Pubdate: Mon, 20 Jun 2005
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 San Antonio Express-News
Contact:  http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384

CAMERON CASE HIGHLIGHTS CORRUPTIVE LURE OF DRUGS

While the eyes of Texas have focused on the drug-related violence in
Nuevo Laredo, another interesting drug-trafficking drama has unfolded
further south.

The recent arrest of former Cameron County Sheriff Conrado Cruz on a
long list of federal criminal charges, including extortion, drug
trafficking, bribery and witness tampering, is disturbing.

We would like to believe that dirty cops who conspire with drug
traffickers are found only across the border.

The U.S. government's case against Cruz provides a reality check that
such things can happen in our back yards, and they can involve elected
officials.

The 45-page indictment against the former lawman, two employees and
two associates outlines a series of activities over a period of
several years during which the alleged good guys, who were being paid
by taxpayers to uphold the law, are accused of conspiring with the bad
guys. According to the federal indictment, Cruz and his cronies took
more than $2 million in bribes and protection money from drug
traffickers and others engaged in criminal activities.

The former constable-turned-sheriff was leading a double life. If the
allegations are true, Cruz was not only deceiving the voters who put
him in office but his wife of 20 years, who only recently learned her
husband had another family across the border in Matamoros, according
to reports.

In the past 11 years, four South Texas sheriffs have been convicted
and sent to prison for criminal activities while in office. Cruz may
become the fifth, if the charges against him hold up in court.

Often we look across the border and shake our heads at the lawlessness
and lack of integrity of law enforcement officials there.

Sadly, criminals know no borders. 
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