GRAND JURY INDICTS BALCONES OFFICER

From Staff Reports

A federal grand jury Wednesday charged Balcones Heights Police Officer
John Beauford, a former drug task force supervisor, with possession of
cocaine, crack and stolen firearms.

The most severe charge, possession with the intent to distribute more
than 5 grams of crack, carries a minimum penalty of five years and a
maximum of 40 years in prison, as well as up to $2 million in fines,
court documents state.

Beauford's comrades on the Alamo Area Narcotics Task Force searched his
hotel room last month, allegedly finding 185 grams of cocaine.

The search also apparently yielded a .38 caliber revolver and a .25
caliber semiautomatic pistol.

Those weapons are named in the count charging Beauford with possession
of stolen firearms.

Neither Beauford, 33, nor his lawyer could immediately be reached for
comment.