Ex-Deputy Claims Oppressive Work Environment Forced Him to Turn to Drug Trafficker

Aug 1, 2013 12:02 PM

MCALLEN - Testimony in a drug trafficking trial revealed the inner workings of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.

Retired Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy Jorge Garza is accused of being part of a criminal enterprise comprised of lawmen and drug traffickers. The defense spent the morning questioning J.P. Flores, a former deputy and close friend of Garza.

Flores painted a picture of an oppressive work environment that required participation in campaign fundraising and ticket sales. That reportedly forced Flores to turn to Fernando Guerra Sr., who is a convicted drug trafficker at the center of this case.

In his testimony, Flores said his criminal contacts, including Guerra, allowed him access to limitless contributions. Judge Randy Crane interrupted the testimony a few times, noting questioning had veered off topic.

Another defense witness was excused for now. Ex-deputy Gerardo Del Angel worked with J.P. Flores on the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers program. Del Angel has a lawyer and invoked his Fifth Amendment right.

It's still not known if he'll refuse to testify, which could prompt a judge to hold him in contempt of court.

Testimony will continue after lunch and may last until Friday.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reporter Polo Sandoval is providing updates from the courtroom on Twitter. You can follow him at this link.



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