LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Joe Baeza,

 The Laredo Police Department has made an arrest involving one of their employees who serves as a patrol officer.  After a thorough investigation, Samuel Rodriguez, age 43, was arrested on Friday afternoon for charges of Theft (a state jail felony) and Tampering with Governmental Documents (a 2^nd degree felony).  Samuel Rodriguez is a 17 year veteran of the Laredo Police Department.  The charges of Tampering with Governmental Documents stem from patrolman Rodriguez knowingly made several false entries in a governmental record (his work attendance), stating fictitious information indicating that the officer had worked a total of thirty seven days when in fact he did not work those days.  The entries were sporadic in a time period from November 2009 to November 2010.  The charges of Theft stem from Patrolman Rodriguez acquired proceeds in the form of pay totaling $9,913.00 for the days he claimed to have worked when in fact he did not work.  As per procedure, Samuel Rodriguez will be placed on Administrative Duty with pay pending the internal investigation of this case.  Chief Carlos Maldonado states “I want to ensure the citizens of Laredo that I will work exhaustively to maintain the highest level of confidence and trust in our agency.  Violations of the public’s trust by our police officers and staff will be addressed to the fullest extent and authority granted to the office of the Chief of Police.  The Laredo Police Department will continue to serve the Laredo community at the highest level of professionalism and integrity possible.”