TEN TEXAS OFFICERS FACING CHARGES IN DRUG INVESTIGATION

SAN ANTONIO - Twelve people, including 10 law-enforcement officers, were
arrested yesterday on federal charges of theft and drug-trafficking.

The FBI arrested eight San Antonio police officers and a Bexar County
constable on charges they used their badges and guns to protect drug
shipments. A Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was charged with stealing $2,000.

Two San Antonio civilians also were arrested.

In an investigation that began in 1997, FBI agents posed as drug dealers
and asked officers to protect their bogus cocaine shipments, said Roderick
Beverly, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio division.

"We are sickened and shocked by the inexcusable actions of these officers,"
said San Antonio Police Chief Al Philippus. He said the department will
investigate to determine whether any of the officers' supervisors should be
disciplined.

All of the officers under indictment have been placed on administrative
leave. They face sentences of 10 years to life in federal prison if convicted.

"Collectively and individually, if proven guilty, they have betrayed the
honor of every other San Antonio police officer who wears this uniform,
every law-enforcement officer in this nation, but mostly the community they
swore to protect and serve," Philippus said.