Houston Police Officers Behind Ticket-Rigging Scheme That Caused Dismissal Of Over 6,000 Tickets Allowed To Quit Or Retire Before They Get Fired

KHOU
Jan. 14, 2015

Chief McClelland put the three officers on desk duty in August. A fourth officer, Rudolph Farias, committed suicide when the scandal broke. "We certainly had enough information and evidence that we believe warrants an investigation," Chief McClelland said in August.

The alleged motivation for the ticket rigging scheme was to appear in court more often to collect more overtime. In September, the City Attorney's office dismissed more than 6,000 speeding tickets written by the officers.

"In the interest of justice and fairness it's the right thing to do," Chief McClelland said in September.

Chief McClelland had no comment Tuesday. The Houston Police Officers' Union said it would not comment while the Harris County District Attorney's Office reviews the case for possible criminal prosecution.

The officers' actions will in effect, go on their permanent record, according to police union President Ray Hunt. Houston Police must report the dishonorable retirement and the resignations amide a criminal investigation to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.