Corruption Case Filed Against Refugio Chief

Many people were stunned to hear about the criminal indictment against Refugio Police Chief Chris Brock. He was indicted for theft by a public servant, misapplication of funds and abuse of official capacity stemming from his handling of the narcotics seizure fund for the Refugio Police Department.

Brock is accused of selling a storage building and a car to the police department at a higher price than what it was valued for and profiting from it. He's also accused of buying charity raffle tickets with the drug forfeiture fund, making false entries to get cash, using the fund to get items for himself and relatives and putting gas into his and his family's vehicles. The amount is more than $20,000 and under $100,000.

Some Refugio residents knew it was coming because the Texas Rangers and FBI investigating the case around the small town. Still, they were stunned and couldn't believe what happened. Brock, a pastor at a local Baptist church, is seen a positive person in the community and someone who would never hurt anybody.

Chief Brock said shortly before he turned himself in on Thursday to the Refugio County Jail "I am shocked and dismayed over the indictments. I believe this is politically motivated."

Michael Sheppherd, the 24th Judicial District Attorney, who presented the information to the Refugio County Grand Jury, denied that. He said it hurt him to indict Chief Brock and he never had a nasty exchange or anything with the chief, who has been top cop in Refugio since 2000.

Sheppherd said the Texas Rangers and FBI did a thorough investigation as they looked into the case for three years. They gathered evidence from bank records and people who witnessed the illegal wrongdoing by Chief Brock.

Shepperd said it's a strong case and the investigators wouldn't do anything politically motivated. He claimed the complaints about the misspending of money was filed with the Texas Rangers and he authorized the investigation.

From a legal perspective, it will be an interesting case as the laws for drug forfeiture funds aren't specific, other than to say the money must be used for law enforcement purposes or training. On some of these allegations, it becomes a he said she said as it's obvious these are people who were out to get Brock and filed the complaints.

One thing can be said about the FBI and Texas Rangers. They have a great batting average when it comes to prosecuting cases. Rarely, do they lose because they are so thorough in collecting evidence and information on their cases.

Time will tell and Brock is slated make his first court appearance later this month.