Fresno, CA
Two Fresno police officers arrested for auto theft have posted bail. Officer Paul Cervantes and Detective Hector Becerra were arrested Friday by the California Highway Patrol. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says the arrests stem from an investigation that occurred over the last several months by the HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Task Force. HEAT is compromised of several agencies including CHP and the Fresno Police Department. Chief Dyer says Cervantes and Becerra turned in their badges before the CHP took them into custody Friday.
"I'm deeply concerned over the fact that I've had two of my officers arrested and charged with auto theft," said Dyer, who is also aware additional officers may be arrested for a crime. According to the Police Chief, a total of four Fresno Police Detectives are under investigation, including 32-year old Cervantes and 33-year old Becerra. Dyer and the CHP offered no other information. "We don't have the details on what led up to the issuance of the arrest warrant" said Dyer. "But, what we do know is that back in October of 2008 our HEAT Unit began an investigation and that investigation was involving one of our undercover officers who had a business on the side, it was an auto-body business. There was information regarding stolen parts going through that business." Dyer says that investigation was conducted and completed, but four additional names were mentioned during an Internal FPD investigation. As a result, Dyer says Cervantes and Becerra were arrested, the other two are still on the police force.
Dyer says it's important for his department "not to rush to judgment". On Friday he sent out a recorded voicemail to all of his officers. "I just want them to know that regardless of the negative publicity this will bring our department, that it's important that our employees hold their head up high and recognize we have a very professional, first class organization."
The Fresno County District Attorney is reviewing the case and will decide on Monday whether to charge Cervantes and Becerra with auto theft; both Detectives were assigned to the Major Narcotics Unit. They remain on paid administrative leave.
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http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/38740317.html
4 comments:
Courtesy of the FRESNO BEE (Keyword- INFORMANT) 2/3/09
“Before Quintero was arrested, Martin said, the informant said he wanted to purchase the Explorer for $5,000. Quintero had a signed pink slip ready once the sale was completed, Martin said. But when Quintero was arrested, the informant never paid for the car, Martin said, because Quintero had less than $800 on him when he was booked into jail.”
First point, these officers were undercover while making the arrest. Second point, the vehicle in question was left behind where it was later obtained by someone other than the two officers in question. Third point, why is it that the media only exposes the undercover officers and doesn't even question or expose the confidential informant who was involved with the drug deal? How do they know that the confidential informant didn't act on his own accord and obtained the vehicle in question?
(Confidential Informant= Typically criminals working with police to set up and take down bigger fish.)
Why is media taking the word of a criminal over that of two highly decorated officers? Could the media only be telling us what they want us to hear? When all is said and done will the media still be around to clear their names? I sure hope so...
"LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE."
Just by the style of writing I can tell that Anonymous is a police officer. I recognize the bad grammar. It wouldn't even surprise me if it was Cervantes or Becerra who wrote the comment.
As a police officer, you are your word. Your integrity is what sets you apart from non-peace officers. I wonder how many cases this informant worked with Cervantes or Becerra. Being the case that I only know of one, Cervantes or Becerra had to write an affidavit vouching for this informant. The affidavit reads something similar to "I obtained information from a CONFIDENTIAL AND RELIABLE INFORMANT." This is taken before a judge who then grants permission to execute a search warrant or the release of drugs from evidence for what ever they are currently investigating.
My question to you Anonymous(who ever you are) why would the informant be "RELIABLE" in providing information on other drug dealers, but not reliable to give information against a Peace Officer based on an investigation conducted by their own colleagues.
I think Cervantes or Becerra will have a very difficult time saying that the informant is a liar. In doing so the officer would have to admit they lied to a judge within their affidavits. To say that the informant is a liar is to say they lied to a judge every time they vouched by saying he is a “CONFIDENTIAL AND RELIABLE INFORMANT.” Saying the informant is a liar is definitely a defense, but not a very good one, even thought the informant is most likely a liar.
I think up to now officer Cervantes is a crooked cop he came served a search warrant at my house and come to find out after that the search warrant wasnt legit
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