S. TEXAS SHERIFF ARRESTED FOR THEFT ACCUSED OF TAKING DRUG MONEY

San Antonio - Frio County Sheriff Carl Henry Burris was arrested
Tuesday on charges that he stole nearly $12,000 in drug money and
tried to replace it by selling marijuana.

The charges stem from an investigation that started in 1996 when
Sheriff Burris' former deputy and political rival Kenneth Zunker
approached authorities, according to a detailed FBI affidavit.

Mr. Zunker, a former Frio County deputy who made an unsuccessful bid
for Sheriff Burris' post in 1996, alleged that his former boss stole
$11,726 from suspected drug dealers in 1994.

"According to Deputy Zunker, Burris took a three-week vacation to
Florida beginning the week following the seizure," the affidavit states.

Sheriff Burris, who has been sheriff since 1992, also was accused of
trying to replace the money by trying to sell 62 pounds of confiscated
marijuana.

The marijuana, the affidavit states, still carried the label
indicating it came from a 1994 Frio County bust by Texas Department of
Public Safety officers.

The buyer turned out to be an FBI informant.

A bond hearing was scheduled Wednesday for Sheriff Burris, 51, who was
ordered Tuesday to undergo mental tests.

If convicted of the charges, Sheriff Burris could be fined and
imprisoned up to 15 years.

Frio County is about an hour south of San Antonio.

Checked-by: derek rea