Harris Co. Sheriff's Office deputy indicted for possession, delivery of ecstasy tablets

Jesus Martinez, a Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy, has surrendered to federal authorities following the return of a federal indictment alleging he aided in the possession of a controlled substance, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Harris County Sheriff's deputy is off the job, accused of aiding in the possession and delivery of ecstasy tablets in the Houston area.

Jesus Martinez, of Humble, has surrendered to federal authorities following the return of a federal indictment that on or about July 23, Martinez allegedly aided others in the possession of MDMA, aka ecstasy, a schedule I controlled substance.

Harris Co. Sheriff Adrian Garcia released a statement Friday which read in part, "Every single one of the employees at the HCSO is expected to obey the law and play by the rules. If an employee becomes involved in criminal behavior then they should know that we will do everything in our power to make sure we find them the jail cell they deserve. Mr. Martinez owes an apology to his colleagues, his coworkers, and the residents of Harris County... His actions have tainted the good work of our deputies who risk their lives every day to keep Harris County safe."

Martinez, 30, had been employed with the HCSO since 2007 and was assigned to the patrol bureau.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment as well as a $1 million fine.

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Harris Co. Sheriff's Office celebrating 175th anniversary with photo exhibit

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Harris County Sheriff's Office is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year and you can take a look back at the history of the agency.

Sheriff Adrian Garcia Monday helped open a photo exhibit at the Houston Public Library Central Branch in downtown Houston. The exhibit includes photos of former Harris County sheriffs and the early years of the office.

One guest who enjoyed the exhibit is Deputy Douglas Hudson, who is serving in his 48th year with HCSO.

"The sheriff's department has come a long way. The history and the management of the department has come, the technology has grown, and trying to keep the streets safer for the citizens of Harris County," Dep. Hudson said.

The free photo exhibit will be on display through the middle of July.

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Sheriff's deputies protest over health insurance premiums increase

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Retired and active Harris County sheriff's deputies picked up signs in protest, saying promises made a long time ago about their health insurance are being broken.

Sadly, it's something we're seeing a lot more of in this economy. Tough decisions and in this case, it's retirees who helped protect Harris County who are paying the price.

These deputies are standing their ground. Those on fixed incomes struggling to make ends meet say this hits them especially hard.

As sheriff's deputies, they spent decades protecting Harris County; now they're wondering who's protecting them? On Tuesday, a large group of active duty and retired deputies gathered outside the downtown building where county commissioners meet to protest an increase in their health insurance premiums.

"When we were hired into the Harris County Sheriff's Office, we were promised that our benefits would be taken care of for life. We feel like they have reneged on that. They were disingenuous when they told us that," said Lee Bumpers with the African American Sheriff's Deputies League.

"It's not good for law enforcement and it's not good for Harris County," said

Plagued by budget constraints, Harris County commissioners recently voted to require retirees under 65 to pay for a portion of their health care -- $115 per month.

Of the 4,000 plus retirees, over 1,800 are under 65.

"Yes, it's a cost and it's something that I'm sure I wouldn't be happy about if I were one of them, but it's just a reality of the world we live in right now," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.

Those on fixed incomes are not happy and fear this change could hurt them the most. Others worry the commissioners are setting a dangerous precedent.

"Now when it comes time to pay the benefits aren't there or they are suddenly eroding and those are the things that trouble us significantly," said Bumpers.

Retirees living on fixed incomes say their health insurance rates have doubled.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Sheriff's Office cuts back on jail visitation hours

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Harris County Sheriff's Office is cutting visiting hours at the jail to save money.

Sheriff Adrian Garcia says visitation days will drop from seven to four a week, but visiting hours are being extended on some of the days. State law requires visits two days per week. The sheriff says the move will save the department $1.3 million a year. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) 

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