Four officers in police drug unit suspected of auto theft

The Fresno Bee ^ | Jan. 30, 2009 | Chris Collins

[Enterprise]

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said this afternoon that two officers in the department's narcotics unit have been arrested and two others are under investigation for auto theft.

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Dyer said that the California Highway Patrol today arrested detective Paul Cervantes, 32, and detective Hector Becerra, 33. Two other detectives were being investigated by the CHP and are now being investigated by the police department's internal affairs unit, Dyer said.

[sailor4321]

Jeeze, and here I thought the really big money was in dealing -— drugs!

[Enterprise]

I listened to the chief on a local station and one of the officers might have a repair shop on the side and stolen parts might have moved through his business. I will keep an eye open for more information and post it.

[reaganixonbush]

These detectives must be fans of “the Shield”.

[Enterprise]

Here's another source. It's not new information, but it has a little more than the first source.

Two Fresno Police Officers Arrested

[Enterprise]

This case is getting really interesting.

"Martin says after the bust the undercover officers took his clients car and gave it to a police informant which Martin said was clearly a crime. Martin said, "My client actually came down to Fresno with a signed pink slip and the officers knew that and the confidential informant new that. And they took advantage of that by signing it and transferring it to their own name."

Two Fresno police officers were arrested for a crime investigators say could include even more officers.

There was also information on a news report that parts were showing up on craigslist, and that CHP U/C officers were offered $2,000 to $5,000 if they brought in a stolen DENALI with a sunroof. I will link that when it is published.

[Enterprise]

A THIRD officer has now been charged with two misdemeanors. He is alleged to have forged documents on a vehicle that was salvaged. On Monday, the DA's Office charged two officers with stealing a vehicle of a suspect they arrested on drug charges. A U/C informant has also been charged.

Another Fresno Police Detective Charged

Third Fresno police officer charged in stolen-cars case

This pretty much wraps it up. No further pings unless something extraordinary happens.

[Enterprise]

A little additional info:

The Chief will give a press conference Wednesday.

3rd FPD Officer Charged Connected to Officer Auto Theft Investigation

[Enterprise]

Looks like the Chief was pissed enough to suspend a major narcotics unit!

Fresno Police Department suspends major narcotics unit

[Enterprise]

I listened to the televised interview but the man was somewhat short on specifics. If he's really concerned then he needs to take this to the Fresno County Grand Jury or the U.S. Attorney's Office. Although in the case at hand, I can see a possible prosecution for violation of rights under color of authority. The officers arrested a man for drug charges and then stole his car.

"in the case of deprivation of property, the color of law statute would be violated by unlawfully obtaining or maintaining a person’s property, which oversteps or misapplies the official’s authority."

Color of Law

"It's been conveyed down to the detectives in that unit that he wants production, that he wants seizures to fund other units, specifically the helicopter unit of the police department," he said."

Whistle Blower Points to Fresno Chief

[Enterprise]

Update ping.

Jury Finds Officer Not Guilty of Auto Theft