Undercover Investigation Leads To Arrest Of Law Officer

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A South Texas officer and another man have been indicted over what prosecutors say involved fake police reports to smuggle cocaine.

The federal indictment announced Tuesday names Rio Grande City police investigator Noel Pena.

Prosecutors in McAllen say Pena and Hector Salinas-Hinojosa of Roma are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute as well as possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The undercover investigation began last month, leading to both men arrested. Pena was assigned to the Starr County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

Investigators say Pena worked with drug traffickers who would steal much of the cocaine they were holding for Mexican cartels. Authorities say Pena accepted bribes to generate fake police reports saying the cocaine was confiscated during law enforcement operations he set up.