McALLEN, Texas (AP) - A South Texas sheriff has disbanded the anti-drug task force at the center of a federal corruption investigation and arrests including his officer son.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino announced Monday that the so-called Panama Unit would cease operations and commanders would decide where to reassign five deputy slots. The unit was a joint effort with the Mission Police Department.
Trevino said in a statement that the unit was formed to assist Mission with its local drug problem. Both agencies assigned supervisors to oversee the unit, which was based in Mission.
Federal authorities last month arrested two sheriff's deputies and two Mission police officers, including Trevino's son, on drug possession charges. Prosecutors allege the law officers accepted bribes to guard cocaine loads. Three officers were assigned to that unit.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
