberto Moreno arrest affadavit
According to official reports, the incident happened during a routine traffic stop earlier this month. Moreno was arrested on suspicion of improper sexual activity with a person in custody after a woman reported he massaged her breasts multiple times and attempted to kiss her, among other instances of inappropriate touching in his role as an on-duty law enforcement officer. The incident occurred after a routine traffic stop in which he attempted to arrest her for possession of a controlled substance.
The woman told officers that when she rejected his attempt to kiss her, Moreno resumed the arrest and transported her to the San Patricio County Jail.
The Texas Rangers state in the arrest affadavit that, after she was placed in the back of his patrol car, Moreno seemingly attempted to stop his body-camera recording, but the camera continued to record.
If found guilty, the accused could face felony charges punishable by up to 2 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine.
Moreno is free on a $25,000 bond.
KZTV anchor Andy Liscano contributed to this story.
